Highline Library Newsletters

Kelly Aiken, Highline's new Student Technology Specialist, is a new resource available for any of your students who might be struggling with some aspect of technology in your classroom, from logging in to email, to submitting assignments on Canvas, to creating Powerpoint presentations. You can think of Kelly as somewhat like EdTech, except rather than helping faculty and staff with using technology, he's helping students. He's here to make students' lives a little easier (hopefully yours, as well) and help close the digital divide, so please don't hesitate to send students Kelly's way. 

If you are a student who needs help learning how to use a specific piece of technology/website/application, you can get help. This includes commonly required sites like ctcLink, Canvas, and MyHighline, but also includes apps like Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Zoom - or whatever else you might need help learning to use. You can contact Kelly with questions, set up an appointment, or find him during drop-in hours in the library's Information Commons (Building 25, 2nd floor). 

• Book an appointment (full URL: http://bit.ly/highlineSTH)

• Voice: 206-592-3478

• Email:kaiken@highline.edu

• Office: Building 25, Room 409

• Winter Quarter Drop-in Hours (Library Information Commons - Building 25, 2nd floor):

  • Mon/Wed/Fri: 12:00 - 2:00

  • Tue/Thu: 10:00 - 12:00

• Kelly's info is also listed under the "Resources for Students" that is part of each Canvas shell.

Kelly Aiken

Student Technology Services   

Learn more about Kelly's new role at Highline!

by Kelly Aiken, Student Technology Specialist

I have tinnitus. That means, due to too many years of loud music, I have a ringing in my ears that never stops. This can be distracting when things are otherwise silent, so I struggle with staying focused while reading unless there's other sounds to override the ringing. I love music, but it can also be very distracting so I am very particular about what kind of music I listen to while reading. Below are some of my favorite picks.

• Explosions In The Sky - All of a Sudden, I Miss Everything - This is my go-to, all purpose reading music. Purely instrumental, pleasant without being overbearing, and lots of quiet moments that easily blend in to the background. There's a reason this was the perfect background music for Friday Night Lights. Great for reading just about anything, especially thrillers or mysteries.
• The Cure - Disintegration - Songs on this album range from 6-8 minutes, and that's because they take their time. The casual pace belies the drama at the heart of the record and the rising/falling emotions of the songs, which makes an excellent companion to reading anything tragic or melodramatic. Hamlet would love the Cure.
• Earl Sweatshirt - Doris - On the one hand, Earl is a lyrical monster and not paying attention to the lyrics is doing a disservice to yourself as a listener. At the same time, Earl's cadence is steady, his vocal tone is low, and he has a tendency to rap over some pretty laid back production. Good for reading, but listen to it recreationally, too.
• Chopin - Nocturnes - I think a lot of classical music works well for reading, but Chopin's nocturnes are particularly low key and easy on the ears.  Excellent for night time reading in bed.
• Hum - Inlet - This record is practically a science fiction book by itself, sounding like the exploration on the surface of a distant planet. When I listen to it, I picture Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein stories on red planets with strange creatures. Might as well pair it with your next sci-fi reading expedition.
• Taylor Swift - Folklore - This pandemic record feels like it was created specifically for hanging out solo, getting some coffee and a cardigan, and re-reading a well-loved book. I imagine it also works well with new books, too. It's Taylor, so it's particularly good for YA fiction.
•  Sharks Keep Moving - Desert Strings and Drifters - A local 90's band, Sharks Keep Moving made songs that sound like long drives across the fields of Eastern Washington in a way that only someone who's been to Eastern Washington could. There's a bevy of local authors, so pair them with some local music.

by Gerie Ventura, Associate Dean of Library & Learning Resources

Thank you to Geomarc Panelo for the idea of highlighting a Highline Student Scholar! 

This quarter’s student scholar is frequently in the library! Samuel McCune (pronouns he/him) started at Highline in 2019 as a Running Start student, at the recommendation of his Dad, Information Technology Services Superstar, Gary McCune. He said that his high school was trying to convince him to stay at the college and take IB classes, but his Dad said, “You should go to Highline. It’s so much better.”

In the middle of this time, a global pandemic started and suddenly being a student was different. Samuel shared that “it felt like I was alone in my classes.” Spring 2023 was Samuel’s first in-person class, Intermediate Algebra. Taking that class made the rest of his classes easier and now he likes math! He’s taking Calculus I now and likes it. He says that it feels like solving puzzles. Samuel is currently working on an Associate of Science in Biology. His ultimate goal is to be at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.

At one point, he decided that he wanted to be more involved on campus and be more social/go outside of his comfort zone, so he joined the Art Club. Samuel shared, “Deciding to join a club was my gateway to being more involved on campus and in turn has helped my academics.” He says that his college experience is a lot more fulfilling as he got into the social aspect of being a student. I was intrigued by the idea that being in a club helped his academics, so I asked for an explanation on the connection. He said, “It makes me want to stay on campus more.”

At one point, Samuel said, “Highline is great.” I wanted some elaboration, so he explained “It’s because people are nice. The high school system is different. You fall through the gaps if you’re different and Highline doesn’t feel that way. If you’re having problems with food, there’s food; with just living day-to-day, there’s support; with disability, there are accommodations. Here I can just say, ‘this is what I need’ and teachers and staff help.”

I asked Samuel why he comes to the Highline College Library and he said that it’s a nice space to study and he uses the computers also. Comparing studying at home versus at the library, he said, “I’m only as distracted as I want to be here. Here, it’s time to do stuff/be productive.” If he needs a quiet space, he goes to the 4th floor.

I ended this inspirational interview by asking if he had any suggestions for the library. He suggested a workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students, so if anyone on campus wants to collaborate on that with your favorite community college library, let us know! And bring lots of students!

Thank you to Samuel for sharing your Highline student experience. Thanks for choosing to study in the Highline College Library so often! Free books for life! Ha.

This month's Highline Student Scholar, Samuel McCune, studies on the Highline Library 4th floor

The new Copyright library guide provides some basic copyright information along with details about fair use and ways to learn more about copyright. There’s also a Copyright FAQ section which lists some of the most common questions HC colleagues ask about copyright along with suggestions for thinking through those questions. For example:

• I link to a journal article from the Highline Library databases in my Canvas course. Is this fair use?

• I want to scan some pages/chapters from our textbook (or another book) and make them available in my Canvas course. How many pages or chapters can I use?

• I found some images on the internet which I want to use in my course. Can I do that?

Male muscle figure (It's "Big Bob"

the A&P model!)

A Court of Thorns and Roses

The reference librarians are conducting a survey on Films on Demand for faculty. Films on Demand is a streaming video database with more than 26,000 educational titles in dozens of subject areas. Highline College Library needs help from faculty.  We can access usage statistics for Films on Demand by title, but we don't know who is using them and with what classes.  Please help us by filling out this survey. We'll use this information to improve our services. Questions? Email us at refhelp@highline.edu

All Highline College students and employees have free and automatic access to the King County Library System (KCLS) Online Library. 

What you are looking for is in the library (KCLS)
by Michiko Aoyama
A heartwarming novel about a librarian and her connections with the people she helps.

A Mind Spread Out on the Ground (KCLS)
by Alicia Elliott
"The Mohawk phrase for depression can be roughly translated to ‘a mind spread out on the ground.’" Funny, angry, and beautifully written, this memoir from Alicia Elliott, a Tuscarora (Northeastern Woodlands indigenous) tribal member, explores the impact of intergenerational trauma on mental health.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (Highline Library)
by Jonathan Safran Foer
This novel is told from the perspective of a young boy who lost his father in the Twin Towers attacks. Although it follows his journey of finding a way to hold on to his father’s memory, it also weaves in the painful (and hopeful?) stories of his grandparents. A tough read but worth it.

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet (KCLS)
by John Green
An interdisciplinary collection of short essays.

The Comfort Book (KCLS)
by Matt Haig
A collection of brief and uplifting essays with quotes from a range of sources such as Bruce Lee and poet Joy Harjo and more.

Best Road Trips USA: Escapes on the Open Road (KCLS)
by Anthony Ham
"Discover the freedom of the open road with Lonely Planet's USA's Best Trips. This trusted travel companion features 51 amazing road trips, from 2-day escapes to 2-week adventures. Cruise down the California Coast, gaze up at the Rocky Mountains, or immerse yourself in New England's history. Jump in the car, turn up the tunes, and hit the road!"--Publisher's description.

Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family (KCLS)
by Priya Krishna
This cookbook is completely worthy of being on a reading list! Not only are the family recipes delicious (Indian recipes adapted for American grocery store shelves–hybrid recipes with the best of both Indian and American cuisines, like Roti Pizza, and Indian Spinach with Feta), but Krishna’s family are warm and welcoming. You’ll enjoy the time you spend with Krishna and her family in this cookbook.

Fukushima: the Story of a Nuclear Disaster (Highline Library)
by David Lochbaum
About the earthquake, subsequent tsunami, and resulting disaster at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.

Wonka (KCLS)
by Sibeal Pounder
Based on the new movie. I chose this book for nostalgic memories. I have found memories of the movie starring Gene Wilder and the classic book Charlie and the chocolate factory. The story is about how Willy started his chocolate business in London and fights his competition.  The message is about following your dreams and not giving up. Also, it takes hard work to make your dreams come true.  I liked how Willy's late mom had inspired him to go into the chocolate business because his mom made the best chocolate in the world. He achieved his dream because of his mother's encouragement. The story is lighthearted and inspiring, I do recommend it for all Ronald Dahl and Willy Wonka fans.

Breathless: the Scientific Race to Defeat a Deadly Virus (Highline Library)
by David Quammen
About tracking down the origins of the COVID-19 virus and identifying all its variations.

Making It So (KCLS)
by Patrick Stewart
An audiobook, read by the author. Listening to it because I'm a huge Patrick Stewart Star Trek: the next generation (TNG) fan. It's lovely listening to him. If he read the phone book, I would listen to that also.

Sing, Unburied, Sing (Highline Library)
by Jesmyn Ward
After having this book on my to-read pile for months, I finally read this heartbreaking, evocative novel about a family road trip across Mississippi in one long weekend. Along the way, the family road trip reveals family ghosts, and explores the intergenerational traumas of mass incarceration and racism.

Actual images of library staff To Be Read (TBR) books. Yes, TBR is a phrase that book-lovers use!

Image created by Canva AI Image Generator, Magic Media, using the prompt: "a library bookshelf symbolizing the coldest darkest season of winter"

by Jack Harton, Reference Librarian

Here are seven not-so-randomly chosen quotes about Winter. By the process of elimination and motivated by a combination of cynicism and not-so-quiet resignation, let’s see which one is closest to being the truest.

1. "Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." - Edith Sitwell

Quick Analysis: not even close. This is what people dream of when they are hoping their water pipes don’t burst from the cold. Way too touchy-feely and grounded in unfulfilled hopes and not enough blankets.  
Verdict: if you feel this way please see a doctor.

2.  "You can't get too much winter in the winter." - Robert Frost

Quick Analysis: even the great poet had his off moments. As we all learned in the original Star Trek classic episode “The Trouble With Tribbles,” too much of anything is not good. Ask yourself if you can’t get too much winter when your car is buried in a snowbank and you have to drive to work.
Verdict: read his poetry with caution.

3. “Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.” - Anamika Mishra

Quick Analysis: maybe for someone who has snorted too many snowflakes. Unless of course you are the type of person who celebrates other peoples’ shivering misery. Then it can be a celebration.
Verdict: if you celebrate Winter, please let others know so they can slowly back away.

4. “Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” - Paul Theroux

Quick Analysis: so, so wrong. Spring is the time to recover from Winter and start preparing for the next Winter, only nine months away.  This man has seasonal affective disorder in that he doesn’t know how seasons affect others.
Verdict: written by someone who obviously winters in the Caribbean.

5. “I like the cold weather. It means you get work done.” - Noam Chomsky

Quick Analysis: ever try typing while wearing thick gloves? Or telework when your breath is fogging up the monitor? Or have a discussion when your teeth are chattering like dice at a Yahtzee tournament?
Verdict: even geniuses have their dumb moments.

6. "One kind word can warm three winter months." - A Japanese Proverb

Quick Analysis: Only if that kind word is “I’ll pay your electric bill, shovel off your sidewalk, and somehow keep you dry through three months of rain.” Add to that “bring back the sun.”
Verdict: the Japanese. So wise in so many ways. This is not one of them.

7.   "Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating animal underneath, for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Quick Analysis:  The closest to being true.  It entails overeating, lots of sleeping, and when actually awake still be so sleepy and irritable that you aren’t expected to have quality interactions with anyone else. Which of course only slightly separates it from the other seasons.
Verdict: The winner. It is a true representation of winter, simplified to its essence. Eat, sleep, and growl at anyone who approaches you. What could be easier or more enjoyable? Who needs sun when you have carbs and attitude?   

Romute Barkauskaite (left) and Hara Brook (center) welcome students to the Library Table during the Winter 2024 Building 25 Open House.