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About Wisconsin's Water Library |
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Wisconsin is a water state. Bordered by two of the Great Lakes—the largest system of freshwater on the planet—we are privileged to have an abundant supply of high-quality water. Early French explorers called this area “Ouisconsin,” derived from a Native American word meaning “gathering of the waters.” The state’s liquid assets include more than 32,000 miles of perennial rivers and streams, more than 15,000 lakes, and more than 5 million acres of wetlands. Bordered by more than 800 miles of Great Lakes shoreline on the north and east, and more than 190 miles of Mississippi River shoreline on the west, our state is framed by water. It also has an enormous supply of groundwater—an estimated two quadrillion gallons flows in its subterranean depths. This wealth has played an elemental role in defining the economy and character of the state, but its future is at risk. Chemical contaminants threaten our drinking water, nonpoint source pollution mars the waters of our state, and nonindigenous species continue to invade our lakes and streams. The impact of these threats can be seen from disappearing fisheries in Lake Michigan to large-scale die-offs in the world-class trout streams of southwestern Wisconsin. Established in 1964 by the UW Water Resources Institute, the Water Resources Library is unique among UW-Madison's many libraries for its collection of almost 30,000 volumes of water-related information including a curriculum collection, dozens of educational videos, a children's collection, and more than 60 journals and 100 newsletters. During 2003, UW Sea Grant partnered with the Water Resources Library to develop "Wisconsin's Water Library"(PDF) as a special outreach project in celebration of Wisconsin's Year of Water observance. Through the "Wisconsin's Water Library" Web site, any resident of Wisconsin can check out the library's materials, which are sent free of charge to the user's local public library for pick up and return. (See How to Use This Site for additional information.) The Water Resources Library is the first academic library in Wisconsin to make its collection directly available online to residents throughout the state. The Library Technology Group at UW-Madison Libraries customized the software used to search and display citations. UW-Madison Libraries’ Digital Content Group provided additional project assistance. The "Wisconsin's Water Policies" database was added to the site in April 2004 to enable Wisconsin citizens to more easily determine if the State has a policy on a particular water topic and, if so, what it is, where it can be found, and who implements it. Fill in our feedback form and let us know what you think!
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©Copyright 2008 University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center |