Academics & So Much More! Blog

As you embark on your academic journey at TCC, know the library team is ready to help you thrive-- whether you attend classes in-person or virtually. 🤝🎓

👩‍🏫 Who Are the Library Staff?

1. Librarians: These information wizards specialize in research strategies, resource management, and reference services. They’re ready to assist you in finding credible sources, citing your work, and developing effective research skills. 🔍✨
2. Library Assistants: The friendly faces you see at the front desk! They can help check out books, answer your questions, and guide you to the right resources. Need a quick answer? They’re your go-to team! 📖🙌

🎉 Get to Know Your Library Staff as well as Our  Services and Resources!

Next time you visit the library, take a moment to introduce yourself to the staff. Ask questions, seek assistance, or just chat about your interests.

**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**

Do you ever get confused about what are primary sources?  What exactly are they, and why should you care? Incorporating primary sources into your research enriches your understanding and allows you to engage more deeply with history. 

What Are Primary Sources?

Primary sources are original materials created at the time of an event or phenomenon. They offer first-hand accounts and direct evidence of the subject you're studying. Common types of primary sources include:

• Diaries and Journals: Personal reflections that provide insight into daily life and personal experiences.
• Letters and Correspondence: Communication between individuals that reveals thoughts, feelings, and perspectives.
• Official Documents: Government records, treaties, and legislation that shed light on political and legal contexts.
• Photographs and Artifacts: Visual evidence that captures moments in time and cultural expressions.
• Newspaper Articles: Reports from the time that offer contemporary reactions to events.

Why Are Primary Sources Important?

1. Authenticity: Primary sources allow researchers to engage directly with original materials, fostering a deeper connection to historical events.
2. Diverse Perspectives: They provide varied viewpoints, allowing you to see history through the eyes of those who lived it. This can lead to a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
3. Critical Thinking: Analyzing primary sources encourages critical thinking. You must evaluate the context, purpose, and audience of the material, honing your analytical skills.
4. Original Research: Using primary sources can lead to unique insights and interpretations, contributing to new scholarship in your field.
5. Connection to the Past: Engaging with primary sources can make history feel more tangible, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
   

TCC Libraries has a Primary Sources/Primary Research Guide to aid you in understanding resources that are at your fingertips.

Happy researching!

**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**

As a new semester begins, let's explore ways to be successful on your quest for research and knowledge:

1. Learn what’s available to you through TCC Libraries & Tutoring.
2. Browse our TCC Libraries website and discover all the amazing resources waiting for you.
3. Dive into Databases: Start searching for quality, peer-reviewed articles that will enhance your research.
4. Explore our Research Guides:  With these subject-oriented research guides, we have pulled the resources that can aid you in your classes. 
5. Discover  options for Tutoring & Writing Center assistance. 
6. Embrace Originality: Use the knowledge you gain to craft your unique academic narrative!

So, next time you think about Googling for your research, remember the library is your true ally in the quest for knowledge! Happy researching and good luck with your quest--should you choose to accept it :) ! 📚✨

**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**

Books & Beyond Libraries & Tutoring Exploration Day!

Wednesday, January 29th from 11:30am-1:30pm @ all campus libraries.

Learn more about our services and resources that can support you throughout the semester!

Each year, we celebrate the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader whose vision for racial equality and justice reshaped the United States. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. King became the face of the Civil Rights Movement, leading nonviolent protests and advocating for social change.

His most iconic moment came during the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, calling for a future where all people are judged by their character, not the color of their skin. Dr. King’s work helped lead to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, significant milestones in the fight for equality.

Libraries play a crucial role in preserving and sharing Dr. King’s legacy, offering resources such as books, documentaries, and educational programs that continue to inspire new generations. His commitment to justice and nonviolence reminds us that the fight for equality is ongoing.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take time to reflect on his vision for a just world and explore the many resources available at the library to deepen your understanding of his extraordinary life. Dr. King’s dream lives on in each of us, inspiring us to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.

TCC Libraries has you covered for resources on Martin Luther King Jr.  Check out Kanopy and other databases the library has to offer!