Blog Home – Page 7 – Mary and Jeff Bell Library Blog

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

Post author:Alexa Hight
Post published:June 11, 2021
Post category:Behind the Scenes Library Randomness Today's Special

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…

They’re Heeeere: Mosquito Season in South Texas

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:June 8, 2021
Post category:Library Randomness

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…

Haircuts at Home (Save Money and Look Good)

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:June 4, 2021
Post category:Library Randomness

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…

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

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:June 1, 2021
Post category:Behind the Scenes Library Hacks

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…

What is in a Picture?

Post author:Amanda Kowalski
Post published:May 28, 2021
Post category:Behind the Scenes Today's Special

What is in a picture? Clearly, this seems like a straightforward answer. When you look at the picture it is apparent what is captured, but is it really? Pictures capture the lived experience, something that the written record cannot grasp. Images show the lived life, it gives a new layer of historical research. While photographs certainly can cover the basics of people, events, and places, they also add a visual layer. The modern researcher can see these things as they…

A Place I Belong

Post author:Trisha Hernandez
Post published:May 25, 2021
Post category:Behind the Scenes

“Country roads, take me home to the place I belong.” – Take Me Home, Country Roads, John Denver, 1971 While the all too popular song, written by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver, began as a little ballad about the winding country roads in Maryland, it has since become a meme (see singing cowboy cat) and a song one just can’t help but jump in and sing along with. Whether it’s the smooth vocals or the opportunity to passionately…

Tales from the I-Create Lab

Post author:Bell Library
Post published:May 21, 2021
Post category:Behind the Scenes We Made This

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…

Summer Reading

Post author:Alexa Hight
Post published:May 18, 2021
Post category:Books & More Today's Special

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…

A Time for Celebration: Public Art

Post author:Jennifer Anderson
Post published:May 14, 2021
Post category:Behind the Scenes

One of the joys of working in a college library is keeping in sync with the academic calendar. There are some pretty cool events, exhibits, and celebrations to look forward to. It is inspiring and energizing to engage new students in library traditions every year. Being a part of the discovery of our banned books celebration and the riotous fun of Escaping the Library during International Games Week – it truly is great fun! Being in a college library filled with art…

I Burn for the Bell Library

Post author:Rachel Bennett
Post published:May 11, 2021
Post category:Books & More Things to Do

I am a proud hopeless romantic. And I have been one way before Bridgerton gained notoriety on Netflix and millions of households fell in love with the Duke of Hastings. I have always been unashamed of my love for romance novels (even all the way back in High School when it was definitely NOT cool to walk around with your nose stuck in A Rogue by Any Other Name). I would gladly recommend authors and books to all my friends. There’s…