Math books for pleasure reading, what an idea!

‘Math literacy’ or numeracy is improved by reading books about mathematics just as literacy is improved by reading any kind of book. Dislike and discomfort with the subject are common motives to ignore math as soon as possible. However, books about numbers don’t have to be unpleasant. See the display case at the library entrance for many examples of interesting books about mathematics and science, available for you to check out, that can show you new ways of looking at the world we live in and about numbers.

The International Rankings Report released in Dec. 2010 “show the United States is merely an average performer” when tested for math and science knowledge compared to other countries around the world. Development of math literacy for each college student is an important part of preparing to compete in the global market place.

Robert P. Moses is excited about mathematics education and understands the connection between mathematical skills and financial success. See his book Radical Equations: Organizing Math Literacy in America's Schools in which he argues that “math literacy is a civil right.” The book is available to you as an ebook or can be checked out from the Al Harris Library.

One hundred and fifty years ago on April 12, 1861, shots were fired on Ft. Sumter in South Carolina. These shots marked the beginning of a war that would be fought on American soil for the next four years. The beginning of war was a fateful moment—one of the most profound in U.S. history—and in many ways it was the moment modern America was born.
The Civil War Tribute Quilt on display in the Al Harris Library was created in commemoration of this conflict. Stop by the library to look at the quilt along with the poster that provides information about the battle representations that are blocks of the quilt.
Check out the books and video resources that are also part of the display. Many new books that focus on a retrospective look at the war are included in the display. Through these resources, the reader is given the opportunity to consider the impact of this hard-fought conflict on our society today.
For a better understanding of the complexity of the Civil War, link to Civil War Timeline to see when and where the fighting took place.

Still Time to Get Your Norse On!

If you've seen the first summer blockbuster, Thor, several times or have yet to view it, the Al Harris Library still provides access to the Odinson for a few days more. We are providing a rich resource into Norse Mythology for anyone to learn more about Odin, Thor, Loki and the others. This display offers the historical background of norse mythology, retellings of the myths, iconography of norse gods throughout the history of art, and several graphic novels to enjoy Marvel's version of the Thunder God and his realm, Asgard.

Although the case is locked, ask for assistance to checkout any of the books in this case. For enthusiasts, a special replica resides in the case - Thor's hammer, the powerful Mjöllnir.

Online Tutorials: The Math of Khan

What started out as Sal Khan making a few algebra videos for his nieces and nephews has grown to over 2000 videos and 100 self-paced exercises and assessments covering everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history. Recently profiled in Bloomberg BusinessWeek report :The Math of Khan Salman Khan is the recipient of a $1.5 million donation from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. All of the Khan tutorials are free and available on the web.

To learn more visit the Khan Academy.

Dr. Fred Gates Appeared on OETA's Oklahoma Forum

From the SWOSU news page:

"Dr. Fred Gates, associate professor of history in the SWOSU Department of Social Sciences, recently appeared on OETA's weekly discussion show Oklahoma Forum hosted by Dick Pryor.

Dr. Gates was invited by OETA to participate in a round table discussion on immigration. The discussion focused on the National Issues Forum that was held across the state in public libraries to discuss the immigration issue. Dr. Gates participated in the forum held in Weatherford and was chosen to discuss the experience.

The show originally aired on May 1 but is being replayed on OETA stations throughout the month."

Latin American Cinema

Latin American cinema refers collectively to the film output and film industries of Latin America. Latin American film is both rich and diverse, but the main centers of production have been Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba.

Movies such as Como agua para chocolate (1992), City of God (2002, Amores perros (2000), Y tu mamá también (2001), Pan's Labyrinth (2006) and Battle in Heaven (2005) have been successful in creating universal stories about contemporary subjects, and were internationally recognized, as in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Mexican directors Alejandro González Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), Guillermo del Toro and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga have gone on to Hollywood success.

Link on Latin Cinema for a quick review or better yet come check out the films currently on display at the Al Harris Library. Con Gusto!

Top 50 Think Tanks

Founded in 1989, the Think Tanks and Foreign Policy Program has laid the foundation for a global initiative that will help bridge the gap between knowledge and policy in critical policy areas such as international peace and security, globalization and governance, international economics, environment, information and society, poverty alleviation and health.

View: The Global "Go-To Think Tanks”: The Leading Public Policy Research Organizations in the World, 2010