Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
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The DEI Metadata Handbook: A Guide to Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Description
H. E. Wintermute; Heather Campbell; Christopher Dieckman · Iowa State University Digital Press · 2024
Written primarily for professionals in library and information science but with applicability to archives and other information management industries, this handbook provides an overview of metadata work that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI metadata work has several goals: enhancing diverse representation in descriptive metadata; improving discovery of diverse resources; and mitigating negative effects of inaccurate, outdated, or offensive terminology. Readers will gain a broad awareness of DEI-related issues in metadata creation and management; learn techniques for retroactively reviewing and updating existing metadata to address these issues; and develop strategies to create metadata that better meets DEI needs.
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Conducting Mixed-Methods Research: From Classical Social Sciences to the Age of Big Data and Analytics
Viswanath Venkatesh; Susan (Sue) Brown; Yulia Sullivan · Virginia Tech Libraries · 2023
Scholars in the social sciences are increasingly expected to incorporate both quantitative and qualitative techniques and methods into their research. The growth of “mixed-methods” research is evident in social science disciplines ranging from psychology and management to marketing and information systems. This book is designed to provide principles, strategies, and guidance specifically for researchers in these disciplines so that they can use mixed-methods research more effectively. In thirteen chapters, Conducting Mixed-Methods Research takes readers through the research process, from defining research questions to writing articles using a mixed-methods approach. For those who are well trained in either qualitative or quantitative methods, the book shows them how to think about the purposes of mixed-methods research, design mixed-methods studies, and develop meta-inferences by integrating findings from both methods. Throughout, the discussion is grounded in examples taken from published research, carefully chosen to highlight best practices, thus opening a window into a broad body of mixed-methods research applications.
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Practical Game Programming
Harris Wang; Walter Ridgewell · Athabasca University Press · 2026
Practical Game Programming provides a structured, accessible introduction to game development using C++ and the Allegro 5 library. Designed for upper-level undergraduate learners, it guides students through the complete development pipeline—from programming fundamentals and user input to graphics, audio, file management, and game timing. Advanced topics such as collision detection, multithreading, optimization, custom shaders, and networking are covered in depth. This OER emphasizes both technical skills and design principles, including game conception, prototyping, UI/UX, testing, and quality assurance. Each chapter includes exercises and projects, culminating in genre-based development challenges across action, platformer, adventure, arcade, puzzle, role-playing, strategy, and more. With a focus on applied learning and creative exploration, this text equips students to build professional-quality games and prepares them for real-world development environments.
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Beyond Coding
David Tuffley · Griffith University · 2025
In today’s competitive IT industry, technical skills alone are no longer enough to succeed. This book teaches essential soft skills that transform technical professionals into complete IT leaders. You will master clear communication for diverse audiences, build strong teams through collaboration and conflict resolution, and solve complex problems with structured thinking. The guide covers time management techniques, project management fundamentals, and stakeholder delivery methods. Additional modules address professional ethics, customer relations, cultural awareness, leadership influence, and personal growth. These practical skills complement your technical knowledge, creating competitive advantages in today’s IT industry. The book provides frameworks, tools, and strategies that help you advance your career, lead projects successfully, and adapt to changing workplace demands.
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First Semester in Numerical Analysis with Python
Yaning Liu · Auraria Institutional Repository
The book is based on “First semester in Numerical Analysis with Julia”, written by Giray Ökten. The contents of the original book are retained, while all the algorithms are implemented in Python (Version 3.8.0). Python is an open source (under OSI), interpreted, general-purpose programming language that has a large number of users around the world. Python is ranked the third in August 2020 by the TIOBE programming community index, a measure of popularity of programming languages, and is the top-ranked interpreted language. We hope this book will better serve readers who are interested in a first course in Numerical Analysis, but are more familiar with Python for the implementation of the algorithms. The first chapter of the book has a self-contained tutorial for Python, including how to set up the computer environment. Anaconda, the open-source individual edition, is recommended for an easy installation of Python and effortless management of Python packages, and the Jupyter environment, a web-based interactive development environment for Python as well as many other programming languages, was used throughout the book and is recommended to the readers for easy code development, graph visualization and reproducibility.
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The Spec UI framework
Johan Fabry; Stephane Ducasse · Square Bracket Associates · 2017
Spec is the default UI framework for Pharo. To build UI's in Spec existing widgets or even complete UI's are reused and configured to form a new UI. This book first shows the basics of Spec and how it enables reuse of UIs. It then treats UI layout in detail before moving on to explaining the management of windows. Some of the more advanced widgets are also discussed as well as the dynamic features of Spec. Lastly, the book also contains a chapter with tips and tricks.
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Database Design
Adrienne Watt · BCcampus · 2014
This second edition of Database Design book covers the concepts used in database systems and the database design process. Topics include: The history of databases Characteristics and benefits of databases Data models Data modelling Classification of database management systems Integrity rules and constraints Functional dependencies Normalization Database development process New to this edition are more examples, highlighted and defined key terms, both throughout and at the end of each chapter, and end-of-chapter review exercises. Two new chapters have been added on SQL, along with appendices that include a data model example, sample ERD exercises and SQL lab with solutions.
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An Introduction to Computer Networks
Peter Dordal · Peter L Dordal · 2014
An Introduction to Computer Networksis a free and open general-purpose computer-networking textbook, complete with diagrams and exercises.It covers the LAN, internetworking and transport layers, focusing primarily on TCP/IP. Particular attention is paid to congestion; other special topics include queuing, real-time traffic, network management, security and the ns simulator. The book is suitable as the primary text for an undergraduate or introductory graduate course in computer networking, as a supplemental text for a wide variety of network-related courses, and as a reference work.
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Information Systems - A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology
University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing · 2015
Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology is intended for use in undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Management Information Systems and Information Technology. The teaching approach in Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology can change this. The text offers a proven approach that has garnered student praise, increased IS enrollment, and engaged students to think deeper and more practically about the space where business and technology meet. Every topic is related to specific business examples, so students gain an immediate appreciation of its importance. Rather than lead with technical topics, the book starts with strategic thinking, focusing on big-picture issues that have confounded experts but will engage students. And while chapters introduce concepts, cases on approachable, exciting firms across industries further challenge students to apply what they've learned, asking questions like: Why was Netflix able to repel Blockbuster and WalMart? How did Harrah's Casino's become twice as profitable as comparably-sized Caesar's, enabling the former to acquire the latter? How does Spain's fashion giant Zara, a firm that shuns the sort of offshore manufacturing used by every other popular clothing chain, offer cheap fashions that fly off the shelves, all while achieving growth rates and profit margins that put Gap to shame? Why do technology markets often evolve into winner-take-all or winner take-most scenarios? And how can managers compete when these dynamics are present? Why is Google more profitable than Disney? How much is Facebook really worth? The teaching approach in this text encourages students to think deeper and more practically about the space where business and technology meet. Every topic is related to specific business examples, so students gain an immediate appreciation of its importance. Rather than starting with technical topics, the book starts with strategic thinking, focusing on big-picture issues t
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Foundations of Information Systems
Dr. Mahesh S. Raisinghani; Amal Alhosban; Dax Bradley; Wade Chumney · OpenStax, Rice University
Foundations of Information Systems aligns to the topics and objectives of most introductory information systems courses in computer science and information technology, as well as in other subject areas such as health and business information systems. The offering helps students understand foundational concepts including hardware, software, database management systems, and data networks. The instruction is based on the ACM/IEEE/AIS curriculum standards for information systems (IS2020) that allow institutions to use the content for the purposes of accreditation for ABET, AACSB, and ACBSP. The material focuses on developing and applying knowledge regarding the collection, processing, storage, distribution, and value of information. Students will also learn about the various interactions between information systems professionals and others in organizations, so that they understand how to collaborate with management, colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Foundations of Information Systems is designed to engage students through a combination of practical, real-world applications and thought-provoking scenarios that promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of core concepts. The pedagogical approach is centered on making information systems relevant to students from an array of backgrounds and career interests. By connecting theory to practice and encouraging students to explore real-world issues, Foundations of Information Systems equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their academic and professional journeys.
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Linux - The Penguin Marches On
Patrick McClanahan · San Joaquin Delta College
In the contents: 03: Permission and Ownership Management · 4.09: Logical Volume Management · 4.11: File System Management
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Deep into Pharo
Alexandre Bergel, Damien Cassou, Stéphane Ducasse, Jannik Laval · LibreTexts
In the contents: 4.07: Start-Up Actions Management · 7.01: Preamble - Package Management System
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INT 2080: Database Design (Watt and Eng)
Kunle Elebute · Prince George's Community College
In the contents: 06: Classification of Database Management Systems
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CISC 302: Computer Familiarization
Marjorie Duffy · Cosumnes River College
In the contents: 1.06: File Management - Windows File Explorer · 1.15: Introduction to File Management · 1.21: Files Management
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Database Design 2e
Adrienne Watt · British Columbia Institute of Technology
In the contents: 1.06: Classification of Database Management Systems
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Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts (Lumen)
LibreTexts
In the contents: 16.04: Assignment- File Management
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Introduction to Computer Science
OpenStax · LibreTexts
In the contents: 6.04: Memory Management · 08: Data Management · 8.01: Data Management Focus
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Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
Adam Dastrup · Salt Lake Community College
In the contents: 05: Geospatial Data Management · 5.03: Geospatial Database Management
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Workplace Software and Skills
OpenStax · LibreTexts
In the contents: 08: Content Management Systems and Social Media in Business · 8.01: What Are Content Management Systems · 8.02: Common Content Management Systems
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Introduction to Information Systems
David T. Bourgeois · Biola University
In the contents: 4.03: Database Management Systems · 7.7.03: Business Process Management Systems · 8.06: Process Management