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A look at Native American mascots in sports

Schools and professional sports teams who adopt Native American names and mascots are often questioned about the ethics of those choices. This librarian went to the University of Illinois during the time in which the mascot, a live-actor/dancing Chief Illiniwek, was officially retired. Other instances range from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Washington Redskins, and that’s just professional football.

Today’s book, The Native American Mascot Controversy: A Handbook, covers the depth and scope of the often-controversial topic. If you’re interested in a look at the history of Native American imagery in sports and a look at their potential impact on race relations in the United States, this is a valuable collection of primary documents and essays.

Need help studying?

Everyone’s study habits can be improved, and it’s a bit different moving to college from high school. Alternately, if you’re a non-traditional student at JCCC, you may not have had to study for years.

That’s why there are so many resources for you on campus. We offer things like the Writing Center, the Student Success Center, and of course our favorite, the mighty Billington Library.

In addition to the resources like LibGuides and our different reference options, we provide books like today’s featured item: How to Study in College. Inside, there are sets of proven skills that have helped plenty of students. Though you could adapt every recommendation in the book, the authors have compiled a number of individual techniques that prove useful on their own as well. So check it out. It should be on our New Book Shelf up near the 2nd floor entrance.

Tricked out BMWs in today’s book

Customizing motorcycles. People do it. Customizing BMW motorcycles. It would seem less people do it. But behold, BMW Custom Motorcycles: Choppers, Cruisers, Bobbers, Trikes & Quads was assembled by author Uli Cloesen, and claims to be the only book of its kind, highlighting the BMW modding scene. It’s fully illustrated, showing off what modifiers around the world have been doing to Beemers in their garages, or even requesting straight from the factory. So if bike customization or repair are things you’re curious about, it might be worth taking a look at.

This book can currently be found on our new book shelf (2nd floor)

We’re scannin’ your retinas…

… in today’s book, that is. (We know: cheap, baiting headline. Sorry!)

If you’re like us, you’re torn between thinking it’s a little Big Brother-ish and thinking it’s really really cool. Today’s book, America Identified: Biometric Technology and Society by Lisa S. Nelson discusses how the government, companies, and individuals use fingerprinting, retina scanning, x-rays, handwriting analysis, and other means to keep things secure. Not just a look at the different technologies, Lisa looks into its impact on American society, and examines the area where privacy, technology, and ethics intersect. A pretty sweet read, and currently sitting on our New Book shelves!

Using technology to change classroom learning

Cathy Davidson’s argument for using technology to change learning environments is the Book of the Day. Now You See It: How the Brain Science of Attention Will Transform the Way We Live, Work, and Learn argues that studying something she calls “attention blindness” in the brain shows how developments in technology being under utilized in learning spaces designed for the last century can be detrimental, and she’s got a good reason to think that. What started as her experiment of giving college freshman iPods (before they supported apps, and were just music players) lead to teachers and students turning them into learning tools.

The book follows that research to a compelling end, and a strong case for modern technology in the classroom, all centered upon how our brains react to it.

Can your speech be silenced?

Muzzled book cover

Not too long ago, a liberal radio personality on NPR was fired for discussing his own social prejudices, saying those in Muslim garb on airplanes trigger something in him that makes him uncomfortable (“worried” and “nervous,” he states).

Was this an inappropriate firing? He was, after all, sharing his opinion on another network. And, also, in the full context of the interview (view a discussion on CNN of it here), his argument included a discussion of the dangers of using religion to label someone as dangerous?

You won’t get an argument from us about if it was right or wrong, but you can read Juan’s take on it. His book, Muzzled: The Assault on Honest Debate, discusses his firing and the effect it had on his career. He also discusses what it implied to the modern media and the implications it has towards others who wish to express opinions and/or honest feelings that might not be of the most popular opinion.

So check it out, currently on our new books shelf, and see for yourself.

One famous hacker’s story

Kevin Mitnick has seen behind the security barriers of Sun, Motorola, and at least dozens of other big name companies. His years of evading the law made him an increasingly annoying target for the FBI, and today’s featured book, Ghost in the Wires, is his memoir of his time on the run. It’s an exciting story of deception, hacking, false identities, and being on the run. Whether you see Mitnick as a hero or a villain, you’ll have to admit his pursuits were quite clever

Book of the Day: It Gets Better

Last year, there was a fairly large campaign to address those suffering discrimination for sexual orientation. In the wake of multiple tragic events, Dan Savage birthed the “It Gets Better” campaign, and many celebrities, sports teams, and companies followed with contributions.

The companion book by Savage, It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living, is on our New Book Shelf, on the second floor. In addition to text versions of many of the original shared stories, it includes expanded versions and new contributions.

Maybe it’s just this librarian, but reading these expanded versions, a little more thought out than just an on-the-spot YouTube video, have a little more impact when understanding what someone might have to go through, and the impact hurtful actions have on someone’s life. It also shows that whatever obstacles one must push through, the light at the end is worth getting to.

For similar resources, check out these LibGuides.

Really looking forward to the study rooms, you guys…

Hey, everybody.

Sorry about the construction that’s still going on. We’re told it’ll be over soon enough, but check out one of the benefits! The photos above are just a quick preview of the group study rooms we’ve been building. The rooms will be available to student groups only, so when they open up, make sure you bring your ID card. There will be about 8 (this is just one corner of the area), and they’ll be on the second floor behind where minidesk (not MEGADESK) currently is.

So thanks for your patience, and we hope they’ll be up and open soon!

Welcome Back!!

Hey everybody! Glad to see new students on campus, great to see new people following us on Twitter and Facebook. We’re not just happy you’re on campus, we also really look forward to helping you!

Of course, if you’ve been here before you probably notice a few changes going on in our building. (We’re sorry for the mess.) Here’s what you can expect from us when this renovation is over.

Tons more outlets for your laptops and other devices
Study rooms for student groups on the 2nd floor
MEGADESK!!! Check out books, DVDs, and reserve items from our new huge desk downstairs in the lobby
More study space on the first floor

So it really is good to see you, and never hesitate to ask us for anything: research help, directions, campus information, music recommendations, beverage preferences…. We’re happy to be of service!