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Showing posts from 2024

The UWSP Libraries Proudly Honors our Veterans

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  Our collection includes a wide range of resources that explore the stories, experiences, and sacrifices of veterans. Below, we've highlighted notable fiction and nonfiction titles that celebrate and reflect their journeys.  We also have numerous streaming videos and ebooks you can explore.  Daily lives of civilians in wartime modern America : from the Indian wars to the Vietnam  war  / edited by David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler. Against all odds  :  a true story of ultimate courage  and survival in World War II / Alex Kershaw. Brothers in valor  :  battlefield stories  of  the 89 African Americans awarded  the  Medal  of  Honor  / Robert F. Jefferson Jr. Invisible storm  :  a soldier's memoir of politics and PTSD   / Jason Kander. The Colonel's Dream Additionally, the Library of Congress offers an extensive array of resources on veterans, including the Veterans History Project Collection (details below). Library of Congress:   Veterans History Project Collection &qu

Building Hours Update

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Early in the spring semester, UWSP students, faculty, and staff will need to use their PointCard to access the University Library after 7:00 pm.  Please use CCC Entrance 3 (Northeast corner) and Entrance 5 (Southeast corner) for badge reader access. This new process is part of a University-wide effort to increase the efficiency and safety of access to UWSP campus buildings. Note: Members of the public not affiliated with UWSP are welcome to use the Library for research and study during public building hours (Mon - Friday: 7:45 - 7:00 p.m.; Sat & Sun: Noon - 5:00 p.m.).

Get to know Katie DeRuyter, Library Systems Assistant

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Meet Katie DeRuyter, our new Library Systems Assistant at UWSP! Katie brings a fresh perspective and strong commitment to support our library services. She is helping with course reserves, assisting with our library system and e-resources (including videos and ebooks), and she contributes to our collection maintenance.  Here are some fun facts we discovered in our interview with Katie.  Can you tell us a little about your background and your current position?  I have been working in libraries since 2021 when I decided to go back to school to get my master’s degree. I have worked for Brown County Library, Appleton Public Library, and the Seeley G. Mudd Library at Lawrence University. I have been with UWSP since August and am looking forward to all I will learn from my wonderful colleagues. For nearly 20 years, I have been working with various community theater groups in my spare time and have either been the sound designer for or the stage

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month 2024

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Join us this November in celebrating Native American Heritage Month, a time to explore the histories, ceremonies, and storytelling traditions of Indigenous peoples across North America. There are many ways to celebrate, places to discover rich resources, explore collections, and attend events.  Discover   highlighted resources from our curated collection below and check out some of the digital collections from the  Library of Congress  Explore the mission and offerings of our campus  Native American Center  and their scholarship opportunities.   Stay tuned for a special blog post by Archives Assistant Shane Olsen, featuring primary source collections that capture Native American perspectives and contributions, both on campus and in the Stevens Point community. Experience the artistry of Joe Rainey, a musician blending Native American music with avant-garde styles. Catch his performance at the DUC on November 19th as part of the campus Coffee & Culture program. VIDEOS Urban Indig

Update on Loan History Privacy at University Libraries

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Starting January 2025 , the University Libraries will be implementing a new policy to enhance the privacy of our patrons regarding loan history. Here’s what you need to know: Anonymization of Loan History: All loan history older than six months will be anonymized, meaning it will no longer be linked to individual accounts. This change is designed to protect your privacy while still allowing us to retain records for internal analysis. What You Need to Do: If you wish to maintain your full loan history, please log in to Loan History and opt in by the end of this semester – December 20, 2024. If you take no action, your account will automatically anonymize loan history older than six months. Exporting Your History: If you opt in, you will be able to export your loan history as a .csv file for your personal use. Important : Accounts that do not opt in by the deadline will have their loan history reduced to the last s

Unlock Your Potential with PrepSTEP: A New Resource for Students

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What is PrepSTEP? The library has just purchased PrepSTEP , a new resource designed to help you in your academic and professional pursuits. Whether you’re looking to strengthen foundational skills, prepare for graduate school entrance exams, or tackle occupational licensing tests, PrepSTEP has you covered. PrepSTEP  is a comprehensive online learning platform that features nine targeted learning centers , each packed with resources, including: Practice Tests : Simulate real exam conditions and gauge your readiness. Self-Directed Tutorials : Gain a deeper understanding of key concepts at your own pace. Microlessons : Short, focused lessons that cover essential skills. E-Books and Articles : Access a wealth of knowledge on a variety of subjects. Flashcards : Utilize interactive flashcards to reinforce your learning. Why Use PrepSTEP? Whether you're a first-year college student looking to build your academic skills or a seasoned professional preparing for licensure exams, PrepSTEP off

Get to Know Shane Olsen, Archives Assistant

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Meet Shane Olsen, the Archives Assistant at UWSP. Shane is dedicated to connecting the community and campus with historical resources. From managing collections to writing newsletters, he strives to make the archives accessible and welcoming.  Here are some fun facts from our interview with Shane.  Background and Current Position: I’m the Archives Assistant at the UWSP Archives, where I engage with faculty, staff, students, and community members to answer reference questions, both in-person and via email. My role also includes managing Area Research Center transfers, setting up instruction sessions, and processing archival collections. Recently, I’ve taken on the task of writing The Primary Source newsletter and contributing to the UWSP Libraries’ blog focusing on posts related to the history of UWSP. I became interested in archives during my time as a student employee and intern at UWSP when I was a student here. After graduating, I pursued a MLIS program with an archives focus

Celebrate Open Access Week 2024 with the University Libraries

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The University Libraries is excited to join the global celebration of Open Access Week 2024 ! Established by SPARC (the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition) and driven by student advocates, this international event promotes the idea that research should be freely accessible to everyone. Open Access Week aims to enhance global research collaboration, increase the visibility of scholarship, and empower scholars to utilize and repurpose research findings. This year, Open Access Week runs from October 21st to October  25th, with the theme “Community Over Commercialization. ” This theme emphasizes the importance of community-driven initiatives in advancing open access and ensuring that knowledge remains a public good. At the UWSP, we have a strong commitment to promoting open access. We encourage you to explore the resources we've compiled below, reach out with any questions, and consider joining the movement by publishing your research in an open access journal. Throu

New Book Arrivals!

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Check out the latest and greatest in our "New Book" section at Circulation (CCC 130). "A fascinating discussion of how nature’s toxins can affect us all." (Kirkus Reviews) "How a girl in the old South grew up to be a civil rights historian and a Harvard president." (Los Angeles Times review).   "Invaluable insight into one of the major figures in American music." (Kirkus Reviews). "A graceful invitation that children will happily accept." (Kirkus Reviews) .  "Lotus root, anyone? A pleasure, and an education, for climate-conscious foodies." (Kirkus Reviews).  

Get to Know Prof. Ryan O'Leary, Academic Success Associate.

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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

Get to Know Laurie Petri - Collection Development Librarian

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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: A Champion Against Censorship

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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

Banned Books Week 2024: "Freed Between the Lines"

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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