Books Reviews and Reading Lists

DEI Book Display: U.S. Constitution

September 17th is Constitution (or Citizens) Day in the United States and, in conjunction, this month's Diversity Book Display will focus on the U.S. Constitution. Many civil rights, such as freedom of speech, voter rights and freedom of the press, are either a part of the Constitution itself, or were later added as amendments. The Supreme Court further defines these civil rights, often broadening who is included or protected.

Banned Books Week: A History of Censorship

Banned Books Week began in 1982 as a response to a rise in censorship and challenged books within libraries, schools, and bookstores. The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28) is "Freed Between the Lines," which encourages people to share their love of the right to read and the freedom found in books.

For the Love of Sci-Fi

Science fiction today offers readers an escape from the monotony of modern living. We get a rare invitation to play in worlds rooted in science, but exploring the biggest questions humans have the capacity to ask. See the works of sci-fi selected by Libraries faculty and staff.

DEI Book / Streaming Movie Display: Accessibility & Inclusion

As a new semester begins and the campus fills with both new and familiar faces, it is important to be aware that people experience and interact with their environment in a variety of ways. This month's diversity display will revolve around the themes of disability, accessibility, neurodiversity and inclusion. Awareness of differences will allow barriers to be removed and inclusive spaces to be created. This in turn will allow individuals of all abilities to thrive. Enjoy!

Five Things Every Sci-Fi Fan Needs to Know

The Libraries’ new Sci-Fi Station features a treasure trove of far-away worlds and futuristic conundrums, assembled mainly from Hugo and Nebula award finalists published over the past seven years. Located on the second floor of Hunt Library, the reading nook includes two private reading benches adorned with more than six dozen science fiction and fantasy novels, purchased with the Tom and Eileen McConomy Endowed Fund to whisk readers on a journey far from campus.

Career Collection Spotlight: Creativity and Thinking

The University Libraries’ Career Collection is a treasure trove of valuable resources for professionals at any stage of their careers, from networking and interviewing to pursuing leadership positions. In this list, experts from the Libraries and the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) recommend ten books that focus on using creativity and thinking to set yourself up for success in your career.

DEI Book Display: Diversity in Sports

The diversity display books this July will look at this topic of sports, explaining exclusions in the past, showing how sports have become more inclusive and diverse over time, and highlighting some of the people who broke down barriers or challenged the status quo. For all those who enjoy watching, attending or participating in games and physical competitions, enjoy this selection of e-books that look into the diversity of sports.

DEI Book Display: Technology & Ethics

This month's diversity display looks at technology, especially AI, from the social aspects lens. How can AI be designed, taught and implemented in a responsible way? Does this technology benefit all, or just a few? What should we be aware of with AI and any new technology, so that everyone is treated fairly by it? Enjoy this selection of books that try to answer some of these questions!

Open Science + AI Reading List

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and open science in research is reshaping various disciplines and encouraging transparency, collaboration, and innovation. There are many other readings that explore these and similar topics, and the best part is you can find and access them through the CMU Libraries databases!

DEI Book Display: Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and has been observed in the United States since 1949. It is a time to increase awareness of, educate the general public about and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. With 20% of Americans reporting they suffer from at least one mental illness each year, it is also important to learn how to seek treatment and help, for either yourself or those around you.