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October is LGBTQ History Month!

The Tarleton State University libraries strive to foster an environment where everyone is welcomed, accepted, and supported. The university itself is dedicated to serve our diverse campus community. Dr. Sherri Benn, the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, remarked, “Diverse stakeholders partnering to create an accessible, equitable, and inclusive ethos makes Tarleton an exemplar for the nation. We are a source of inspiration, a beautiful tapestry of unique distinctions.”

Recently, the Gay-Straight Alliance of Tarleton wrapped some of the trees in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month. Check out their Facebook page to see more!

Be aware of some important events that are coming up soon!

October 11th is National Coming Out Day! For more information and resources, visit the Human Rights Council’s Coming Out Center.
GSA is hosting the 2022 PRIDE Festival on October 12th from 5-7 pm. Festivities will be held outside the Dining Hall, and will include a pop-up library and other interactive booths from organizations across campus.

Banned Books Week

Did you know that libraries all over the nation have celebrated Banned Books Week every September for the past 40 years? Librarians and many others in the book community band together every September to support the freedom to read and fight censorship. This year, Banned Books Week falls September 18^th through the 24^th.

Libraries are an essential service point for community access to information. The freedom to read is a human right, protected by the first amendment of the United States Constitution (American Library Association, n.d.-b). One of the main goals for librarians is to build a collection of materials that present all view points for current and historical issues. This material should be available for the entire community of people that the library serves.

Over the course of our history, people have sought to restrict what materials are allowed to be included in a library collection. Books are banned or challenged most frequently for reasons such as being considered sexually explicit, use of offensive language, or the content is unsuitable for the age group. A book challenge is when someone attempts to have content removed or restricted from a collection. When a book is banned, that means the book was removed from the collection. By removing a book from the collection, it denies other people who are interested in the material the ability to access it freely.

According to the American Library Association (n.d.-a), “ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school and university materials and services in 2021, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals. Most targeted books were by or about Black or LGBTQIA+ persons” (para. 2).

Every year, the American Library Association compiles a list of the 10 Most Challenged Books. For 2021, the titles included:

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit
Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez
Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for depictions of abuse and because it was considered to be sexually explicit
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, violence, and because it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references and use of a derogatory term
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Reasons: Banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Reasons: Banned, challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.
Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.

To celebrate Banned Books Week in 2022, Tarleton Libraries has partnered with the Tarleton Art Society. They will be decorating the Dick Smith Library’s exterior windows in support of the freedom to read. Stop by and take a look at their art installation between September 18^th and 24^th!

References

American Library Association. (n.d.-a). Banned books week (September 18-24, 2022). http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/banned

American Library Association. (n.d.-b). Library Bill of Rights. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill

American Library Association. (n.d.-c). Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

National Voter Registration Day

September 20, 2022, is National Voter Registration Day. This is a nonpartisan civic holiday to encourage everyone to register to vote. Registering ensures that you’re able to participate in upcoming elections.

Tarleton students, faculty, and staff can use Turbo Vote to register to vote, check voter registration status, and set up text and/or email notifications about upcoming elections.

Congressional and state elections will be held on November 8, 2022. To be able to vote in those elections you must register by October 11, 2022. You can find more information at VoteTexas.gov.

Interested in learning more about voting and elections? Check out these titles from the library:

The Democracy Index: Why Our Election System is Failing and How to Fix It by Heather K. Gerken
Get Out the Vote: How to Increase Voter Turnout by Donald P. Green
Vote for US by Joshua A. Douglas
Why Don’t Americans Vote? by Bridgett A. King

10 Ways the Library can help

There are lots of ways the library can help you start your semester off on the right foot! Here are my Top 10.

We have friendly, knowledgeable staff who love to help you! Call us at 254-968-9249, Chat, or send an email to reference@tarleton.edu for assistance.
Need help resetting your password, getting into Canvas, or having trouble printing? The Tech Spot is located on the main floor of the Dick Smith library.
The library has over 317 databases that cover all areas of the Tarleton curriculum. We can help you find the right one for your research using our Subject Guides!
Our Discovery Search tool saves you time by allowing you to do one search and get results from several different library databases.
Have questions about your paper? Need help finding sources on your topic? You can Schedule an Appointment with a librarian for extended help.
All students, staff, and faculty can check out materials from our library free-of-charge. All you need is a photo ID (University ID or driver’s license).
Our Interlibrary Loan staff work hard to find books, articles, DVDs, microfilm, etc. to borrow from other libraries for your research needs.
We can save you time! We have charging stations for your phone located on each floor and a supply vending machine in the lobby of the Dick Smith Library for pens, pencils, scantrons, etc.
Shhh…we have quiet places to study. Check out the Quiet Zone located on the upper level of the Dick Smith library. We also have study rooms available at both Dick Smith and Rickett libraries when you need to work as a group!
After all the school work is done, did you know that fiction and other recreational books are available for you – and it is all free!! OverDrive is a great way to read the latest best sellers and hot reads.
BONUS TIP: Take a study break when needed! The Study Grounds Cafe is open on the main floor of the Dick Smith Library. They serve Starbucks coffee, tea, smoothies and bottled drinks as well as Sandella’s flatbreads, panini’s, and quesadillas. Or you get grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and sushi. The Rickett Library in Fort Worth has a cafe in its lobby!

If nothing else, please remember that the library and its staff are here to help you be successful during your time at college. If you need anything just ask!!!

Research Success Series

Congratulations on starting your graduate degree! You have received your schedules and your syllabi. You are looking ahead to your assignments and ready to take them on.

Now what?

Approaching graduate work often requires a different strategy than the undergraduate experience. Projects are typically more layered. You may be tasked with new concepts, such as writing a literature review or creating an annotated bibliography. These things may have been part of your previous academic experience, but they are more relevant now–and evaluated more carefully.

The Tarleton Libraries are excited to offer the Research Success Series this fall! The series of Zoom sessions is designed to address common aspects of graduate work, and to equip you with the knowledge of how to grow in them. Each session is brief (about 25–30 minutes), so they are not exhaustive. Rather, they are designed to introduce you to an academic concept and point you to resources that help hone your insight and skills.

New graduate students might not even know what kind of help they need. As they progress in their degree, they discover a new kind of assignment that they never had to accomplish before. Surprise! But even that should not cause panic. The library is always ready to guide you through.

The Research Success Series is not only for graduate work. Students at every level–as well as faculty members–attend and benefit greatly. Whether you seek help at the point of need or you want to prepare yourself for what may come down the road, register for a session and we’ll see you there! All sessions are recorded and available for later viewing on the library’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TarletonLibraries

Keep an eye on the library’s events on our calendar: https://calendar.tarleton.edu/library/week

Sessions are every other Thursday at 12:15–12:45pm and 6:00-6:30pm. Register by clicking on the times below:

Managing Academic Workflow (August 25^th)

12:15pm 6:00pm

How to Find Peer Reviewed Articles (September 8^th)

12:15pm 6:00pm

How to Read Academic Literature (September 22^nd)

12:15pm 6:00pm

Citation Formatting & Management (October 6^th)

12:15pm 6:00pm

How to Write a Literature Review (October 20^th)

12:15pm 6:00pm

Illustrating Information Visually (November 3^rd)

12:15pm 6:00pm

Developing Presentation Skills (November 17^th)

12:15pm 6:00pm

Be on the lookout for the session recordings on our Research Success LibGuide. And as always, please reach out for assistance with your research. Contact us at reference@tarleton.edu 254-968-9249, or book an appointment with a librarian online.

Independence Day in the USA

What does Independence Day in the USA mean? Often, it means flying your American flag from your porch, having a BBQ with family and using red, white, and blue paper plates, cups and napkins. It means loading up the kids to take them to see fireworks or a parade. It may mean a day off from work. But how often do you think about how we got here?

It started in 1607, when a company of men and boys called, the Virginia Company of London left Britain and landed in Jamestown where they established a fort. They cloistered themselves inside the fort they had built to fight against the Powhatan Indians whose land they had invaded. Soon they found themselves starving, but the Powhatan Indian Chief sent food to help. In spring of 1610, more settlers arrived bringing supplies which rejuvenated the Jamestown settlement. A few years later, a settler named John Wolfe helped to create a profitable tobacco trade. By 1619, more people arrived. Some were slaves to help farm the tobacco crops. Some were women destined to become wives and to start families. Wars were continuously fought between the Indians and the British settlers. By 1646, a treaty between Indian tribes and the settlers pushed Indians onto reservations.

Fast forward more than 100 years. The 13 American colonies have been organized. Cities had been created. Economic commerce had been established. The French and India War had been fought, but it had cost the British a lot of money which the they thought should come from the colonies. Imperial acts were decreed imposing taxes and other ways to recoup revenue from the colonists. By then, though, the colonists had become used to doing things their own way and were suspicious that these Imperial acts were more than just economic moves. These “Acts of Tyranny” drove the colonists to enter into the Revolutionary War in 1775.

In the year following, the Second Continental Congress created a document declaring independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence notified the King that the colonies were free and separate from Britain. It also laid the basis of this independence on two fundamental principles which were that the government should secure of the “inalienable” rights of citizens of the colonies and that governments only get their power from the people whom they govern (Declaration, 2010). The Declaration of Independence was confirmed on July 4 by the Continental Congress, thus we remember this as the birth of our country.

So, on this 246^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, think not only about the waving flag or your burnt hot dog. Think not only about the colorful parade floats followed by marching bands or the amazing fireworks. Rather think of all that occurred in the 169 years between the arrival of the Virginia Company of London and the radical moves taken by the members of the Continental Congress in 1776, to where our United States of American is now 2022. Then, ask yourself, “In 246 years from now, what will our future generations write about the USA?” Will it be about their Independence Day BBQ and fireworks, or will it be about ensuring the freedoms of the people and maintaining the government for the people, by the people?

References

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, October 19). American colonies. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/American-colonies

Declaration of independence. (2017). In Encyclopaedia Britannica, Britannica concise encyclopedia. Britannica Digital Learning. Credo Reference: https://zeus.tarleton.edu/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/ebconcise/declaration_of_independence/0?institutionId=5155

Declaration of independence (4 July 1776). (2010). In D. Watts, Dictionary of American government and politics. Edinburgh University Press. Credo Reference: https://zeus.tarleton.edu/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/eupamgov/declaration_of_independence_4_july_1776/0?institutionId=5155

Herrera, R. A. (2006). Revolutionary War (1775–83). In P. Karsten, Encyclopedia of war and American society. Sage Publications. Credo Reference: https://zeus.tarleton.edu/login?url=https://search.credoreferenc

National Park Service. (2021). A short history of Jamestown. Historic Jamestowne: Part of Colonical National Historical Park Virginia. https://www.nps.gov/jame/learn/historyculture/a-short-history-of-jamestown.htm

The History of Juneteenth

In June 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. This is the first new federal holiday since 1983. Texas was actually the first state to formally recognize Juneteenth, making it a state holiday in 1980. Even though this is a long-standing Texas holiday, many people do not know the history behind Juneteenth and why it is such an important date in our Texas history.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. This document would free “all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states. While it promised freedom, this could only be truly enforced if the Union won. Rebel governments were unwilling to enforce the proclamation. As Union armies made their way through the South and won battles, enslaved people were able to gain freedom. In addition, Black men were accepted into the Union Army and Navy as well, totaling almost 200,000 Black soldiers. In an attempt to maintain their power, many slave owners migrated their slaves to Texas where there was minimal Union action. Approximately 50,000 enslaved people were brought to Texas in an attempt to maintain slavery.

Only as the war came to an end was freedom truly real in Texas. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia on April 9, 1885. The last battle of the war was fought on at Palmito Ranch in Brownsville, Texas on May 13, 1885.

At the conclusion of the war, General Gordon Granger was assigned the District of Texas on June 10, 1865. Just nine days later, on June 19th, General Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and formally announced the following, referred to as General Order No. 3:

The people are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property, between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them, become that between employer and hired labor. The freed are advised to remain at their present homes, and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts; and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. (American Battlefield Trust, 2022.)

This announcement officially freed approximately 250,000 enslaved people in Texas (which would later be formally established by the 13^th Amendment, ratified on December. 6, 1865). Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the word of freedom finally reaching the last state of the Confederacy. Celebrations started in 1866 and grew over time as Black Texans migrated to other areas.

As you can probably guess, Juneteenth is a blend of the words June and nineteenth. It is also known by several other names, including Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day. Celebrations include “prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with food, music, and dancing. The day is also celebrated outside the United States and is used to recognize the end of slavery as well as to celebrate African American culture and achievements” (Britannica, 2022).

There are going to be Juneteenth celebrations across the nation, Tarleton included! On Friday, June 17^th Tarleton State University is going to host a Juneteenth Celebration from 4pm-7pm on the Dining Hall patio. We hope to see you there!

For more information about Juneteenth, visit our LibGuide Page.

References

American Battlefield Trust (2022, June 13). Juneteenth: Explore Juneteenth’s history, meaning, and continued celebrations today. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/juneteenth

Baggett, J. A. (2021, June 18). Granger, Gordon (1821–1876). Texas State Historical Association. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/granger-gordon

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, April 19). Juneteenth. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Juneteenth

Levius, T., & Difo, H. (2022, June 7). Where to celebrate Juneteenth all over the USA. Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/where-to-celebrate-juneteenth

National Archives. (2017, September 1). Black Soldiers in the U.S. Military During the Civil War. https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/blacks-civil-war#:~:text=Volunteers%20began%20to%20respond%2C%20and,19%2C000%20served%20in%20the%20Navy.

National Archives. (2022, January 28). The Emancipation Proclamation. https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation#:~:text=President%20Abraham%20Lincoln%20issued%20the,and%20henceforward%20shall%20be%20free.%22

Why we celebrate Memorial Day

Tarleton State University Military Memorial

Memorial Day is more than a day off from work, or the “start of summer”. It is a day to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives protecting our country. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags from the Civil War.

In the late 1860’s they began having parades and tributes for fallen soldiers. General John A. Logan on May 5, 1868 called for a nationwide day of remembrance stating, “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” – (Library of Congress – https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/may-30/)

After World War II, Decoration Day became Memorial Day – a day to commemorate all American military personnel who died in any war. In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to establish Memorial Day as the last Monday in May. Beginning in 1971 it was declared a federal holiday.

Do you know the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day? Both days are observances to honor those who have served in the military. Veteran’s Day, which is November 11th, honors everyone who has served – in both wartime and peacetime. Memorial Day, coming up next Monday, particularly honors those who were killed during their service. Memorial Day remains a holiday of special importance to those who have served in the American military, and family members who grieve for those they have lost.

On Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifice of more than 1.1 million men and women who have died in service. (pbs.org/newshour – https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/many-americans-died-u-s-wars)

Books to read during Hispanic Heritage Month

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez – story about a family who emigrate to the United States from Mexico. (eBook via OverDrive)

Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina Garcia – novel about Cuban culture through the experience of three generations of women. (Print)

Finding Latinx by Paola Ramos – non-fiction book about the complexities and diversity of the Latino community. (eBook via OverDrive)

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros – story of a 12-year-old girl growing up in her Latino neighborhood. (Print – both English and Spanish versions)

How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents by Julia Alvarez – story of the immigrant experience and finding a place to belong. (Print)

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez – story about finding yourself amid the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican-American home. (eAudiobook & eBook via OverDrive)

Inventing Latinos: a New Story of American Racism by Laura Gomez – non-fiction book that explores the changes of Latino identity over time. (eBook via Ebsco)

Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende – novel about two young people as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a place to call home. (eBook via OverDrive)

History of Comics and Graphic Novels

Almost everyone has heard of DC and Marvel and the fantastic superheroes within their universes., but the world of graphic novels and comics go so much deeper!

First, what is a comic book versus a graphic novel? This can be hard to answer. Forms of graphic story telling have been around since the first cave paintings according to the Encyclopedia of Literature. Humans having been drawing pictures to tell stories for as long as we have been around, but comic books and graphic novels are something more specific. Britannica Academic says graphic novels are a “long comic narrative for a mature audience, published in hardback or paperback and sold in bookstores, with serious literary themes and sophisticated artwork.” Comics tend to be shorter and are published periodically. Will Eisner’s A Contract with God, and Other Tenement Stories is often considered the first graphic novel. Maus: a survivor’s tale by Art Spiegelman and Watchmen by Alan Moore are some of the earliest popular graphic novels.

Graphic Novels are not just for kids. They often contain adult themes and comment on controversial political and social issues. X-men isn’t just about mutants and superheroes. It’s about the Civil Rights Movement. Interested yet? Come check out Tarleton Libraries comic and graphic novel collection on the upper level of the library. Most graphic novels start at call number PN 6700. Graphic novels for kids will be mixed into the Curriculum Collection. on the lower level. Our collection is small but it’s growing!

Tarleton library shelf with graphic novels

Currently, Tarleton’s top 10 most popular graphic novels are:

10. Roderick Rules: Diary of a Wimpy Kid By Jeff Kinney, PZ7 .K6232 DK 2013 EB

9. Crown by Shinju Wada, art by You Higuri, PN6790 .J34 C76 2008 V.1

8. Mixed Vegetables by Ayumi Komura, PN6790 .J34 M5913 V.1

7. The Sandman V. 1&2 by Neil Gaiman, PN6728 .S26 G37 2003

6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, PZ7 .K6232 DK 2008

5. The Celebrated Cases of Dick Tracey edited by Herb Galewitz, NC1429 .G58 A43

4. Japan Inc. : an introduction to Japanese economics by Shōtarō Ishinomori, HC462.9 .I7413 1988

3. The Complete Persepolis by Marhan Satrpi, PN6747 .S245 P4713 2007

2. Ichi-F: a worker’s graphic memoir of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, TK1365 .J3 T3813 2017

1. Maus: a survivor’s tale v.1 &2 by Art Spiegelman, D810 .J4 S643 1992 V.1

References

Graphic novel. (2021). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/graphic-novel/438033

Greenberger, R. (2020). Comic Book Ages. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Literature.

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