Library News
by Jean Phillips
The visual display of data and information gathered from experiments is a critical element of research in the atmospheric sciences and remote sensing disciplines. Featured on the library’s new YouTube channel are historical and educational films from the Schwerdtfeger Library collection. The collection currently includes early footage of the earth from space, remote sensing lectures, and specific educational and topical lectures about meteorology.
Stay tuned. We’ll soon add teaching modules developed in the early 1980s that, according to Professor Don Johnson, are considered some of the very first meteorology courses developed for distance learning. A collaboration between the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and SSEC scientists, topics include: cyclogenesis, squall line development, tropical cyclones, earth and planetary atmospheric circulations viewed from space and vertical temperature and moisture profiles from satellite radiance measurements. Also watch for the very first demonstration of McIDAS in 1973 at the annual meeting of the American Meteorological Society.
With over 1600 views we encourage researchers, teachers and students alike to view these classic films. The site will grow slowly, as we convert old 16mm films and videotapes and will only include films for which we hold the copyright, which are in the public domain, or for which we’ve been granted permission to use. All films are also available on DVD, discoverable via the library catalog, and available for loan. Uploaded films include full references, abstracts, subject terms and appropriate tagging to aid discovery.
If you have dusty, old films that you'd like to share with students or other researchers, but can't because of the older format, contact the library. We'd love to be able to include them in this new collection.
2012 Photo Contest
To all amateur weather photographers! Enter your best all–around weather photo in the Third Annual SSEC Photography Contest. Entries in 2011 generated lots of interest, showcasing the artistic eye and photographic skill of those who work and study around us each day. All photos selected as finalists will be framed and displayed in the hallway outside the Schwerdtfeger Library. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. The Library will host a small reception in January to announce the new exhibit and recognize winning entries.
Contest rules and entry forms are available online, in the Library, or on bulletin boards around the building. In addition, we hope to move last year's photos to create visual interest in other areas of the AOSS building.
Deadline for entries is 1 December 2012. Questions? Contact the Library.
UW-Madison Subscription to RefWorks will end June 30, 2013
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries will discontinue the subsidy for the campus RefWorks software license effective 30 June 2013. Recent budget cuts have forced the libraries to reevalute many resources and financial commitments.
Current RefWorks users have the option of continuing with RefWorks on an individual license or migrating citations to a different tool. If you are interested in comparing various citation managers, check the libraries feature comparison or Wikipedia’s more extensive comparison of reference managers.
Because so many people rely on RefWorks for citation management support, the libraries are continuing the campus license through June 2013 in order to give ample time for all RefWorks users to migrate to another citation manager.
Contact the library for more information or assistance.
