April 2011

Welcome to the Spring 2011 edition of AWSL News. Many thanks go to Bob Shaw and Sheila Zillner for putting together this issue and to all who contributed articles. Remember that all AWSL members are encouraged to contribute to this newsletter, so if you or your library has some news you would like to share, please let us know!

Last year, Past Chair (and current WLA Board Representative) Anne Moser began a program of trying to engage AWSL members and other current and future special librarians in networking and social activities in an effort to get to know each other better, strengthen professional and social bonds between Wisconsin special librarians, and have some fun. Activities she planned included an informal social hour at the WLA Annual Convention in Wisconsin Dells and a summertime meeting with a group of students and instructors from the UW-Madison SLIS "corporate and specialized information services" course. A few members of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Special Libraries Association were on hand, as well. The weather was great, the conversation was informative and entertaining, and a good time was had by all. We hope to offer these activities again this year and we hope to see you there. Many special librarians, including myself, work in small, specialized settings. I have found these opportunities to chat with other librarians who understand the special library world to be very fulfilling, and I hope you will, too. Plus, special librarians are a lot of fun!

One of AWSL's main activities is participation in the WLA Annual Conference. Last year the conference was held in Wisconsin Dells. With the Support Staff Section, AWSL co-sponsored a tour of the Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center at Circus World in Baraboo. Our guide, Dave SaLoutos, showed us lots of cool artifacts from the collection, including photos, circus posters and even an outfit worn by the circus' Tiny Woman. Afterwards we took a tour of the wagon restoration center with Facilities and Wagon Restoration Center Director Harold Burdick. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many old and colorful circus wagons. The whole tour was fascinating; I can't wait to go back this summer, this time with nieces and nephews in tow.

AWSL also sponsored a very informative and well-attended program presented by Linda Heisler from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, entitled "Knowledge Journaling." Knowledge journaling is the practice of capturing an individual's tacit knowledge, which includes all the things you know that you didn't learn through formal training. The information is recorded and preserved in such a way that the knowledge contained therein can be easily transferred in case someone else needs to step in and perform that role due to illness or retirement or whatever. A link to Linda's Knowledge Journaling presentation and a sample form can be found here. Planning for the 2011 WLA Annual Conference, to be held in Milwaukee, November 1-4, is well underway. In our next issue, look for a write-up on the exciting line-up Molly Ham, AWSL Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, has planned for us . She has done an awesome job.

We are looking forward to fun 2011. We hope you will join us at our social this summer and at the Annual Conference in fall. We'd also like to hear from you if you have any ideas for networking opportunities or anything else you would like to see AWSL do in the future. We welcome your participation in your WLA Division!

Sincerely,
Carrie Doyle, AWSL Chair
carrie.awsl@gmail.com

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A few events of interest to special librarians are scheduled for around the Madison area and at the fall conference in Milwaukee. We would love to hear about events for special librarians in other parts of the state. Please email Anne Moser at akmoser@aqua.wisc.edu and I will be sure the entire AWSL membership is contacted. Wednesday May 4—If you are in the Madison area, please join some special librarians for lunch at the Great Dane Brew Pub at Hilldale Mall. A group of special librarians are meeting quarterly to chat and share. If you want to join us or if you have any questions, please contact Anne Moser.

Thursday May 19—Multitype Collaboration Summit. Last year, South Central Library brought together librarians from academic, public, school, state agencies, corporate, and other special librarians to begin the process of creating a dynamic collaboration network. The 2011 summit is scheduled for May 19th. Information and registration for the 2011 event is available on the SCLS website.

Wednesday June 29—As part of the Special Libraries class at SLIS, come down to the Memorial Union Terrace in Madison about 4:30 and meet students taking the class. Last year about 8 special librarians joined about the same number of students to enjoy a beautiful evening by the lake.

November 1 through 4—Molly Hamm, AWSL Chair-elect, has planned some great programs and a tour of a special library at the fall WLA Conference. In addition, the AWSL Board is planning a couple of social get-togethers at the conference. You will receive more details about the event as the date draws closer but we hope to see our membership in Milwaukee! Watch the conference website.

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AWSL is happy to announce that we will once again offer a scholarship in the amount of $140 to the WLA Annual Conference in Milwaukee, November 1-4. The scholarship contest is open to any student who is interested in pursuing special librarianship and is currently enrolled in a master's program at the School of Information and Library Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison or the School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Applications will consist of an essay explaining the student's interest in special libraries and why they would like to attend the conference and will be due the end of September. Watch for more details in the coming months.

- Carrie Doyle

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Our AWSL Chair, Carrie Doyle, has a new job with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Library in Madison. Carrie can be reached at 608-338-2142 or by email at carrie.awsl@gmail.com.

Did you attend the tour of the Robert L. Parkinson Library & Research Center at the Circus World Museum as part of the WLA convention in Wisconsin Dells last fall? Many of the wagons that were viewed there will be part of the upcoming Hollywood film Water for Elephants. Read more about the connection at Baraboo's Circus World Museum featured in upcoming film. Read more

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The following two Q&A's feature Mary Kotschi, a long time AWSL member and former officer, who has recently retired and a new entrant to the library field, Mel Becker.

Name: Mary Campfield Kotschi Position: Retired Library Director; Winnebago Mental Health Institute Library: WMHI Library Services & Library Information Network @Winnebago Describe your current job: Up until March 31,2011, I administered and directed library services at Winnebago Mental Health Institute. WMHI has three libraries that provide materials and services for three different groups of individuals. These three libraries are: Waterwood School library for children and adolescents, our Joyce Marsh patients' library for adult patients, staff, and the Library Information Network @ Winnebago, a service that provides staff library services to WMHI, Mendota Mental Health Institute, Wisconsin Resource Center, Central Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled, Northern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled, Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in Madison. Those services provide professional information for staff working with patients, inmates and clients of the Department of Health Services. We provide literature searches, articles, documents, books, et al for the staff of all of our facilities and Central Office. We provide current awareness services and assist in any information endeavor, whether it is for a court appearance, authoring an article or book, or information needed in treatment planning.

Previous professional endeavors: Interestingly enough, my first job was at WMHI as a part-time librarian in Waterwood School while I was finishing up my Bachelors degree. When I graduated, there was a full time LTE (limited term, no benefits), job opening in the Medical Library, which I took while going back to graduate school to get my Master's Degree in Library Science. In those days (early 70s), there was only one accredited library school (Madison) and two library school start ups (Oshkosh and Milwaukee). There was a shortage of librarians as libraries were growing in the state. Schools were being built and needed school librarians, academic libraries were adding on and curriculums were growing as the boomers were all going to college (I was one of those). In addition, communities were growing and the public libraries were outgrowing their Carnegie library buildings. More space meant more librarians. I finished my Masters in Library Science in 1973; and continued working at WMHI. I developed a practicum with them to send students out to get an experience in all three libraries.

In addition to combining and moving all three services and developing the Library Information Network (remember I was there 41 years), I also volunteered in my children's school libraries and lots of other parent organizations. I taught Library Science at UW-Oshkosh for teachers who were applying for school library positions.

I was appointed to the Board of the Unified Catholic Schools in Oshkosh and elected twice to the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors. I was also appointed by Wisconsin Governor Anthony Earl to the Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) 1982-1984. I was also either appointed or elected to many committees and boards during my professional life.

Why did you decide to work in the library profession? Good question. I volunteered in my school library growing up and managed to get a student job at the La Crosse Public Library for a couple of years that included summer and working with the summer reading program. I always was attracted to libraries and like the "feel" to them.

What is the favorite part of your job? I am a "people person" and love the interaction with everyone I work with.

What is the least favorite part of your job? In the later years, things became very "political"; and consequently, every time there was a change in Governors, you had to adapt to the "new normal". I am a very political person and follow the scene closely. It isn't as "fun" as it used to be and money is drying up. I also think the environment is more contentious; so everyone is more introverted. That can be very stressful. Always remember to "be the adult" in your work environment. My other piece of advice is to be as helpful as you can to everyone. You can never have too many allies in your workplace or the people you serve.

Do you have a role model as a librarian? Yes, several. My professors at school were, for the most part, individuals I admired greatly. I always kept in touch with them and felt they had great knowledge and wisdom, that I lacked; particularly in my beginning days.

What is your favorite book of the last year? My reading is weird in recent years because my life consists of reading 2 news type magazines...New Yorker, Newweek, Time, and of course, People. I read 3 newspapers, Oshkosh Northwestern, Cap Times, Journal Sentinal and avidly search and keep up on political stuff on the web...Wheeler Report, Huffington Post, & CNN. I also recently have attended numerous rallies (Madison & Oshkosh) and have kept close watch on those developments as they unfolded. I start a book, get halfway thru, put it down, start another, etc. What I will say is my very favorite book that I tell everyone to read (easy read) is: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I read it years ago and felt the message it had is universal. When my children graduate from college next year, I will give each of them a copy of it.

What is your dream vacation? I would like to go back to New Orleans. I have been there several times in my life; but never with my husband. I would like to take the train down there and stay in the French Quarter. My husband, Stan, and I love music and listen to music every evening. New Orleans is a music heaven for those who love that. It also has great art and good food. The people are also very welcoming.

What are your hobbies? What hobbies? If you call politics one—maybe that is it.

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Name Melissa Becker Undergraduate Degree (and granting institution) UW-Madison: BA Psychology and BA Sociology Library school attending Second (and final!) year at UW-Madison. Position: My goal was to gain as much experience as I could in the art/museum field of librarianship as a SLIS student. Now I have more jobs than classes: Cataloguer of Artists' Books at the Kohler Art Library. Graduate Assistant (Cataloguer and Reference Desk Staff) at Special Collections in Memorial Library. Curatorial Assistant at the Chazen Museum of Art. Library Intern at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Library Volunteer at the Outreach Community Library. [I think that's everything!]

Why did you decide to enroll in library school? After graduation from UW-Madison in 2003, I sold all of my belongings and bought a one-way ticket to Europe in hopes of figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. I ended up living in Florence, Italy for almost two years. During that time, I made a list of things my dream job would include and everything on the list pointed to librarianship. I'd like to think my time working at the UW Law Library on campus as an undergraduate solidified this decision. I really enjoyed connecting people with the right resources (and the smell of the Rare Book Room!).

How did you become interested in becoming a special librarian? I worked as a project manager for 4 years upon my return from Italy and quickly realized the importance of the management of information in the corporate world. The lack of organization and file management at my company opened my eyes to other types of librarianship. Eventually, I decided to merge my passion for art with librarianship and I hope to gain a role in the museum field organizing art objects and their associated files (alas, more schooling may be necessary).

Describe your "perfect" job: Librarian at the Louvre Media Library (or any of the Research Centers will do!).

What is your favorite book of the last year? This summer, I read Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth. I really enjoy historical fiction and the inclusion of scribes in monasteries fed my love of rare books and manuscripts.

What is your dream vacation? I'm a firm believer in seeing and experiencing as much as you possibly can, so I'd love to visit China to walk on the Great Wall. Maybe I can help them out with the whole Google thing while I'm there, too...

What are your hobbies? Travel and eating are my favorite hobbies—I always investigate the best restaurants before heading somewhere new. I'm trying to visit every continent and so far I've been to 4 of 7! But, I balance out my love of food with running, tennis, and biking.

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February Road Trip, 17-18, 2011 National Brewery Museum and Research Library is at 209 S. Main St. Box 177 Potosi, WI 53820. This is off Hwy 133—The Great River Road in the south western corner of WI not very far from Dubuque, IA. From Madison take Hwy 151 south to Co. Hwy O the scenic route through Tennyson, WI or take 151 down to Hwy 35 north to Hwy 133. Open daily 10:00 am-6:00 pm—however, the winter hours are 11:00-5:00. The web site didn't mention this.

The museum in the restored Potosi Brewery Company and is dedicated to breweriana collectors to: "display their prized artifacts in a world-class museum with many display areas." There are tour, a gift shop and restaurant. A calendar of upcoming special events is listed on the website front page. The American Brewerian Association Lending Library was founded in 1982. It has expanded through the years by Members tax deductible donations and is part of the ABA Member Services Program. This library is now located at the National Brewery Museum and is open and free to the public for research. Only ABA members may borrow materials. Donations and requests can be made to: Sue Rojemann, Librarian, srojemann@nationalbrewerymuseum.org, 107 Bunker Hill Street Potosi, Wisconsin 53820-9656

A review of the brewery museum will wait until next time since we arrived at just before 10:00 am and the tours didn't start until 11:00.

Sinsinawa Mound Center, Mazzuchelli Archive, "Sculpting the Word: wood, stone, bronze and clay" exhibit, gift shop and bakery, Sinsinawa, WI
sinsinawa.org/moundcenter
sinsinawa.org/08_Fr_Mazzuchelli/Fr_Mazzuchelli.htm

sinsinawa.org/Index.htm
sinsinawa.org/moundcenter/ArtGallery.cfm

Tucked in the most south west corner of WI, the Sinsinawa Mound Center is located at 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824-9701, (608) 748-4411. Clearly visible from a small plane, this secluded retreat and education center is built into the side of an ancient Indian Mound. Founded in 1847 by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, the Dominican Sisters community is dedicated to building relationships, educating, nurturing and healing.

A full program of prayer, arts and retreat services are scheduled year round. The brochure at the visitor's desk listed courses and retreats for spring and summer. Sheila Heim directs the outreach programs. See the web site for a current schedule or contact Guest Services for more information.

The "Sculpting the Word" exhibit was on display in the main reception center and down the hall across from the Gift Shop. It was an interesting presentation of pieces in wood, stone, bronze and clay. Some of the sculptures had moveable segments. Additional art works from members of the community and from students were hung on both sides of the hall perpendicular to the gift shop. The gift shop has wonderful crafts, clothes, jewelry and stationary from around the world. New and used books are available for sale as well. The Sinsinawa Bakery had a display cart with a few loaves of bread with a note promising more supplies later that day. Ordering bread from the website is easy and orders are delivered promptly.

Individuals can do self guided tours of the center. Group tours are asked to make reservations two weeks in advance of their visit. Luncheons and conferences can be scheduled too. The Mazzuchelli Archive and Museum is located in the lower level of the main building under the chapel. Mazzuchelli was born to a wealthy family in Milan, Italy. At 17 years of age he joined the Dominican Order and was posted to the American missions. His story as a territorial priest covers posts on Mackinac Island, Green Bay, Fort Madison, IA, and finally in Prairie du Chien, New Diggings, Benton and Galena. More than a dedicated minister, Mazzuchelli was an architect, teacher, supporter of the rights and schooling of native peoples, and founder of several educational institutions. Pope John Paul II declared Mazzuchelli "Venerable" in 1993. A group working to further his position to sainthood publishes a newsletter. The museum displays documentation from Italy, and the Wisconsin Territory demonstrating his multifaceted career.

National Farm Toy Museum, 1110 16th Ave. CT. SE, Dyersville, IA 52040, (563) 875-2727 or 1-877-475-2727. Email: farmtoys@dyersville.com.
Just a short ride west of Dubuque, IA, the Farm Toy museum is located just off U.S. Highway 20 (exit 294) and Iowa Highway 136, and is visible from Highway 20. Dyersville is the farm toy capital of the world. It is home to five farm toy stores, three toy manufacturing companies and hosts the Summer Farm Toy Show and two National Farm Toy Shows. The museum showcases all manner of farm toys from tractors to farm animals to populate farms field of many different styles and scales. The historic dioramas of agriculture through the ages are joined by National Farm Toy Hall of Fame. The International Harvester Farmall trivia game might help older children find the information in that section more interesting. There is a small museum gift shop in the entrance/exit area where admission tickets are purchased.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (in Association with the Smithsonian Institution) and William Woodward Mississippi River Center, 350 East 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001, 800-226-3369, (563) 557-9545.

Winter Hours: November 1—Memorial Day: 10 am-5 pm
Summer Hours:Memorial Day—Labor Day: 9 am-6 pm
Fall Hours: Labor Day—October 31: 9 am-5 pm
Dubuque River Rides on the Mississippi May-October

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, 90 miles from Madison, WI on the shores of the Mighty Mississippi in Dubuque, IA is a complex of natural resources exhibits, fresh and salt water aquariums, science and historical learning with a 3D/4D theatre soon to be joined by outside garden, picnic and concert venues. The Diamond Jo National River Center opened in June 2010. It opens with America's Great Rivers which includes hands on and computer aided displays celebrating the history, art and culture of the upper mid-west down the river corridor to the Gulf of Mexico. The amount of information in these first rooms is almost overwhelming, but with the variety of presentation methods there is something for every age and type of learner. It should keep people coming back for more. For younger children there are interactive activities. This is the home of the National Rivers Hall of Fame which salutes river people from all over America. One of the theater presentations showing for an added fee, "The World of Sharks 3D," was a most realistic and scientifically accurate movie shown in this format.

Captain William Bowell River Library
Visitors welcome. Hours of operation:Memorial Day weekend through October: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November through Memorial Day weekend: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission price is included in Museum admissions.

Operated by: Dubuque County Historical Society. Phone numbers are the same as the River Center Museum. This archive and research library has artifacts, photographs, paintings, manuscripts and documents on river history. Collections include: portraits, biographies and oral histories of National River Hall of Fame inductees and important river people; The Dubuque Boat and Boiler Works; The Bissell Collection; the records of William Henry Clarence Elwell, who was at one time the world's largest fresh water pearl dealer; and the historic Dubuque Collection's photographs and post cards. The Mississippi River Parkway Commission/Great River Road records are also housed here. Featured art exhibit, February—April 2011, Women & Spirit added to the Sinsinawa tour by celebrating Catholic Sisters in America through art, photography and text.

The museum admission fee also includes the William Woodward Mississippi River Center across the plaza from the Diamond Jo building. The Fred W. Woodward River Museum building houses the boat shop, Mark Twain's River and the River of Dreams Theater. It is easy to miss the beginning of the presentation at the theater so visitors might want to start their tour at this location. The Woodward Discovery Center is two stories and has wonderful fresh water ecologies of the Mississippi from the woodland marsh to the Bayou. There are river otters, turtles, ducks galore plus big aquariums with huge river catfish and snapping turtles. Outside there are river boats on display. The William M. Black Steamboat is open for exploration with some audio sound effects and posted historical information a self guided tour is fun although there are some narrow corridors and steep stairways up to the top deck.

A restored wetland demonstration area attracts wildlife, has a Native American wikiup and fur trader's log cabin to explore. The boardwalk offers views of the harbor. Herons and Bald Eagles might be seen flying overhead. Even with snow drifts still on the grounds there were things to see and do. This is a place to visit many times and during different seasons to get the full River Center experience.

Pickle Barrell (Since 1977) "We put a meal on our buns!" There are several locations in and around Dubuque. The store at 909 Main St.'s phone number is: 563-588-1307. Subs are available in 6, 9, and 12 inch sandwiches. There are 6 foot party subs, salads, desserts and beverages available too. Tuna salad with Swiss Cheese, or the Club Sub are favorite selections. Cheese substitutions are acceptable.

Additional resource for further explorations: TRAVEL GUIDE to Interpretive Sites of the Great River Road; Scenic Byway of the Mississippi River. Mississippi River Parkway Commission 222 State Street, Suite 400, Madison, WI 53703. 866-763-8310. experiencemississippiriver.com

- Barbara Arnold
UW-Madison SLIS, Emeritus Student Services Coordinator

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UW Madison, Lakefront on Langdon; March 16, 2011-4:30 p.m.

1. Introductions
Attendees: Carrie Doyle, Molly Hamm, Anne Moser, Amy O'Shea, Bob Shaw

2. Approval of 2010 Fall Annual meeting minutes—Approval postponed until the fall business meeting

3. Changes to the Agenda/Announcements—Anne would like to add a discussion about potential officers for next year.

4. Officer Reports—read March 16, 2011 minutes.