Library Resources for New Graduates

If you have just completed your university studies--we congratulate you on that achievement. And, did you know that there are library resources you can continue to access once you have left UW-Madison?

Visit the Wisconsin Alumni Association Library Access page for information about publicly-available online collections and association membership benefits that also include online access to two size-able, article databases.

Information is also available from our libraries’ Website about borrowing privileges for residents (Wisconsin) and non-residents and fee-based document delivery services.

If you remain in the state of Wisconsin, you will also be able to use Badgerlink, a project of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning that supports access to quality online information resources. See its FrequentlyAsked Questions page for more information.

Wherever you go, do acquaint yourself with your local public and academic libraries where you will be able to visit and to access many of their resources in-house and online.

Libraries Launch New Catalog!

On May 21, UW-Madison Libraries will officially launch its new library catalog.  This new catalog, which has engaged the talents of campus library staff in its design, development and user-testing, will serve as the primary catalog interface.  Catalog users will enjoy a more effective searching experience to successfully retrieve resources from the wealth of campus and UW-System library collections.

The new catalog is also designed for your mobile lifestyle, working seamlessly with iPads and other mobile devices.  Do note that although this new catalog interface has been developed, access to "MadCat" will remain available.

Contact your Steenbock librarians today should you wish to schedule an opportunity to review the new catalog interface. Our librarians can provide assistance with your use of the catalog and supply a customized orientation to your students.

• Search the catalog

• Tell us about your experience

Ride to Farm (June 2)

Hop on your bike to benefit the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers with the ninth annual "Ride to Farm" (Saturday, June 2).  The ride will take you through Dane and Green counties with two farm visits for a sampling of local treats.  There are fabulous prizes for top fundraisers and a celebratory end-of-ride picnic at Goodland Park. 

For more information and to register, visit the Ride to Farm site.  The Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers is a program managed by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and the Farm and Industry Short Course.

See the press release.

Gardening Apps

As it has been popularly said, 'there’s an app for that' and no less true for the gardening community.  While your most immediately effective tools are likely going to be your fork and hoe, there are a number of handy apps that will enable you to plan and plant.

Try a few today!

Gardenate (available from iTunes App Store, $1.99)

GardenID  (available from MEDL Mobile, $2.99)

Garden Plan Pro (available from iTunes App Store, $9.99 OR online with free trial, GrowVeg.com)

Garden Tracker (available from iTunes App Store, $.99)

iGrowIt (available from iTunes App Store, $.99)

iVeggieGarden (available from iTunes App Store, $9.99)

KD credits librarian Kristen Mastel, University of Minnesota, for list of suggested apps.

Take a Break! Coffee, lemonade, popcorn!

The library will also host a generous donation from University Housing of coffee and lemonade during the evenings, (May 14-16; beginning at 7:00 PM, while supplies last).

Look for the beverage service on the first floor (vending area).  In addition to coffee and lemonade, Steenbock Library staff will supply an additional treat—popcorn!

For a list of extended library hours and finals week activities at the various campus libraries, visit the special, "StudyStrong" pages.

The staff from Steenbock Library and University Housing wishes you the best for a successful finals week and end of term.

Plant Sale with the Pros, Olbrich, May 11-12

The staff of Olbrich Botanical Gardens will host a "PlantSale with the Pros", Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM (Friday) and from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM (Saturday).  Look for tents, 3330 Atwood Avenue. 

The sale will feature Wisconsin-hardy annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and more. Master gardeners and Olbrich’s horticulturists will be available to answer questions. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Olbrich Gardens.

Arboretum Native Plant Sale, May 12

The Friends of the Arboretum will host its annual NativePlant Sale, Saturday, May 12, from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Look for tents near the Visitor Center. Should you wish to plan your list of must-have plants, do consult the 2012 Species List (soil and lighting requirements are listed).

While every effort is made to supply a quantity of each species, the Friends cannot guarantee that everything will remain available, or in the quantities desired, upon your arrival.

My rule of thumb (green thumb, that is!)--get there early! Experts will be on hand to help you locate species and to answer questions.

2012 Species List

Study Strong in Campus Libraries, 2012

Be sure to check the "Study Strong" pages for a list of extended library hours and finals week activities at the various campus libraries.

Steenbock Library will be extending its hours until 3:00 AM, beginning Friday, May 11 and running until Friday, May 18, 2012.  On Saturday, May 19, the library will be open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Should you need to come and go from our building during these later hours, we always advise using the "buddy system" and to walk or share a ride with friends. Additionally, and as need be, do consider using SAFE Nighttime services.

The library will also host a generous donation from University Housing of coffee and lemonade during the evenings, (May 14-16; beginning at 7:00 PM, while supplies last). Look for the beverage service on the first floor (vending alcove).

Steenbock Library staff and the University Housing community wish you the best for a successful finals week and end of term.

Congrats to Student Staff!

Steenbock Library is pleased to announce that one of its student staff has been awarded a UW-Libraries 2012 Student Staff Service Award.  The Libraries will recognize Roxanne Peterson for her contributions to Steenbock Library in a staff ceremony and reception, May 8.

Roxanne was nominated for this award for having demonstrated a strong work ethic, interacting with co-workers and the public in a pleasant and positive manner.  She is commended for being ready to assist and to take on new responsibilities.

Since joining the Circulation staff in 2009, Roxanne has embraced additional responsibilities in the areas of technical services and student staff leadership. She has worked countless hours for the library and has volunteered to help on a variety of special projects—all that, and successfully managing a full course schedule!

Congratulations, Roxanne, on this award.  We thank you for your service to Steenbock Library.

See the Libraries’ press release.

Farm Fresh Atlas 2012

The 2012 edition of the Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas has been released! Pick up your copy from any of several university and area locations, including Steenbock Library (look for stacks at our service desks).

Use the Atlas to locate farms, markets and restaurant partners who bring you fresh, area-grown produce and food products. Do note that many of the area growers welcome visitors with special events, u-pick options, hay-rides and tours.

Should you be looking for options apart from the southern Wisconsin area, consult the site for Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlases or nationally, using the Local Harvest site.

Buy fresh; buy local!