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

Moving Forward

Earlier this year, library staff from UW-Madison and the UW System launched a beta edition of a new library catalog. This new catalog, initially named "Forward" and which will now become known simply as THE library catalog, has been designed to facilitate easier discovery and retrieval of resources from Madison and the UW System.

Find links to the catalog from the Websites to UW-Madison Libraries and Steenbock. Set your search for UW-Madison or for the UW System and UW Digital Collections.

While you give it a try, be sure to send your thoughts and suggestions to the development team by clicking on the Feedback button links.

What to Read Next

One of the interesting--and sometimes challenging--activities in librarianship is matching a library user to the texts that he/she will most like to read, be it for research or entertainment.

If you intend to read for entertainment this summer, you may wish to speak with your librarian or try some of the resources, below. Each resource enables you to explore a genre or factor a recommendation based upon authors or books you already enjoy.

• Fiction Connection

• Which Book?

• Reader’s Robot
  

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

Get Your Textbooks, Options & Alternatives

Need textbooks? Visit My UW or the University Bookstore Text Department site to see what texts may be required for your classes this semester. In addition to the campus bookstore, you may also be able to purchase necessary texts from your local and/or independent new and used booksellers.

In addition to that which can be purchased, the frugal student may also wish to consult campus libraries and Reserve collections. Depending upon what your required reading may entail, some texts may be available in campus libraries. Search MadCat (or Forward) or expand your search to the UW-System to find items to borrow. Please do realize that while you may be able to renew those items from our campus and UW-System collections, demand for a particular item may initiate a recall in which you would be prompted to return the item so that another library user could also view the text.

Many texts are also placed on Reserve in campus libraries. Visit My UW or Learn@UW to find information about all reserve items that may be available for your class--either in a digitized format or held physically at a library location. (In this latter instance, you can also search for Reserve items using the MadCat Course Reserve search).

Instructors: As our campus library system is committed to supporting the educational needs of students and staff, additional copies of textbooks can be obtained for Reserves use by large enrollment classes. For more information regarding this service, visit the Textbook Initiative page.

Forward Thinking Redux

Earlier this fall, library staff from UW-Madison and the UW System launched a beta edition of "Forward"--a reinvention of our library catalogs and a fresh approach to resource discovery.

Find links to Forward from the Websites to UW-Madison Libraries and Steenbock. Set your search for UW-Madison or for the UW System and UW Digital Collections.

While you give it a try, be sure to send your thoughts and suggestions to the development team by clicking on the Feedback button links.

View the flyer and instructional video clips to learn more about how to use Forward effectively or speak with your campus librarians.

• Choosing a Campus in Forward
• Searching Forward
• Item Records in Forward
• Placing a Request in Forward
• Toolbar in Forward
• Your Account in Forward
• Digital Collections in Forward
• Browsing Forward

Forward Thinking

On November 1, library staff from UW-Madison and the UW System launched a beta edition of "Forward" –a reinvention of our library catalogs and a fresh approach to resource discovery.
Find links to Forward from the Websites to campus libraries and Steenbock. Set your search for UW-Madison or for the UW System and UW Digital Collections.

As of the November 1st date, two campuses (Madison and Whitewater) can already place requests for UW System items directly within Forward. The development team anticipates that more campuses will be able to do so soon during Forward’s public beta period which runs through December.

While you give it a try, be sure to send your thoughts and suggestions to the development team by clicking on the Feedback button links.