Memoirs and Biographies

By Claudia Wason

For someone who loves reading, books, film, learning, and helping people, I may have the perfect job. Perhaps the part of the job is helping patrons find the perfect book. As a bonus, in the process, my personal reading list always grows. That’s exactly what happened recently while searching for eBook recommendations for a patron. 

Check out these great finds! 

The Displaced: Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives by Viet Thanh Nguyen, et als

From the description: “In The Displaced, Pulitzer Prize–winning writer Viet Thanh Nguyen, himself a refugee, brings together a host of prominent refugee writers to explore and illuminate the refugee experience. Featuring original essays by a collection of writers from around the world, The Displaced is an indictment of closing our doors, and a powerful look at what it means to be forced to leave home and find a place of refuge.”

Viet Thanh Nguyen is an amazing writer, so I am really looking forward to this book!

War Flower: My Life After Iraq by Brooke King

From the Description: “As King recalls her time in Iraq, she reflects on what violence does to a woman and how the psychic wounds of combat are unwittingly passed down from mother to children. War Flower is ultimately a profound meditation on what it means to have been a woman in a war zone and an unsettling exposé on war and its lingering aftershocks.” 

Once a Copper: The Life and Times of Brian "The Skull" Murphy by Vikki Petraitis

From the Description: “Once a copper, always a copper. At least that's how it seems for Brian ‘The Skull' Murphy, long-retired but sought out by a trail of journalists and cops who regularly beat a path to his door. Once known as Australia's toughest cop, The Skull was both charged with manslaughter (and acquitted), then awarded a Valour Award for bravery in the line of duty.” 

I can see a television series based on Brian Murphy!

Cesar Chavez: Autobiography of La Causa by Jacques E. Levy, Fred Ross, and Jacqueline M Levy

From the Description: “Mexican-American civil rights and labor activist Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) comes to life in this vivid portrait of the charismatic and influential fighter who boycotted supermarkets and took on corporations, the government, and the powerful Teamsters Union. Jacques E. Levy gained unprecedented access to Chavez and the United Farm Workers in writing this account of one of the most successful labor movements in history which also serves as a guidebook for social and political change.”

The Climb From Salt Lick: A Memoir of Appalachia by Nancy Abrams

From the Description: “In the mid-1970s, Nancy L. Abrams, a young photojournalist from the Midwest, plunges into life as a small-town reporter in West Virginia. The Climb from Salt Lick is the remarkable memoir of an outsider coming into adulthood. It is the story of a unique place and its people from the perspective of a woman who documents its burdens and its beauty, using words and pictures to tell the rich stories of those around her.”

Joss Whedon: The Biography by Amy Pascale

From the Description: “From the cult favorite Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which netted four million viewers per episode, to the summer blockbuster The Avengers, which amassed a box office of $1.5 billion, Joss Whedon has made a name for himself in Hollywood for his penchant for telling meaningful, personal tales about love, death, and redemption even against the most dramatic and larger-than-life backdrops.”

My son will really want to read this biography!

Agnes Varda by Kelley Conway

From the Description: “Kelley Conway departs from film history's traditional view of the French New Wave and reveals [Varda’s] nontraditional trajectory through independent filmmaking. The result is an intimate consideration that reveals the artistic consistencies and bold changes in the career of one of the world's most exuberant and intriguing directors.”

Varda directed one of my favorite films, Cleo from 5 to 7 and was still active until her death in 2019. I can’t wait to learn more about this fascinating director!

Happy reading!

Let's Talk Résumés

For the graduate, it can look pretty scary when you face the job market for the first time. But it doesn’t have to be so if you are organized and ready. Most job finding today consists of a series of steps – applying (either online or by mail), sending in a résumé with and accompanying cover letter, then, if you are selected, one or a series of interviews.

Today, let’s just talk about résumés. You may also hear this referred to as a CV, or curriculum vitae, which is more often used in the academic world. Your résumé is an organized accounting of your qualifications for the job that you are applying for. It lists your name and contact information, obviously, but it also details your education, including any degrees that you have achieved; your previous job history, especially those aspects that may apply to the job in question; and other information such as achievements, hobbies or experience that show your full capabilities.

Constructing your résumé may seem daunting at first, but fortunately, there are many resources online that can help you decide upon and create the best résumé for you. Just remember that there are lots of different ideas as to what the best résumé consists of, so take your time, check out many different sources and decide which one seems to be the best match for you and the company you are applying to.

First, of course, are the resources of the Library. If you search the Library catalog for ‘résumés’ and then select ‘eBook’ from the format choices, you will find fifty-eight downloadable books to peruse. Not only do they give you the general principles in constructing the résumé that’s right for you, but they also give you many examples of successful résumés that have gotten people hired. Also, on our Webpage are our many subscribed databases. If you search either EBSCOhost or ProQuest for ‘résumés’, for example, you will find hundreds or articles and book chapters on résumés and job searching.

If you go to NHTI’s main website and click on Current Students at the bottom, you can scroll down to ‘Career Resources’ and ‘Exploring Your Career Interests.’ The first tool listed is ‘Career Coach,’ that has a built-in career assessment, detailed listing of various careers and their requirements, and a ‘Build Your Résumé’ link that will lead you step-by-step in creating a professional résumé.

And don’t forget the Academic Center for Excellence. The ACE has a Writing Center and people who are equipped to review and help you revise your résumé before you send it out into the big wide world!

When conditions allow, we will welcome you back to the NHTI Library and all its resources, but for now, take advantage of our online trove of résumé information.

Here are some eBooks* to get you started:

• Knock 'Em Dead Résumés: A Killer Resume Gets More Job Interviews
• The Elements of Résumé Style: Essential Rules for Writing Résumés and Cover Letters That Work
• Step by Step Resumes: Build an Outstanding Resume in 10 Easy Steps! 
• Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career

Good luck, and good hunting!

*Requires NHTI Login

Exploring Flipster

Flipster is a fun portal into our online magazine collection. On Flipster, you can browse whatever interests you. We now offer over twenty-five magazines that you can view from anywhere.

Whether it’s home decorating, travel, business, science, or food, once you see the magazine you want, just click on the current issue displayed on the Flipster carousel. Don’t need the current issue? No problem; when you bring up the current issue, just hover over the All Issues link to see contents and a list of back issues to choose from!

To access Flipster from the Library’s computers, or your own desktop, laptop, pad or phone, just go to NHTI’s Website and find the Library’s page from the link under Support and Success, or from the Library link at the very bottom of the mobile website. All you’ll need is your interest and your Easy Login.

Access to these titles can cost up to $9.95 each through commercial Websites, but they are free for NHTI students, faculty, and staff. Take advantage of this service and enjoy keeping up with your favorite interests.

Say that you are interested in food…perhaps the fresh taste of lemon brings a smile to your face during the summer months. You’d like something easy to prepare. How about a quick, easy dinner of ravioli with lemon, peas, and pancetta? What about a nice side-salad? And how about finishing it off with a basic lemon sheet cake? You can enjoy this summer repast with a cold glass of southern iced tea.

To find recipes like this, just take a look through Flipster for one of the many magazines that offer such delicious ideas:

Have fun with Flipster! And keep watching. You never know what new titles may appear.

Tips for Online Learners

Online learning is a dynamic and flexible alternative to traditional classroom learning. I have been both an online learner and taught courses online. Here are some tips based on my experiences as a student and an instructor. 

#1 Log in often. 

When I was an online learner I logged in at least once per day. I found that checking in often made courses more manageable—I could read discussion posts daily and break my readings and assignments into smaller pieces. 

The thought of logging in only once per week never occurred to me as a student. However, as an instructor I can often tell which students wait until the end of the week to complete all of their work. Reading and completing assignments throughout the week helps with retention and reinforces learning. When last minute learners try to finish all of their work in one sitting they often struggle. Set yourself up for success by logging in several times per week. 

#2 Ask for help.

Why guess? If you were sitting in a classroom and didn’t understand an assignment you’d raise your hand and ask for help, right? You should do the same in online courses. Ask your professor for help if you’re struggling. And if you don’t get the answer you need, ask again. As an instructor I want my students to do well. I don't mind answering dozens of emails if it helps a student succeed. 

And remember, other students probably have the same questions that you have. By asking for help you’re not only helping yourself, but others as well. 

#3 Manage your time. 

It’s important to plan on both a weekly and semester-long basis. If you only plan from week-to-week you might set yourself up for disaster. What if you have two tests and a ten-page paper due the same week? If you make a semester-long plan you can prepare for these types of situations. For instance, you might be able to begin your paper a few weeks early and find some time to study for your tests the week before. 

During your first week of classes (or even better, before classes begin) read carefully through all of your syllabi and jot down what is expected each week. For instance, how many times do you need to post to the discussion boards? When is the weekly quiz due? Next, make a list of assignments and due dates. Use this information to create an outline for the entire semester and then break it down into manageable weekly chunks. 

#4 Become familiar with campus resources. 

Your instructors are great resources! However, there are many other people on campus who are here to help you, as well. In fact, there are three departments in the Learning Commons who specialize in assisting students. 

Academic Advising Center 

• An advisor can help you define your academic, career, and life goals.
• Advisors also provide guidance in selecting classes and transferring to four-year schools.

Academic Center for Excellence

• Free tutoring is available for NHTI students. Many students work with tutors to study subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology and Math. 
• Tutors in the Writing Center are available online. They can help you with essays, lab reports, research papers, narratives, and even resumes!  
• Accessibility Services offers free, friendly, and confidential services to eligible students.  

Library 

• Library staff members are available to answer your questions by chat during normal business hours.  
• Most of the Library’s resources – including eBooks and articles – are available through the website and can be accessed 24/7.
• A reference librarian can meet with you through Zoom to help with research. 

If help is available, why not ask for it? Do you really want to make things harder for yourself?  

A few final thoughts

Good luck with all of your classes this semester! Remember to reach out and ask for help when you need it. We are here for you.

Why don't my article links work?

By Sarah Hebert

Last year a very panicked student stopped by the desk and asked me for help. Her term paper was due in less than an hour and all of the article links she had saved no longer worked. She could not complete her works cited, had no idea which articles she had used to write the paper, and was probably going to fail the class. 

Library databases usually have two types of links—temporary and permanent. It’s important to save the permanent link because the temporary links are – well – temporary.

For most websites it’s okay to save links at the top of the page. For instance, if I were sending a link to the Library’s website I would click in the address bar and copy this link-- https://www.nhti.edu/support-success/library-research-resources/.

Library databases are different, though. The link in the address bar is only temporary. It’s important that you copy the permanent link (sometimes called the persistent or permalink). If you choose the wrong link you may find that you can no longer access an article that you need. 

Which brings me back to the student I mentioned earlier. You might be wondering what happened. She was very, very lucky. I was able to use facts and quotations from her paper to find her sources and she got an A. I don’t think she’ll make the mistake of saving temporary links again, though . . . 

Remote Interview Tips

Even before COVID-19 came along to disrupt daily life, remote interviews were becoming more and more common. With the advent of faster internet, secure interview platforms, busier work days, and applicants who were geographically unavailable for the traditional in-house meeting, companies turned to the internet for a more viable option. Enter the remote interview.

The remote interview presents its own set of challenges including a solid internet connection as well as computer hardware needs. But regardless of the manner of the interview the applicant has the same single desire – leave the interviewer with the best favorable impression possible. Simply put – Hire Me.

Keep these common sense tips in mind for your remote interview.

Tech Check – Prior to the interview be sure to test your computer equipment. Try out a Zoom or Skype chat to verify your computer hardware, software and internet connection will handle a remote interview without glitches. Is the microphone working? How is the camera angle? The interview will go downhill fast if they seem to be interviewing your chin and neck or if your voice is cutting out repeatedly.

Background – Unlike the traditional interview, the camera used during your remote meeting will allow the interviewer a glimpse into your home. Be aware of what the interviewer will be seeing behind you. Clean up the area making sure your desk is organized and the space behind you is neat. If you choose to upload a background pick one that is professional.

Personal Appearance – Be it a traditional or remote interview presentation is always key. Just as if you were walking into the interviewer’s office you should be dressed nicely. Your outfit should be appropriate for the job and demonstrate that you fit the company’s look. Though you may be tempted to dress only for the limited view of the camera, remember that what you wear may not only affect your demeanor, but may also come into view if you need to rise from your sitting position. Those old jeans may not be the impression you want to leave in the interviewer’s mind as they log off.

Posture – It is natural for you to be more comfortable at home, to relax mentally and physically. This is great if you are sharing time with friends and family, but during the interview you will want to present an alert and correct posture. A proper computer chair with back support can aid you with this especially in overly long interviews.

Quiet Time – Your home can be a noisy place. Loud children, pets, TVs, street noises and any other number of distractions can disrupt your one-on-one time with the interviewer. Plan ahead and either find a quiet location or arrange for the children and pets to be away from your immediate area during the interview. Turn off the tv and put your cellphone away. Be sure to shut the window to muffle stray street noises especially if the city decided that this was the perfect day to fix that pot hole in the road outside your house.

Interview Prep – Just because your interview will take place online and in your own home is no reason to slack off on the traditional interview preparations. Do your research. Does the company have website? Has the company been in the news lately? What is its main purpose and how does the job you are applying for fit in? Be sure to be ready with your own questions. Have paper and pen nearby to take notes.

We recommend the following eBooks* to help you prepare:

• How to Get the Job You Want: 10 Practical Steps to Get a Better Job Quicker
• Knock 'Em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews into Paychecks
• Top Notch Interviews: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques from the First Call to Getting the Job You Want

Remember, this is going to be your best opportunity to show your prospective employer who you are and what you can bring to their business. Do everything you can to make sure that you and your surroundings shine during your remote interview. Bring your A game and good luck!

*Requires NHTI Login 

How to Find New Books

By Annie Gagne

As an avid reader myself, one of my favorite things about the Library is the carousel on the main library page that features new books. We are fortunate to have access to a combination of new educational materials, career guides, audiobooks and bestsellers. While my reading tastes tend to lean more towards historical thrillers and murder mysteries, the carousel allows me to see and explore new titles and genres I may not normally consider. 

Since the carousel is constantly being updated with new books coming into the Library, I like to check back on a regular basis to find new titles I can borrow and enjoy. If you're like me, you're drawn to books with fascinating or intriguing covers. I'm an advertiser's dream consumer! Once you've found a book you're interested in, you can click on the cover which will bring you to a synopsis page that provides you with the author's information, the page length of the book and a brief summary of the plot. 

The carousel can be a great alternative to a regular search for new books you may want to explore. Here are a few new ones I recently found! 

Microcredentials at NHTI

By Claudia Wason

When I first heard about microcredentials (usually micro-credentials), my first thought was, “Huh?” I’ll admit, I had to look it up! According to the National Education Association, “Micro-credentials are a digital form of certification indicating demonstrated competency/mastery in a specific skill or set of skills.”   

       

NHTI’s ten microcredential areas target skills that are in demand by employers and were developed to improve professional practice and career advancement. As an added bonus, all of NHTI’s microcredentials earn college credit and may be applied toward a certificate or degree program. Whether in the Homeschool Early Childhood Pedagogy, Teaching for All Learners, Basic Toolkit for Teaching, Math for Engineers, Math for Business, Business Leadership, IT Help Desk Technical (A+ Certification Alignment), Understanding Addiction, The Four Domains of the Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW), or the newly added Python Certification Preparation Microcredential, the Library has the resources students need!

Videatives Streaming Service, which is sortable by subject and age, for the Early Childhood Education Homeschool Early Childhood Pedagogy Microcredential provides text to accompany videos. We also have many great eBooks, such as Teaching STEM in the Early Years: Activities for Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

For those pursuing one of the two microcredentials in Education, a search in one of my favorite Library databases, Films on Demand, brought up 558 films for “elementary education,” such as Winning Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms! A search in the same database for “leadership” resulted in over 5,000 results, including by respected sources such as the BBC and Harvard Business School! These can be narrowed down by refining the search terms, or filtered by copyright date, language, or producer.

Microcredentials are a great way to keep skills current and relevant to the changing needs of the job market. Interested in learning more about whether microcredentials sound right for you? Email The Business & Industry Training Center. 

Looking for Something to Read? EBooks are your answer!

Have you run out of print books to read? Don’t worry, you can access hundreds of thousands of eBooks through the Library’s subscriptions to Ebook Central and Ebook Collection.

Download eBooks to your desktop, laptop, or tablet for free. Choose from memoirs, poetry, true crime, graphic novels, and more!

Wait . . . graphic novels? That’s right! Graphic Novels are one of the Library’s most popular collections. And they’re not just about superheroes; graphic novels also explore social issues such as immigration, mental health, sexual assault, and race.

Want to try one out? Many titles can be accessed remotely including The Best We Could Do, a national bestseller about a family’s journey from Vietnam to the United States and their experience adjusting to life in a new country.

Prefer true crime? Rick Geary is a well-known graphic author who wrote several books including:

• The Lindbergh Child
• The Lives of Sacco & Vanzetti
• The Beast of Chicago
• Jack the Ripper
• The Fatal Bullet: The Assassination of President James A. Garfield
• The Borden Tragedy

If you’ve never read a graphic novel before, now is the perfect time! You may find that you enjoy the visual nature of this medium and that the stories are even more meaningful when presented in this form.

Here are some other suggested titles:

• Taking Turns: Stories From HIV/AIDS Care Unit 371
• Kindred: A Graphic Adaptation
• Billie Holiday
• Diary of a Tokyo Teen: A Japanese-American Girl Travels to the Land of Trendy Fashion, High-Tech Toilets and Maid Cafes
• Take It as a Compliment
• Darkroom: A Memoir in Black and White
• Abelard
• My Degeneration: A Journey Through Parkinson’s
• Ghetto Brother: Warrior to Peacemaker
• The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change
• Networked: Carabella on the Run
• Philosophy: A Discovery in Comics