Special libraries

Apr 18

WiLS Webinar: SimplyE for Consortia on May 16th

Join WiLS for a free webinar with Valerie Horton and Paul Swanson of Minitex to learn about developments for SimplyE, a mobile app that combines ebook collections from multiple vendors into a single, easy-to-browse collection for library patrons. Minitex is working with the New York Public Library and other partners to expand SimplyE‘s ability to federate and combine ebooks from multiple collections to support consortia. Join us to learn how the project is progressing and hear from Minitex about the experience of working and contributing to a national open-source project. Read more

Jan 19

Coming Soon: A New MyWiLS!

Coming Soon: A New MyWiLS!

You asked, we listened! For the last 6 months, we have been working to make enhancements to the MyWiLS portal that you asked for. While it still functions mostly the same, we feel we have greatly improved this service. Please take some time to read about the changes below. Read more

Oct 11

Free Webinar: Using ACRL Frames In Your Instructional Design

This free webinar was hosted by WiLS and presented by Sheila Stoeckel on Thursday, November 3rd from 1-2pm! Below is the recording from the webinar and you can find all the responses to the chat question about your enduring ideas here.

Sheila is ‎Director of the UW-Madison Libraries Teaching & Learning Programs and one of the 2016 winners of the WAAL Information Literacy Award for Sift & Winnow: Libraries@UW, a highly interactive online learning tutorial for students with direct assessment measures. Sheila also serves on the ACRL Student Learning & Information Literacy Committee’s Framework group.

The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education moves library instruction from a standards approach to “interconnected core concepts.” During this webinar, we’ll talk about how to use the frames in your instructional design. Using a modified Backward Design approach, you’ll be able to design effective and engaging library instruction sessions. Strategies for assessment and evaluation will also be included. Bring your Framework for Information Literacy questions, experiences, challenges, and examples to share with colleagues.

Contact Andi Coffin at with any questions.

Jul 5

Good-WiLS Ambassador Report – Minitex ILL Conference

WiLS is very excited to present our first Good-WiLS Ambassador Report! Interlibrary Loan expert Josh Steans of UW-Stout attended the 25th Annual Minitex Interlibrary Loan meeting on May 10th. WiLS was able to sponsor his attendance and in return, he agreed to report back to our membership on everything that he learned there. Please join us for a fun and informative hour of ILL goodness!

Webinar details:
Time: July 26th, 2016 at 2:00 PM Central
Link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/835736965
Audio Details: Using your microphone and speakers (VoIP) – a headset is recommended.
Or, call in using your telephone:
Dial +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 835-736-965
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting
Meeting ID: 835-736-965

Jun 21

Coming Soon: Data2, A New Direct Order Vendor

You can’t put a price on experience. Or can you? With Data2, you’ll be impressed by innovative products and industry-recognized customer service. But in the end, it’s their experience that delivers bottom-line results for their customers. Why else would more than 8,000 libraries – including the Library of Congress – trust Data2 with their business? Soon WiLS members will be able to get discounted pricing on all Data2 products. Read more

Feb 1

Participate in Money Smart Week!

Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. Programming is unique to each state and is geared towards adults, teens, and children. Read more

Jan 27

Help EBSCO Develop the Right Apps for Your Library

EBSCO is offering an opportunity for libraries to have greater access and input in their application development through its Beta App Program! These apps are currently available to try in beta. Read more

Jan 19

New Vendor Partner: LibraryH3lp

WiLS is excited to announce a new partnership with LibraryH3lp! LibraryH3lp offers a fully featured customer service platform that supports live chat, email, text messaging and a knowledge base. Their services are very flexible. They interface easily with any CMS and LibGuides. They work easily with mobile apps, Facebook or even embed in EBSCO or Summon. The staff interface is web-based, using a browser, smartphone, tablet or your favorite Jabber client.

LibraryH3lp is already very inexpensive, but WiLS has negotiated a significant discount if we can assemble a group purchase of new business. If you’ve ever considered it, now is the time! Contact Jeff Brunner () to talk about pricing or to set up a trial today!

Jan 7

Upcoming ProQuest Downtime

On January 16, 2016, ProQuest will be upgrading its systems infrastructure to improve performance, security, and overall reliability of your products. The window is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM Central Standard Time and will last for 8 hours.

During this time, access to the ProQuest products listed below will not be available, and users will be re-directed to a webpage explaining the scheduled maintenance:

Research databases

ProQuest platform (search.proquest.com)
ProQuest Congressional (congressional.proquest.com)
ProQuest Dialog (search.proquest.com/professional)
Chadwyck-Healey databases (full list available here)
CultureGrams
eLibrary (all editions)
ProQuest Digital Microfilm
ProQuest Obituaries
ProQuest Research Companion
SIRS (all editions)

Dissertation dissemination

ProQuest/UMI ETD Administrator

Reference management/Research support tools

RefWorks
COS Funding Opportunities
COS Scholar Universe

Bibliographic and catalog enrichment resources

Books in Print®
LibraryThing for Libraries™
Resources for College Libraries

Bowker

My Identifiers
TitlePage
SAN (Standard Address Number)

Nov 16

New WiLS Vendor Partner: Backstage Library Works

WiLS is pleased to announce our newest vendor partner, Backstage Library Works!

Backstage provides cost-effective professional services backed by a lifetime quality guarantee. Describe, preserve, and facilitate access to your collections with Backstage cataloging, authority control, digitization, microfilm, reclassification, and on-site RFID tagging services.

To find out how Backstage can help with your project, visit them online at http://www.bslw.com, call 1.800.288.1265, or email .

Be sure to mention you are a WiLS member to receive a 5% discount on available services!

Posts from the ‘Special libraries’ Category