Libraries & Digital Learning

Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut

Author: rberanis

There’s More Help Here Than You Think 

February 24, 2026 /

When students struggle it’s not because they aren’t capable; it’s because they try to figure everything out alone. Trinity has a wide range of resources in place to support you in a variety of areas including academics, well-being, and practical support. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed! Over the next few days, we’re hosting two events: one event helps you understand what’s available; the other gives you structured time to actually use the assistance we offer. 

Snacks & Support (Tuesday, March 3, 3:00–6:00 PM, Level A of the Library) is a low-pressure, drop-in event. You can stop by for five minutes or stay longer. Grab homemade cookies, popcorn, chocolate, or fresh fruit, and talk with people from across campus whose work centers on student success. 

Snacks & Support, February 2025

Yes, research librarians and the Writing Center will be there. But so will the Peer Research Center, the Aetna Quantitative Center, Blume Language and Culture Learning Center, Watkinson, Digital Learning & Scholarship, Social Science Research, Academic Advising, Office of Career & Life Design, the Health Center, Health and Counseling, Student Accessibility Resource Center, Sustainability, Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, and the Chartwells Campus Dietitian. 

If you’re working on a thesis, doing research for a class assignment, managing midterms, navigating accommodations, or just trying to stay on top of everything (all while being healthy, fueling our bodies, and participating in extra curriculars) … then this is the right event for you! 

Research & Write (Wednesday, March 4, 4:00-6:00 PM) is a focused, distraction-reduced work session in the Digital Scholarship Studio, RLITC 182. This event is intentionally simple: you bring the assignment, and we create the conditions to help you make real progress. Phones can be checked at the door if you want fewer distractions. Research librarians and Writing Center staff will be available for in-the-moment support while you work. 

Snacks & Support, October 2024

If you’re a senior working on a thesis, this session is especially useful. Big projects don’t usually stall because students lack ideas; they stall because it’s hard to sit down, focus deeply, and move from research to writing. Research & Write is built for exactly that moment. Registration is available but not required for this event. You can show up, get what you need, and leave. No need to stay for the entire time! Midterms don’t have to be something you go through alone; the support you need is right here! 

 

Free Speech and the Power of Expression

November 6, 2025 /

What does it mean to speak freely, and who gets to decide where the limits lie? This month’s library display explores the evolving story of free speech through history, activism, media, and higher education. From the outspoken activism of Emma Goldman to the digital disinformation era, these books highlight how expression has shaped (and been shaped by) democracy, identity, and power.

The display features over 60 titles, including A Dangerous Woman: The Graphic Biography of Emma Goldman, Cheap Speech, Freedom for the Thought That We Hate, and Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime. Together, they trace the freedom of opinion from the early 20th century to today’s online debates and campus dialogues.

For college students, free speech isn’t just a constitutional topic… it’s a lived experience! It grounds academic freedom, fuels activism, and challenges each of us to listen, debate, and learn in a diverse community. In a time of rapid information exchange and deep polarization, these books encourage reflection on how expression can both empower and endanger, connect and divide.

Visit the display in the library this month to explore the many sides of free speech; past, present, and future.

All are welcome to browse, reflect, and join the conversation.

 

Student Learning with AI at Trinity

October 23, 2025 /

College isn’t just about memorizing facts, it’s about learning to ask better questions, consider different viewpoints, and connect ideas in new ways. Now that artificial intelligence is becoming part of how we learn and explore, understanding it is more important than ever.

AI tools can give us information quickly and even inspire new ideas or help organize what we discover. However, these tools are not perfect. Sometimes AI creates information that sounds right but is actually false. It can reflect hidden biases, and often doesn’t show where its information comes from. That means we need to use these tools carefully and thoughtfully, relying on our own thinking and judgment.

Being ready to use AI responsibly means understanding what it can do and where it falls short. At Trinity, that means learning to check AI’s responses against trusted academic sources and thinking about ethical concerns like transparency and credit. Some classes may limit AI use to protect academic honesty, while others might encourage it as a helpful brainstorming partner. When you’re not sure, it’s always good to ask your instructors, librarians, or advisors – they’re here to support you.

AI should be a tool that helps us think more deeply, not a shortcut that replaces careful work. AI can bring in different perspectives and help spark new ideas, but it’s important to keep going back to original sources and to trust your own thinking. Being thoughtful and paying attention to details is still what good research is all about.

Libraries & Digital Learning is here to support this journey. We offer resources, workshops, and expert help to guide students and faculty in using AI tools responsibly. As AI continues to evolve, so will our approaches. Staying open, cautious, and curious will help us make the most of AI’s potential for learning and discovery… without losing sight of the deeper value of research.

Here are some helpful resources and events, created and curated by Trinity staff, to help guide your learning:

📚 Self-Paced Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Course
Learn at your own pace through our new Moodle course:
👉 Fundamentals of AI Course

🤖 AI Resource Center
Explore strategies, tools, and examples of AI use in teaching, learning, and research through our guide:
👉 Artificial Intelligence Resource Center

🔮 AI Séance — October 31, 3–5 PM, LITC 182
Do you ever wish you could ask a historical (or fictional) figure what the past was like? On Halloween, join us for a digital séance to do just that. Using only laptops (bring your own or use ours) and AI, we’ll commune with the dead—aka generative AI technology—to ask burning questions and test whether AI can truly teach us about history (or anything at all). This hands-on, slightly haunted workshop invites curiosity, skepticism, and maybe a little courage. Costumes optional—but curiosity required.

 

More Than Just a Display, Celebrating the Freedom to Read

October 7, 2025 /

Banned Books Week is here, and this year we’re taking it to the next level. The library team has put together a big, bold display and a full week of events to celebrate the freedom to read and to explore stories that have been challenged, banned, or restricted in schools and libraries around the world.

You’ll find the display in the library all month long, packed with books that have sparked debate and conversation—from classics like The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, & Slaughterhouse-Five, to newer titles like The Hate U Give, Fun Home, Gender Queer, and Harry Potter. Some books include a short note explaining why it was banned or challenged, and we think you’ll be surprised by some of the reasons. The goal isn’t just to show what’s been censored, but to celebrate why these stories matter and why access to all voices is worth protecting.

Throughout the week, we’re also hosting a series of events for anyone who wants to get involved, learn something new, or just have some fun. On Monday, October 6, drop by the Cave Patio for an all-day read-out of 1984. You can listen, or grab the mic and read a few lines of one of the most famous banned books of all time. On Tuesday, stop by Level A for Blind Date with a Banned Book—pick a mystery book wrapped in paper, check it out, and take home a surprise story. On Wednesday, come to the A Level Gallery for the opening of Celebrate People’s History, a poster exhibit honoring social justice movements and the people who made them happen.

The week wraps up on Thursday, October 9, with a visit from Emily Drabinski, librarian, professor, and past president of the American Library Association. She’ll give a talk called “Beyond Book Bans: Building Power for the World We Want” (with lunch provided!), followed by a hands-on zine-making workshop in the afternoon and a reception to close out the day.

All events are free and open to everyone, and you’re welcome to drop in for any part that interests you. Whether you stop by the display, read a banned book, make a zine, or just join a conversation, you’ll be part of a campus-wide celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the freedom to read.

Semester in Motion: Explore Helpful Resources on Level A

September 10, 2025 /

The semester is well underway, and now’s a great time to pause, catch your breath, and see what Trinity College Library has to offer. Our “Back to School” book display on Level A is packed with resources to help support your college journey.

Whether you’re just finding your rhythm in college life or looking for ways to sharpen your study skills, this display has something for everyone. You’ll find:

  • College Prep & Academic Readiness: Crack the Code: A Guide to College Success for First Gens, College Rules!, The Freshman Survival Guide
  • Digital Literacy & Research Skills: Digital Paper, Where Research Begins, The College Student’s Research Companion
  • First-Year Student Wellness & Mental Health: Self-Care for College Students, College Student Mental Health and Wellness, Fast Focus, Communication Skills for Healthier Boundaries
  • Adjusting to College Life & Social Skills: The Naked Roommate, Goodnight Dorm Room, Connecting in College, Sex, College, & Social Media

Take a few minutes to stop by Level A, browse the books, and maybe even check one out. Whether you’re tackling classes, making friends, or just figuring out college life, these resources can help you feel a little more confident and prepared. And as always, our  staff is here to help you find exactly what you need!

Summer Fun: Find Your Next Adventure in the Library 

June 10, 2025 /

Summer on campus has a rhythm of its own… slower mornings, golden afternoons, and a little more room to breathe between responsibilities. Whether you’re here for research, working a campus job, or just passing through the library on a quiet day, we invite you to discover our Summer Fun book display, thoughtfully curated to spark joy, creativity, and gentle reflection. 

This display is designed for anyone seeking inspiration—whether you’re looking to unwind with mindful wellness practices, explore new creative hobbies, or simply enjoy stories that celebrate self-discovery and personal growth. You’ll find books that encourage you to slow down, nurture your mental health, and embrace the power of community and self-care. 

Artists and makers will discover guides to drawing, painting, collage, pottery, and fiber arts – perfect for experimenting with new techniques or finding your creative flow. For those interested in hands-on activities, there are resources for baking, cooking, and exploring global cuisines, as well as books that celebrate the therapeutic joy of making and sharing food. 

We’ve also included books that support self-reflection, journaling, and mindfulness, offering prompts and perspectives to help you connect with yourself and others. Whether you’re interested in personal development, body positivity, or finding strength in community, you’ll find stories and advice that resonate with you. 

And for those who love to tinker, invent, or learn new skills, there are books on makerspaces, technology, and DIY projects – inviting you to build, create, and play. 

This display isn’t about required reading – it’s about choosing something that sparks your curiosity or simply makes you feel good. Come browse, borrow, and maybe discover a new favorite. The display will be up all summer long in the leisure reading area. 

As always, feel free to reach out if you’d like personalized recommendations – we’re here to help you find a book that matches your summer mood. 

Wishing you a season of rest, delight, and unexpected discoveries.
☀️📖✨ 

Experiencing IDEAL

August 9, 2024 /

On July 15-18, 2024, Rose Beranis and Benny Bauer attended the IDEAL Conference (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in Libraries & Archives) in Toronto, and it was fantastic! With over 200 speakers and presenters covering a broad range of topics, the sessions and workshops were so engaging that it was a challenge to decide which ones to attend due to the overlaps. To help choose your sessions, you could sort by “Track,” of which they had several areas of focus: Accessibility, Antioppression, Archives, Centering Marginalized Experiences, Collections, Community, Data Management, Leadership, Strategic Planning and Policymaking, Sustainable Practices. It was great to see how much DEI is woven through all aspects of our work as librarians.  

The keynote speaker was particularly inspiring, setting a powerful tone for the entire conference. The workshops were so popular that they had to make room for additional seating so folks wouldn’t be turned away due to lack of space. Other than great sessions, the conference also offered lots of opportunities to network. During meals, break times, and community group meet-ups, we had chances to meet new colleagues and reconnect with familiar faces, including old coworkers we didn’t expect to run into and Dr. Kawanna Bright, who is part of the Oberlin DEI Audit Pilot project that we’re actively working on! It was a joy to connect with so many librarians and archivists across the US and Canada.

The first night also included the IDEALfest, which was incredible. There was great food, zine-making, button making, a photo booth, Plinko, coloring, an ice cream bar, a live band playing 80s music, and a drag story hour! Rose even won the first raffle prize awarded at IDEALfest. It was quite the shindig.  

Overall, this conference was the most diverse one we have ever attended, in content and in attendance (and had a sensory bar, which we will recommend for all future functions). We hope to attend more like it! 

 

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