Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Calling for Course Reserves, Spring 2014

Calling all course materials!  Ensure that your reserve materials (print and e-reserves) are available, in time, for the first day of class, by submitting a request before Wednesday, January 8, 2014.

Materials will be processed in the order in which they are received.

For more information, visit the Steenbock Library Course Reserves page, email, or complete an online request form.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

What we've been reading...

Are you looking to dig into some reading (apart from your required texts)?  If so, take a break and consider the list of titles generated by campus librarians (and via Pinterest) during their annual book discussion.  Use the book list to find something to distract you from the local wintry scene or to take with you as you venture out from campus for the winter semester break.

And, not to be outdone, our student staff has also generated a favorites list.  Visit the Pinterest board, "Our Favorite Books" to discover more reading selections.

Consult with your campus or public libraries to find available copies.
  • LinkCat, South Central Wisconsin Library System Catalog (and check-out its “Don’t Miss Lists)
  • WorldCat (find library copies nationally, some internationally)

Monday, December 09, 2013

Take your Study Break with Us!

As a special treat to cheer you and to warm you up for finals week, Steenbock Library and University Housing are partnering to provide FREE hot chocolate and coffee!!! 

The hot beverages will be served from Saturday, December 14 through Tuesday, December 17 starting at 7:00 PM and continuing while supplies last.  Look for the service on the first floor (vending area) of the library.  Other finals week events will be posted to the Libraries site.

We wish you a successful end of term!

Finals Photo Contest!

Win this one of a kind, special edition Harry!  Show us how you #studystrong at Steenbock.  Share a photo or video of yourself studying at Steenbock, and tag us in it on any of the following:
  • @Ask_Steenbock (Vine, Twitter, Instagram)
  • Steenbock Memorial Library (Facebook)
Deadline: Midnight on Sunday, December 15
Our judges will pick a winning entry, and notify the winner on Monday, December 16.  We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Monday, December 02, 2013

Holiday Plant & Tree Sale (Dec 6-8)

The UW Forestry Club and the UW Horticulture Society will team during this coming weekend to offer the campus community a selection of trees, wreathes, poinsettias and other plants popular during the winter holidays.  Given how popular the plant sale has been in the past, the Horticultural Society will be offering an opportunity to pre-order.  Please send an email message (uwhortclub@gmail.com ; Subject: Poinsettia Preorder) with your name, quantity and sizes desired. 

Forestry Club tree species will include Fraser and Balsam Firs and White Pine; wreathes are made with Fraser Fir.

Hours and Location (Stock Pavilion):
Friday, December 6:  8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 7:  8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 8:   9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Links to Products and Pricing (courtesy of eCALS):
Trees & Wreathes
Poinsettias and Other Plants

Proceeds from both sales support student educational programming.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Raise the Woof! (Dec 2)

What better way to relieve the stress of studying than to meet wet-nose to nose with a wagging member of the canine corps, Dogs on Call?!

Steenbock staff welcomes Dogs on Call and their companion handlers to the library, Monday, December 2, from 6:30-8:00 PM. The dogs will be available for a pat near the front, main entrance to the library (second floor) for this special study break.

Dogs on Call is a local member of Pet Partners--an organization devoted to improving human health through the existing bond between people and companion animals. These companion animals are specially-trained to gently-interact with their human counterparts in any number of environments including schools, hospitals, libraries and special-care facilities.  In addition to its membership with Pet Partners, Dogs on Call is a R.E.A.D (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) affiliate with Intermountain Therapy Animals.  Please visit their sites to learn more about their services.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

CRANtastic!

Did you know that the cranberry, ubiquitous during this time of year given its association with traditional Thanksgiving holiday feasting, is Wisconsin’s leading fruit crop?!
(See the NASS, USDA Cranberry production reports and the annual Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Bulletin for data tables).

Consult Steenbock’s research guide to the American Cranberry to explore more about cranberry cultivation, marketing, and use (including links to growers and online recipe sites).  Steenbock Library maintains this guide as a partner in AgNIC, a portal to agricultural news, events, libraries and research centers.

Should you wish to savor this fruit in your fall harvest menu, we also invite you to browse a selection of titles from our collection with Pinterest guide, "CRANtastic".

Friday, November 15, 2013

GIS Day 2013 (Nov 20)

"Discover your future in GIS" (Geographic/Geospatial Information Science) with a special day devoted to emerging technologies and career opportunities. 

GIS Day 2013 will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM in the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. 

During this one day event, which is free and open to the public, participants can learn from guest speakers who use a variety of GIS technologies in their work, explore informative exhibits from university departments, businesses, and government and non-profit agencies, and network with professionals and co-participants.

To learn more about University labs, courses, and staff who are engaged with GIS technologies, visit the Geospatial Alliance site.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

During the week of the Thanksgiving holiday, campus libraries will observe changes from their regular hours of operation. Do plan ahead should you need to visit the libraries or to pick up items from their collections. Steenbock Library will observe the following hours during the week of Thanksgiving:
  • Wednesday, November 27:  8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday, November 28:  CLOSED
  • Friday, November 29:  8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Saturday, November 30:  CLOSED
  • Sunday, December 1:  6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Steenbock’s hours are also posted on its home page (lower right on screen) and on its detailed hours page. Hours of operation for all campus libraries can be found by browsing the list of libraries at the campus libraries' "Who's Open" page.

And, should you still need to work on a paper or project, do note, with our off-campus access service, you are never far away from the campus library resources you know and love.

Friday, November 08, 2013

Welcome to Campus, Farm & Industry Short Course

Steenbock Library welcomes CALS Short Course students to campus. The Farm & Industry Short Course, founded in 1885, is a 16-week program of study designed to prepare its students for careers in agriculture.  For more information about this exceptional program’s history, take a look at the publication, A History of the Farm and Industry Short Course, 1885-2010 and accompanying picture archive.
Steenbock Library with its collections, staff, and proximity to the residence halls is prepared to assist students with finding and using resources to complete class projects.

The library also supplies lab and group study spaces and access to recreational materials from the entire campus library system.

Friday, November 01, 2013

Wicked Reading

Ever wonder what goes bump in the night?  Feed that imagination with a selection of the creepy books haunting the shelves of campus libraries.  The SpookyUW Pinterest board exhibits some popular titles suggested by library staff--and guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.  Click on each cover to pursue the link to campus library holdings.

For more fun library discoveries, follow our boards: UWMadLibraries or Steenbock Memorial Library!

New E-Resources

Campus librarians are actively assessing and adding new online resources to our campus library collections.  While these resources are linked within our database library menus by subject or by type, you can browse the list chronologically or subscribe to its feed.  These online (e-resources) include subscription databases and data-sets, openly-accessible publications and digital collections, reference tools, research guides, and more.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

An Evening with Ruth Ozeki (Oct 28)

Save the date to attend the free, Go Big Read author event.  Author Ruth Ozeki’s public presentation is scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2013 beginning at 7:00 PM in Varsity Hall, Union South.

A Tale for the Time Being brings the life of troubled Japanese school-girl, Nao, to the attention of author, Ruth, within the flotsam and jetsam--a Hello Kitty lunchbox--washed ashore in British Columbia.  Alternating between Nao and Ruth, through Canada, Japan and the United States, and intersecting with critical historical and world events, the reader is deeply-moved as each protagonist reconciles what is, and what may be, within her time and place.

"Go Big Read" is UW-Madison’s common book program where students, staff and the community are invited to read the same book, then participate in a variety of related programs in-and-out of the classroom.

For additional information about how to access the book--including alternative formats, click here.
No tickets are required for the author event; it is FREE and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:00 PM.

Tales from Planet Earth (Nov 1-3)

Tales from Planet Earth is a film festival featuring environmental films from around the world. From the fanciful to the profound, the films selected should engage audiences in thoughtful discussion of environmental issues and the use of film media to capture and to examine those issues.  Attending the festival will be many of the film-makers themselves with whom to discuss their work.

The festival is a public outreach event from the Center for Culture, History, and Environment (CHE) and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.

All festival events are free and open to the public as space/seating accommodates.  The opening roundtable, moderated by Professor Gregg Mitman, will feature Ruth Ozeki, Alex Rivera, Marie-Hélène Cousineau, and Zach Kunuk in a conversation examining questions of time and culture in the age of the Anthropocene (marking the unprecedented scale of human impact upon the planet).

Friday, October 18, 2013

Madison Print & Resist (Oct 19)

College Library will play host this Saturday (October 19) to a special 'zine event in conjunction with the Wisconsin Book Festival.  This "Madison Print & Resist" event will feature the work of more than 25 artists and writers of 'zines and grassroots, political and experimental, print-media.  

Stop by the Open Book Café to browse these publications and to meet with the artists and writers. 
The event will run from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

BrowZine

Would you like to follow your favorite research journals using your iPad or Android tablet?  If so, try the BrowZine App today!  When you download the BrowZine application from the App Store or Google Play, you will see a list of schools.  Select UW-Madison then enter your NetID and password.  Once installed, you can create a bookshelf of your favorite journals, browse and read articles, and export citation records to compatible citation management tools. 

While not every journal to which UW-Madison Libraries has access will be available, BrowZine does maintain a relationship with many academic publishers (see the list here).  

Brought to you by UW-Madison Libraries, BrowZine is available to all UW-Madison faculty, staff and students.  Enjoy!

Monday, October 07, 2013

We want your feedback!

Announcing the new and improved Bock Box!

We have always appreciated all the valuable feedback we get from Steenbock visitors. To make our responses to your feedback more visible, we have a new suggestion box. It is called the Bock Box and is right near the InfoLab on the second floor. Please feel free to drop us a note in there anytime! We will highlight some comments and our responses to the bulletin board (after removing any identifying information). 

You can also tweet comments to us to #BockBox or @Ask_Steenbock, or email comments to us at asksteenbock@library.wisc.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
The Steenbock Staff

Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Barn Dance (Oct 19)

Celebrate the fall with live music, cider, a pie-raffle and more when the Cates Family Farm hosts its Barn Dance, Saturday, October 19.  The Barn Dance will, of course, feature dancing in tune with music from the Kettle Creek String Band with proceeds from the occasion benefiting student research in the Agroecology program. 

The event runs from 7:00-10:00 PM with doors opening at 6:00 PM.  Tickets ($10 for students and $15 for general public) can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets.

There will be free camping on-site for those who wish to "make a night of it".  Find the Cates Family Farm at 5992 County Road T, Spring Green.

Join the event on Facebook.

World Dairy Expo (Oct 1-5)

Find yourself at the "Center of the Dairy Universe" with the annual World Dairy Expo, hosted in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center and Dane County Coliseum.  
The Expo provides an opportunity for producers, industry representatives, and members of academic and professional organizations to meet, compete, showcase and exchange ideas regarding all things dairy.

Information, for dairy enthusiasts who wish to attend this unique event, can be found at the Expo’s Attendee Information page.

Or, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Curiosity Unleashed! WI Science Festival 2013

"Unleash your curiosity" with the Wisconsin Science Festival, September 26-29, 2013!
Visit the festival website program guide to plan your day.  While many events and programs will take place at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, there are many other area venues including the Geology Museum, the Madison Children’s Museum and Union South that will be hosting special events. 
The festival affords an amazing opportunity to dabble creatively in the sciences with hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits, films, lectures, workshops, and more.  Importantly, too, you will meet the individuals behind the art and science who will share an infectious enthusiasm for what they do--whether that is their work in the lab, field or studio.  Ask plenty of questions!

And, do look for your campus librarians! They will be staffing an "Ask a Librarian/Ask a Science Librarian" table during the Discovery Expo (Town Center, WID).  What with our interest in the sciences and science literacy, how can we resist but to be there where the action is--we look forward to seeing you there!

Follow the fun via Facebook and Twitter.
The Wisconsin Science Festival is free and open to the public.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Clothing, Culture & Context (Design Gallery)

Save the date for a special Design Gallery exhibition of selected materials from the Helen Louise Allen collection that explore the milieu of ethnicity, gender, religion and politics upon apparel design of the Indian subcontinent.  The complex interplay of design and identity is illuminated by selections of adult and children’s clothing, crafted artistically with metallic thread, delicate embroidery, and other embellishments of texture and fabric.
In addition to the selected apparel, the exhibition will include an online exhibit, videos and related programming.

Design Gallery events are free and open to the public.

What: Clothing, Culture, Context in South Asia:  Selections from the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection
When:  Opening Reception: Friday, September 6, 2013 (5:00 - 7:00 PM);
Exhibition: September 8 - October 20, 2013
Where: Ruth Davis Design Gallery, Nancy Nicholas Hall (1300 Linden Drive)
For photo credit, visit the Design Gallery pages.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Horticulture Society Plant Sale (Sept 20-22)

The UW Horticulture Society is hosting its annual indoor plant sale, September 20 - 22 at the Stock Pavilion.

Society members will be selling a variety of houseplants including cacti, succulents, and orchids. Sale hours will run from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM, Friday, 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM, Saturday and 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Sunday.  A special "golden ticket" for a 25% discount on one’s total plant purchase will be offered to the first 25 customers on Friday and Saturday.

Proceeds from the plant sale fund society activities, travel (of horticultural interest), speakers and special programming for meetings.

Add a lively, air-freshening touch to dorm, home or office décor!

Campus News, Press Release

Monday, September 16, 2013

Friends with Cookbooks

Celebrate the harvest and Wisconsin’s rich food heritage when the Friends of the Libraries host a special program to feature Steenbock Library’s cookbook collection.  The festivities begin with a reception at Steenbock Library where guests can browse the collection, watch a simple cooking demonstration and chat with special community guests from CHEW, REAP, Wisconsin Local Foods Journal/Ginkgo Press and the Greenhouse Residential Learning Community.  

Following the reception, guest speaker Traci Nathans-Kelly will share her delightful experiences and fascinating research using community cookbooks to illustrate community and women’s history.  Visit Steenbock Library’s event page to learn more about the evening and to find links to special guests and the digital collections that feature cookbooks from the Steenbock collection.   

We look forward to seeing you there!

Date:  Friday, September 20
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 PM (reception 5:30-6:45; lecture/presentation, 7:00-8:00 PM)
Place: Steenbock Library (first floor); Ebling Symposium, Microbial Sciences

Friday, September 06, 2013

C. Helen Party (Sept 12)

Campus libraries are the place to be--not only as spaces for serious study, but as interesting social spaces for group work and the occasional party.

Check out the fun when College Library (Helen C. White) hosts its annual house party, Thursday, September 12 (8:00 PM-midnight).

The schedule of events includes arts, crafts and hacks, carnival games, human foosball, student group performances, house party team trivia and more--with plenty of free snacks on the side.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Graduate Support Series, Fall 2013

UW-Madison campus Libraries have teamed to offer a series of free workshops for graduate students. Each workshop is designed as a "stand-alone" presentation; students can choose to attend any number of these workshops, in any combination.

Visit the library workshop site or view the flyer (PDF) for the listing of workshops in the series. From "Finding Funding for your Graduate Education" to "Using Special Collections and Archives"--there is something for you.

Do note date, time and library location. (Click here to view Steenbock Library offerings in the series).

Registration is recommended; register with the Graduate School—links from its site to come.

Mindset List (Class of 2017)

Welcome to college, Class of 2017!

Beloit College has released its annual Mindset List (now in its 15th year). While it is important to note that this list does not wholly account for knowledge and experience, it does serve to capture a state of affairs--be it from popular culture, technology or political situation--within the lifespan of the traditional, incoming college student.

It certainly lends itself well to discussion and to reflection upon where we've been and where we may be heading. Visit the site to learn more about the authors and to explore the project’s media buzz.

And, I am reminded as I sip my own that to this incoming class, "Java has never been just a cup of coffee."

Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Employee Bus Pass, 2013-14

As may well be known, there are changes to how employees can obtain a bus pass for the 2013-2014 academic year.  Should you need to obtain your bus pass, do visit the Transportation Service’s Website, "Employee Bus Passes" page.

From there, you can log in with your NetID to submit your request and purchase your pass; the cost, this year for UW employees, will be $24.00.  The pass will be sent to you by mail/post.  Do note that there are some exceptions made for particular units whose administration/employer will yet supply a pass.  These exceptions are listed on the site.

Alternatively, Transportation Services will offer counter sales for the pass beginning September 16 from their campus offices.  Be prepared to present your Wiscard (campus ID).

Update (8/15)!  Over-the counter sales will now begin August 26!

Friday, August 09, 2013

Plan your Library Tour!

Come see what Steenbock Library has to offer with a tour of our facility. During an hour-long tour, Steenbock librarians will introduce tour participants to collections and service points.
Each tour will depart from the Information Services/Reference desk, second floor, across from the library’s main entrance.

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 28: 2:00-3:00 pm OR 3:00-4:00 pm
Thursday, August 29: 2:00-3:00 pm OR 3:00-4:00 pm

If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled tours, above, or wish to schedule a tour for a particular group, (class, research unit, new staff or dorm residents), do complete an online request form.

Your Librarians @ Steenbock

Have you met your liaison (aka subject librarian)? Summer session can be a good time to get acquainted. Steenbock Library liaisons serve as principal contacts for each department and program the library supports.

Our Steenbock librarians can provide the following services:
  • Provide in-depth orientation for new faculty, staff, graduate students, and project and research assistants 
  • Assist with library services and policies (e.g., Interlibrary Loan, faculty runner cards, UW System search and retrieval…etc.) 
  • Help customize email alerts to keep you informed about new articles matching your topic criteria or with tables of contents to your favorite journals 
  • Provide in-depth reference consultations--at our office or yours--(e.g., help with searching strategy and making database choices, etc.) 
  • Supply customized instructional sessions and course Web pages for your students 
  • Consult on questions related to publishing your research (e.g., identify target journals, measure research impact, etc.)

Friday, July 19, 2013

School Supply Drive

Pencils, glue and notebooks!  UW-Madison Day at the State Fair will be an opportunity to donate school supplies to Milwaukee-area students. By bringing a new school supply item to a Fair admissions gate, you will receive $4 off adult admission until 4:00 PM.  

If you are unable to visit the State Fair during UW-Madison Day (August 7), please do consider making a donation.  Drop-off a new, unopened school supply item in the donation box at Steenbock Library (second floor entrance-level) before August 7.  We will make sure these items make the trip to the fair collection site.  See the list of necessary school supplies.

Thank you for your contribution to this effort.

UW-Madison Day at the Fair (Aug 7)

Save the date! Come celebrate UW-Madison’s history and tradition of service by visiting its Wisconsin State Fair event, Wednesday, August 7. Located on the fair ground’s Central Mall, the "UW-Madison Day" will feature staff and alumni demonstrating their expertise and inviting fair-goers to "jump around" and experience all that the university has to offer--whether that be to pose with campus personalities (Bucky, perhaps?!) or to witness the Wonders of Physics, among other activities and amusements.

Be sure to look for your Steenbock librarians and their campus library colleagues! We will be on hand to distribute some library-themed fun and to answer your questions about how you may visit and access library resources.

Your attendance at the fair can also serve to benefit Milwaukee-area school-children.  Bring a new, unopened school supply item to an Admissions gate.  Those donating to this school supply drive will receive $4 off adult admission until 4:00 PM.

For more information about UW-Madison Day at the State Fair, visit this page.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Get your Gatsby On!

Vintage fashion is all the rage.  Find inspiration from the pages of the library’s selected titles featuring fashions and interiors from the Roaring Twenties.  Browse these books at our entrance level display table or from your desktop with our Pinterest board, "Fashions from The Great Gatsby".

With thanks to Rebecca L for sparking the Gatsby in all of us with this selection of texts and board.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Takes a Licking!

As temperatures climb, what better way to beat the heat than to pick up some ice-cream from the Babcock Dairy Store?! Conveniently located in our neighborhood, the Dairy Store supplies its signature ice-cream (standard, feature and super-premium flavors), milk, cheese and other treats. Additionally, a deli-counter prepares coffee, breakfast and lunch items.

Enjoy your break and we will see you back at the library (where, incidentally, we have books on ice-cream production and its culinary use).  Run a search in the catalog or ask your librarians for assistance should you wish to browse these titles from our collections.

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

Harvest Handouts

Enjoy fresh, locally-grown produce from the F.H King Student Farm! 

Every Friday, beginning at 1:00 PM (June-October), student farmers distribute their produce, free, to students and UW-Madison community members.

In order to transport harvest handouts from the Eagle Heights farm location to the distribution site on East Campus Mall, the students are using Full Cycle Freight bikes and trailers.

To learn more about the Student Farm, the F.H King Students for Sustainable Agriculture and their events, projects and opportunities to visit and volunteer, visit the Website and follow them on Facebook.

Tuesday, July 02, 2013

Bibliometrics & Citation Analysis

Are people discovering and reading the research I have published? 
Will publishing in a particular journal be advantageous to me as I move forward in my career? 
How can I determine whether the buzz of the social Web has impact?  

If these questions concern you, we invite you to learn more about measuring the impact of your work by reviewing the Libraries’ research guide to Bibliometrics & Citation Analysis.

This guide supplies information and links to both library-licensed and freely-available tools for journal, author and article-level metrics or, in other words, tools that enable researchers and librarians to identify core journals and to assess the visibility and influence of authors and articles published within them. 

There is also growing interest in what we have come to call "altmetrics" that look to measure how social media informs scholarship via formats in which references to research can be tabulated (be they "likes", "shares", "bookmarks", or other).  Visit the tab to "Alternative Metrics" should you wish to explore how these interesting measures may tell a more comprehensive story of your research endeavors.

Librarians are happy to assist you with using these bibliometric tools.  We invite you to schedule an opportunity to consult with us.

Pinned!

Browse Steenbock collections with Pinterest!  Library staff is merrily "pinning" to connect you with selections from our stacks. In keeping with the summer mood, take a peek at our newest boards.

Learn more about consuming, growing and preserving small fruit, try mixing a refreshing cocktail, or other beverage, during a hot afternoon, or simply enjoy time appreciating what is local, seasonal and sustainable. 

Speak with your librarians for assistance in retrieving these titles and more.  If borrowing from UW-Madison Libraries is not an option for you, be sure to look for available library copies using WorldCat (catalog).

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Liberry Lit

One of my fondest of summer memories, and yet a great pleasure, is the berry harvest--strawberries and raspberries--fresh from the garden.

While easily consumed with a sprinkle of sugar, there are endless other berry applications suitably-detailed in selections from our cookbook collection. Check out a few today--fresh-prep or preserved!

Selected titles from the collection follow below (and do visit our Pinterest page). 

Should you be interested in cultivating your own berry patch or other small fruit, consult with our librarians to find titles from our collection and look for publications from the Cooperative Extension.

Friday, June 07, 2013

Book Discovery Tools

One of the interesting and sometimes challenging aspects of our work in libraries is to match a library user with the texts that he or she will most want to read, be it for research or entertainment.

If you intend to also read for fun this summer, chat with us, check out our Pinterest Boards, or try some of the tools, below. Each one enables you to explore a genre or factor a recommendation based upon authors or books you already enjoy.
Novelry (New! Sign up for its July launch)
Goodreads and Shelfari (for those who appreciate the added social networking)

Locate available copies of books on campus or within the UW-System by using the library catalog and its UW System search feature. The Madison Public Library, as part of the South Central Library System, is also an amazing resource for satisfying popular reading interests--search its catalog to locate items of interest. 

And, if you haven’t yet discovered it, Steenbock Library hosts its very own "Little Free Library" in which you can also freely exchange popular reading materials.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Bury Yourself in a Good Book!

When was the last time that you participated in a summer reading program?!  I remember many summers of my childhood in which I fervently ticked off a list of reading to redeem for acknowledgement and prizes.

But, why should the kids have all the fun?!  If you’re in town this summer, stop on in to one of our Madison Public Library branches to register for its first Adult Summer Reading Club, or, you can also register online. 

Log your finished reads, in person, at your local branch or do so online to qualify for weekly prize drawings beginning the week of June 17 (all summer reading clubs began June 1).

You can also browse by branch to see what other participants have been reading and enjoying--all the better to discover something more to add to your reading list.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

In Class with Go Big Read

The Go Big Read program is looking to identify instructors who would like to use the 2013-2014 selection, A Tale for the Time Being, with their classes during the coming fall and spring semesters.  Instructors can apply for free copies of the book, for use with their classes, by completing a request form.

"Go Big Read" is UW-Madison’s common book program where students, staff and the community are invited to read the same book, then participate in a variety of related programs in-and-out of the classroom.

For additional information about how to access the book--including alternative formats, click here.  Visit the author’s site for the book.

Save the date!  Author Ruth Ozeki’s public presentation is scheduled for October 28, 2013 beginning at 7:00 PM in Varsity Hall, Union South.

Enjoy the Nightlife!

Join bat experts and enthusiasts at the Wisconsin Bat Festival, Saturday, June 1 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM  & 7:00 - 10:00 PM). The festival will feature opportunities to learn about different bat species and enable you to discover, and contribute to, the essential conservation efforts being made worldwide.

New this year will be a "Bat Science Night" in which to observe bat research techniques as part of monitoring efforts made by local bat researchers.

The Wisconsin Bat Festival is held at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.  See directions here. All proceeds benefit the Wisconsin Bat Conservation Fund. Festival entrance fees are $5.00 per adult (16+); children free (with paying adult).  See flyer.

To learn more about bats, visit the following links:
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, Bat Conservation Endowment Fund

Monday, May 20, 2013

Spring Intersession and Summer Hours

Steenbock Library welcomes you during the following hours of the spring intersession and summer (May 20-September 2) :

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday:  Closed

Holiday Exceptions:
Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day):  Closed
Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day): Closed
Monday, September 2 (Labor Day): Closed

As all campus libraries observe different building hours during this spring/summer period, we encourage you to verify hours of access before planning your trip to campus or a specific library location.

Additionally, do consult our staff should you need assistance finding and using our collections and services.  We are happy to provide reference assistance from the Information Services Desk or by email, phone, or appointment.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Library Resources for New Graduates

Congratulations on your achievement!  Our staff wishes you the best and hopes that your time with us was well-spent.  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 available online collections and association membership benefits that also include access to two size-able, article databases.

Information is also available from our libraries’ Website about borrowing privileges for alumni, residents (Wisconsin), 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 Badgerlink FAQ 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.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Bike to Work Week (May 13-17)

The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin encourages you to discover a fitness and transportation solution with its spring "Bike to Work Week" event (May 13-17).

Visit the Federation Website to view the Madison area calendar of events where you can tune up that bike, snack, and socialize with fellow cyclists.


Do consider participating in this year’s "Wisconsin Bike Challenge". Register, log your miles and win prizes!

Blow off some Steam!

Take a study break with us.  Free, coffee (hot) and lemonade (cold) will be available Saturday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 14 beginning at 7:00 PM (while supplies last).  The beverage service, located in our vending area on the first floor is provided by University Housing in cooperation with Steenbock Library.

During the day (Monday, May 13-Friday May 17), Steenbock will also have bubble-blowing equipment available for use on our front deck from where you can also hang-out on our new patio furniture as the weather improves this week.

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

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

Friday, May 10, 2013

Look Ma...I'm at the Library!

Tell your friends and family where you study with a free, library postcard! 

Take a break, select and write your postcard, then drop it off in our dedicated drop-box.  We will take care of the postage and send it on its way. 

The original images that inspired each of the four different postcard designs were supplied by University Archives.

Look for our postcard-writing station near the front entrance during finals week.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

UW Family Gardening Day (May 11)

Put some spring in your step with a visit to our neighborhood this Saturday.  From 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, the D.C. Smith Greenhouse and the Allen Centennial Gardens will welcome campus and community guests to find inspiration for gardens, large and small, with tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

As Steenbock Library dwells handsomely between these two destinations, our staff will be ready to supply guests with information about the collections and services we supply to those with--and those who aspire to have--a green-thumb.  Partners in this endeavor to share information and resources of interest to campus and community include library staff from Wisconsin’s Water Library and the Dane County Master Gardeners.

Look for our information kiosks, outside, near the front entrance to the library.  In case of rain, you will find us in Room 240.  When you enter our building, you will also have an opportunity to browse a modest selection of titles from our gardening collections.  We also have some gardening-themed Pinterest boards to showcase selected titles.  Do note that these boards supply a visual teaser to what we have and not every item in our collection.  Speak with our library staff for assistance finding more!

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

What's in your Garden?!

Save the date for two opportunities this coming weekend to consult with experts and select the plants best suited to your gardening style and available space.

"Plant Sale with the Pros", Olbrich Gardens
The staff of Olbrich Botanical Gardens hosts its "Plant Sale with the Pros", Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11, from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM (Friday) and from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM (Saturday).  Look for tents, 3330 Atwood Avenue.

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

Native Plant Sale, Arboretum
The Friends of the Arboretum hosts its annual Native Plant Sale, Saturday, May 11, 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 2013 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.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

A Tale for the Time Being

The next Go Big Read has been selected!

Interim Chancellor David Ward and a review committee of campus faculty, staff and students have selected Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being as the 2013-2014 common book selection for the UW-Madison campus.

Interim Chancellor Ward invited the review committee to consider those nominated titles that examined issues of our global connections.  This beautifully-crafted novel brings the life of troubled Japanese school-girl, Nao, to the attention of author, Ruth, within the flotsam and jetsam--a Hello Kitty lunchbox--washed ashore in British Columbia.  Alternating between Nao and Ruth, through Canada, Japan and the United States, and intersecting with critical historical and world events, the reader is deeply-moved as each protagonist reconciles what is, and what may be, within her time and place.

For more information about the book, visit the author’s site for the book. And, do consult with campus and area public libraries for available copies.

Go Big Read is UW-Madison’s common book program where students, staff and the community are invited to read the same book then participate in a variety of related programs in-and-out of the classroom. Go Big Read will welcome your participation with this new title during the forthcoming academic year.

Read the press release.

Hoe, Hoe, Hoe!

Spring is here--finally (fingers crossed)--and the green-thumbs among us are preparing their gardening spaces and deciding what, and when best, to plant.

If you are similarly inclined to dig in, come browse Steenbock’s gardening collections.The library has books suitable for the novice and practical gardener as well as academic texts examining garden history and landscape design.

The library also has a collection of seed catalogs useful for recording ideas to particular garden products and locating suitable vendors. Current issues of these seed catalogs can be browsed in-house and are located on the first floor near the rear stacks and vending area (older copies are in filing cabinets).

To get you oriented to the stacks, you can generally find gardening books shelved in the vicinity of call numbers SB300…and SB400…on the first floor of the library.

Otherwise, do speak with our librarians to assist you with using the campus library catalog to determine specific titles and call numbers within your topics of interest.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Ride to Farm

Plan now to hop on your bike to benefit the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers with the tenth annual "Ride to Farm" (Saturday, June 1).  The 100km ride will take you through rolling, rural Iowa County with rest stops at area family farms for a sampling of local treats. 
There are fabulous prizes for top fundraisers and a celebratory end-of-ride gathering at Birch Lake Park, Barneveld. 

For more information, 2013 highlights, 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.

Farm Fresh Atlas, 2013

The 2013 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.

Nourish the links between land and table!  Learn more about the REAP Food Group!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

#UWRightNow Audio Booth (Apr 17)

Come, share your story!  University Archivists are looking to record your experiences of life at UW-Madison.  Visit the audio-booth in Room 240, Steenbock Library from 1:00-3:00 PM.  Your short story and photo will be uploaded to the UWRightNow site.  All students, faculty, staff and alumni are welcome!  And, we look forward to hearing from you.
#UWRightNow

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

DIY READ Posters!

As part of National Library Week festivities (April 14-19), bring a copy of your favorite book to MERIT (Room 109, Teacher Ed, 225 N. Mills Street) to pose for a personalized READ Poster.

Library staff will take photos between noon-5:00 PM, Sunday through Friday. Posters will be produced at 11x17 in size and cost $5.00 per pose (1 pose per person and/or group; $1.00 each for additional copies). Do bring your campus print/photocopying debit-card to pay for the poster printing.


For more information, contact MERIT Library.

Communities Matter @ Your Library

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Loving of the Land, 2nd Annual

Save the date for a benefit concert! CIAS, the Nelson Institute and UW-Madison’s Agroecology Department welcome you to the second annual "Loving of the Land" night of music. This concert will feature the bluegrass and classical music styling of Graminy and the rousing percussion of the Handphibians. 

Proceeds from the concert will benefit graduate student research in sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Concert-goers will be welcomed to the event by Stephanie Elkins, host of Simply Folk on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR).

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 8:00 PM
Place: Music Hall, (925 Bascom Mall)
Ticket prices: $9.00 ($7.00 students) in advance; $12.00 ($10.00 student) at the door

Tickets can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets, the CIAS office or from students in Agroecology and the Nelson Institute.

NLW with Dogs on Call, April 16

In celebration of National Library Week (April 14-20) and its call to community-building, Steenbock Library will again welcome the delightful community of canines from Dogs on Call to wag their way through our front entrance, and to raise the "woof" so-to-speak with our library users, on Tuesday, April 16 (6:30-8:00 PM).

"Dogs on Call" is a local member of Pet Partners--an organization devoted to improving human health through the existing bond between people and companion animals. These companion animals are specially-trained to gently-interact with their human counterparts in any number of environments including schools, hospitals, libraries and special-care facilities.

The dogs will be available for a pat near the front, main entrance to the library (second floor).

Please visit the sites for Dogs on Call and Pet Partners to learn more about their services.

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Science Expeditions (April 5-7)

Madison is a city rich with opportunities for exploring the sciences. This year, UW-Madison rolls out the red carpet to welcome its community during three days of exploration, April 5-7, 2013.

All UW-Madison campus events are free and open to the public. Begin your expedition with Science Exploration Stations then venture to nearby "Spectaculars" and open-house venues. A free trolley shuttle is available to take guests to satellite locations.

View the Science Expeditions schedule for the day and find directions on how to get to the various destinations.

New this year will be two days and two venues of exploration stations.  Visit the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on Saturday (10:00-2:00) and the Health Sciences Learning Center on Sunday (10:00-2:00).

The Wisconsin Energy Institute will also be celebrating its grand opening and the School of Veterinary Medicine will be observing a special open house.

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Edible Book Festival, 2013

'Have your cake and read it, too' with the annual Edible Book Festival! The festival, which is free and open to the public, will be held, Tuesday, April 16 from 4:00-6:00 PM (Memorial Library Commons, Room 460).

As part of the fun, the Libraries encourage all aspiring "food artists", (bakers and book enthusiasts) to participate by crafting their own edible books. An edible book is an entry made of edible materials, with the subject pertaining to books in shape or content. In the past, those participating have worked with cake, Jell-O, cheese, matzo and more.  This festival coincides with National Library Week.

If you are interested in contributing an "edible book", please complete and return the application form found on the festival page.  The festival page also supplies information about the prize categories and festival sponsors.  The deadline for submitting this application form is Tuesday, April 9, 2013.

Comments or questions? Please send email to the Edible Book Festival Committee.