Western Waters Digital Library

Curious about what other libraries might offer water-related resources?  We recently discovered the Western Waters Digital Library. WWDL provides free public access to a wide range of significant resources on water in the Western United States including water literature, maps, government reports, legal transcripts, water project records, personal papers, audio recordings, videos, and photographic collections. These collections have been made available by research libraries belonging to the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) and numerous other academic library partners.

Some notable digital collections available via WWDL include:

Native American Water Rights in Arizona
A collection of federal government documents pertaining to the water rights of Navajo, Hopi, and Pima tribes in Arizona. (University of Arzona)

Las Vegas and Water in the West
This collection includes U.S. military and scientific surveys conducted to map a route for the transcontinental railroad, records exploring the feasibility of irrigating the desert for agriculture, and records regarding the construction of the Hoover Dam. (University of Nevada-Las Vegas)

John Muir Papers
Here you will find 75% of the extant papers of John Muir. (University of the Pacific)

John N. Cobb Photo Collection
Highlights 340 images ca. 1897-1917 of salmon and other local fisheries, whaling activities, clamming and oystering industries along the Pacific Coast and Alaska. (University of Washington)

There are hundreds more collections to consider.  Truly worth your time exploring and consulting for your future research.

On the topic of Snowstorms

The talk today hereabouts is all about the snowstorm headed our way, expected to arrive tonight after midnight.  The weather forecasters predict we'll be seeing anywhere from 12-17 inches of snowfall and high winds.  It's gotten us thinking about the phenomenon of snow and particularly snowstorms that bring large amounts of snow rapidly.

Snow is defined as precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that falls from clouds.  Now what differentiates snowfall from a storm or a blizzard?  The difference between a blizzard and a snowstorm is the strength of the wind.  To be considered a blizzard the storm must have sustained gusts of wind in excess of 35 mph with blowing or drifting snow that impedes visibility to a quarter mile for a sustained period of time, typically 3 hours.   It appears we might be expecting a blizzard here in Madison.

Recently discovered was the online Wind Map, a personal art project that translates wind speeds and directions into a mesmerizing image.  Here's the current map of the wind patterns accompanying the winter storm headed our way.

Some weather related resources for tracking snowstorms:

Consult the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service online updates here

The National Weather Service's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center offers "Snowfall Probability Forecasts" updates available here

View the Wind Map, a mesmerizing way to visualize current wind movements here

New Water @ UW-Madison Website

This week saw the launch of a new website devoted to highlight UW-Madison's water related research, community, history, and resources: http://www.water.wisc.edu.  

As the home page states "UW-Madison hosts a stunningly wide range of research, educational, and outreach activities related to water and water resources. These activities are distributed across the UW-Madison campus and beyond. Although there are many bridges between faculty, staff, and students with water interests, there is no formal coordination of activities. In response, we’ve developed this website..."

Take a moment to explore the website and all are encouraged to tell us what you think:  askwater@aqua.wisc.edu

Special thanks to Wisconsin's Water Library's Anne Moser for her hard work on creating this useful resource.

It's hot, hot, hot!

In the Midwest and throughout many parts of U.S., a dramatic heatwave has descended and doesn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. To get you through the long, hot days, we've put together some resources that may be fun and may prove useful:

• For animal lovers: Tips on keeping your pet safe in the heat
  (from the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection)

• For data geeks: Climate Watch Wisconsin
  (from the Wisconsin State Climatology Office)

• For Fishermen/women that don't mind the heat: Fishing in Wisconsin
  (from the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources) 
  
•  For those interested in getting the right SPF: Consumer Guide to Sunscreen
  (from the US Food and Drug Administration)

• For those that want to buy the most energy efficient air conditioner: Energy Star Program
  (from the US EPA)

• For those that want to explore the Great Lakes from the comfort of their air-conditioned living room: The Great Lakes Circle Tour
  (from UW Sea Grant)

• For those looking for a great read about water: Great Lakes Travel Narratives
  (from Wisconsin's Water Library)

This list could go on forever. Do you have any suggestions on how to ope with the heat? Send an email to askwater@aqua.wisc.edu and we'll post an update.

Stay safe out there!

Congratulations Graduates!

As our friends at Steenbock Memorial Library recently posted on their blog, graduates can still access a number of services through the UW Libraries.

Here's how you can access great materials (even if you're not studying for finals!):

• The Wisconsin Alumni Association Library Access page provides information about a number of available resources.
• Many non-students are able to maintain borrowing privileges through the UW Libraries. Check out the Visitor Information page for more information.
• In addition, Wisconsin residents can access Badgerlink for journal articles, resources, and more.

In addition, all resources at Wisconsin's Water Library are available to Wisconsin residents! Drop us a note at Ask Water, or pop over to our Wisconsin Residents page to see how we can help you. We wish all graduates the best of luck in the future!

Careers in Water

Deciding on a career or career move? According to a new article in the Chicago Tribune, job seekers might want to "consider diving into the water business," as many in the water and wastewater profession are nearing retirement. 

If you're interested in one of the many water-related professions, check out these resources to learn more:

• Recommended reading list for Wastewater Treatment Careers 
• Kids: People and Professions recommended reading list
• Information about  Careers in Marine Science from the UW Sea Grant
• Environmental Jobs list from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
• Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operaters, and many other water-related careers.

Finally, check out the jobs portion of our water research guide for professional organizations, internships, career services, and more!

Take your water to go!

You might love Angry Birds and Words with Friends, but have you considered apps designed to help the environment? These iPhone and Android apps can help you learn about water issues no matter where you are.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch app (iPhone and Android) provides up-to-date information about sustainable seafood choices in different areas of the country. It will also recommend restaurants and markets that offer sustainable seafood. Don't have a smartphone? You can access their web version here. 
• Do you drink enough water? Drinking Water (Android) lets you track your water drinking habits.
• What the Fish! (iPhone) is a freshwater fish identification application, filled with images and descriptions. 
•  Creek Watch (iPhone) uses EPA data to help users monitor their watershed.

Looking for more?

• Click here for an extensive list of water-related iPhone apps. 
• The EPA also provides a list of apps that use their data. 

Image via Steefafa (Flickr)

#StudyStrong!

The spring semester is wrapping up. Are you writing papers, studying for exams, or just have a lot on your plate?

• Check out our water research guide for help getting started with finals research. Find recommendations of databases, web resources, and many other suggestions.
• See our suggested reading lists for students, faculty, and staff
• More water science questions? Stop in, or visit Ask Water to find out how the Water Library can help you out!
• Keep an eye on the hashtag #studystrong on Twitter for study tips and support, plus finals week events. Don't forget to follow @WiscWaterLib and @UWMadLibraries, too!