December 2, 2021

WSLL @ Your Service December 2021

The December issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Please send any comments or suggestions to Carol Hassler.

In this issue:

Indigenous Peoples Law Research

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November, we set up a display in the David T. Prosser Jr. Library featuring some of the books from our indigenous law collection. Stop by the library to browse the display through the end of December. Read more

Use the Library After Hours

Would you like the convenience of using the Wisconsin State Law Library later in the evening or on weekends? If so, subscribe now to our After Hours Service. Are you already a subscriber? Now is the time to renew for 2022! Read more

New Books

Our two featured books this month are Legal research: how to find and understand the law and The law of easements and licenses in land. Our full new book list is also linked from this article, with new books on court procedure, civil rights, and trusts. Read more

Tech Tip

Are you hoping for a new phone or computer this holiday season? If so, you may be wondering how to prepare your old device for selling, re-gifting, or recycling. We link to some recent articles to give you some guidance. Read more

Library News

We share recent staff news with you in this month’s article. Be sure to add the upcoming state holidays to your calendar as well. Read more

December Snapshot

While we eagerly await the arrival of the winter solstice and gradually lengthening days, it's nice to bask in the illuminated snowflakes lining downtown Madison. Read more

Celebrating Tammy Keller's retirement

In November, the library bade a fond farewell to Tammy Keller, program assistant at the library. Tammy provided sterling service to the Wisconsin Court System and the citizens of Wisconsin for 22 years. In her retirement, Tammy looks forward to spending more time in her garden, traveling, and preparing gourmet meals. 

We will miss you, Tammy!

October 12, 2021

Job Posting: Program Associate

The Wisconsin State Law Library is seeking a Program Associate to provide high‐level administrative support that directly assists the department manager in the overall day‐to‐day operation of the Library. This position performs a wide variety of support services to supervisory, professional and administrative staff. The work of the Program Associate requires the exercise of independent judgment and discretion under the general supervision.

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, 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.

LOCATION: Madison, Wisconsin

SALARY: $36,982 to $44,751 annually with a State of Wisconsin benefits package. Salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

CLASSIFICATION: Program Associate

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Works with the State Law Librarian to monitor the library’s annual operating budgets including completing accurate accounting and recordkeeping task, accounts receivable and accounts payable activities, and coordinating equipment and facility needs. 2) Oversees, maintains, and coordinates updates to the department’s accounting and other computing and/or database systems as assigned. 3) Acts as lead worker, providing guidance and direction for the department’s support staff to ensure compliance with established office procedure and workflow, including providing substantial coverage at Dane County Law Library and Milwaukee County Law Library. 4) Provides staff support to work with the department customers including the general public, boards, committees and panels. 5) Manages the department’s electronic and paper files related to facility maintenance, office equipment, and certain software subscriptions. 6) Assists with special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 1) Courses and/or experience performing program or administrative support. 2) Courses and/or experience in general administrative support, accounting, bookkeeping, and managing accounting transactions in accounting software.3) Knowledge of program and/or administrative support practices. 4) Skills in software used in an office setting including email, word processing, and spreadsheets, preferable skill in the Microsoft Office suite. 5) Skills in database maintenance and design. 6) Skills in verbal and written communication. 7) Skills in developing interpersonal working relationships. 8) Ability to manage projects from start to completion. 9) Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) Employment will require a criminal background check. 2) Employment will require an employer credit check.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume in a single .pdf document indicating the position #21‐1660 Program Associate to human.resources@wicourts.gov. All materials should address your relevant education, experience, and skills as it relates to the qualifications and special requirements listed above. Failure to follow these procedures may result in your disqualification.

DEADLINE:

In order to be assured consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 PM on October 24, 2021. The Wisconsin Court System will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants when requested. For additional information on the court system visit our website at www.wicourts.gov.

October 11, 2021

Library Hours Update

Starting Monday, October 11, all three library locations are open for walk-in use from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To ask a question, call us at 608-267-9696 or Ask a Librarian online

Find contact information and learn more about services and hours from our three libraries on our library locations page.

October 4, 2021

WSLL @ Your Service October 2021

The October WSLL @ Your Service is now online. In this issue:

Corbin on Contracts – an eBook alternative

Corbin on Contracts is one of the leading treatises on United States contract law. Updated twice a year, this highly cited sixteen volume set covers a variety of topics, from the formation to discharge of a contract. This book is available to Wisconsin State Law Library cardholders anywhere as a Lexis Digital eBook. Read more

New Books

Our two featured books this month are Mental Health Law in Wisconsin: a Guide for Legal and Mental Health Professionals and The Rights of the Accused Under the Sixth Amendment: Trials, Presentation of Evidence, and Confrontation. Our full October new book list is also ready to read! Read more

Tech Tip

Windows 10 users can use the "Timeline" feature to see where they've been in recent days - whether it's files on their computer or websites they've visited. This operating system trick is a handy way to pick up where you left off - even if it's been a few days since you last worked on a file. Read more

Library News

We welcome our new Branch Librarian for the Milwaukee County Law Library, and share other October news. Read more

October Snapshot

Forget beach reads! It's almost blanket-and-a-book weather! Curl up with a cozy mystery from our Prose and Cons collection. Browse our shelves virtually and ask a librarian for help or to place a hold for pickup at our Circulation Desk. Read more

September 13, 2021

New Criminal Jury Instructions Released

The Wisconsin Criminal Jury Instructions have recently been updated, with a 2021 release approved by the Wisconsin Judicial Conference's Criminal Jury Instructions Committee. The fifty-ninth supplement to the Criminal Jury Instructions updates the publication on legislative actions and judicial decisions through August 2021.

The update includes revisions of twenty-nine existing jury instructions, as well as five new instructions. New to the set are:



The following instructions have been updated:


Earlier this year the Library partnered with the Office of Judicial Education to debut free access to the Wisconsin Jury Instructions on our website. While updated instructions can be downloaded at any time from our website, many readers may wish to keep their print sets up-to-date. Updating an existing set of print instructions works just as it has in prior years.

Download and print the fifty-ninth release. Blank pages have been inserted to make double sided printing easier. File new and updated instructions, along with the updated statutory comparative table and index in your print set. A complete, printable file of all the current Criminal Jury Instructions and finding aids is also available for those who need to print a complete set.

For information on the status of the Committee's work, please contact Bryce Pierson at bryce.pierson@wicourts.gov.

August 12, 2021

eBook recommendation: Employment in Wisconsin

We turn to Maynard Sautter's Employment in Wisconsin for direct, practical summaries of different employment related topics. This single volume book discusses state and federal laws that affect the employer/employee relationship and working conditions in the private sector. Each chapter includes analysis that is enhanced by sample policies, practical tips, or other recommendations for best practices. 

Chapters walk practitioners and business owners through the hiring and termination of employees, with extensive focus on wages, hours, and benefits. Other chapters include: 
  • Health and safety standards
  • Testing
  • Employment discrimination
  • Employee relations
  • Union organizing
  • Disability or death of an employee
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Record keeping and reporting

This book is available as a print book for checkout from all three of our libraries, but now library cardholders can also read this book immediately on Lexis Digital. Log in with your card number to consult Employment in Wisconsin anywhere and anytime. 




Lexis Digital ebooks can be accessed through the Lexis Digital link on our eBooks page, or by searching for the book title in our catalog and heading directly to the eBook using the link in the catalog record. 



July 30, 2021

Job Posting: Branch Librarian at Milwaukee County Law Library

The Milwaukee County Law Library is seeking a Branch Librarian‐MCLL to lead an exceptional group dedicated to providing reference and research assistance to library users. This position will manage the day‐to‐day operations of the Milwaukee County Law Library. They will supervise and direct library staff and develop relationships at the Milwaukee County Courthouse and provide outreach to the community.

Learn more about the job and how to apply here: 

Branch Librarian‐Milwaukee County Law Library (MCLL)

May 4, 2021

WSLL @ Your Service May 2021

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

In this issue:

Lexis Digital Library

We are excited to announce the launch of Lexis Digital Library, a collection of eBooks that you can read from home or the office. This includes popular books like Employment in Wisconsin and Corbin on Contracts. Read more

Welcome New Attorneys

May marks the time when many law school graduates are admitted to the Wisconsin Bar. Staff at the David T. Prosser Jr. State Law Library, the Dane County Law Library, and the Milwaukee County Law Library congratulate these new members of the legal profession. Read more

Legislative Council Issue Briefs

Beginning in 2019, the Wisconsin Legislative Council, the nonpartisan legislative service agency of the Wisconsin Legislature, began preparing a new series of research reports titled Issue Briefs. If you are at the start of a research project related to Wisconsin government or need to know the most recent updates, Issue Briefs are the place to start. Read more

New Books

Our two featured new books this month are Make your own living trust and Divorce taxation. Check out our May new book list as well! Read more

Tech Tip

This month’s tech tip explores issues surrounding technology, internet access, and working from home. Read more

Library News

Happy 25th anniversary Milwaukee County Law Library! We also spotlight upcoming webinars. Space is still available for our comprehensive class on getting the most out of HeinOnline. Read more

May Snapshot

A walk down memory lane at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Read more

April 30, 2021

Job Posting: LTE Library Associate

The Dane County Law Library, located in the Dane County Courthouse, is seeking two candidates for Library Associate Limited Term Employee (LTE) positions. There are 2, 20 hour per week appointments available. The successful applicants must be available to fill the 20 hour per week requirements during the normal business hours of 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday. There are two available shifts, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM or 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The Law Library’s intent is to hire one candidate for each shift.


LOCATION: Madison, WI

SALARY: $15 hourly.

BENEFITS: This position does not qualify for a State of Wisconsin benefit package.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Assisting the librarian with maintenance of judges’ book collections by filing and shelving materials. 2) Filling weekly legal information requests from Dane County inmates. 3) Assisting library users with legal reference questions such as locating circuit court procedures and forms. 4) Processing, filing, and shelving library collection materials. 5) Maintaining physical library space. 6) Basic financial transactions including handling cash. 7) Other tasks as necessary.


QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED: 1) Excellent customer service skills. 2) Detail-oriented. 3) Ability to work independently. 4) Ability to manage and complete projects on time. 5) Ability to follow directions.

PREFERRED: 6) Library experience.


SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) Employment will require a criminal background check.


TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF document with the email subject line #21-1635 LTE Library Associate to human.resources@wicourts.gov. Please indicate in your cover letter what shift you prefer from the shifts listed above, and your availability for each. All materials should showcase your relevant education, experience, and skills. Failure to follow these application directions may result in your disqualification.


DEADLINE:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and will be reviewed as they are received. The Wisconsin Court System will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants when requested. For additional information on the court system, visit our website at www.wicourts.gov.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY and E-VERIFY EMPLOYER

April 6, 2021

Catalog and databases temporarily unavailable after 6 PM

Due to scheduled maintenance, our library catalog and remote databases may be unavailable this evening, starting at 6 p.m. 

Thank you for your patience! Please send an email to wsll.ref@wicourts.gov if you have any questions, and we will respond to your requests the next day. 

April 5, 2021

Civil Jury Instructions Updated for 2021

The Wisconsin Civil Jury Instructions have recently been updated, with a 2021 release approved by the Wisconsin Judicial Conference’s Civil Jury Instructions Committee. The fifty-second supplement to the Civil Jury Instructions updates the publication on legislative actions and judicial decisions through January 21, 2021.

Wisconsin Civil Jury Instructions cover sheet


The update includes revisions of ten existing jury instructions, as well as one new instruction. New to the set is:

The following instructions have been updated:

Earlier this year the Library partnered with the Office of Judicial Education to debut free access to the Wisconsin Jury Instructions on our website. While updated instructions can be downloaded at any time from our website, many readers may wish to keep their print sets up-to-date. Updating an existing set of print instructions works just as it has in prior years.

Download and print the fifty-second release. Blank pages have been inserted to make double sided printing easier. File new and updated instructions, along with the updated table of cases and index in your print set. A complete, printable file of all the current Civil Jury Instructions and finding aids is also available.

For information on the status of the Committee's work, please contact Bryce Pierson at bryce.pierson@wicourts.gov.

March 24, 2021

New Landlord & Tenant Manual

At the State Law Library, we help numerous patrons each week with questions about eviction, landlord entry, repairs, security deposits, and other landlord tenant issues. If you find yourself in this situation even occasionally, check out the new State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE publication Wisconsin Landlord & Tenant Manual today. Chances are, it may become a go-to resource on your bookshelf!



The lifecycle of a tenancy is discussed from the beginning - with selecting and screening tenants, and signing a lease. Later concerns are also addressed such as property left behind and collecting on a judgment after a tenancy has ended. Many Wisconsin state court forms, guides, and Wisconsin Legal Blank forms are included. Local ordinances and differences between counties are discussed and how state landlord tenant laws apply in various situations.

Written in plain English, this manual can help landlords, tenants, attorneys, property management employees, and anyone fielding questions from these groups.

Chapters include:
  • Screening and Qualifying Prospective Tenants
  • Rental Documents
  • Earnest Money and Security Deposits
  • Repairs and Maintenance of Rental Premises
  • General Rental Issues
  • Renewal and Termination of Rental Agreements
  • Eviction
  • Legal Proceedings and Recovery of Damages
  • Collections
  • Manufactured Home Community Rentals
Call us at 608-267-9696 or email us at wsll.ref@wicourts.gov to check out a copy of the Wisconsin Landlord & Tenant Manual.

January 26, 2021

Wisconsin Jury Instructions Online

We're happy to announce that the Wisconsin State Law Library is now hosting current Wisconsin Jury Instructions on our website. https://wilawlibrary.gov/jury/

This is a result of a cooperative effort between the University of Wisconsin Law School, the State Law Library, and the Wisconsin Court System's Office of Judicial Education. You can read more in this press release: https://www.wicourts.gov/news/view.jsp?id=1307

All three Jury Instructions committees of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference will continue their standard schedules to develop instructions. New instructions will be published online. The Office of Judicial Education will continue to provide update releases indicating revised or new jury instructions for each set.

Every instruction set on the website includes a table of contents with links to download current instructions. Indexes and tables are also linked from each set. On individual instruction pages (pictured below), get more information about each instruction including a model citation, download links, relevant dates, and related cases and statutes from the case and statutory comparison tables. 



Each instruction set includes an update page, which links to filing releases for recent years.
For those needing to update print sets of instructions, tools are available to help. When an instruction set is updated, a filing release will be created and posted on the set's updates page. Users can use the latest update release to print off new instructions to update their set. In addition, annually-updated printable versions of tables and indexes are linked at the top of each index and table page. A complete, printable copy of each instruction set is linked as a single file from each main instruction page, above the table of contents.

January 8, 2021

January 2021 WSLL @ Your Service

Happy New Year! The January issue of WSLL @ Your Service is now online. Please send comments to the editor, Carol Hassler

In this issue: 

If the library had a word of the year, it would likely be "communication." This word has factored heavily in our work and will continue to be of utmost importance for all of us in 2021. Read more

New Books 
Our two new featured titles this month are Home Business Tax Deductions: Keep What You Earn, and Dignity law: global recognition, cases, and perspectives. Our monthly new book list is also ready to peruse. Read more 

The National Conference of State Legislatures offers a Student Loan Bill Tracking Database which tracks state legislation related to student loan debt across several categories. Search this database for a single state, or across several states. Read more 

Learn about upcoming state holiday closures, plus a new State Bar of Wisconsin InsideTrack article. Read more

New murals brighten the Milwaukee County courthouse walls. Celebrating and representing the diversity of Milwaukee County, these murals feature work from local Milwaukee artists or art collectives. Read more

January 5, 2021

In Memory of Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson

Flags are flying at half staff today to honor former Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson. Justice Abrahamson passed away on December 19, 2020 at the age of 87. 

Justice Abrahamson was the first woman to serve on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, serving on the Court for 43 years. In a recent Wisconsin Court System article, Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack said, “During her four decades on the Court, Justice Abrahamson made numerous contributions, both in terms of the law and the administration of the court system. She was well-read, well-traveled, and she brought a lifetime of interesting experiences with her as she served on the bench. The court system and the people of Wisconsin continue to benefit from her work and will do so for years to come.” You can read about Justice Abrahamson’s long career on the Court’s biography page, or in Portraits of Justice

In 2008, she took time to sit for a READ poster promotion during National Library Week. A framed copy of this poster can be found on the second floor of the library. 


We remember her as an avid researcher dedicated to serving Wisconsin, and a strong supporter of the library. The library is working on incorporating donated items from Justice Abrahamson’s extensive book collection into the library collection. A unique bookplate designed for this collection will be inside each cover. (Pictured below.) 

Bookplate for donations from Justice Abrahamson's collection

Justice Abrahamson authored over 1300 opinions during her time on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. You can find them in a Google Scholar author search, or by searching other legal research databases using her name in the judge or author search field.