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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. 

The library's tutorials have been updated with a new series of videos on formatting papers in the style of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

The series of six videos covers paper formatting, creating in-text citations, formatting short and long direct quotes, formatting references, and different kinds of sources.

For additional information on APA 7th formatting, check out the library's guide to APA 7th. Each library and resource center also keeps at least one copy of the APA Publication Manual available for reference.

Cover ArtPublication Manual of the American Psychological Association by American Psychological Association
Call Number: REF BF 76.7 .P83 2020
ISBN: 9781433832161
Publication Date: 2019-10-01

The American Medical Association has released a new 11th edition of its style manual for 2020, and the library has updated its resources accordingly.

Copies of the new 2020 AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition, will be available for reference at all South College libraries and resource centers. The ebook edition is also available online.

Cover Art AMA MANUAL OF STYLE, 11th EDITION by The JAMA Network Editors (Editor)
Call Number: REF R 119 .A533 2020
ISBN: 9780190246556
Publication Date: 2020-03-02
New
11th edition ebook. May need to refresh page after logging in.
 The library has also added an AMA Guide - 11th Edition: Style Guide to its collection of style guides.

APA 7th Edition Publication Manuals and Style Guide Available

Beginning Winter Quarter 2020, South College Libraries and Resource Centers have been equipped with the updated seventh edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association to support programs now using this style.

The library has also published a new APA seventh edition research guide to support students and faculty using the updated style.

As with the guide to the sixth edition of the APA manual, the research guide topics include:

  • APA-style paper formatting tips and resources
  • In-text citation formatting examples
  • Reference list examples and formatting resources
  • Examples of citations for references from specific databases

There are also a recording and resources from an in-service webinar conducted by library staff earlier in the year with an overview of the major changes from the sixth to the seventh edition, especially the notable changes in:

  • General paper formatting
  • In-text citation formatting
  • Reference formatting

The libraries will continue to keep copies of the sixth edition of the APA publication manual and maintain the existing APA sixth edition research guide until all programs have completed the transition to the seventh edition.

 

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