WISCAT Community,
It is that time of year again to renew your WISCAT license(s) for the upcoming year. Please complete the form and return by Friday, December 11, 2009.
Extend your collection and services to meet student, patron and staff needs with the power of the Wisconsin resource sharing community. WISCAT remains an excellent value for libraries of all types and sizes:
- Full-featured resource sharing technology includes mediated or unmediated patron-initiated requests, patron status checking, one-screen request management, automatic lending policy checking, Z395.0 catalog status checking, and on-demand library-specific statistics;
- Reference and community-building features such as reader reviews, splash pages, and bibliographies;
- Locally customizable interface and branding;
- Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) reviews;
- Z39.50 searching of union catalog, library catalogs, and the BadgerLink databases;
- Great source of MARC records for your catalog;
- Inexpensive option to meet school ILL policy requirements;
- Experienced, free training and support from Reference and Loan Library staff for ILL, customization, holdings updates, and loading records;
The cost for an annual license remains at a modest $200 per building per year. You can find the order form at:
Individual libraries http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/pdf/wiscat_order_form_2010.pdf
Public library systems http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/pdf/system10.pdf
WISCAT license renewals are not automatic. Individual libraries and public library systems (on behalf of member libraries) must submit an order form each year.
WISCAT—web-based, union/virtual catalog and resource sharing software system--is built upon the AGent software from Auto-Graphics. The Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction, Reference and Loan Library, administers WISCAT for all libraries in Wisconsin. The current edition of the WISCAT union catalog, one of the largest physical statewide union catalogs in the country, contains 7+ million titles and more than 32 million holdings from over 1200 contributing libraries. The catalog contains material in all formats, including books, serials, video recordings, sound recordings and other audiovisual formats.
If you have questions or concerns regarding licensing (or any WISCAT topic), please contact me directly.
Thanks,David J. Sleasman
Reference and Loan Library
WI Dept. of Public Instruction
EMAIL: david.sleasman@dpi.wi.gov
PHONE: 888.542.5543, Extension 1
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Name Change for Wisconsin Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has changed its name. It is now the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (the Library). It is located in the Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library in downtown Milwaukee, all other contact information remains the same:
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library
813 W. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414.286.3045 (Milwaukee)
800.242.8822 (Wisconsin toll free number)
414.286.3548 (TDD)
414.286.3102 (FAX)
lbph@milwaukee.gov
regionallibrary.wi.gov
Source: Barb Huntington 11/10/2009
Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library
813 W. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414.286.3045 (Milwaukee)
800.242.8822 (Wisconsin toll free number)
414.286.3548 (TDD)
414.286.3102 (FAX)
lbph@milwaukee.gov
regionallibrary.wi.gov
Source: Barb Huntington 11/10/2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
New format, features available on OverDrive starting November 2, 2009
Starting on Monday, November 2, the WPLC OverDrive collection will include a new format and some new features.
eBooks
The initial WPLC collection of eBooks contains over 200 titles. New links on the left navigation pane will help users find these titles in the collection. Two formats will be included, Adobe EPUB and Adobe PDF (Digital Editions). To learn more about these formats and how to use them, please follow the link "Learn more" in the introductory paragraphs at the top of the WPLC OverDrive website, where you will find a lot of helpful information. (The new help pages will be available beginning on Monday.)
Star-rating
Starting on Nov. 2nd, users will be able to rate a title. Once signed in, users will be able to rate titles on a scale of 1-5 stars. If a user has previously rated titles, the user can review and, if desired, change or remove these ratings at a new 'My Ratings'
page. Average ratings are displayed to all users.
Share via Social Networking
Starting on Nov. 2nd, in addition to the existing option of sharing information on a title with a friend via e-mail, users will also be able to share information on a title via Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Linda Miller
eBooks
The initial WPLC collection of eBooks contains over 200 titles. New links on the left navigation pane will help users find these titles in the collection. Two formats will be included, Adobe EPUB and Adobe PDF (Digital Editions). To learn more about these formats and how to use them, please follow the link "Learn more" in the introductory paragraphs at the top of the WPLC OverDrive website, where you will find a lot of helpful information. (The new help pages will be available beginning on Monday.)
Star-rating
Starting on Nov. 2nd, users will be able to rate a title. Once signed in, users will be able to rate titles on a scale of 1-5 stars. If a user has previously rated titles, the user can review and, if desired, change or remove these ratings at a new 'My Ratings'
page. Average ratings are displayed to all users.
Share via Social Networking
Starting on Nov. 2nd, in addition to the existing option of sharing information on a title with a friend via e-mail, users will also be able to share information on a title via Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Linda Miller
Website of the Week from DPI's Channel Weekly
USA.gov: Health and Nutrition -- http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health.shtml -- The U.S. government’s official web portal offering access to government resources on health care, insurance, diet, fitness, public health, and more.
Source: Channel Weekly, Vol. 12, Number 7---October 29, 2009
Source: Channel Weekly, Vol. 12, Number 7---October 29, 2009
Ordering Wisconsin Tax Forms
New Procedures for 2009
The department has implemented a new e-mail application for libraries to use in placing orders for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms. This new application is easier to use and offers a better process for monitoring library orders and tracking shipments. Although some libraries may have already placed their order for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms using the online ordering system, you must now resubmit your order using this e-mail application.
We Need Your Help!
Last year Wisconsin libraries ordered approximately 1.6 million tax forms and instructions (1 million forms + 600,000 instruction booklets). Based on the unique barcode assigned to forms provided to libraries, the department was able to determine that less than 75,000 of the 1 million forms were actually filed with the department. We know that some of the forms that were not submitted to the department are used for draft versions or kept as a copy, but certainly not all 925,000.
Help us reduce the number of forms that are being wasted. While we want to continue to provide forms to taxpayers who need them, we must reduce the waste associated with forms that are not being used. We urge you to order fewer forms this year!
More E-filing - Less Paper
More than 71% of Wisconsin taxpayers filed their income tax returns electronically. Last year the department introduced a new e-file application called Wisconsin e-file. This application is Free, Secure, and Accurate. Plus, refunds are available within 5 business days.
We encourage you to refer your customers to this free application. Wisconsin e-file is available from the department's web site at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/.
In addition, all Wisconsin tax forms are available online at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/html/formpub.html.
How to Order Forms
Step 1 Open the attachment below (Form P-744L, Library Tax Form Request) and fill in your name, address, and contact information.
Step 2 Fill in requested quantities.
Step 3 Save completed form to your computer.
Step 4 E-mail the completed request form (as an attachment) to DorLibraryFormsOrders@revenue.wi.gov
Please submit your order by November 13th.
We thank you for your time and effort in providing assistance to Wisconsin taxpayers. If you have any questions or need assistance with placing your order, feel free to contact Laurie Yahr at (608) 261-5106 or e-mail at laurie.yahr@revenue.wi.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey W. Hanson
Staff Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Mail Stop 6-40
PO Box 8933
Madison, WI 53708-8933
Phone (608) 266-8474
Fax (608) 261-6240
Source: email sent 10/29/2009
The department has implemented a new e-mail application for libraries to use in placing orders for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms. This new application is easier to use and offers a better process for monitoring library orders and tracking shipments. Although some libraries may have already placed their order for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms using the online ordering system, you must now resubmit your order using this e-mail application.
We Need Your Help!
Last year Wisconsin libraries ordered approximately 1.6 million tax forms and instructions (1 million forms + 600,000 instruction booklets). Based on the unique barcode assigned to forms provided to libraries, the department was able to determine that less than 75,000 of the 1 million forms were actually filed with the department. We know that some of the forms that were not submitted to the department are used for draft versions or kept as a copy, but certainly not all 925,000.
Help us reduce the number of forms that are being wasted. While we want to continue to provide forms to taxpayers who need them, we must reduce the waste associated with forms that are not being used. We urge you to order fewer forms this year!
More E-filing - Less Paper
More than 71% of Wisconsin taxpayers filed their income tax returns electronically. Last year the department introduced a new e-file application called Wisconsin e-file. This application is Free, Secure, and Accurate. Plus, refunds are available within 5 business days.
We encourage you to refer your customers to this free application. Wisconsin e-file is available from the department's web site at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/.
In addition, all Wisconsin tax forms are available online at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/html/formpub.html.
How to Order Forms
Step 1 Open the attachment below (Form P-744L, Library Tax Form Request) and fill in your name, address, and contact information.
Step 2 Fill in requested quantities.
Step 3 Save completed form to your computer.
Step 4 E-mail the completed request form (as an attachment) to DorLibraryFormsOrders@revenue.wi.gov
Please submit your order by November 13th.
We thank you for your time and effort in providing assistance to Wisconsin taxpayers. If you have any questions or need assistance with placing your order, feel free to contact Laurie Yahr at (608) 261-5106 or e-mail at laurie.yahr@revenue.wi.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey W. Hanson
Staff Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Mail Stop 6-40
PO Box 8933
Madison, WI 53708-8933
Phone (608) 266-8474
Fax (608) 261-6240
Source: email sent 10/29/2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Introducing ReadyWisconsin
ReadyWisconsin is a one-stop portal for information and resources related to any type of emergency that could threaten Wisconsin residents.
Free Outreach Materials
A unique feature of ReadyWisconsin is the wide array of free outreach materials that can be customized and branded for use by any governmental entity, volunteer organization or emergency preparedness stakeholder.
For instance, downloadable pre-produced television and radio messages addressing dozens of themed preparedness issues can be used and tagged by a sheriff, fire chief, county executive, school superintendent, civic leader or any individual or entity that chooses to deliver preparedness outreach messages to the public.
Other turn-key products include streaming video, children’s materials, brochures, posters, checklists and templates, and PowerPoint presentations. New materials are continually being developed.
Specialized Links
ReadyWisconsin aims to make it easier for the public to access disaster information by inviting them to a single site from which they can then be linked directly to the most comprehensive and up-to-date information at the state, national and international levels.
In the case of pandemic flu, for example, ReadyWisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Departments of Health Services and Public Instruction in the creation of outreach materials and in identifying links to essential information for the public.
For additional information, please go to http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov or contact Susan Burleigh at 608-242-3324 or susan.burleigh@wisconsin.gov.
Source: email 9/22/09
Free Outreach Materials
A unique feature of ReadyWisconsin is the wide array of free outreach materials that can be customized and branded for use by any governmental entity, volunteer organization or emergency preparedness stakeholder.
For instance, downloadable pre-produced television and radio messages addressing dozens of themed preparedness issues can be used and tagged by a sheriff, fire chief, county executive, school superintendent, civic leader or any individual or entity that chooses to deliver preparedness outreach messages to the public.
Other turn-key products include streaming video, children’s materials, brochures, posters, checklists and templates, and PowerPoint presentations. New materials are continually being developed.
Specialized Links
ReadyWisconsin aims to make it easier for the public to access disaster information by inviting them to a single site from which they can then be linked directly to the most comprehensive and up-to-date information at the state, national and international levels.
In the case of pandemic flu, for example, ReadyWisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Departments of Health Services and Public Instruction in the creation of outreach materials and in identifying links to essential information for the public.
For additional information, please go to http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov or contact Susan Burleigh at 608-242-3324 or susan.burleigh@wisconsin.gov.
Source: email 9/22/09
Friday, August 14, 2009
Here’s What We Know About Libraries...and What Your Local & County Officials Need to Know
Need some talking points for your 2010 budget development? Here are a few suggestions.
1. Libraries are essential to economic recovery.
Libraries provide valuable materials, programs, and services to get people back on their feet and skilled staff to help them find what they need.
· Resources to learn about resume writing, and how to complete job application forms
· Resources to learn financial management
· Resources to help create small businesses
· Resources to learn about health, nutrition and wellness activities
· Online databases that provide valuable information for businesses
· Computers and Internet access for applying for jobs online
· Computers and Internet access for virtual classes and training
· Computer training on email, searching, work processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and more software programs
· Free email access to apply and receive correspondence about jobs
· Assistance in setting up free email accounts
· Resume writing software and assistance
· Referrals to agencies that provide loans, food, shelter and other essentials
· Meeting places for businesses to conduct interviews and group meetings
· Meeting places for tutors and students
· Staff to proctor exams for correspondence classes, virtual universities, and job qualification tests
· Practice tests, both print and online
2. Libraries are models of cost-efficient operations.
For years, libraries have set the standard for working together, sharing resources, and creating efficiencies – always with an eye to enhancing customer service and making the best use of taxpayers’ dollars. The examples are numerous:
· Shared pulic access computer systems
· Access to online databases
· Access to materials in digital formats
· Interlibrary loan: physical delivery of materials
· Interlibrary loan: document delivery
· Electronic reference services (Instant messaging/chat)
· Long-range planning (e.g., Council of Libraries and Network Development report on future of Wisconsin libraries)
· Continuing education
· Special needs (e.g., Regional Library for Blind & Physically Handicapped)
3. Libraries are experiencing increased demands for service.
The current economic climate has made libraries an even more vital part of their communities; they’re busier than ever. It’s a national phenomenon.
Key quote*: "Whenever you have tough economic times, public libraries are a place people go because they have no other alternatives or because they know they are going to get the kind of powerful information that will make a difference in their lives."
--Kristin McDonough, Director of the Science/Industry/Business Library of the New York Public Library.
“Frugal readers drive up library circulation 30%.” Chicago Sun-Times, 6/28/2009.
“Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries”. The New York Times, 4/1/2009.
“Libraries Stressed, Yet Needed More Than Ever.” The Denver Post, 3/22/2009.
*“Hard Economic Times a Boon for Libraries. CNN.com, 2/28/2009.
“In Slumping Economy, Library Use Shoots Up”. Greater Milwaukee Today, 2/10/2009.
"Libraries many benefits rediscovered in hard economic times". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/22/2009.
"Folks Are Flocking to the Library, a Cozy Place to Look for a Job". Wall Street Journal, 1/15/2009.
"Library use up with economy drop." Racine Journal Times, 1/4/2009.
“Check it out: As the economy sags, library use is booming.” The Boston Globe, 1/4/2009.
"As economy goes down, traffic at the library goes up." Wisconsin State Journal, 1/1/2009.
Wisconsin Library Association 5250 East Terrace Drive, Suite A1 Madison, WI 53718Telephone: 608.245.3640 On the web at http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/
1. Libraries are essential to economic recovery.
Libraries provide valuable materials, programs, and services to get people back on their feet and skilled staff to help them find what they need.
· Resources to learn about resume writing, and how to complete job application forms
· Resources to learn financial management
· Resources to help create small businesses
· Resources to learn about health, nutrition and wellness activities
· Online databases that provide valuable information for businesses
· Computers and Internet access for applying for jobs online
· Computers and Internet access for virtual classes and training
· Computer training on email, searching, work processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and more software programs
· Free email access to apply and receive correspondence about jobs
· Assistance in setting up free email accounts
· Resume writing software and assistance
· Referrals to agencies that provide loans, food, shelter and other essentials
· Meeting places for businesses to conduct interviews and group meetings
· Meeting places for tutors and students
· Staff to proctor exams for correspondence classes, virtual universities, and job qualification tests
· Practice tests, both print and online
2. Libraries are models of cost-efficient operations.
For years, libraries have set the standard for working together, sharing resources, and creating efficiencies – always with an eye to enhancing customer service and making the best use of taxpayers’ dollars. The examples are numerous:
· Shared pulic access computer systems
· Access to online databases
· Access to materials in digital formats
· Interlibrary loan: physical delivery of materials
· Interlibrary loan: document delivery
· Electronic reference services (Instant messaging/chat)
· Long-range planning (e.g., Council of Libraries and Network Development report on future of Wisconsin libraries)
· Continuing education
· Special needs (e.g., Regional Library for Blind & Physically Handicapped)
3. Libraries are experiencing increased demands for service.
The current economic climate has made libraries an even more vital part of their communities; they’re busier than ever. It’s a national phenomenon.
Key quote*: "Whenever you have tough economic times, public libraries are a place people go because they have no other alternatives or because they know they are going to get the kind of powerful information that will make a difference in their lives."
--Kristin McDonough, Director of the Science/Industry/Business Library of the New York Public Library.
“Frugal readers drive up library circulation 30%.” Chicago Sun-Times, 6/28/2009.
“Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries”. The New York Times, 4/1/2009.
“Libraries Stressed, Yet Needed More Than Ever.” The Denver Post, 3/22/2009.
*“Hard Economic Times a Boon for Libraries. CNN.com, 2/28/2009.
“In Slumping Economy, Library Use Shoots Up”. Greater Milwaukee Today, 2/10/2009.
"Libraries many benefits rediscovered in hard economic times". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/22/2009.
"Folks Are Flocking to the Library, a Cozy Place to Look for a Job". Wall Street Journal, 1/15/2009.
"Library use up with economy drop." Racine Journal Times, 1/4/2009.
“Check it out: As the economy sags, library use is booming.” The Boston Globe, 1/4/2009.
"As economy goes down, traffic at the library goes up." Wisconsin State Journal, 1/1/2009.
Wisconsin Library Association 5250 East Terrace Drive, Suite A1 Madison, WI 53718Telephone: 608.245.3640 On the web at http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/
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