The Wisconsin Reference and Loan Library staff continues to improve BadgerLink. Two exciting new features will be available August 25, 2008. Users will now be able to search multiple BadgerLink databases simultaneously! And, the authentication process has been redesigned using a user-centered approach. The authentication is now more streamlined and intuitive.
BadgerLink is a project of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning. Its goal is to provide access to quality online information resources for Wisconsin residents in cooperation with the state's public, school, academic, and special libraries and Internet Service Providers. BadgerLink resources are available through this site and through links on many library web pages. Most libraries also provide access to BadgerLink from public access computers within the library.
Federated searching
Federated searching will allow BadgerLink users to search multiple vendor databases at one time by entering search terms in a single search box from the BadgerLink website. This feature frees users from searching each vendor individually to collect the widest possible search results. Users will be able to search EBSCO, ProQuest, and Gale LitFinder databases simultaneously in this way.
After a search, a single list of full citations will be displayed on the right side of the results page presented by vendor and interface. Results will be listed in the order as each are returned from the vendor’s server. Once a citation is selected, users will be taken to the vendor’s native interface for the full text of the article.
Those users who want to select the specific BadgerLink vendor to be searched can still click on the vendor icon or the links on the BadgerLink home page. Those users who want to select a specific subset of databases to be searched can use the Advanced Search feature to select the specific databases to be accessed through the federated search methodology.
Improved Authentication
The process of authenticating users for BadgerLink access has also been improved. The new process allows for a single point of authentication to access all BadgerLink resources. The change improves service to BadgerLink users as well as boosts the efficiency of the BadgerLink staff as they support and management these services. Currently, Reference and Loan Library staff works with each vendor separately to provide authentication through IP address and library card number. The new system will centrally administer authentication via a single interface. It will provide a streamlined process of authentication and will improve the consistency of a user’s experience.
When users initiate a search the IP address of his/her computer is matched directly to the new system automatically. When a match is made the search results are displayed directly. If users cannot be authenticated with an IP address, they will be prompted to select their local library and enter their library card. The prompt and the instructions will be the same regardless of whether they are conducting a federated search or a search within a single vendor database or interface. When it is not possible to authenticate users by either of the above processes, Library ID and Passwords will be made available on an individual basis when Wisconsin residence can be confirmed.
WISCAT licensed libraries also benefit from these changes!
From within WISCAT, federated searching allows for simultaneous searching of the WISCAT union catalog, individual library catalogs, and the BadgerLink databases. With one search users have direct access to approximately 4,000 periodical titles, 700 newspapers (including Wisconsin newspapers), children’s and adult literature, business, medical, and education sources, in addition to the 7,320,115 book and periodicals records in WISCAT and 42 library Z39.50 searchable catalogs representing over 400 libraries. That is a lot of information at your fingertips!
Related Upcoming Webinars More details soon!
For BadgerLink users:
August 28 (Thursday), 10-11:00 a.m.
BadgerLink - New Features
For WISCAT users:
August 28 (Thursday), 9-9:30 a.m.
WISCAT - New Access to BadgerLink Databases
During the afternoon of August 25th BadgerLink and WISCAT both will be available. Users might experience a brief service interruption. If the issue persists for more than a day please contact the BadgerLink staff at http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/bl_sup.asp for help with these issues.
Cheers,David J. Sleasman
Wisconsin Reference and Loan Library
WI Dept. of Public Instruction
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Potosi Branch Library Reopens Saturday
The Potosi Branch of the Schreiner Memorial Library will reopen Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m. and resume its normal schedule of hours. The library has been closed for two months due to water damage from the heavy rains in early June. The entire contents had to be removed and stored off-site, with some items at the Potosi High School and others at the Schreiner Library in Lancaster.
The library’s flooring and part of the walls have been replaced. Only a few books were damaged, and new books have continued to be added during the closing, so patrons will find an even slightly larger supply of materials for check out. Computers were not affected by the flooding, and three public access computers will be available for use.
“We’re grateful for the dedication and hard work of Village officials, the Potosi School District, Epic Construction, the library staff of Lancaster and Potosi and the many volunteers who helped evacuate the library and later put it back together, “ said Library Director Alan Tollefson. “I’m sure Potosi area residents will be pleased to see their library back in operation, looking as good as new. And any books returned during the month of August will not incur any late charges,” he added.
The hours of the Potosi Branch are: 3:30 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday and 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday & Saturday. The phone number is 763-2115.
Source: Schreiner Memorial Library Director, Alan Tollefson
The library’s flooring and part of the walls have been replaced. Only a few books were damaged, and new books have continued to be added during the closing, so patrons will find an even slightly larger supply of materials for check out. Computers were not affected by the flooding, and three public access computers will be available for use.
“We’re grateful for the dedication and hard work of Village officials, the Potosi School District, Epic Construction, the library staff of Lancaster and Potosi and the many volunteers who helped evacuate the library and later put it back together, “ said Library Director Alan Tollefson. “I’m sure Potosi area residents will be pleased to see their library back in operation, looking as good as new. And any books returned during the month of August will not incur any late charges,” he added.
The hours of the Potosi Branch are: 3:30 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday and 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday & Saturday. The phone number is 763-2115.
Source: Schreiner Memorial Library Director, Alan Tollefson
Friday, August 1, 2008
Scholarship available for Public Library Management course
UW-Madison SLIS Continuing Education Services will offer a scholarship this Fall for a public library director certification course. The award is limited to directors currently pursuing their certification in Wisconsin. The winner may take either Basic Public Library Management or Collection Development online free of charge during the Fall 2008 semester. That is a $415 award!
The application is attached as a Word document. It may be emailed or mailed to Anna Palmer, ahpalmer@wisc.edu or Room 4285 Helen C. White Hall, 600 N. Park Street, Madison, WI 53706.
*August 15* is the deadline.
In Spring 2009, the award will be repeated for Fundamentals of Cataloging, Public Library Administration, and Basic Reference (all online).
Complete scholarship information is available here: http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/certscholarship.html
The application is attached as a Word document. It may be emailed or mailed to Anna Palmer, ahpalmer@wisc.edu or Room 4285 Helen C. White Hall, 600 N. Park Street, Madison, WI 53706.
*August 15* is the deadline.
In Spring 2009, the award will be repeated for Fundamentals of Cataloging, Public Library Administration, and Basic Reference (all online).
Complete scholarship information is available here: http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/certscholarship.html
Friday, July 11, 2008
KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR TO BE LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH HONORARY CHAIR
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the National Basketball Association's (NBA) all-time leading scorer and a prolific author, has been named honorary chair of Library Card Sign-up Month. Held in September, Library Card Sign-up Month is a time to remind parents and children that a library card is the most important school supply of all.
Abdul-Jabbar led UCLA to three consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) titles and the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers to six NBA championships. But Abdul-Jabbar's achievements go far beyond the court. He has written several books, including "On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance; "Giant Steps"; "Black Profiles in Courage"; "A Season on a Reservation"; and "Brothers in Arms." Four of his books reached bestseller lists.
Abdul-Jabbar said, "The library has always been my own personal time machine. I can walk through the doors and land in any place, any time period in history. I didn't have to wonder what their worlds were like; I could experience it first hand."
Library Card Sign-up Month was launched in 1987. Since then, thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure every child does just that. Free tools to help libraries promote Library Card Sign-up Month are available at http://www.ala.org/librarycardsignup.
Abdul-Jabbar led UCLA to three consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) titles and the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers to six NBA championships. But Abdul-Jabbar's achievements go far beyond the court. He has written several books, including "On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance; "Giant Steps"; "Black Profiles in Courage"; "A Season on a Reservation"; and "Brothers in Arms." Four of his books reached bestseller lists.
Abdul-Jabbar said, "The library has always been my own personal time machine. I can walk through the doors and land in any place, any time period in history. I didn't have to wonder what their worlds were like; I could experience it first hand."
Library Card Sign-up Month was launched in 1987. Since then, thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure every child does just that. Free tools to help libraries promote Library Card Sign-up Month are available at http://www.ala.org/librarycardsignup.
Guidelines Announced for Bank of America/IMLS American Heritage Preservation Program
From the PLA blog: July 10th, 2008 by Kathleen Hughes
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation are pleased to announce the 2009 guidelines for the American Heritage Preservation Program.
This new public-private partnership will fund the preservation of endangered and fragile art works, rare books, scientific specimens, and historical documents (photographs, maps, deeds, etc.) held in small and medium-sized museums, archives, and libraries. To access application guidelines instructions, please visit www.imls.gov/collections/grants/boa.htm.
“It is through the preservation and care of our collective heritage that America’s communities stay vital,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of IMLS “These grants are intended to assist institutions, as our nation’s stewards of cultural collections, with activities that ensure the safekeeping and care of these precious artifacts and with sharing the impact of these activities with their communities.”
The grants of up to $3,000 are aimed at completing stand-alone conservation projects that convey the essential character and experience of the United States. Examples of fundable projects are provided in the grant guidelines.
The partnership builds on IMLS’s Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, a multi-year, multi-pronged initiative to raise public awareness and inspire action on the care of America’s collections. That initiative implements recommendations of an IMLS-supported study, A Public Trust atRisk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections, which found that nearly 190 million objects in U.S. collections are in immediate danger of deterioration and need restoration or conservation.
For questions about museum projects, please contact Christine Henry, Senior Program Officer, at 202-653-4674 to discuss your questions. For questions about library or archival projects, please contact Susan Malbin, Senior Program Officer, at 202-653-4768.
The deadline for application is September 15, 2008. IMLS and Bank of America will notify applicants of final decisions in January 2009, with projects to begin no earlier than February 1, 2009.
To learn more please visit www.imls.gov.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation are pleased to announce the 2009 guidelines for the American Heritage Preservation Program.
This new public-private partnership will fund the preservation of endangered and fragile art works, rare books, scientific specimens, and historical documents (photographs, maps, deeds, etc.) held in small and medium-sized museums, archives, and libraries. To access application guidelines instructions, please visit www.imls.gov/collections/grants/boa.htm.
“It is through the preservation and care of our collective heritage that America’s communities stay vital,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of IMLS “These grants are intended to assist institutions, as our nation’s stewards of cultural collections, with activities that ensure the safekeeping and care of these precious artifacts and with sharing the impact of these activities with their communities.”
The grants of up to $3,000 are aimed at completing stand-alone conservation projects that convey the essential character and experience of the United States. Examples of fundable projects are provided in the grant guidelines.
The partnership builds on IMLS’s Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, a multi-year, multi-pronged initiative to raise public awareness and inspire action on the care of America’s collections. That initiative implements recommendations of an IMLS-supported study, A Public Trust atRisk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America’s Collections, which found that nearly 190 million objects in U.S. collections are in immediate danger of deterioration and need restoration or conservation.
For questions about museum projects, please contact Christine Henry, Senior Program Officer, at 202-653-4674 to discuss your questions. For questions about library or archival projects, please contact Susan Malbin, Senior Program Officer, at 202-653-4768.
The deadline for application is September 15, 2008. IMLS and Bank of America will notify applicants of final decisions in January 2009, with projects to begin no earlier than February 1, 2009.
To learn more please visit www.imls.gov.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Upcoming programs at Soldiers Grove PL
Our first guest is cultural geographer, Geri Weinstein-Breunig. Geri has 18 years experience in management of public land and water, working with citizens to define a river or stream in their community as a cultural landscape steeped in shared history and value. Her written cultural histories of Midwestern rivers have been a catalyst for citizen stewardship initiatives. “The river is just being itself, we have to decide how to interact with it.” Ms. Weinstein-Breunig will share her perceptions on people & rivers on
Thursday, July 10th , 7pm at the Soldiers Grove Library.
Our next speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Potter, professor of civil & environmental engineering at UW-Madison, on the subjects of flood management & restoration of aquatic systems. Ken has studied flooding in Wisconsin for 30 years and has written about the benefits of conservation practices on flood control. Ken invites people to email him prior to his visit with any questions concerning this topic, to help him shape the nature of his talk. Please visit his university website for more information. http://www.engr.wisc.edu/cee/faculty/potter_kenneth.html
This program, sponsored by the Soldiers Grove Library, will be held at the
Gays Mills Community Center, Thursday, July 24th, 7pm. Everyone is welcome.
From Soldiers Grove Library News
Thursday, July 10th , 7pm at the Soldiers Grove Library.
Our next speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Potter, professor of civil & environmental engineering at UW-Madison, on the subjects of flood management & restoration of aquatic systems. Ken has studied flooding in Wisconsin for 30 years and has written about the benefits of conservation practices on flood control. Ken invites people to email him prior to his visit with any questions concerning this topic, to help him shape the nature of his talk. Please visit his university website for more information. http://www.engr.wisc.edu/cee/faculty/potter_kenneth.html
This program, sponsored by the Soldiers Grove Library, will be held at the
Gays Mills Community Center, Thursday, July 24th, 7pm. Everyone is welcome.
From Soldiers Grove Library News
Monday, July 7, 2008
Wisconsin Way forums--round 2
According to a news release issued by the Wisconsin Way, billed as an effort to improve the fairness of Wisconsin’s tax system while preserving the quality of public services, more than 5,000 state residents have participated in the process through town hall meetings and organizational briefings.
Now, the Wisconsin Way leaders are working with a nonpartisan team of budget experts, policy advisers, economic development leaders, academics and financial industry members to turn the public’s priorities into a workable blueprint for the state. Together, members of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, Wisconsin Counties Association, and Wood Communications Group will kick off the second round of Wisconsin Way public forums June 24 in Eau Claire through August 19 in Madison.
Forum locations close to SW Wisconsin include:
La Crosse, July 29
Platteville, August 5
Madison, August 19
For more information and/or to register for a forum, visit http://www.wisconsinway.org/Template0.aspx?pid=1&lif=1
As with the first round of meetings, which took place from October through January, the public forums are free and designed to draw citizens from all walks of life. Participants from the first round of meetings are strongly encouraged to continue the conversation by returning, while new participants also are welcome to add their voices as the blueprint takes shape.
Now, the Wisconsin Way leaders are working with a nonpartisan team of budget experts, policy advisers, economic development leaders, academics and financial industry members to turn the public’s priorities into a workable blueprint for the state. Together, members of the Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, Wisconsin Counties Association, and Wood Communications Group will kick off the second round of Wisconsin Way public forums June 24 in Eau Claire through August 19 in Madison.
Forum locations close to SW Wisconsin include:
La Crosse, July 29
Platteville, August 5
Madison, August 19
For more information and/or to register for a forum, visit http://www.wisconsinway.org/Template0.aspx?pid=1&lif=1
As with the first round of meetings, which took place from October through January, the public forums are free and designed to draw citizens from all walks of life. Participants from the first round of meetings are strongly encouraged to continue the conversation by returning, while new participants also are welcome to add their voices as the blueprint takes shape.
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