Thursday, October 30, 2008

Get your Flu Shot (campus clinics)

UW-Madison students can obtain a flu shot by visiting University Health Services (1552 University Avenue) weekdays, between the hours of 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. No appointment is necessary during these walk-in clinics which will continue through December (after December the UHS clinic will move to 333 East Campus Mall). Students will be asked to present their university ID in order to get the vaccine.

For more information about influenza and the vaccine, visit the UHS site.

Faculty and staff can obtain the flu shot at walk-in clinics hosted in several campus locations during two weeks, November 3-14 and, unless otherwise indicated, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Faculty and staff will be asked to present their insurance card. For more information, visit the campus Occupational Health site.

Books with Bite!

"I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars."

--From Twilight, 2005 by Stephenie Meyer

Among the stars of popular, gothic literature are Laurell K. Hamilton, Stephenie Meyer and Anne Rice who have introduced readers to a passionate coven of vampires. Their books are to be found lurking in the stacks of campus libraries—primarily College and Memorial.

Run a MadCat search for these authors (either a “Words Anywhere” or “Author Browse”) or ask a librarian for assistance.

Sink your teeth into a few of these books during your Halloween weekend; you’ll be thirsting for more!

Tips from staff fans:

Look for the Anita Blake, vampire hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton

Look for the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer

Look for the Vampire Chronicles (series) by Anne Rice

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Holocaust Memorial Exhibit (Oct 10-Dec 10)

Memorial Library is hosting a traveling exhibit from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum on the Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945.

The Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools and the General Library System are co-sponsoring this exhibit plus a series of related presentations and events.

The exhibit is comprised of more than 200 reproductions of photographs, documents, and artwork that examine the Nazi regime’s social and racial ideology that contributed to its persecution of the gay community.

The exhibit and events are free and open to the public. When coming to visit the exhibit, as housed in the main entrance lobby of Memorial Library (728 State Street), you will be asked to present campus ID, driver’s license or other photo ID to enter.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Guide for Penny Pinchers

In tough economic times, it is useful to note a few strategies for saving some pennies here and there. Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor, Barbara Lawton, has issued an online Guide for Penny Pinchers with links to tips on saving money and stretching your dollar where necessary.

Among her tips is the call to use your library (be it public or campus!) in order to access resources, of all kinds, suitable for scholarship or entertainment. Ask a Librarian today how you can retrieve the resources you need to complete your papers and projects.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Ebling Book Sale (October 23-24)

Ebling Library will hold its annual book sale, Thursday, October 23 (from 8:00 AM -5:00 PM) and Friday, October 24 (from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM) in the Historical Reading Room (third floor, Ebling Library). Bargains are to be found on out-of-date anatomy, clinical, nursing and pharmacy books, and reasonably priced 19th and early 20th century collectibles—including texts of the history of the health sciences.

Campus Bus 80 will get you there!

To donate books for this sale or to ask questions, contact Micaela Sullivan-Fowler at 262-2402.

Journal Collection News

Campus libraries have recently negotiated new multi-year licensing agreements with some journal publishers. As a result of these negotiations, we now have greatly increased access to journals from Elsevier.

Campus libraries have also negotiated access to all of the Nature journal titles, including Nature Protocols, Nature Photonics, and Nature Geoscience.

Despite these favorable leasing agreements, Steenbock Library has had to cancel some journal subscriptions in order to stay within budget. You can learn more about this these journal collection issues by visiting the library’s Journal Subscriptions and Related News for 2009 page.

This web page also includes a brief update on journal price increases and local budget issues, information about the UW System budget request for UW Digital Commons, and an explanation of the criteria that we use to identify journals for cancellation. As always, we have targeted lower-use journals. To comment on any of these cancellations, please contact Steenbock Library Director Jean Gilbertson by November 1, 2008.

When you need a journal article that is not available on our campus, we encourage you to use Library Express to request a copy at no charge to you. While we are aware of the potential inconvenience caused by canceling subscriptions, we are committed to providing you with the information you need in an efficient and timely manner.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Mami Wata Exhibition (Oct 18-Jan 11)

“Beautiful and seductive, protective yet dangerous, the African water deity Mami Wata (pidgin English for “Mother Water”) is often portrayed as a mermaid, a snake charmer, or a combination of both. She and related African spirits dwell in rivers, seas, and other bodies of water. Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and Its Diasporas explores five hundred years of the visual culture and history of Mami Wata, honoring the essential, sacred nature of water.” (from the introduction to the exhibition)

In addition to honoring water in art and folklore, the curator for this exhibition has pulled together a series of speakers and events, from many campus departments and venues, to expand our appreciation for a vital resource. Visit the online exhibitions page or print the flyer to plan your visit.

Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and its Diasporas
Chazen Museum of Art, October 18, 2008 – January 11, 2009
Brittingham Galleries

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Friends of the Libraries Book Sale (Oct 15-18)

The Friends of UW-Madison Libraries will host a used book sale October 15-18 in Room 116 of Memorial Library.

A preview sale, with $5.00 admission, will be held from 5:00 until 9:00 PM, Wednesday, October 15. The regular sale, which is open to all at no charge, will be held from 10:30 AM until 7:00 PM on Thursday and Friday, October 16-17.

On Saturday, October 18 (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM), you can bring a bag and fill it for $3.00. Between 1:05-2:00 PM, remaining books are free.

Care to donate? Donations of books, CDs, LPs and videos can be made any time during the year by leaving them in the Open Return book drops at campus libraries. Materials can also be dropped off at the Lake Street loading dock of Memorial Library between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM weekdays.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Open Access Day (October 14)

October 14th has been named Open Access Day! Libraries, publishers and academic institutions will be using this day to draw attention to the Open Access Movement—a movement that seeks to harness the power of the Internet to advance the unrestricted and altruistic sharing of research with a worldwide community of interested parties who can benefit from and contribute to the development of that research.

Open Access Day is sponsored by SPARC, the Public Library of Science and Students for Free Culture. The day’s events will include a live video webcast at the Memorial Union at 6:00 PM (check TITU for room location).

For an overview of the issues regarding Open Access and how it may impact you, visit the Scholarly Communication & Publishing website.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Wisconsin Book Festival (October 15-19)

Need an opportunity to feed the mind and stir the soul? If so, consider taking a break to cozy up to the bountiful harvest of author presentations and book discussion forums that comprise the Wisconsin Book Festival.

(Apologies for my lavish use of feeding/harvest metaphor but is there any better illustration for that which the season implies and good literature can inspire?!)

The theme for the book festival this year is that of “changing places” and what that may connote for writers and their readers—how we may step into another’s shoes and learn to honor and to appreciate the other—be it a place, an experience or a point-of-view.

Featured speakers include: Lynda Barry, Judy Blume, Moustafa Bayoumi, Mia Kirshner, David Maraniss, Michael Perry, Jeremy Scahill, Christina Schwarz, Patricia Smith, among many others.

New this year will be an opportunity to participate in conversation circles—public forums for exploring themes of change and community.

See the list of presenters.

View the five day schedule of events.

UW-Madison Libraries and the Friends of UW-Madison Libraries are among the festival sponsors.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Register to Vote!

Library staff and volunteers are available at campus library locations to register City of Madison voters for the November election. As these staff and volunteers need to deliver the Registration forms to the City Clerk’s office by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 15, early registration will end at 3:00 PM that day. Registration can also be made through your municipal clerk's office or at your polling place on Election Day.

Library locations and hours:

College Library: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Sunday through Tuesday
(phone the Information Desk, there, for additional hours, 262-3245.

Memorial Library: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday

Steenbock Library: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
(phone the Circulation Desk to confirm Registrar availability, 262-1371)

Wendt Library: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
(phone the Circulation Desk to confirm Registrar availability, 262-3493

Related information:

Where Do I Vote? (City of Madison)

Voting on campus (dorm polling locations):

Voter Information, FAQs (Elections Division, State of Wisconsin Government Accountability Board)

Wisconsin, Election Information You Need (VOTE411.org)

Sources for information about the candidates and issues:

Wisconsin Vote

Monday, October 06, 2008

Sometimes it takes GUTS!

The Greater University Tutoring Service (GUTS) has posted its schedule for drop-in tutoring at College and Steenbock libraries. GUTS is a registered student organization that connects UW students with volunteer tutors.

Tutors are available to assist with academic courses, study and test-taking skills and conversational English. Visit the GUTS site to learn more about how you can connect with a tutor or volunteer your skills to the organization.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Odd Wisconsin

If you have ever thought Wisconsin to be a curious place (as I often do), then the new exhibit opening at the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum (on the Capitol Square) is for you!

The Odd Wisconsin exhibit features a collection of Wisconsin artifacts and fifty displays exploring the history—from college pranks to spiritualist séances—engaged in by its residents.

Take a sneak peek at what you will see!

The exhibit opens October 3.

Museum location: 30 N. Carroll Street on the Capitol Square
Museum hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: adults ($4.00); children ($3.00); families ($10.00)

And, of extra note, the museum is planning some fun tie-ins with Halloween week (see the Calendar of Events).

Additionally, keep up-to-date on Odd Wisconsin with its blog. There is also a book, authored by Erika Janik, available from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press and area public libraries.

Wisconsin Solar Tour (October 3-4)

If you are interested in exploring alternative energy solutions, come take of tour of area (south-central region) homes and businesses that have incorporated wind, solar and geothermal technologies into their design and energy production—electricity and space and water heating.

On Friday, October 3, business sites are open from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
Homes sites are open for tours on Saturday, October 4 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

(All tour sites are free and open to the public).

For more information, visit the Midwest Renewable Energy Association Solar Tour web site.

Of related interest, Wendt Library staff has recommended the following e-book titles:

Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Designing Indoor Solar Products: Photovoltaic Technologies for AES

Energy Conversion

Energy Efficiency Manual

Handbook of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering

Modelling Photovoltaic Systems Using PSpice

Nonimaging Optics in Solar Energy

Organic photovoltaics: mechanism, materials, and devices

Solar Technologies for Buildings