Author: Bell Library

This author has written 166 articles
Read more about the article One Librarian’s (Very Personal) Opinion on GOP Lawmakers Wanting to Ban ‘Woke’ Philosophies

One Librarian’s (Very Personal) Opinion on GOP Lawmakers Wanting to Ban ‘Woke’ Philosophies

About a month ago, the Texas Tribune published an article on the Texas Legislature 2021: GOP lawmakers want to ban “woke philosophies” like critical race theory in Texas schools. The article briefly explains what critical race theory (CRT) is with “an academic discipline that views race as a social construct and examines how racism has shaped legal and social systems.” Sounds fairly reasonable, given the history of what are now known as the United States and recent events around policing of black people and other…

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Read more about the article They’re Heeeere: Mosquito Season in South Texas

They’re Heeeere: Mosquito Season in South Texas

You may have noticed, after the recent rainfall, the mosquito population has been booming. Swarms of the little bloodsuckers wait, ready to engulf you as soon as you step out of your car, home, almost anywhere outside. Here are some tips to prevent getting bit or to avoid these buzzing pests altogether. Thing’s mosquitos don’t like: Mosquito RepellentLemon eucalyptus oilLavenderCitronellaTea Tree OilCinnamon Oil Prevent mosquito growth: Get rid of standing waterClear debrisMosquito yard spray Protect yourself: Loose fitting clothingClothing that…

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Read more about the article Haircuts at Home (Save Money and Look Good)

Haircuts at Home (Save Money and Look Good)

Hey everyone! Shortly after we were asked to stay at home, a number of salons and barbershops began to close leaving us wondering when we’ll be able to get our next haircut (among other concerns, of course). During this time, I took it upon myself to understand what it takes to cut your own hair at home. At first, it was a very intimidating feat; but, after a couple of YouTube tutorials and step-by-steps, I was able to shape together…

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Read more about the article Sharing is Caring: what librarians do when we’re stumped

Sharing is Caring: what librarians do when we’re stumped

Where do you go when you need research help? The library of course! But where do librarians go when we need research help? Well, there’s a secret closet in the back of the library where an eternal flame exists. If we sacrifice an obsolete form of information preservation, say a CD-ROM or a floppy disk, we’re allowed to ask the flame one question. That’s how we learn new stuff! Just kidding, that’s not a real thing. Definitely don’t go searching…

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Read more about the article Tales from the I-Create Lab

Tales from the I-Create Lab

When you walk into the I-Create lab, you might notice a variety of strange and wonderous items adorning the walls of the makerspace. Nearly all these items were handcrafted by the various workers of the lab, meaning that each of these objects carries a story behind it. Some of these stories are funny, others are frightening, but each is assuredly interesting. Three of these stories will be discussed in “Tales from the I-Create Lab.” The Shark Shark week has been…

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Read more about the article Summer Reading

Summer Reading

Looking for something to read this summer? Look no further than our Popular Reading collection! We have a ton of new books, and more arriving each month! Here are just a few to get you started on your browsing: Aceves, Fred; The new David Espinoza Obsessed with the idea that he is not muscular enough and tired of being bullied, David, age seventeen, begins using steroids, endangering his relationships with family and friends. Bolden, Tonya; Saving Savannah Savannah Riddle feels suffocated by her life…

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Read more about the article Celebrated International Classics: Russian Literature – Anton Chekhov

Celebrated International Classics: Russian Literature – Anton Chekhov

These days, our world is standing on the precipice of time, but as we wait for the prospect of a different tomorrow, I cannot help but feel the culmination of togetherness has grown exponentially stronger. Not just in the sense of a neighborly or familial acquaintance, but also to those hundreds upon thousands of miles away across the great masses of water. Internationally. Be that as it may, current circumstances have rendered us limited in our approach to setting off…

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Read more about the article What does a librarian do?

What does a librarian do?

When you start looking towards the future and digging into career exploration, a great way to get to know a job or profession is to ask someone what their day is like. Do they work in an office or do they travel a lot? Do they meet with people face-to-face or can parts of the job be done remotely? Is it a day filled with meetings or a day filled with solo design and problem solving? If you know what…

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Read more about the article Perceptions of Earth Day

Perceptions of Earth Day

Sustainability truly begins with indigenous peoples who always aim to understand their surrounding environment. Their traditional knowledge of the land allows them to be connected to nature in a way that is often lost today. With the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions, humans began to try to control nature in order to feel more secure with their resources. After mass development of this, many societies evolved to prioritize profit over paying attention to their impact on the environment. It is true…

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Read more about the article Lego Wall at the I-Create Lab

Lego Wall at the I-Create Lab

The I-Create Lab has continued to find new ways to keep the creative flow in the lab. Since COVID restrictions, the lab has had to close study rooms, limit people in the lab, and halted the use of some equipment such as the Oculus rift. The lab knows this is all in protection for itself and its patrons. However, like most people, the staff and many of our patrons miss the time before COVID. To keep the creativity in the…

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