Wisconsin’s Water Library is happy to announce the launch of its new web site at http://aqua.wisc.edu/waterlibrary .
This site provides one place for users to locate resources available for the Water Library. This site combines three earlier library sites—the original Water Resources Library site, a newer WWL site developed for Wisconsin’s Year of Water, and the Wisconsin’s Water Library for Kids.
The site is intended to extend the reach of the library’s services to residents across Wisconsin and offers new navigational tools to provide easier access to information. An important tool on the site is the “Recommendations” feature, which allows users to browse reading lists by topic, finding books and Web sites on frogs, fish, the Great Lakes, or water pollution. Any adult resident of Wisconsin can check out books online from the library and pick them up at their local public or university library. The site was constructed with the help of ASC staff members Tina Yao, Tom Dellinger, Rich Dellinger, Julia Cameron, and Jennifer Champoux.
A new Recent Acquisitions List for November 2008 is now available http://aqua.wisc.edu/waterlibrary/Default.aspx?tabid=87. Some new titles cover such topics as Climate Change, Ocean Science, and Invasive Species.
Check it out and let us know what your think. We’d love to hear from you--Anne Moser and Jennifer Champoux, Wisconsin’s Water Library staff
From Ask Water Resources 11/25/08
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Spring Scholarship for Public Library Director certification course
UW-Madison SLIS Continuing Education Services announces its spring scholarship for a public library director certification course. The award is limited to directors currently pursuing their certification in Wisconsin. The winner may take Public Library Administration, Basic Reference, or Fundamentals of Cataloging online free of charge during the Spring 2009 semester. This is a $415 award!
The application is attached as a Word document. It may be emailed or mailed to Susan Santner, sbsantner@wisc.edu or Room 4284 Helen C. White Hall, 600 N. Park Street, Madison, WI 53706. *December 12* is the deadline. The recipient will be notified by December 22. Complete scholarship information is available here: http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/certscholarship.html
Questions? Contact Susan Santner, sbsantner@wisc.edu or 608-890-0364.
The application is attached as a Word document. It may be emailed or mailed to Susan Santner, sbsantner@wisc.edu or Room 4284 Helen C. White Hall, 600 N. Park Street, Madison, WI 53706. *December 12* is the deadline. The recipient will be notified by December 22. Complete scholarship information is available here: http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/certscholarship.html
Questions? Contact Susan Santner, sbsantner@wisc.edu or 608-890-0364.
Beginnings Report available
Follow this link https://blog.uwgb.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/coland/coland-draft.pdf to the Beginnings Report on the Future of Libraries. Share your comments on the COLAND blog http://blog.uwgb.edu/coland/ .
Friday, October 31, 2008
Free webinar on Picturing America programs for your public library
Learn how to create exceptional Picturing America programs for your public library with Nancy Davenport, library services director for the DC Public Library and experienced Picturing America project director. This live presentation will be broadcast through OPAL, a free online meeting space, on November 7, 2008 at 3 p.m. EST. Join fellow grant recipients as Nancy shares how she has used Picturing America to enhance her library’s outreach by incorporating the Picturing America collection in to library programming. Nancy will discuss using the Picturing America collection to increase visual literacy through children’s programming, and will provide examples of discussion guides and reading lists to help you get started on creating your own remarkable programs.
Prior to joining the DC Public Library, Nancy Davenport served as director of acquisitions in both the Rare Books and Special Collections and the Prints and Photographs divisions of the Library of Congress. Nancy currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Information Standards Organization. She holds a presidential appointment on the National Historical Publications and Records Commission at the National Archives, and is an active member of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association.
Picturing America is a free educational resource that helps teach American history and culture by bringing some of our nation’s greatest works of art directly to classrooms and libraries. For more information, visit http://picturingamerica.neh.gov.
OPAL is a free, online meeting space where library patrons and staff can gather to participate in library programs and training sessions. For more information on OPAL, visit http://www.opal-online.org. Contact the ALA Public Programs office at publicprograms@ala.org with questions.
From PLA e-News 10/31/08
Prior to joining the DC Public Library, Nancy Davenport served as director of acquisitions in both the Rare Books and Special Collections and the Prints and Photographs divisions of the Library of Congress. Nancy currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Information Standards Organization. She holds a presidential appointment on the National Historical Publications and Records Commission at the National Archives, and is an active member of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association.
Picturing America is a free educational resource that helps teach American history and culture by bringing some of our nation’s greatest works of art directly to classrooms and libraries. For more information, visit http://picturingamerica.neh.gov.
OPAL is a free, online meeting space where library patrons and staff can gather to participate in library programs and training sessions. For more information on OPAL, visit http://www.opal-online.org. Contact the ALA Public Programs office at publicprograms@ala.org with questions.
From PLA e-News 10/31/08
Thursday, October 30, 2008
STUDY SHOWS POSITIVE LINK BETWEEN CHILDREN’S PUBLIC LIBRARY USE AND READING SCORES
A recent study done by Keith Curry Lance and Robbie Bravman Marks published in the September 2008 “School Library Journal” observes that the factors affecting children’s reading scores are complex. However, data about reading scores and children’s services in public libraries supports the widespread belief that the efforts of public libraries to promote early literacy pays off in terms of higher reading scores during elementary school. There is a positive and statistically significant relationship between children’s services in public libraries and early reading success.
Since 1990, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has been collaborating with the 50 states and the District of Columbia to compile basic statistics about public libraries, including the circulation of children’s materials and attendance at children’s programs. According to the Lance/Marks study, comparison of the reading scores (fourth-grade NAEP reading scores) with children’s circulation statistics shows “a strong, positive link, while comparison of the same reading scores with attendance at children’s programs demonstrates a positive, if somewhat weaker, link.”
Of states ranking in the top half of all states on reading scores, 82 percent also ranked in the top half on circulation of children’s materials per capita. Conversely, four out of five states in the bottom half on reading scores also rank in the bottom half on children’s circulation. Of states ranking in the top half on reading scores, 70 percent ranked in the top half on attendance at children’s programs per capita. Seventy-one percent in the bottom half on reading scores also rank in the bottom half on children’s program attendance.
Wisconsin ranks in the top half of all states on the reading scores, and also ranks in the top half for attendance at children’s programs and children’s circulation.
These findings support the position that public library children’s services make a significant, measurable difference in early reading success.
To read the complete article, go to http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590044.html.
From Channel Weekly Vol. 11, No. 8 10/30/2008
Since 1990, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has been collaborating with the 50 states and the District of Columbia to compile basic statistics about public libraries, including the circulation of children’s materials and attendance at children’s programs. According to the Lance/Marks study, comparison of the reading scores (fourth-grade NAEP reading scores) with children’s circulation statistics shows “a strong, positive link, while comparison of the same reading scores with attendance at children’s programs demonstrates a positive, if somewhat weaker, link.”
Of states ranking in the top half of all states on reading scores, 82 percent also ranked in the top half on circulation of children’s materials per capita. Conversely, four out of five states in the bottom half on reading scores also rank in the bottom half on children’s circulation. Of states ranking in the top half on reading scores, 70 percent ranked in the top half on attendance at children’s programs per capita. Seventy-one percent in the bottom half on reading scores also rank in the bottom half on children’s program attendance.
Wisconsin ranks in the top half of all states on the reading scores, and also ranks in the top half for attendance at children’s programs and children’s circulation.
These findings support the position that public library children’s services make a significant, measurable difference in early reading success.
To read the complete article, go to http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590044.html.
From Channel Weekly Vol. 11, No. 8 10/30/2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Federated Searching and Improved Authentication Come to BadgerLink
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
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
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
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