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).

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!

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.

Organic Agriculture in Wisconsin: 2014 UW-Madison Research Report (PDF)

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)