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Meet Prof. Ryan O’Leary, the Academic Success Associate at UWSP Marshfield. You may know Ryan as a professor, teaching courses in critical thinking and religious studies. His specialization is philosophical theology, focusing on the interplay between religion and culture. Ryan also received the 2024 UWSP University Award for Excellence in Teaching. He holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from University of Iowa. Here are some fun facts from our interview with Ryan. Where is your hometown? I grew up in northern Wisconsin. I currently live in Marshfield with my wife and three cats, whom we adopted from a local farm. They have no idea how lucky they are! How do you continue to contribute to our library’s mission and campus community? I work as the Academic Success Associate at the Marshfield campus’ Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library. In that role I assist in library services, provide academic coaching, and oversee the Marshfield Tutoring-Learning Center. How do you like to spend your

Meet Laurie Petri, the new Collection Development Librarian at UWSP. While she may be stepping into this new role, Laurie is no stranger to the University of Wisconsin library community. Learn more about her and her new role.  Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to our library? A: I’ve been involved with libraries since I was in third grade—shelving books. I came to UWSP after many years at UW Colleges, and I feel like this new position is the perfect fit for my interests and experience. Q: Where is your hometown? A: I’m from Footville, WI, a quaint little town with a population of about 750, located near Janesville. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Illinois. Q: What’s one thing you’re looking forward to learning or achieving in your new position? A: I love hearing from students about their passions and research topics. It really expands my knowledge. I hope to provide them with the books they need for their assignments and maybe recommend a

Remembering Lee Burress by Shane Olsen  The UWSP Libraries celebrate Banned Books Week each September by reemphasizing our commitment to protecting everyone’s freedom to read. UWSP faculty, staff, and students have long supported intellectual freedom and opposed censorship, and a central figure in this work was Professor Lee Burress. Burress was a tireless advocate for intellectual freedom and an expert on censorship. His passing on March 28, 1993, marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to resonate in the ongoing debates about censorship in schools and libraries.                Lee Burress in front of Old Main, 1971. UWSP News Service Negatives Collection, N2, Box 2, Folder 14, Page 268. A Voice Against Censorship In 1958, Burress began teaching English at what was then Wisconsin State College at Stevens Point (now UWSP). His academic interest in censorship was shaped by ongoing battles over book challenges that impacted both him and his students. While teaching in Kansas i

This year’s Banned Books Week theme,  “Freed Between the Lines,”  focuses on combating censorship. Launched in 1982, Banned Books Week highlights the importance of access to diverse literature and the crucial role libraries play in protecting this freedom. The week originated from the Supreme Court case  Island Trees School District v. Pico , which ruled that schools cannot ban books solely based on content. Despite this progress, the fight against censorship continues. Supported by organizations like the American Library Association (ALA), PEN, and the National Book Foundation , this year’s Banned Books Week features filmmaker Ava DuVernay as the honorary chair and student activist Julia Garnett as the youth honorary chair. Garnett, recognized for her anti-censorship efforts in Tennessee, was praised by First Lady Jill Biden as one of the "Girls Leading Change." How You Can Participate Here are ways to get involved: Let Freedom Read Day  – Sept. 28th : Mark your

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, honoring the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The month starts on September 15 to align with the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with additional celebrations for Mexico, Chile, and Belize throughout the month. October 12 is also marked as Día de la Raza or Indigenous Peoples Day. This year’s theme, “ Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together ,” reflects the Hispanic experience in the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity. The University Libraries celebrates this month with a curated selection of resources for you to explore. 🌍 Explore Our Collections : Below are highlighted books and films from classic literature to contemporary works and discover stories that celebrate diverse voices and experiences. Latina Histories and Cultures: Feminist Readings and Recoveries of Archival Kn

Welcome, new students, faculty, and staff! And a warm welcome back to everyone for the Fall 2024 semester. Our libraries are here to support you every step of the way, whether you're on the Main Campus, Wausau, or Marshfield. Whether you need research assistance, leisure reading, study spaces, or archival materials, we’ve got everything you need to succeed. What We Offer: Research Guides :  Start your research projects or papers with tailored course and subject guides. Databases : Access scholarly and popular articles from anywhere. Streaming Videos : From blockbuster hits to insightful documentaries. Circulation Desk: Pick up materials, browse periodicals, or grab a board game. Research Consultations : Stuck on a project or paper? Our librarians are here to help. Courses : Enhance your skills with our info literacy and critical thinking credit-bearing courses. For Faculty: Instruction Sessions : Book a library session with our librarians. Course Reserves : Ensure students