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Today, September 8, is international Literacy Day. International Literacy Day was designated by UNESCO in 1966 to celebrate and highlight literacy in general, as well as the importance of literacy in creating a more just and sustainable society. Celebrated worldwide, International Literacy Day provides an opportunity to look at how far we’ve come, and to consider how far we have yet to go in fostering a fully literate world.

Since 1966, different themes have been picked yearly to highlight specific aspects of literacy that are particularly relevant to that year. This year, the theme is “promoting literacy in the digital era.” While the digital era has been around for a few decades, digital literacy is something that continuously evolves, just as the digital world itself continues to evolve. This year’s theme was selected to celebrate the achievements made possible through digital resources, as well as to consider what literacy means in 2025, and how digital literacy is taught today. Read more from UNESCO about this year’s Information Literacy Day here.

Digital literacy is more than just the ability to read. It means knowing how to interact with digital sources, the dangers that can come with them, and how to evaluate those digital resources. Digital literacy is an essential skill for navigating the 21st century, one that allows you to navigate the digital world effectively. 

While the digital era has made resources more available for more people through digitization of materials, online publications, academic databases, and so on, it has also created an additional barrier. Technology, the skillset to effectively use technology, and access to the internet have added additional barriers for users. The inability to access these resources can lead to double marginalization, where people are unable to interact with either traditionally published materials and digital materials, preventing them from traditional learning and the opportunities afforded by digital resources. 

While the state of Iowa does not track digital literacy, it does track literacy rates. Last year in Iowa, literacy rates for elementary schools have finally reached pre-pandemic levels again. However, middle and high-schoolers literacy rates are still below pre-pandemic levels. Read the State of Iowa’s report on literacy here. 

To learn more about literacy in general, please visit our book display on 4th floor.  
 

Elizabeth Tulley is the new Instruction, Outreach, and Assessment Librarian. She promotes the library, provides library instruction, and helps with assessments of library services and collections. She also assists students with research questions. 

How can you assist students? 

I’m happy to work with students during every stage of the research process, from narrowing down ideas to evaluating and finding resources to use!

How long have you worked at Loras?

I started at Loras right before the school year started, so I've been here for just a few weeks. I’ve loved getting to learn more about Loras’ history and campus over the past few weeks, and can’t wait to meet all of the students, faculty, and staff that call Loras home.

Why did you choose libraries as a career/vocation?

I’ve always loved reading and working with my community, and so in high school I started working at my local public library as a library page. My experience there showed me that I did truly enjoy working in libraries, and I’ve worked in libraries ever since. At the University of Northern Iowa, where I went for undergrad, I worked at the academic library and discovered that academic librarianship was the part of librarianship that I was most excited about. I love how libraries are community centers, and that by working in a library, I get to help people find the resources they need! I especially love helping people with research, which is part of what drew me to academic libraries. 

What is a book you would recommend?

It’s always so hard to choose, but right now I would say Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (call number: PreK12 Collection Chapter M767). It's the third book in the Anne of Green Gables series, and is my personal favorite, especially as the school year begins!

While many people associate libraries only with books, libraries have long been evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities. Over time, they’ve added periodicals, visual and audio media, digital collections, and now, many are expanding once again to include “Things.” A Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional items available for loan, such as tools, household items, camping gear, games, and more. Rooted in the concept of a shared economy, this model emphasizes access over ownership, allowing users to share resources rather than each person owning seldom-used items.

This approach offers several key benefits. Environmentally, it promotes sustainability by encouraging reuse and reducing waste. Borrowing instead of buying, lowers demand for new products, which in turn cuts down on carbon emissions and conserves resources. It also helps keep functional items out of landfills.

Economically, Libraries of Things provide a practical alternative to purchasing expensive or infrequently used items. This makes it easier for people to take on new projects or explore hobbies without the upfront cost. It also gives users the chance to try out items before deciding to invest in their own.

Beyond the environmental and economic benefits, Libraries of Things also strengthen social connections. They support a culture where people can explore new tools and ideas together, perhaps during hands-on workshops or skill-sharing events. Promoting equitable access to resources also helps create a more inclusive and supportive community.

At Loras Library, our Library of Things includes everything from outdoor gear and games to technology tools and household items. You can explore the full collection at https://library.loras.edu/LoT. Have a suggestion for something new? Let us know by filling out this form: https://loras.libwizard.com/f/lot.

Summer is a great time to break free from routine and explore new places. Whether a hike in a nearby state park, a weekend road trip through the Midwest, or a journey overseas, travel offers a way to recharge and grow through experiences that reduce stress and improve emotional health.

Travel offers numerous benefits beyond relaxation. Navigating unfamiliar places, trying new foods, and meeting people from different backgrounds helps our adaptability and problem-solving abilities. These encounters also broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the world, teaching us to listen more closely and observe more carefully. Through shared adventures, travel also can strengthen relationships while building empathy, confidence, and resilience that extend far beyond the journey itself.

For students, travel can be especially transformative when it is tied to education. Study abroad programs offer immersive experiences that combine academic learning with cultural engagement. These experiences challenge students to think globally, communicate across cultures, and gain independence. But meaningful travel doesn’t always mean going far. Domestic programs, internships, and service-learning trips can be just as impactful, offering new perspectives close to home.

Loras offers a range of study abroad opportunities, from semester-long to short-term faculty-led programs. Here students are encouraged to explore the world with intention. Whether studying theology in Rome, completing an internship in Ireland, or participating in a domestic immersion experience, Loras students are invited to see travel not just as a destination, but as a path to deeper understanding. For more information on study abroad visit https://loras.edu/study-abroad/. To get some ideas for summer travel, check out the book display on the fourth floor of the Library. 

Gardening is a global activity practiced across cultures and climates. For some it is a hobby that brings relaxation and enjoyment, while for others it serves as an important source of food. Whether you tend just a few pots of herbs, a large backyard plot, or a section of a community garden, gardening brings numerous benefits. 

Perhaps most obviously, gardening supports physical health. Growing fruits and vegetables encourages healthier eating habits and provides access to fresh, nutrient-rich food. Homegrown produce can supplement one’s diet and, in some cases, make a meaningful difference toward food security. In addition to nutrition, gardening can serve as a form of exercise that improves flexibility, strength, and endurance.

Gardening also can have a positive impact on mental health. Spending time outdoors and working with plants has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Many gardeners describe their time in the garden as meditative. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from nurturing plants from seed to harvest can build confidence. The connection to growth cycles and seasonal changes, likewise, can help people feel more grounded and connected to natural rhythms.

Beyond personal benefits, gardening fosters community through shared gardens, plant swaps, and neighborhood beautification efforts. Loras College's Tom Blacklock Memorial Campus Garden exemplifies this community spirit. Started in 2014 by Professors Aditi Sinha and Tom Davis with Honors students, the garden began as a way to explore edible landscaping and educate the campus about local eating. It has expanded over the years, featuring carefully planned plantings that always include at least one unusual vegetable, plus prairie plants that attract beneficial insects. The garden's produce is freely available to the campus community, and all are welcome to volunteer. Those interested can sign up at Garden Volunteer Sign Up Summer 2025. To learn more about gardening visit the book display on gardening on the Library’s third floor.

If you’ve spent time in museums you’ve probably seen the terms preservation, restoration, and conservation used to describe how an artifact has been treated. All of these are processes to help ensure that a historical object continues to exist and which one is chosen depends on the condition of the object and its future use.

In archives, preservation is the most common process and generally the least intensive. Our main goal is to minimize future damage or deterioration. Sometimes it’s as simple as putting the object in a box and in a safe place, but it can get much more involved. Archival materials are generally transferred into boxes and folders that are specially designed to mitigate issues such as acidic paper, light sensitive inks and dyes, and metal oxidation and to provide proper support. Our safe space is also carefully designed to maintain consistent temperatures and humidity. 

Restoration is a process that attempts to make the item look like new. Damaged areas are fixed, treatments are used to remove discoloration or stains, and new materials are added to replace missing bits. While this is most commonly done with art and furniture, it can also be done to books and documents. The video below shows the process of restoring a painting.

Conservation can be seen as a mix of preservation and restoration. Like with preservation, the goal is maintain the item in its current condition and like restoration, the goal is to repair damage. Items that go through a conservation process are usually unusable in their current condition, but need to be used. Conservation treatments are less extensive then restoration and seek to conserve as much of the original material as possible. All processes are well documented and anything that is removed is usually retained.

Want to learn more? Email Heidi to see examples of preservation and conservation in the archives and Special Collections. She's also happy to talk about on-campus preservation internship opportunities.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of mental well-being. It is an opportunity to foster open conversations, raise awareness, and promote education around mental health. 

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and behave, as well as how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, it can fluctuate over time based on life circumstances. Good mental health means being able to cope with daily challenges, maintain relationships, and function effectively in different aspects of life. 

For college students, particularly at the end of the school year, maintaining mental health can be challenging, but there are steps you can take. Ensure you get enough sleep, stay active, and eat healthy foods. Practice mindfulness techniques to maintain balance and focus. Keep in touch with friends and family for emotional support and to take breaks from academic work. Divide tasks into smaller steps and set achievable goals. Finally, don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Prioritizing mental wellness takes effort, but it is an essential aspect of living a balanced life. To learn more about mental health, please visit the book display on the third floor of the Library.

May is National Photography Month, a time to recognize the significant impact photography has had on our world since its invention. Evolving from a concept discussed by ancient philosophers into an essential tool for documentation and artistic expression, photography impacts how we preserve history, share experiences, and express ourselves.

Although photography as we know it began much later, the camera obscura phenomenon, which involves the projection of an image through a small hole, was first discussed in ancient philosophical texts during the 4th century BCE and may have been used even earlier to inspire paleolithic cave paintings. It was not until 1826, however, that Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured the first permanent image using a bitumen-coated pewter plate. His partnership with Louis Daguerre led to the daguerreotype in 1839, which made it possible to produce much sharper images with shorter exposure times. This marked the beginning of photography as a practical tool for capturing real-world pictures.

As new techniques emerged, photography became more efficient and accessible. William Henry Fox Talbot introduced the calotype, which used paper negatives and allowed for multiple copies of a photo. Later, the wet collodion process and gelatin dry plates improved image quality and simplified the workflow. The invention of roll film and the rise of Kodak cameras in the late 19^th century helped bring photography to the general public. What was once a complicated, scientific process became a common hobby and creative outlet. In recent years, digital cameras and smartphones have made it possible for almost anyone to take high-quality pictures anytime, anywhere.

To learn more about the history of photography as well as see the artistic work of some of the world’s great photographers, please visit the book display on the main floor of the library. 

Each May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the diverse cultures, rich histories, and lasting contributions of AAPI communities to the United States. Representing over 50 countries and hundreds of languages, the AAPI identity is deeply complex, spanning a wide array of experiences, traditions, and stories, but at the same time, sharing common threads of resilience and leadership.

AAPI communities have consistently demonstrated this resilience and leadership throughout American history by transforming hardship into platforms for progress and advocacy. For instance, Chinese laborers played an essential role in constructing the transcontinental railroad despite facing severe discrimination and harsh working conditions, establishing a foundation for future equality movements. Similarly, Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Infantry Regiment served courageously, even as their families back home were imprisoned in internment camps, challenging prejudices that eventually led to the Civil Liberties Act.

Later, in the face of exclusionary immigration laws and persistent anti-Asian sentiment, AAPI leaders emerged to fight for civil rights and representation. Dalip Singh Saund, an Indian American farmer, mathematician, and judicial officer overcame legal barriers to become the first Asian American congressman, demonstrating how perseverance and advocacy can lead to institutional change. Patsy Mink, a third-generation Japanese American and the first woman of color in Congress, fought for representation, co-authoring Title IX to create opportunities for women in education and athletics. Grace Lee Boggs, a Chinese American philosopher and activist, spent decades organizing alongside Black and working-class communities in Detroit, redefining solidarity through grassroots organizing. 

Today, this legacy of resilience and leadership continues through contemporary AAPI figures who are shaping every aspect of American life, from science and literature to politics and public service. The groundbreaking scientific work of Nobel laureate Roger Tsien, the literary voice of Ocean Vuong, and Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic role all exemplify the continued impact of AAPI individuals in American life. In addition, across the country, AAPI organizers and advocates are taking on issues such as anti-Asian hate, immigration reform, and racial justice, building inclusive partnerships and stronger communities in the process.

During this AAPI Heritage Month, we invite you to explore the stories, voices, and contributions that shape the AAPI experience. To get started please visit the book display on the fourth floor. 

May is National Get Caught Reading Month, established in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) as part of an initiative to promote reading and literacy across the United States. This month-long observance encourages people of all ages to make reading a visible activity. Its goal is to inspire others by example, showing that reading isn't just a necessity but an enjoyable pastime that enriches our lives.

After months of assigned readings and scholarly articles, Get Caught Reading Month is a great way for members of the Loras community to reconnect with books on your own terms. Reading can help you unwind after finals; research shows that reading for pleasure reduces stress and supports mental well-being. Maintaining reading habits between academic years also helps preserve critical thinking skills and vocabulary over the summer. 

In addition to the general benefits of reading for pleasure, Get Caught Reading Month highlights the community aspect of reading. While often considered a solitary activity, this observance transforms reading into a community experience. Schools organize read-a-thons, libraries host special events, and many people post pictures of themselves enjoying books in unexpected places with the tag #GetCaughtReading. 

Whether it’s a quiet moment alone or a shared experience with friends, reading can be both restorative and fun. If you are looking for a post-finals week read, visit our Popular Reading Collection in the Klauer Commons on the main floor or talk to one of the librarians for some recommendations.