Library Blog

Title: Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism Author: Safiya Umoja Noble Genre: nonfiction Read Great Things Category: a controversial book (maybe), a book suggested by a Durham Tech librarian Why did you choose to read this book? Dr. Noble's book made waves in the library world when it came out in 2018. I was aware of the book's premise--that Google's search algorithms result in innocuous keyword searches (e.g., black girls) turning up offensive search results--and wanted

**This post is in collaboration with Durham Tech Counseling Services.** July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the month is almost over, many of these resources are available all year round both through Durham Tech and through outside agencies. Are you a Durham Tech student looking for a safe space to discuss anxiety and other issues due to Covid-19? Have your heard about Let's Cope? The Let's Cope group, hosted by LaKe'a Teel and Letoria Brown, is a support group for Durham

Are you using your phone to access your online coursework? Do you need a laptop for the upcoming semester? Do you know a student who needs one? As we all know, students who don't have access to the technology they need to do their school work are at a disadvantage in their classes. A smartphone is useful, but it's hard to complete a lot of coursework on a phone. And typing papers? No good. The Library has partnered with Durham Tech Student Engagement to loan laptops to student for the Fall

Title: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Author: Suzanne Collins Genre: prequel; science fiction; dystopia Read Great Things 2020 Categories: A book that is part of a series; A bildungsroman; A controversial book; and A book suggested by a Durham Tech Librarian This book was read by Meredith Lewis, the [mostly] Orange County Campus Librarian. If you liked the original Hunger Games trilogy, you'll probably enjoy or appreciate this. If you're like me, you may need to re-read the other books, but

It's hot, y'all. It's hot and humid and sticky and gross. This is that part of a North Carolina summer my relatives in Pennsylvania tell me is inhumane. (The joke is on them when they get snow in November though.) Sometimes, when the sun seems angry at you personally and the world feels like it's falling apart (see: pandemic, police brutality, climate change, the 24-hour news cycle), there's nothing better than some ice cream to cool off and coat your insides with delicious sugar (or dairy-free

This book was read by Julie Humphrey, Library Director. Title: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption Author: Bryan Stevenson Genre: nonfiction, memoir Read Great Things 2020 Categories: A book about civic engagement; A book that has won an award, and A book suggested by a Durham Tech Librarian Why did you choose to read this book? Librarian Courtney Bippley recommended this book a while ago. I want to keep learning about criminal justice issues in the United States. I’ve always been

The librarians are still here for you, though we're working remotely and with our new [unpaid] coworkers. Note: These coworkers are not very good at accurate typing, so will not be manning the chat. Well, what can we do (and what is a no-go for off-campus work conditions)? What we can do for faculty, staff, and students: Help you do research and find sources without an appointment via ChatStaff, staffed by your Durham Tech librarians from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and available 24 hours. Click on

So far, we've watched, listened, and learned more about civic engagement. If you're looking for reading resources to help you learn about and engage in meaningful positive change related to race in America, the Durham Tech Library has curated a book list containing history, self-assessment, action and engagement advice, art, film, data science, travel, personal stories, and social science, just to name a few. Check it out! For a short description for each book, a catalog link for books available

You may have seen the #blackoutbestsellerlist and #blackpublishingpower hashtags on social media. Are you looking for some books to participate or just your next great read? Let us help with a few contemporary authors and series to add to your reading list. Additional (non-book) readings: Recent discussions on Twitter have also highlighted several things: systemic biases in the mainstream publishing industry in publishing advances and how Black and other minority authors are often expected to

June is Pride Month! To learn more about the Stonewall Uprising and to check out some books by and about LGBTQIA+ people's history, lives, and experiences, click on through. Check out the PBS American Experience: Stonewall Uprising documentary to learn about the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising that launched a worldwide civil and gay rights movement and its long-lasting impacts. To view, log in off-campus by using your Durham Tech username and password--the same one you would use for Sakai or Self