Thursday, September 25, 2014

And, the news continues....

In light of our newly-revised library site, the Steenbock News blog now enjoys another presence.  Please follow us there.

Monday, July 07, 2014

A Summer's Reading

One of the interesting and pleasantly-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 read for fun this summer, chat with us, check out our campus libraries’ Pinterest Board to "Summer Reads", revisit the 2014 "Book Madness" selection or try some of the tools, below. Each one of these additional resources enables you to explore a genre or factor a recommendation based upon authors, books or themes you already enjoy.
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.  (Subscribe to its MadReads Daily for book recommendations).

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.

Thursday, July 03, 2014

Pinned by Steenbock

Browse Steenbock collections with Pinterest.  Our newest boards will take you from garden to table.
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).

The Buzz in Digital Collections

Steenbock Library, in cooperation with UW Digital Collections, is pleased to announce its sweet release of "Historical Bee and Bee-Keeping Literature" from the Charles C. Miller Memorial Apicultural Library.  Newly-digitized as part of this project are 11 serial titles in bee-keeping from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.   

The initial collection of this bee-keeping literature was donated to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1922, with a stipend for its continued support, by enthusiastic admirers of Charles C. Miller who had mentored many a bee-keeper through example and scholarship.  Once housed in Agriculture Hall and then Steenbock Library upon its completion in 1969, many of its texts have since been transferred to the Department of Special Collections where there are descriptive finding aids to the collection.  A list of publications that were documented by WPA workers as part of this collection in 1936 can be found via links from the library catalog. The collection was also featured in an article for the Friends of the Libraries Magazine in 2004. 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

In Class with GBR

The Go Big Read program invites instructors who intend to use the 2014-2015 selection, I am Malala, with their classes during the fall and spring semesters to complete a request form for complimentary 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.

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

Save the date!  A public presentation with special guest speaker, Shiza Shadid, CEO and Co-Founder of the Malala Fund, is scheduled for October 27, 2014 beginning at 7:00 PM in Varsity Hall, Union South.  For more information, please see the press release about Ms. Shadid' visit to campus.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Barn Dance (June 27)

Kick up your heels and benefit CIAS research and instruction with a celebratory barn dance, Friday, June 27, 2014. As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration, CIAS (Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems) will welcome students, staff, alumni and friends to Schuster’s Farm in Deerfield for an evening that will feature, in addition to dancing, the music of Thirsty Roots (aka Graminy), a silent auction and refreshments.

The event runs from 7:00-10:30 PM.  Tickets ($10 in advance; $15 at the door) can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets or at the CIAS office (phone 608-262-8018 or email for hours). Do note that there will not be a credit-card option at the event.  Ticket prices for children ages 5-12 will be $5.00; those younger than 5 attend for free.

Monday, June 02, 2014

Free Summer Reading Club (for adults!)

When was the last time that you participated in a summer reading program?!  If you’re in town this summer, stop in to one of our Madison Public Library branches to register for its 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 new to add to your reading list.

In addition to the copies, you can check-out from our public libraries, do consult our campus library catalog, if more convenient, to find available copies of a desired read.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Library Hours, Spring/Summer Recess

Steenbock Library welcomes you to visit during the following hours of the spring recess and summer term (May 18-September 2):

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday:  Closed

Holiday Exceptions:
Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day) Closed
Friday, July 4 (Independence Day) Closed
Monday, September 1 (Labor Day) Closed

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

Do consult our staff should you need assistance finding and using our collections and services.  We are happy to provide reference assistance from the public-services desk or by chat, email, phone, or appointment.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

I am Malala

The next Go Big Read has been selected!
Chancellor Rebecca Blank and a review committee of campus faculty, staff and students have selected I am Malala as the 2014-2015 common book selection for the UW-Madison campus.

Chancellor Blank invited the review committee to consider those nominated titles that examined issues of service.  As a model of service, Malala Yousafzai has campaigned mightily, and at great personal risk, for the right of girls and young women (all children, really) to pursue their education.  During her address to the United Nations, she stated, "So let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism, let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first."

For more information, visit the publisher’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.

Note: UW-Madison instructors interested in using the book can request review copies by contacting the Go Big Read office.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Look Mom...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.

Friday, May 09, 2014

Blow off some Steam!

Take a study break with us.  Free, coffee (hot) and lemonade (cold) will be available Saturday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 13 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 12-Friday May 16), Steenbock will also have bubble-blowing equipment available for use on our front deck.

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

We wish you the best for a successful finals week and end of term.

UW Family Gardening Day (May 10)

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 Dane County Public Libraries' Seed Library Project.

Look for our information kiosk, 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 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!
Read the Gardening Day press release!

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

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 9 and Saturday, May 10, 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.  See the 2014 Plant List!

Native Plant Sale, Arboretum
The Friends of the Arboretum hosts its annual Native Plant Sale, Saturday, May 10, from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Look for tents near the Visitor Center.   Information sheets are available online for the various native trees, shrubs, prairie, savanna and rain-garden plants available at the sale.

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.

Ride to Farm, 2014

Plan now to hop on your bike to benefit the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers with the eleventh annual "Ride to Farm" (Saturday, May 31).  Visit the Event Information page to learn more about the two route options for this year’s ride.  Both routes, which include rest-stops at area farms with a sampling of treats, will begin and end at Birch Lake Park in Barneveld.

For more information, 2014 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.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Where the Locovores go...

Go where the locovores go and benefit REAP in the process by using a selection of coupons to area restaurants and vendors.  The REAP Coupon Book is a "must have" item for Madison-area food lovers who enjoy saving on items purchased from area farmers’ market vendors, restaurants and shops.

The coupon book can be purchased at the REAP Food Group office for $10.00, ordered online, or from participating area groceries, Coops.  Proceeds from the sale of coupon books serve to benefit the Buy Fresh, Buy Local program. To learn more, visit the REAP Food Group site.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Get Your Farm Fresh Atlas!

The 2014 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 copies at our service desks and information kiosks).
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 23, 2014

AWA Breakfast on the Farm (Apr 27)

The annual Breakfast on the Farm will be served Sunday, April 27 from 8:00 AM until noon at the campus Stock Pavilion (1675 Linden Drive). Breakfast will include hearty fare with ice cream for dessert.

Tickets can be purchased at the door; $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $5 for students (K-UW) and $3 for children (5 years and younger). A dollar discount will be granted from the price of breakfast with a donation of three canned-food items. All donations will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin.

This event, sponsored by the Association of Women in Agriculture, includes an educational area, petting zoo, and entertainment.

Come hungry; stay for the fun!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Canine Campus Crawl (Apr 27)

The UW Pre-Vet Club hosts its annual Canine Campus Crawl on Sunday, April 27 (noon -). This dog-friendly, 2.5 mile run/walk serves as a fundraiser for the Dane County Humane Society and the "One Horse at a Time" project. The run/walk departs from Lot 60 (801 Walnut Street).

Pre-registration can be done online. The pre-registration fee is $15 for one person (no dogs) or $20 for one person (up to two dogs). Registration fees for the day of the event (beginning at 11:30 AM) are $20 for one person (no dogs) or $25 for one person (up to two dogs).

For more information, see the information packet.
Visit the Facebook page.

Friday, April 18, 2014

All Campus Party (Apr 22-27)

Each spring, the Wisconsin Alumni Association and the Alumni Student Board (WASB) team up with student organizations, University departments, area businesses and national corporations to sponsor the All-Campus Party.

Check out the week of events that include opportunities to enjoy free food and entertainment, outdoor recreation, and contests (with awesome prizes).

CALS Week Food Drive (Apr 20-25)

The CALS Student Association will be running a food drive during CALS Week, April 20-25, 2014.  Look for designated collection spaces in Ag Hall, Animal Sciences, Biochemistry and Steenbock Library.  All items collected will be donated to the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.  Please consult the poster at drop-sites for a list of suggested food and non-food items.

See the list of all CALS Week activities and events, here!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Loving of the Land (April 26)

Save the date for the third annual "Loving of the Land" benefit concert!

CIAS, the Nelson Institute and the Agroecology Department welcome you to this third annual night of music. The concert will feature the bluegrass and classical music styling of Graminy with their special guests, Chromatic and Ten, choirs from West High (Madison). 

The concert enjoys additional sponsorship from Wisconsin Public Radio and F.H.King Students for Sustainable Agriculture.

Proceeds from the concert benefit student research in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Concert-goers will also be welcomed to the event by Master-of-Ceremonies, Stephanie Elkins, host of Simply Folk, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR).

Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 8:00 PM
Place: Music Hall, (925 Bascom Mall)
Ticket prices: $10.00 ($5.00 student) in advance; $15.00 ($10.00 student) at the door

Tickets can be purchased from Brown Paper Tickets, the CIAS office (phone 262-8018) or from students in Agroecology.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Star in Your Own READ Poster!

Do you have a collection of our Bucky READ posters?  Would you like to pose for your own?  If so, bring a copy of your favorite book (and even a friend or two) to MERIT to pose for a personalized READ poster (Room 109 Studio, Teacher Ed 225 N. Mills). 

As part of National Library Week festivities (April 13-18), MERIT Library staff will take photos for posters between noon-6:00 PM, each day. Backgrounds include several campus locations. The posters will be produced at 11x17 in size and cost $5.00 per pose (1 pose per person and/or group; $2.00 each for additional copies).

Do bring exact cash or your campus print/photocopying debit-card to pay for the poster printing. 

For more information, contact MERIT Library.

"Lives Change @ your library."

Monday, April 07, 2014

Digital Salon Exhibition, 2014

Podcasts and Websites and Games, oh my!  Visit the 5th Annual Digital Salon exhibition to see these and more from our creative community of undergraduate and graduate students.

The week-long Digital Salon showcases the artistic and research-oriented projects that take digital form or rely heavily on digital technologies in the production process. The Salon is curated by a committee of UW-Madison faculty and staff.  Look for the "physical" exhibition at College Library, Open Book Café.  The virtual Salon can be accessed by visiting its site, here.  Previous exhibitions can be accessed

The Digital Salon is organized by UW-Madison Libraries and the DesignLab.

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Science Expeditions, 2014

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 4-6, 2014.

All UW-Madison Science Expedition events are free and open to the public. Begin your expedition with exploration stations then venture to nearby "spectaculars" and open house events. 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.

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

Monday, March 31, 2014

Pup it Up!

Take a study break with us as we welcome special guests, Dogs on Call!
Steenbock staff welcomes Dogs on Call (and their companions) to the library, Tuesday, April 8, from 6:30-8:00 PM.  The dogs will be available for a pat, during this special study break, near the front, main entrance to the library (second floor).  We are honored to be one of their many campus stops.

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.

Edible Book Festival, 2014

'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, Thursday, April 10.  Stop in to Memorial Library, Room 116 between 11:00 AM until 4:30 PM in order to browse and vote for your favorites; there will be reception (with cake other than the entries!) from 4:00 - 5:30 PM.

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, pretzels and more.  

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 and judges.  The deadline for submitting this application form is Monday, April 7, 2014.

Find inspiration from Steenbock collections.  Ask your librarians for assistance browsing the cookbook collection for cake baking and decorating!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Vote Now! UW Book Madness

Let the voting begin!  Visit the UW Book Madness Tournament site to vote in Round 1.  Round 2 voting will begin on Saturday (March 22) at noon.

Thank you for submitting your brackets in advance. The most accurate bracket, post-voting in the final match-up, will win a gift certificate to the University Bookstore.  See the rules of play here.

Visit the site to learn more about the books in each division, including fun facts and stats.

Voting fine print:
  • One vote, per person, per pairing!
  • First round voting begins on Thursday, March 20.
  • Voting for later rounds begins at approximately noon on these dates:
    • Round 2: Saturday March 22
    • Round 3: Tuesday March 25 (Sweet 16)
    • Round 4: Saturday March 29 (Elite 8)
    • Round 5: Tuesday April 1 (Final 4)
    • Round 6: Sunday April 6 (Championship)

Organic Agriculture in Wisconsin: 2014 Research Report

In cooperation with farmers from around the state, researchers from CIAS and DATCP share the findings and progress of 23 studies into organic farming practices, products, and marketing in their recently-published (February) report, "Organic Agriculture in Wisconsin".  Among the projects highlighted are those that examine specialty and varietal crop trials, assess cropping systems and no-till methods, and recommend tools for education and farm management.

Authors: Erin Silva, Lisa Bauer and Laura Paine
CIAS (Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, UW-Madison)
DATCP (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection)

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Pi Day (3.14)

Mathematicians, among others, observe "Pi Day" on March 14 in keeping with Pi as 3.14 (or extended as, 3.1415926535...). While you can commemorate the occasion with some clever calculations, I suggest another formula. Check out some "pie" from Steenbock’s cookbook collection!  

Visit our Pinterest board for a few suggested titles from the collection or stop in to select from a small assortment of 'grab and go' books near our Circulation/Reference desk (second floor, across from entrance)—look for the "Pie for Pi" sign.  Enjoy rationing your slices!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Try BrowZine!

Have you yet tried your hand at "BrowZine"?!   No need to knit your brow over efforts to stay current with your favorite research journals.  Download the Browzine app for iPad or Android tablet. 

When you download the BrowZine application from the AppStore 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. 

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

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Book Madness

Let the Book Madness begin!  Fill out your brackets for the second, annual UW Book Madness Tournament!

Download or stop by a participating library (including Steenbock!) to pick-up and to return your brackets.  The most accurate brackets, post-voting in the final match-up, will win gift certificates to the University Bookstore.

All brackets must be returned by March 18 in order to qualify; one submission per person.  Click here to read the complete rules of play.

Beginning March 20, you will be able to vote online for which book in each pairing will advance.

Visit the site to learn more about the books in each division including fun facts and stats that may influence your picks.  The divisions this year are: Books in the Movies, Books on TV; Glass Half-Full, Glass Half-Empty; Required Readings, Guilty Pleasures; Stars’ n Stripes, Union Jack.

#UWBookMadness

Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Meet Your Farmers (CSA Open House)

CSAs are alive and well in the Madison area!  The FairShare CSA Coalition will host its annual open house at the Monona Terrace, Sunday March 23, from 1:00-4:00 PM. A "CSA" (Community-Supported Agriculture) is a community venture in which participants pledge their support for a farm’s food production efforts and, in turn, receive a share of the product in various installments.  The CSA model has been extended to include (and support) other small grower/producer products including craft beer, coffee, and seafood.

At the open house, you will be able to chat with farmers and evaluate the different share options--often weekly or every-other-week deliveries of seasonal produce, eggs, cheese, honey or meat depending upon share plan and CSA farm. (And, many of these same folks participate in the area farmers’ markets).

In order to plan ahead, take a look at the Farm List to consider farms and share options that will best satisfy your appetite for produce and level of participation. Many of the farms have application forms that you can submit now.

In addition to supporting a local economy and savoring the fresh produce, there are some other incentives for students and staff. Many health plans furnish rebates for CSA participation. Shares can also be donated to assist families in our community in need. And, less we forget, there are opportunities to volunteer and to learn more with a job or internship at an area farm or FairShare event.

Monday, March 03, 2014

Get Out There! (WI Film Festival)

Save the date for the 16th Annual Wisconsin Film Festival (April 3-10, 2014)! The annual festival brings Madison audiences some of the finest examples of independent, local and international film-making. The 2014 festival will also feature many restorations.  Advance tickets will go on sale Saturday, March 8 (online, or by phone or in-person at Union South).  Screenings will take place at four festival venues on campus, the Sundance Theaters, Hilldale Mall and at the Capitol Theater, Overture Center for the Arts (Sunday, April 6).

Look for the festival guide in the forthcoming issue of the Isthmus (Thursday, March 6). The Festival is presented by the UW-Madison Arts Institute and the UW Department of Communication Arts; additional sponsorship is provided by UW-Madison and community businesses and foundations.
Facebook | Twitter

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Poll Everywhere, including Madison!

 

Looking for something to give a creative boost to your end of semester presentations? Poll Everywhere offers a great resource for anyone looking to stand out with a unique way of engaging audiences. Poll Everywhere is an online application that allows you to create poll questions for students or audiences and display responses in real time. It has many great editing features so you can customize visual appearances, display themes, font and color options. It is totally free for up to 40 responses at a time, which makes it a perfect resource for class presentations, discussions, and group meetings. Poll Everywhere allows for multiple methods of response, from texting, to on the web, and even twitter. This helps make Poll Everywhere very accessible and feasible in most educational settings.  

Poll Everywhere can be utilized in many different capacities, such as opinion questions, tests of knowledge, and determining an audience’s wants or preferences. It is a great way to incorporate technology into a classroom because it can be fun, entertaining, and even help encourage a lively debate. Because responses are recorded immediately, there is a tangible result to actions taken in the classroom, helping it to be a good tool for grabbing and keeping the attention of participants. Poll Everywhere can incorporate pictures, and even has the capability of being integrated directly into a PowerPoint presentation, making its use easy and seamless. It even has a fantastic Poll Everywhere User Guide to help you along the process. 

Poll Everywhere offers a great way for students to improve their class presentations, instructors to engage their students, and is a great alternative to costly clickers. It is truly a versatile resource that allows creativity to open the door to almost limitless possibilities. 

Steenbock Library is offering a Poll Everywhere Tech Talk on February 20 at 12 pm. Poll Everywhere is the perfect way to enhance your presentations and teaching opportunities. Tech Talks are completely free and take just 30 minutes, so it’s the perfect time to stop on by and learn something between classes. Steenbock offers many instruction opportunities and we encourage you to check out the Steenbock Workshop Schedule. We hope to see you at one soon!

A special thank you to Information Specialist Internship Program student Lucas Nicholson, for writing this guest post and designing the PollEverywhere workshop! 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Madison Reads Leopold, 2014

Visit the UW Arboretum for a special (9th annual) reading from Aldo Leopold’s seminal treatise on life in the natural world and conservation ethos, A Sand County Almanac, among other essays and inspired performances, Saturday, March 1 (beginning at 9:30 AM).

Consult the site for a complete schedule of essay selections and featured speakers from campus and community.   The "Madison Reads Leopold" events are free and open to the public.  The Arboretum Visitor Center is located at 1207 Seminole Highway.

For general information about this and other events, phone the UW-Arboretum Visitor Information Desk (608-263-7888) or visit its Website.

For related interest and inspiration, do review photos and text from the digitized Aldo Leopold Archives (UW Digital Collections)!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Grants Information Collection

Need funding to support your research or study?!  If so, we invite you to become acquainted with the Grants Information Collection as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary. 

The Grants Information Collection, housed in Memorial Library (2nd floor Reference,  Room 262 D/E), supplies access to print and online resources for finding information about fellowships, grants, scholarships and other funding opportunities for individuals, student organizations, and non-profits. The collection also has information on private and corporate foundations and federal funding agencies.  While the print collection does not circulate and must be used on-site, many of its online resources can be accessed from home, library, or office (off-campus access to licensed databases is restricted to registered students, faculty and staff).

The Grants Information Collection can also be used by the general public. Visitors to Memorial Library can obtain a day pass from the entrance desk.  For additional assistance or referral, speak with your Steenbock librarians, consult with Grants Collection Librarian, Ellen Jacks, or attend a Grants Collection workshop.

Visit the selection of library "Research Guides" dedicated to features and resources from this collection.

Monday, February 03, 2014

Garden Expo (Feb 7-9)

Plant, tend and harvest with the annual Garden Expo! The Expo will be held at the Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center, February 7-9, 2014. The Expo features exhibits, seminars and hands-on workshops for the gardener and landscaping enthusiast. Many of the presenters and hands-on consultants are staff with UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension.

Ticket prices, on-site, are $8.00 for a single day, $12.00 for two days and $17.00 for three days (advance ticket savings and a discount coupon are available from the Website). Admission proceeds support Wisconsin Public Television. See what’s new for 2014--including a special "beer-tasting and pairings event" with cookbook author, Lucy Saunders.

Among the featured presenters this year are gardening expert and author, Melinda Myers, and historian and author, Jerry Apps (look for their books in campus library collections).   "Garden Talk" host, Larry Meiller, and Horticulture Educator, Lisa Johnson, will entertain your gardening questions, on-stage.

Factor Steenbock Library into your garden planning. The library receives seed catalogs that can be found and browsed near the first floor vending area. Additionally, the library maintains an extensive collection of books about gardening, organic gardening, landscape design, composting, floriculture, and pest management, among other related topics. Consult with library staff for assistance locating and using these collections.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Alien Invasions, Darwin Day 2014

Celebrate Charles Darwin’s birthday (February 12) by exploring the evolution of our alien invaders, otherwise known as parasites!
The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery and Union South will play host to the JF Crow Institute's annual Darwin Day(s) series of films, lectures and hands-on stations, February 6-8, 2014.

Visit the website to view the schedule of events, speakers and list of teacher resources.  Follow it on Facebook!

Stop in to Steenbock Library to "check-out" our display of selected book titles, to theme, from the collection.

"There is grandeur in this view of life...from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved."--Charles Darwin

Friday, January 24, 2014

Staying Current

How do you stay current with the literature in your field of study or research?  If you find this a challenging prospect, our librarians have the tools to help.

Staying up-to-date with what is happening in your area of research may take several forms.  Are you interested in having browsing access to the most current volume of a favorite journal or magazine?  Or, would you prefer to receive an email message or RSS feed to newly-published research on a topic of interest?  In similar fashion, would you like to know when your published article is cited by other researchers?  Or, do your enjoy reading blogs and current news from News sites and the popular press?

If any and all of these apply to the information you would like to retrieve and your workflow (more on that question of management, below), note that there are open Web resources and library-licensed tools that can serve this process of keeping current.  A selection of these tools and assists are listed, below, by approach or form.

Table of Contents (your favorite or essential journals)

Search and Citation Alerts (your area of research interest or by publication)

  • Database Alerts (via email or RSS)
  • Google Scholar Alerts (via email with Google Account--either to "My Citations" or to a topic search)
  • Google Book Alerts (an option as from the Result Type menu)

Blogs, News Media, Website Updates


Library Guides, Liaisons and Workshops

You do not need to do this alone.  Speak to your librarians for assistance and customization.  Attend a drop-in workshop or do-it-yourself by reading our Web guides.

Managing the Information you Retrieve

Campus Libraries provide support for several software products for managing your citations and formatting your reference list.  Evaluate these tools and attend a drop-in workshop to explore their features.  The beauty of these tools is that they can communicate well with library-licensed databases making it relatively easy and efficient to move records from database to manager. 

Have any tips and resources to share?  If so, please reply to this post.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Cool Science Images Contest, 2014

Share your work or share your passionate interest in science by contributing an entry to the Why Files’ Cool Science Images contest.


The contest is open to currently-enrolled UW-Madison students, faculty and staff and can depict objects or phenomena from any discipline. 

Visit the site for details about how to enter (and to complete an entry form). Entries, which are judged on their "aesthetic and informational qualities", will be accepted from January 23 until the deadline date, February 28, 2014.

Winners will be announced mid-March and receive gift certificates, a large format print, and the honor of having their images posted to the Why Files site.

For inspiration, take a look at the winners and finalists from last year’s contest.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Nominate the Next Go Big Read!

What should be our next big read?
Chancellor Rebecca Blank and a review committee of campus faculty, staff and students are calling for your suggestions for the 2014-2015 common book program.

As a theme for this next year, your suggestions--either fiction or nonfiction titles--should be those that examine issues of "service" or what it may mean "to serve" in one's immediate or global communities.  Submit your recommendations, before the deadline, February 1, by completing the online form.  

The ideal book selection should meet and exceed the following qualities:
  • Be readable (relevant, engaging, and well-written)
  • Appeal to readers with diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • Encompass sufficient depth and scope to generate discussions from different points of view
  • Be conducive to teaching and learning with opportunities for integration into academic programs
  • Lend itself to a variety of activities and programming (maybe even an author visit!)
A running list of nominated titles can be viewed at the Go Big Read site.  

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!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Sowing Seeds

After weathering the recent polar vortex, spring, for many, cannot come soon enough.  Plan your next garden with inspiration from our selection of seed catalogs.  Current issues of these catalogs can be browsed in-house and are located on the first floor near the rear stacks and vending area (older copies are in the neighboring filing cabinets).

Use the collection to record ideas for particular garden products and to locate suitable vendors for your plant hardiness zone. Otherwise, do speak with our librarians to assist you with using the campus library catalog to determine specific titles within your gardening topics of interest.

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Spring Semester Workshops

Learn more about the library resources and services that can make your work easier. Campus Libraries offer free workshops to satisfy many interests and needs--whether that is to use citation management software effectively, to identify sources of funding for your research, or to incorporate a variety of Web-based productivity tools into your workflow.

Plan to attend any of the workshops on the current spring schedule. If you cannot attend one of these particular workshops, Steenbock librarians can work with you to arrange additional individual or small group sessions. Send us your request using our online form.  As need or interest warrants, our library staff can come to your office, lab, or instructional space.

Workshops will include hands-on time to explore the resource or technology tool.  And, apart from selections within the "Graduate Support Series", advance registration is not necessary for most workshops.