South College Library Blog

Did you know that the South College Library provides students, faculty, and staff access to over 100,000 ebooks? The changing foliage, cooler temperatures, and fall holidays energize many people to cook, bake, and share their favorite dishes with family and friends. Enjoy this collection of recipe books from cultures around the world and get inspiration for your latest culinary creation!

Comfort Food

Thank you to everyone who participated in last month's Name the Skull Contest. We had over 450 entries and tons of creative names to choose from. After careful thought and heated debate, the staff of South College Library has selected the winning name: O'Skullivan.

Introducing… O'Skullivan!

The winning name was suggested by CBE Doctor of Education student Joshua Anderson. Joshua will receive a $10 Amazon gift card as a reward. Congratulations, Joshua!

Stay tuned for more exciting events and contests sponsored by the South College Library.

What is fake news? Is it malicious—or just lazy? And what can we do to avoid it? Read below to understand this phenomenon and how you can navigate our changing media landscape.

The End of Traditional Publishing

In the past, information came to us through only a few established, official channels, such as the evening news, the local newspaper, or a traditional publishing house. Information transfer through these methods was slow, as each news interview, article, or book passed through multiple hands in the selection, editing, and distribution process. 

By contrast, in today's world of instant communication, information comes to us from an unlimited number of sources. We watch vloggers discuss important topics on TikTok or YouTube, download ebooks directly from the author's webpage, or stream a podcast from our smart phones. Without the traditional publishing process, this information is distributed immediately and often without any oversight. This results in a large amount of misinformation that end users have to sift through on their own.

The Rise of Fake News

While a lot of bad information comes from those with good intentions (but poor quality control), there has also been a rise in malicious actors who spread false information on purpose. They may be doing so for a variety of reasons, from getting people to buy their products to convincing people to vote a different way in an election. Fake news can range from covering a news story in a biased manner to completely inventing information with the intent to influence readers.

SMART Evaluation

As end users of information, what can we do? One helpful tool is the SMART evaluation. While reading, consider the following:

1. Source
   1. Who is the author or publisher? Are they an expert on the topic? What kind of website does this appear on?
2. Motivation
   1. What is the purpose of the information? Is this fact, opinion, or propaganda? Does the information have a political or ideological bias?
3. Accuracy
   1. Is the information supported by evidence with its sources cited? Has the information been reviewed by experts? Can you verify the same information in another source? Is the information free from errors in spelling or grammar?
4. Relevance
   1. Who is the intended audience of this information? 
5. Timeliness
   1. When was this information published or updated? Are the links functional?

Keep these tips in mind when reviewing any new information, especially when researching for your coursework. Check out additional resources below.

For more tips and sources, check out the South College Library's Fact-Checking: How to Guide Research Guide.

Library Resources

After Truth: Disinformation and the Cost of Fake News 

Publication Date: 2020
An HBO documentary on the consequences of disinformation and fake news in the era of social media.

Useful Websites

• Snopes.com
• PolitiFact
• AllSides: Balanced News from the Left, Center and Right
• FactCheck.org

Did you know that the South College Library provides students, faculty, and staff access to over 100,000 ebooks? October is officially Spooky Season, so let’s get into the spirit with books about the paranormal, occult, and downright scary. 

Spooky Season

Did you know that the Nashville Resource Center is home to a skull? 

No, it's not just for Halloween. Some of our Resource Centers offer hands-on anatomy models for students to use for study. One of our most personable anatomy models is this skull, posing here with Nashville-based Instruction Librarian Dayani Boatman.

Even if you don't have access to this glorious specimen, the South College Library has several excellent digital anatomy tools to help you study from anywhere. 

• AccessMedicine's 3D Human Anatomy Modules 
• AccessPhysiotherapy's Anatomy & Physiology Revealed Tool

Want to learn more and have a chance to win? Read on for the contest details and rules!

Name the Skull Contest Rules

1. Between October 15-31, 2025, visit the Name the Skull contest page.
2. Complete the brief tutorial on the library's digital anatomy resources and answer the required questions.
3. Submit a name for the Nashville Resource Center's skull as well as your name and email address. You may only submit one entry. 

Library staff will vote on the winning name in early November. Stay tuned to the Library Blog to find out who wins!

ENTER NOW

Ashley Hoffman is the Outreach Librarian, based at the Marietta, GA learning site. She has been with South College since August 2025. 

1. Name the question you get asked the most and share your go-to solution. 
   
   “Where are all the books??” is the question I get the most these days. As a newly opened learning site, it’s true that the Marietta Resource Center doesn’t have a lot of books on the shelf (yet), but what people may not realize is that we actually have access to over 100,000 books on our website! You can find all our eBook collections at https://library.south.edu/home/ebooks. 
    
2. Point to one resource you wish students utilized more and why it matters. 
   
   We have an amazing South College Library Blog that has tons of research tips and highlighted resources for students that is published twice a month. There’s tons of great information on it—and even some fun contests that students can participate in!
    
3. What’s one behind-the-scenes task that, if skipped, students would feel tomorrow? 
   
   A “thankless” task that library staff does is wipe down all of our lending laptops with disinfecting wipes between uses. Believe me, once cold and flu season is in full swing, you will thank us for this extra step! 
    
4. What inspired you to seek out a job in libraries? 
   
   I have always loved reading, but beyond that I’ve always loved helping people. I started working part-time at my college’s library while I was in school and I’ve worked for a library ever since. My favorite jobs have been the ones that let me directly put students in touch with the resources they need for their schoolwork. 
    
5. If you could recommend one book that everyone should read, what would it be? 
   
   I’m a science fiction fan, and I’m forever recommending the book The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin to people who love reading but are skeptical about science fiction. This book has such a rich world to explore, such important themes, and such a fascinating “twist” at the end that I could discuss it for days. I’ve successfully converted two people into science fiction readers with this book! 
    
6. Bonus Question: What are your favorite spooky stories? 
   
   I have always loved the short stories by Edgar Allan Poe. The creepiest one to me is “Berenice,” which—to explain it very badly—is all about a man obsessed with his fiancée’s teeth. I’ll let you read the story to find out what I mean.

Did you know that the South College Library offers students, faculty, and staff access to over 100,000 ebooks? This month's theme is Remember September, where we explore themes of nostalgia, memory, and vintage in contemporary culture and society. Start with these books of poetry, history, fashion, and medicine and then dive into the library's ebook collection to find more!

Remember September

The digital environment is like a universe of its own, and those who engage in its territories should educate themselves about its rules and its lack thereof. In this world where people and their ideas interact, it is important to use technology responsibly, respectfully, and critically. Most of us encounter information in its digital form regularly on the internet, in our coursework, jobs, and through social media. Through technology, information is stored and shared. 

Digital Skills

It's important in our modern world to know how to access, use, and produce digital information. While digital literacy encompasses basic technology skills, it's much more than that. Consuming and producing digital information effectively requires one to have critical thinking, communication, and relationship skills too. 

Here are the digital skills that Forbes Magazine (Marr, 2022) says that we need to participate in the digital world: 

• Keeping on top of emerging new technologies 
• Understanding what tech is available and how it can be used 
• Using digital devices, software, and applications – at work, in educational settings, and in our everyday lives 
• Communicating, collaborating, and sharing information with other people using digital tools 
• Staying safe and secure in a digital environment

Privacy and Security

Lots of information about our lives is stored in the form of digital information and is vulnerable to being accessed and shared by people who don't have permission to access it.  Some of this permissionless access is inadvertent while other access is intentional and malicious. As our digital footprints have expanded and our use of technology grows, it becomes increasingly important to learn how to protect our personal information. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize our risks and to maximize our security in the digital realm.

Here are some tips (Wamsley, 2020):

1. Minimize the amount of information you share and have stored online
2. Make sure that you have strong passwords
3. Don't click on links in texts or emails that come from "weird domains"
4. Change your privacy settings
5. Download security updates
6. Use encrypted apps for messaging

Check out the South College Library's Information Literacy Research Guide to learn more about increasing your digital literacy.

Featured Library Resources

Digital Keywords: A Vocabulary of Information Society and Culture by Benjamin Peters

Publication Date: 2018
Digital Keywords gathers pointed, provocative short essays on more than two dozen keywords by leading and rising digital media scholars from the areas of anthropology, digital humanities, history, political science, philosophy, religious studies, rhetoric, science and technology studies, and sociology. Digital Keywords examines and critiques the rich lexicon animating the emerging field of digital studies.

Paradoxes of Media and Information Literacy : The Crisis of Information by Jutta Haider and Olof Sundin

Publication Date: 2022
Haider and Sundin question what we accept as truth, fact, and knowledge—and how those ideas shape our ability to write, think, and communicate. In an age of information overload, this book digs into what it really means to be media literate and explores how power, perception, and literacy interact in the digital age. 

Did you know that the South College Library offers students, faculty, and staff access to over 100,000 eBooks? This August, we’re celebrating books that connect us to joy, curiosity, and the powerful peace that comes from expressing ourselves clearly. Whether you’re exploring the roots of democracy, unlocking the magic of your own thoughts through writing, or seeking the courage to write your truth, our collection has something to inspire you. Writing well doesn’t begin with perfection—it begins with understanding. Let this month’s selections remind you that clarity, expression, and connection are all within reach. 

Political Grammars: The Unconscious Foundations of Modern Democracy by Davide Tarizzo 
What if the way we talk about “we the people” is more important than we think? Political Grammars examines how identity, language, and unconscious cultural structures shape the very idea of democracy. With a unique mix of philosophy, linguistics, and political theory, this book helps readers think more clearly about what unites and divides us. A compelling read for students interested in political science, communication, or how grammar shapes our sense of self and society. 

Writing and Desire: Queer Ways of Composing by Jonathan Alexander 
This beautifully reflective book shows how writing can be a radical act of self-expression, especially for queer and trans writers. Writing and Desire blends personal reflection and theory to examine how the act of writing reveals our deepest hopes for a better world. For any student who’s ever struggled to find their voice, this book reminds us that our longing, creativity, and identity can all live on the page. It's a powerful meditation on the emotional and political possibilities of writing. 

Exploratory Writing: Everyday Magic for Life and Work by Alison Jones 
Writing doesn’t have to be perfect—it just must be yours. Exploratory Writing makes the case for writing as a tool for self-discovery, decision-making, and joy. With quick and accessible prompts, this book helps you unlock your creativity and clarify your thinking in just minutes a day. It’s a great pick for students who want to reduce stress, spark ideas, and build confidence in their writing process. 

Paradoxes of Media and Information Literacy: The Crisis of Information by Jutta Haider & Olof Sundin 
In an age of information overload, this book digs into what it really means to be media literate. Paradoxes of Media and Information Literacy questions what we accept as truth, fact, and knowledge—and how those ideas shape our ability to write, think, and communicate. It’s essential reading for students in media, education, or library science, and anyone curious about how power, perception, and literacy interact in the digital age. 

What the Science of Reading Says About Writing by Jennifer Jump & Hillary Wolfe 
Want to understand the science behind how we learn to write? This practical guide offers research-based strategies for teaching writing with clarity and purpose. Though written for educators, it’s also valuable for students who want to understand how strong writing habits are built—and how reading and writing support each other. A great foundational resource for future teachers and lifelong learners alike. 

The Art and Architecture of Academic Writing by Patricia Prinz & Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir 
This book is a blueprint for academic writing success—especially for multilingual students or those new to scholarly English. The Art and Architecture of Academic Writing offer clear structure (the “architecture”) while also encouraging writers to develop voice and style (the “art”). With a focus on practice and process, it’s a great choice for students to look to improve their academic writing in a way that feels both structured and expressive.  

You can find these and more through the South College Library’s digital collection—where writing becomes a practice of peace, discovery, and connection. Whether you’re exploring your voice, building new habits, or unlocking the wonder of words, let this month’s reads remind you: you don’t have to write perfectly to write powerfully. Your story matters—and we’re here to help you tell it. 

In all honesty, we know writing can be stressful. Whether you’re trying to meet a page count, trying to sound like you know what you’re talking about, or just trying to put your commas in the right place, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. But the truth is - you’re not a bad writer, you just don’t know all the rules yet. And that we can definitely work with.  

Grammar isn’t there just to trip you up. It’s meant to make your writing more clear and powerful. Once you cover a few basics, the whole process starts to feel a lot less like pulling teeth.  

That’s where your friendly online library database steps in. We’ve got a full Grammar Resources Guide to help build your confidence, learn the rules, and write your papers with minimal stress.  

So, what exactly is grammar?  

Cambridge Dictionary defines grammar as “the rules about how words change their form and combine with other words to make sentences.” In other words, it’s how your ideas get translated into something others can understand. If you’ve ever had a teacher say “good idea, but it’s a little unclear,” grammar might be the missing link. 

What’s in the guide?  

A little bit of everything. Our librarians have pulled together some of our best resources and tools to help you demystify grammar, writing styles, and citations. Perfect for use whether you’re just brushing up before turning a paper in or doing a deep dive to feel more confident in your everyday writing.  

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:  

Grammarly 

This free tool is a writing lifesaver. It checks your grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and gives suggestions to help you sound more polished without changing your voice. You can even download the browser extension to help with emails and discussion boards. 

eBooks + Print Books 

We’ve got books that break grammar down in a visual, easy-to-follow way. Some of our favorites include: 

• The Infographic Guide to Grammar (colorful and visual — perfect for quick understanding) 

• Write Right! (concise and packed with examples) 

• Sentence Skills (great for practice and review) 

• Strategies for Successful Writing (covers grammar and research strategies) 

• AMA Manual of Style and other formatting guides 

Not sure where to find these? The guide has location info and links, and if you're stuck, a librarian can always help. 

Writing Tools 

Whether you’re writing a research paper, a discussion post, or even an email to your professor, we’ve got tips and tools to make sure you’re saying what you really mean. The guide includes help with sentence structure, clarity, tone, and punctuation. 

APA or AMA?  

Different programs may use different citation styles, and switching between them can be confusing. Our guides break down APA and AMA formats with examples, plus shows you how to properly cite your sources because avoiding plagiarism is just as important as writing a strong paper. 

You’re not in this alone 

Grammar doesn’t have to feel intimidating. We built this guide to make writing easier and to take some of the guesswork out of the process. Whether you’re trying to improve your sentence structure, avoid plagiarism, learn the difference between APA and AMA, or just stop second-guessing your comma placement, it’s all covered. 

And if you ever get stuck or want one-on-one help, reach out to a librarian. We're happy to walk through things with you, help you find a resource, or just give you a boost when you’re feeling stuck. 

So don’t let grammar be the thing that holds your writing back. Learn the rules, get the tools, and take your writing to the next level, with a little help from your library.