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.

• Fiction Connection (and nonfiction connection)
• Novelry 
• Which Book?

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.

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.

Off-Campus Access & Winter Recess

As you enjoy your winter break, be sure to also satisfy your need for information with a visit to the Libraries’ Website.

Even when you’re off campus, simply select the resource you need to use from the site. Resources requiring authentication will prompt you to log in with your NetID. (In some instances, apart from NetID, you may still be asked to submit your University ID number and last name as login and password). Once you have entered either of these two pieces of identifying information, you will be able to use the resource as if you were here on campus.

Should you plan to visit campus, do note that the libraries will be open during the winter recess, but the hours will vary. Plan ahead and visit the list of library locations to see "Who’s Open".

• Steenbock Library Hours

• Contact Steenbock Library

Text a Librarian

Beginning this week, as a pilot service for the remaining semester and next, campus library users can now text a librarian with their questions regarding library resources and services.

Text your question from phone or mobile device to 608-729-7886. Library staff will reply with an answer via text message.

The text service is one of many ways to Ask a Librarian.

We invite you to do so.