December 2020 WSLL @ Your Service

The December issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Please send comments to the editor, Carol Hassler.

In this issue:

Online Classes a Popular Addition

The State Law Library did not predict that we would be offering webinars via Zoom in 2020, but the live, online format has helped us reach more people throughout the state. We look forward to continuing and expanding upon our webinars in 2021. Read more

New Books

Our two featured new titles this month are Cyberbullying law and Automated vehicle law: legal liability, regulation, and data security. Our complete new book list is also available! Read more

Tech Tip

As the health emergency continues, many law libraries continue to offer services remotely. Under these conditions, LexisNexis recently announced a continuation of their free remote access service. Read more

Library News

We feature new or updated research guides and some upcoming class opportunities in this month’s news column. Read more

December Snapshot

For many years, we've held an open house event during the winter months with games and appetizers. Here's a look back at previous parties. We're missing all of our library users this year! Read more

October 2020 WSLL @ Your Service

The October issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Please send comments to the editor, Carol Hassler.

In this issue:

New Collections in HeinOnline
HeinOnline is a database best known for full text journals, but as its collections increase we use it for a much wider variety of research. Learn what’s new in HeinOnline! Read more

New Books
Our two new titles this month are Undue Influence and Vulnerable Adults and Disability Law for Property, Land Use and Zoning Lawyers. Our new book list includes books on everything from business law to trial practice. Read more

Tech Tip
After six months of Zoom meetings, it's not surprising that a growing number of apps have sprung up to enhance the Zoom experience. Learn more about the Zoom app marketplace. Read more

Library News
Read about updates to our sidewalk services, and upcoming classes. Read more

October Snapshot
In September a pipe burst in the David T. Prosser Jr. Library, sending water through a few areas of our second floor. This month’s snapshot provides a quick glimpse of that day. Read more

August 2020 WSLL @ Your Service

The August issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Please send comments to the editor, Carol Hassler. 

In this issue: 

Sidewalk Service

We're pleased to provide sidewalk pickup service to our users! Use this service to borrow and return materials. Read more

New Federal Court Records Search
PACER is the federal court system's website for filing and searching federal district, bankruptcy, and appellate court cases. The redesigned website features updated account access, a new, more accessible design, and helpful research tips. Read more

New Books
Our two featured titles this month are Commercial Real Estate Transactions in Wisconsin and Family Law Casenotes & Quotes. Our new book list is also available. Read more

State Law Library Art Tour (Part Two)
During this time of social distancing we connected the artwork in the library to the gravesites of prominent figures of law, and Wisconsin and Madison history. This month we feature Jared Comstock Gregory and Burr Jones. Read more

Library News
Get updates about our fall classes, and library outreach. Read more

August Snapshot
Cicadas are everywhere these days! Read more

July Webinars

While our in-person classes are on hiatus, we'll continue to provide you with opportunities to learn online. watch our classes page for new opportunities. 

Statutes and Legislative History
Tuesday, July 14, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Register for this class
Thursday, July 30, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Register for this class

Learn how to conduct legislative history research on Westlaw. In the first part of this class you will learn how to research the legislative history for a specific act. We will discuss where the act is codified, and how to find legislative history for the act. In the second part of this class we will find the legislative history for a specific statute. Plus we will see how to find links to other documents on Westlaw that cite to your statute including cases, secondary sources, regulations, and administrative decisions. 1 CLE credit pending

Drafting Assistant Essentials
Monday, July 27, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Register for this class

This training will cover how to access and use the litigation and transactions tools available in Drafting Assistant. 1 CLE credit pending

Sidewalk Pickup Now Available

We’re pleased to provide sidewalk pickup service to our users!

Use our library catalog to locate the items you would like to check out. Fill out our Borrow Materials form, email wsll.ref@wicourts.gov, or call us at 608-267-9696 to place your request. A librarian will schedule a pickup time for you outside of the library entrance on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please allow yourself enough time to park and walk to the library entrance. Pickups will be under the overhang next to the glass entrance doors.

Entrance to the library

We take the health and safety of our staff and users very seriously. Before we pull your materials, staff will wear a mask and sanitize their hands. Your items will be placed in a sealed bag or box and labeled with your name and the due date of your items. Return information will be included on the package as well.

July WSLL @ Your Service Newsletter

The July issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Please send comments to the editor, Carol Hassler.

In this issue:
We’re Here for You (So You Don’t Have To Be)
One of the Library’s defining features has always been our ability to help our users wherever they’re located. While the pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily routines, our remote services continue. Read more

New Books
Our new books this month include Wisconsin Open Records and Public Meetings Handbook and Wisconsin Attorney’s Desk Reference. Our new book list is also included. Read more

Tech Tip
We all know free or low-cost legal research tools do not have the features you get with more expensive systems. However, free tools have some great features you may have overlooked. Read more

State Law Library Art Tour (Part One)
During this time of social distancing we connected the artwork in the library to the gravesites of prominent figures of law and Wisconsin and Madison history. This series walks you through the halls of the Wisconsin State Law Library and amongst the graves in the Forest Hill Cemetery. Read more

Library News
Learn about our latest outreach work, and check out our newest legal topic page, a directory of Wisconsin police websites, with links to procedures, complaint forms, and manuals. Read more

July Snapshot
A parting gift from former State Law Librarian Julie Tessmer Robinson, this plaque modeled after our logo is mounted next to our entrance doors in the David T. Prosser Jr. Library. Read more

June WSLL @ Your Service Newsletter

The June issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Please send comments to the editor, Carol Hassler.

In this issue:

Service is our Mission
While our libraries are closed to the public we encourage you to continue to reach out to the State Law Library for quick, friendly help! Read more

Celebrating Lavinia Goodell (Part Two)
We recently talked to Wisconsin Supreme Court Commissioner Nancy Kopp and Attorney Colleen Ball about their biographical website devoted to Lavinia Goodell, http://www.laviniagoodell.com. This is the second in a two part series. Read more

New Digital Materials
This month we bring you new online materials you can access from home or the office, wherever you are currently working. Read more

Tech Tip
Using charts in presentations and reports helps readers better visualize information. MapChart.net is a free website that lets you create customized maps to represent data or information. Read more

Library News
Learn about our 2019 annual report, and sign up for a free CLE class about researching with Westlaw. Read more

June Snapshot
Sidewalk construction while we are closed to the public will refresh the Capitol with a vibrant, refurbished terrace along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Read more

Website Scheduled Maintenance

Our website may be temporarily unavailable due to scheduled maintenance, between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Friday, June 12.

If you are unable to access our website during this time, please check again in a few hours. If you have trouble accessing our website, please send an email directly to wsll.ref@wicourts.gov.

Thank you!

2019 Wisconsin Act 185: research guide and index

2019 Wisconsin Act 185 made many changes to Wisconsin law to enable the government to meet the emergency related to the current health crisis in the state. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau provided an overview of the changes in the law in this summary of provisions guide.

Among the changes enacted:

STATE FINANCE

• Authorizing the Joint Committee on Finance to transfer $75 million from existing sum sufficient appropriations to emergency use [Sections 1 & 2].
• Increasing debt authorization by $725 million [Section 3].

STATE EMPLOYMENT

• Authorizing certain retired state employees in essential health related occupations to resume employment without suspension of retirement payments or annuities for the duration of the emergency [Sections 4-12].
• Authorizing the Department of Administration to transfer state employees from one agency to another [Section 105 (8)].

TAXATION

• Delaying payment deadlines for property tax [Section 21-22d].
• Adopting income tax adjustments enacted by Federal law [Sections 23-29].
• Relaxing certain time limitations on property tax appeals [Sections 30-31].
• Permiting the Department of Revenue to waive certain interest and penalty payments [Section 105 (14)].
• Permiting local governments to suspend interest on late property tax payments until October 1, 2020 [Section 105 (25)].

HEALTH CARE PROCEDURES

• Authorizing an expedited approval process for any vaccine for Covid-19 approved by Federal authorities [Sections 15-17].
• Granting an extension for most pharmaceutical prescriptions [Section 87-88].
• Implementing modified Federal medical assistance requirements [Section 105(1)].

HEALTH CARE WORKERS

• Creating a presumption of work-related injury under the worker’s compensation law with respect to Covid-19 exposure for first responders [Sections 33-34].
• Granting insurance coverage to certain employees returning from leave of absence [Section 82].
• Lifting certain limitations with respect to limited term employees [Section 83].
• Granting leave to certain public employees during the probationary period [Section 84].
• Suspending civil service grievance procedures [Section 85].
• Suspending requirements for renewal of credentials for public health workers [Section 86].
• Granting civil immunity for health care providers [Section 98].
• Granting civil immunity for producers of emergency medical supplies [Sections 99-104].
• Creating provisions for liability insurance for physicians and nurse anesthetists [Section 105(2)].
• Authorizing the issuance of temporary credentials for public health providers [Section 105 (4)].
• Authorizing the Department of Safety and Professional Services to waive credential fees for public health providers [Section 105 (5).
• Authorizing the issuance of temporary credentials for public health providers from other states [Section 105(6)].
• Modifies credential renewal provisions for certain health care providers during the duration of the emergency [Section 105 (16)].

INSURANCE COVERAGE

• Regulating insurance coverage for Covid-19 treatment [Section 89].
• Requiring insurance coverage of Covid-19 testing [Section 92].
• Prohibiting insurance discrimination based on Covid-19 [Section 95].
• Requiring health insurers to cover Covid-19 testing until March 13, 2021 [Section 96].
• Requirements for prescription drug coverage with respect to Covid-19 [Section 97].

EDUCATION

• Waiving certain reporting requirements for public schools [Sections 53-59].
• Numerous policy waivers for school choice and charter schools [Sections 60-74].
• Providing for virtual instruction for public schools [Section 105 (3)].
• Suspending pupil assessments for public schools for the 2019-20 school year [Section 105 (21)].
• Suspending hours of instruction reporting requirements for private schools for the 2019-20 school year [Section 105 (22)].
• Providing revisions for the school choice program for the 2020-21 school year [Section 105 (23)].
• Providing revisions for the school open enrollment program for the 2020-21 school year [Section 105 (24)].

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

• Allowing town governments to postpone annual meetings from the statutory or otherwise scheduled dates [Sections 18-19].
• Limiting the return of certain food or consumer products during the emergency [Section 32].
• Creating exceptions to current law regarding the provision of employee records during the emergency [Section 35].
• Revising work-share and unemployment benefit revisions during the emergency [Sections 36-52].
• Requiring the Department of Health Services to create a public health emergency dashboard [Section 77].
• Waiving certain legal requirements for personal appearance during the emergency [Section 80].
• Granting agencies broad authority to suspend the tolling of legal deadlines and suspending interest on government fines and penalties [Section 81].
• Authorizing the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands to make loans to municipal utilities [Section 105 (9)].
• Suspending legislative oversight for certain Federal waiver requests with regard to Covid-19 [Section 105 (10)].
• Requiring Legislative Audit Bureau audit of programs and expenditures related to Act 185 from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 [Section 105 (11)].
• Exempting certain communications from campaign finance law during the duration of the emergency [Section 105 (13)].
• Creating special provisions with respect to corpses of persons who died of Covid-19 [Section 105 (15)].
• Appropriating child care and development block grant funds provided by the Federal emergency legislation [Section 105 (17)].
• Providing that certain local fair organizers remain eligible for aid even if their fair is suspended during 2020 [Section 105 (19)].
• Requiring the Department of Health to develop a pay for performance metric for medical assistance [Section 105 (20)].
• Requiring the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to provide a report on providing support to major industries during the emergency [Section 105 (26m)].
• Requiring the Department of Workforce Development to seek advance payments from the 
• Federal unemployment reserve fund through 2021 [Section 105 (27m)].

WSLL @ Your Service May 2020

The May issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now available! Your comments are always welcome. Please direct them to the editor, Carol Hassler.

In this issue:

COVID-19 and Our Libraries 

The library has served the State of Wisconsin for the past 184 years, and we continue to do so in the midst of this health crisis. While our library space remains closed, our librarians and resources are available to assist with your legal research needs.
Read more

Celebrating Lavinia Goodell (Part One) 

This year's Law Day theme is Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: the 19th Amendment at 100. Law Day is May 1st and to help us mark the day, we're delighted to talk to Wisconsin Supreme Court Commissioner Nancy Kopp and Attorney Colleen Ball about their biographical website devoted to Lavinia Goodell.
Read more

New Books & Resources 

We are continually updating our catalog with timely resources. Instead of focusing on print books this month, we're highlighting information that is available to you online from home.
Read more

Tech Tip 

Bestlaw is a tool which is easily added to Google Chrome and adds some basic but useful features to Westlaw and Lexis.
Read more

Library News  

Sign up for our first free webinar, welcome new graduates, and other library news.
Read more

May Snapshot

While we are still closed to the public, staff have been in the library (with social distancing precautions taken) to help get our users the information they need. We have been scanning and sending requests every week.
Read more

How does the state deal with a budget shortfall?

Article VIII, Section 5 of the Wisconsin Constitution requires that the Legislature levy a sufficient tax to provide for all state expenditures appropriated. The Legislature currently fulfills that requirement by enacting a budget every two years that includes revenues and expenditures that are in balance.

image credit

The Department of Revenue and the Legislative Fiscal Bureau periodically evaluate the viability of the enacted budget by monitoring state revenue intake and economic projections. In the event that projections show that revenues will fail to be sufficient to fund appropriations, several actions may be taken.

The Department of Administration may allow or direct state agencies to adjust their spending under the authority granted under Wisconsin Statute section 16.50. If the projected revenues show that the State’s appropriations will exceed revenues by more than .5%, the governor must propose legislation to address the situation, calling the Legislature into special session if necessary. The Legislature may then enact budget adjustment legislation.

The Joint Committee on Finance is also authorized to adjust most state appropriations under Wisconsin Statutes section 13.101. Each agency must be given the opportunity to offer a response to the proposed adjustment.

In practice, state agencies have dealt with revenue shortfalls in recent decades through hiring freezes, travel restrictions, procurement restrictions, and unpaid leave and furloughs for state employees.

For more information read State General Fund Balanced Budget Requirements, Legislative Fiscal Bureau Informational Paper #74.

Find wills and estate planning information

There are a number of sources for assembling an estate plan and health care plan. Here are some quick sources to get you started:

image source

Through the end of this week (April 25), the State Bar of Wisconsin is offering free access to their guide, A Gift to Your Family: Planning Ahead for Future Health Needs.

The UW Extension also provides free access to a guide called Family Estate Planning in Wisconsin. 

Power of Attorney

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has forms for advanced directives on their website. Both forms include an instruction page.

• Power of Attorney for Health Care (WI Dept. of Health Services)
• WI Power of Attorney for Finances & Property Form (WI Dept. of Health Services)

We link to a Power of Attorney Delegating Parental Power from the Marathon County Register in Probate. Read the statutory form language here: 

• WI Statutes: s. 48.979 "Delegation of power by parent" (Parental Power of Attorney)

For more resources, see our Power of Attorney page.

Wills 

The Wisconsin Statutes contains form language for two basic wills: the Wisconsin Basic Will and the Wisconsin Basic Will with Trust.

• Wisconsin Statute 853.55 "Wisconsin basic will"
  See a PDF version of the form
• Wisconsin Statute 853.56 "Wisconsin basic will with trust"
  See a PDF version of the form

On our Wills & Trusts page we link to a Statutory Basic Will with Trust  from the Marquette Legal Clinic. You can also order a Wisconsin Basic Will from our library. We resell the Wisconsin Basic Will printed by the Wisconsin Legal Blank company. To order from our library, follow these steps:

1. Wisconsin Basic Wills cost $15.83 with tax, or $15 for out of state orders. Wisconsin residents and non-tax-exempt businesses must pay cost plus tax.
2. Calculate the total cost of the forms you want. A single $3.00 handling fee is added to each mailed request. An order for one (1) Wisconsin Basic Will form will total $18.83.
3. Choose a payment method:
   • Check or Money Order
     • Do not send cash in the mail.
     • Mail your payment, the form name(s), and your mailing address to:
       
       Wisconsin State Law Library
       Attn: Document Delivery Service
       P.O. Box 7881
       Madison, WI 53707-7881
       
       Check or money orders are payable to Wisconsin State Law Library

Wisconsin Legal Blank also sells print and downloadable versions. Sometimes local office supply stores may also sell legal forms.

Ask Us!

Ask a librarian for help! Email us at wsll.ref@wicourts.gov or use our online contact form.

Happy National Library Week!

April 19-25 is National Library Week, and while many things have changed since we first started making plans for this week, a lot remains the same.

Get help

Email us at wsll.ref@wicourts.gov or fill out our online form to ask us your questions. Our librarians answer emails Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

While our libraries are closed, we are committed to helping you get access to the information you need.

Access trusted information

Our website has always been a reliable source of information, with hundreds of topics covered in our Legal Topics A-Z  and blog.

Access databases like HeinOnline and Index to Legal Periodicals with a library card from the State Law Library. Sign up for a library card on our website!

While our libraries are closed, we can help you by providing copies from our print collection. Send us an email and tell us what you need.

Governor authority and health emergencies

The Governor is authorized to declare emergencies under Wisconsin Statute section 323.10, a general statute on emergency government which specifically allows the Governor to declare an emergency in response to public health crises.

The Governor declared this emergency through Executive Order #72 on March 12, 2020. In this order, the Governor designated the Department of Health Services as the lead agency in handling the emergency, which is also specifically authorized by the statute.

Many of the actions taken in this emergency situation have been accomplished by orders of the Secretary of Health Services citing the authority of Executive Order #72, most notably the “Safer at Home” order requiring citizens to remain at home to the highest degree possible, with a list of exceptions - also referred to as Emergency Order #12. The current Secretary is a designee, appointed but not confirmed by the senate.

The Governor’s emergency power is not specifically granted by the Wisconsin Constitution but it is granted statutorily at Section 323.10. The Governor has the constitutional authority, in the event of “danger from the prevalence of contagious disease at the seat of government, to convene [the legislature] at any other suitable place within the state." (Wisconsin Constitution Article V section 4)

Emergency powers were first granted as a civil defense measure in 1960 (Chapter 628, Laws of 1959). A provision specifically granting the Governor a right to declare public health emergencies was added in 2002 (2001 Wisconsin Act 109, section 340j). This act was based on a model act that appeared to be geared toward a response to bio-terrorism events following terrorist attacks in 2001. The law provided a broad definition of public health emergency that allows the executive emergency power to be applied to non-terrorist public health events.

Wisconsin’s emergency statute specifies that a declaration of emergency expires 60 days after it is issued; the emergency can only be extended by a joint resolution of the Legislature. The Legislature also has the authority to terminate the emergency declaration by joint resolution.

Economic income payments (Coronavirus stimulus payments)

Coronavirus tax relief is in the news right now. Here's where to find out more:

• Coronavirus tax relief (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)
• COVID-19 information (WI Dept. of Revenue)

image source

Information about economic income payments, also known as coronavirus stimulus payments, is quickly being added.

• Economic Income Payments (US Internal Revenue Service)
  Also known as coronavirus stimulus payments, this page includes information about what to expect. As of this blog post, a feature to check for payment status and add bank account information is due to be added in mid-April.
• Non-filers of taxes and economic income payments (US Internal Revenue Service)
  How to file to receive an economic income payment if you did not file Federal taxes for 2019.

For more information and updates, check in with our Coronavirus (COVID-19) research page. 

Verifying information in a time of rapid change

A few years ago we wrote about resources for recognizing "fake news" and tips for critically reading information sources. As information about COVID-19 rapidly changes, it's helpful to check in on strategies for spotting misinformation and scams.

Spotting Scams

Wisconsin has created some quick guidelines for avoiding charity scams, including research tips and questions to ask the charity. Learn more and find complaint resources here: Reporting of Potential COVID-19 Charity Scams

Several federal agencies have warnings and tips about coronavirus scams. See:

• Beware of scams related to the coronavirus from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Coronavirus scams from the Federal Trade Commission

Fake News

Here are some resources to help you spot fake news and misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic:

• 7 ways to avoid misinformation during the coronavirus pandemic from PolitiFact
• Coronavirus Collection: Fact-Checking COVID-19
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters from the World Health Organization
• Fighting Fake News in the Pandemic from the American Library Association
• How to Spot Fake News from Harvard Library 
• Identifying fake news (Video) from University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Libraries Respond: Combating Xenophobia and Fake News in light of COVID-19 from the American Library Association

Tracking legislation by alert

In our current news cycle, information written just last week may already be out of date. How do you stay on top of updates to legislation?

The Library of Congress has put out a research guide on how to use alerts on Congress.gov, the website used to track Federal legislation.

Congress.gov Keeps You Up To Date With Email Alerts explains the different types of alerts you can set up on that website to get the most recent updates.

You can also simply do a keyword search and use the RSS and share features at the top of the results page to stay on top of general topics.

Presidential proclamations can be tracked on the WhiteHouse.gov website.

For Wisconsin legislation, create an account on the Legislature's website to set up keyword or bill alerts. From the home page, look for the notification service link. On many pages, look for the RSS symbol near the top of the page to get RSS updates on particular bills or the current legislative session.

For Wisconsin Executive Orders, get to the most recent orders on the Governor's website. You can also sign up to get emailed press releases from this site.  

Ask a librarian if you need help tracking down information! We're happy to help. Contact us using our online form, or send an email to wsll.ref@wicourts.gov.

Libraries Closed March 17 - April 3

The David T. Prosser Jr. State Law Library, Milwaukee County Law Library, and Dane County Law Library will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17 and going through Friday, April 3rd. During this time, we will temporarily transition to providing online and remote services only.

During efforts to contain COVID-19, our three libraries may be reached by email. Our goal is to respond within 48 hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Send research requests to: 

wsll.ref@wicourts.gov or use our online form 

Both county law libraries may be reached by email: 

Milwaukee County Law Library: mcll.ref@wicourts.gov
Dane County Law Library: dcll.ref@wicourts.gov 

We wish you health and safety, and will do our best to help you while we are closed.

Milwaukee County Law Library Closed to Visitors

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Milwaukee County Clerk of Court has closed the Milwaukee County Law Library and Milwaukee Justice Center to the public for three weeks, from Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3.

The Milwaukee County Law Library will still be answering phone calls and emails during this time and will be able to send information to users through email. The library will be staffed during its regular business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Users can contact Milwaukee County Law Library staff for help:

Call us: 414-278-4900
Email us: mcll.ref@wicourts.gov

During this disruption of in-person services, we are ready to help you remotely!

(Updated March 16 to reflect no phone access.)

Absentee Voting in Wisconsin

Did you know that registered Wisconsin voters can request an absentee ballot? An absentee ballot is an option a registered voter may use to vote if they cannot appear at their polling place on election day.

The next statewide election is the 2020 spring election and presidential preference vote, on Tuesday, April 7.

According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission,

"Any qualified elector (U.S. citizen, 18 years of age, who has resided in the district in which he or she intends to vote for at least 10 days) who registers to vote is eligible to request an absentee ballot.  Under Wisconsin law, voters do not need a reason or excuse, such as being out of town on Election Day, to vote absentee. Any voter who prefers to vote by absentee ballot may request one. You have several options for requesting an absentee ballot and casting your vote."

You may request an absentee ballot by mail, e-mail, or fax to your municipal clerk. "Your application must be received by the clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the election in order for an absentee ballot to be SENT to you."

Early voting (in-person absentee ballot) may also be available at your local municipal clerk's office. Contact your municipal clerk's office to learn more about availability and hours, or check their website. If you're not sure who your municipal clerk is, check this complete directory of Wisconsin Municipal Clerks. We're happy to help as well! Call us at 608-267-9696 or toll free at 800-322-9755 with questions.

You can also check your voting status and start the process to request an absentee ballot through the MyVote Wisconsin (myvote.wi.gov) website.

Job Posting: Branch Librarian

The Wisconsin State Law Library is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic Branch Librarian to direct the Milwaukee County Law Library’s programs, services, and administrative staff. The Milwaukee County Law Library serves state, county and local government, the legal profession, the general public and collaborates with other state, county and local libraries. If you are forward looking and service minded we encourage you to apply for the Branch Librarian position at the Wisconsin Court System (WCS).

The Branch Librarian oversees the day-to-day operations for the Milwaukee County Law Library. The Wisconsin State Law Library is composed of the David T. Prosser Jr State Law Library, Milwaukee County Law Library, and the Dane County Law Library. The library's mission is to serve the legal information needs of the officers and employees of the state, and of attorneys and the public. It provides the highest quality of professional expertise in the selection, maintenance and use of materials, information and technology in order to facilitate equal access to the law.

Learn more and how to apply: https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/employment/index.jsp

In order to be assured consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 PM on March 8, 2020. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Researching treatment courts

The most recent issue of The Third Branch talks about the growth of treatment courts in Wisconsin. These "problem-solving" courts work to address underlying issues related to criminal behavior. According to the article, Treatment court growth driven by strategy, 90 specialty courts already operate throughout Wisconsin, with seven more under development for 2020.

Treatment courts are a growing area of scholarship, and a growing collection in our library. In 2005, the library began to collect drug court research materials at the Dane County Law Library. Now, we've added more to our print collection, as well as through online databases.

The Library's recent research guide, Drug and alternative treatment courts, is a quick start guide to researching these specialty courts. Get links to current standards and reports, as well as recent articles and additions to the library. This guide complements and expands on our Drug & Alternative Treatment Courts legal topic page.

Drug and alternative treatment courts research guide

WSLL @ Your Service February 2020

The February issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Your comments are always welcome. Please direct them to the editor, Carol Hassler.

In this issue:

Marco Polo

State Law Librarian Julie Robinson recaps some of the Library's outreach and collection achievements for 2019. Read more

Lloyd Barbee, Wisconsin Leader

Lloyd Barbee is an unforgettable member of the Wisconsin Bar. He had a long career as a crusading attorney, an innovative legislator, and a tireless civil rights activist. Read more

New Books

Our two featured titles this month are Motivational Interviewing with Offenders: Engagement, Rehabilitation, and Reentry and Therapeutic Justice: Crime, Treatment Courts and Mental Illness. A link to our complete new book list is also included. Read more

Tech Tip

“Copy and paste” is probably one of the most useful conveniences in day-to-day life (at least for computer users). A quick work around for formatting issues with Adobe Reader is the “Take a Snapshot” tool. Read more

Library News

Learn about our Black History Month display, our latest spring classes, and new research guides. Read more

February Snapshot

The Wisconsin Women in Government event on January 28, 2020 honored “Women who raised the bar.” Chief Justice Patience Roggensack, Justice Rebecca Dallet, and Justice Rebecca Bradley, along with First Lady Kathy Evers attended to celebrate “the past and present women of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the many women who have "Raised the Bar" of Wisconsin's judicial system.” Read more

Job Posting: Library Assistant

Are you a detail-oriented individual looking for part-time work? The Wisconsin State Law Library is searching for a Library Assistant, 10 hours per week. Flexible scheduling available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This is a technical services position that works mainly with the appellate court briefs collection.

Duties include: scanning, processing, and shelving appellate court briefs; data entry, bindery prep, and other collection maintenance activities including shelf-maintenance and shifting of library materials.

Skills include: exceptional organizational skills, above average computing skills, and the ability to follow written directions. Scanning experience is preferred. A demonstrated ability to do multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is required! 

Pay: $11.25/hour.

Start date: March 2nd, 2020

Location: The Wisconsin State Law Library is located on a bus line, just off the Capitol Square at 120 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Madison.

To apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to Angela.Humiston@wicourts.gov. You must include your hours available for work, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Employment will require a criminal background check.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

Women's suffrage in the latest Wisconsin Counties

The January 2020 issue of the Wisconsin Counties magazine features a collection of articles commemorating 100 years of women's right to vote in the United States. Learn about Wisconsin's role in ratification, get an overview of important milestones, and find a list of classroom resources.

Wisconsin Counties January 2020

Libraries Closed on January 20

The State Law Library, and Milwaukee and Dane County Law Libraries will be closed on Monday, January 20th in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. state holiday.

To send a question to the Wisconsin State Law Library while we are closed, you may call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian online.

We will respond to questions and requests on Tuesday, January 21st.

January WSLL @ Your Service

The January issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Happy New Year! Your comments are always welcome. 

In this issue:

New Wisconsin Briefs Database

The Wisconsin Briefs database houses more than 100,000 appellate briefs and appendices, and recently moved to a new website. Read more

New Books

This month's featured titles are Home Business Tax Deductions: Keep What You Earn and Divorce & Money: Making the Best Financial Decisions During Divorce. Don't miss this month's new book list as well! Read more

Tech Tip

This month features two tech tips: resources for the new California data privacy law and a Google Scholar button for your browser. Read more

Library News

Catch up on library staff news and be sure to check out our first CLE classes for the new year. Read more

January Snapshot

Julie attended the annual Beacon & Eggs breakfast to benefit The Beacon. The Beacon is a resource center for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Madison. Read more