Friday, May 18, 2012

Library Resources for New Graduates

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

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

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

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

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

Libraries Launch New Catalog!

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

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

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

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Ride to Farm (June 2)

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

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

See the press release.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Gardening Apps

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

Try a few today!

Gardenate (available from iTunes App Store, $1.99)
GardenID  (available from MEDL Mobile, $2.99)
Garden Plan Pro (available from iTunes App Store, $9.99 OR online with free trial, GrowVeg.com)
Garden Tracker (available from iTunes App Store, $.99)
iGrowIt (available from iTunes App Store, $.99)
iVeggieGarden (available from iTunes App Store, $9.99)

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

Take a Break! Coffee, lemonade, popcorn!

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

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

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

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