UW-Madison Library Resources

You don’t need to be on campus to hit the books!

The UW-Madison Libraries’ online collection (MadCat) offers a vast array of resources — from historical documents to current publications. Many of these items are available to alumni and the general public. Here are some suggestions for interesting places to start:

State of Wisconsin Collection

This collection brings together primary and secondary materials about the state of Wisconsin and unique or valuable materials that relate to its history and development. Examples include:

• The Story of Madison by Reuben Gold Thwaites
• Wisconsin Electronic Reader
• Wisconsin Pioneer Experience

The University of Wisconsin Collection

This collection brings together images, manuscripts, papers and books relating to the university’s mission and highlights people, places and accomplishments. This collection includes:

• The Badger Yearbooks
• UW Alumni Directory 1849–1919
• The University of Wisconsin: A History (four-volume set)

UW Libraries Digital Collection

These digital resources have been developed, often in collaboration with UW faculty members, at the UW-Madison Libraries. Examples include:

• Africa Focus: Sights and Sounds of a Continent
• Digital Library for Decorative Arts and Material Culture
• Portal to Asian Internet Resources

Reference Shelf

• Infoplease.com — includes information from Information Please Almanac,TIME/Information Please Almanac, ESPN Information Please Sports Almanac, A&E Entertainment Almanac, Information Please Kids’ Almanac, Information Please Dictionary, and the Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition
• Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus
• MapQuest

Additional Links

• Wisconsin Historical Society Genealogy Research Service
• Giving to UW-Madison Libraries
• Friends of UW-Madison Libraries