The TechSearcher
The Newsletter of Wisconsin TechSearch
July - December 2005
A message from Lenny Black, WTS Director:
I will be retiring as director of Wisconsin TechSearch on September 2, 2005.
For the past 30-plus years, in different capacities, I’ve been fortunate to be associated with a unique and valuable program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since its inception in 1965, WTS has grown to become a successful outreach service. Many of you already know the reasons for our success: the world-class information resources of the UW-Madison libraries and an exceptionally talented, dedicated and responsive staff whose primary goal is excellent customer service
WTS is an example of the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that is central to the mission of the University of Wisconsin. It originally proclaimed that the boundaries of the university are the boundaries of the state. Today, though, we accept that there really are no boundaries. The university’s expertise and knowledge resources extend worldwide.
WTS is proud to be part of the university’s outreach mission. I am proud to have been part of WTS.
An announcement of my successor will be forthcoming. I want to thank you, our clients, for providing us the opportunity to serve you.
WTS Featured in Article
Wisconsin TechSearch was recently featured in the Spring 2005 issue of the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering Newsletter, Perspective. To read the original article, go to http://www.engr.wisc.edu/alumni/perspective/31.3/Article03_TechSearch.html. The text of the article is also reprinted here:
Wisconsin TechSearch Celebrates 40 Years
Many companies have recognized the talented and knowledgeable Wisconsin TechSearch (WTS) staff for its speed in gathering and providing information. Law firms on deadline with patent infringement cases have credited WTS with helping them out of some tight spots. Firms working on research and development praise WTS for uncovering information about crucial technology.
Wisconsin TechSearch, the Kurt F. Wendt Library's information outreach program for business and industry, is marking its 40th year of service. WTS provides access to published information — articles, book loans, government reports, standards and specifications — and offers online database searching on any topic of interest to engineers, scientists, attorneys, consultants or marketers.
WTS was established in April 1965 as a result of the U.S. State Technical Services Act. The purpose of the act was to encourage "wider diffusion and more effective application of science and technology in business, commerce and industry," an activity that is "essential to the growth of the economy, to higher levels of employment, and to the competitive position of United States products in world markets."
Frances Wood was the program's first director. At its inception, the WTS staff consisted of two professional librarians and part-time support staff along with a handful of student and project assistants.
For about 10 years, the team worked out of a university-owned residence on the site of what would become the Kurt F. Wendt Library. It was known as the Information Services Division until 1988 and was jointly administered by the library and the University-Industry Research program. In its first full year, Wisconsin companies made approximately 500 requests for information. The requests were mostly for journal articles or book loans and included a handful of literature search or reference questions.
Wisconsin TechSearch has grown considerably over 40 years. The program was quick to exploit electronic resources to provide companies with efficient and economic service.
"I've always felt WTS made a good illustration of how the Wisconsin Idea has grown," says WTS Director Lenny Black. "The Wisconsin Idea has the aim of putting the knowledge resources of the UW to work for the state. Wisconsin TechSearch has grown with the university and is reaching constituents well beyond the boundaries of Wisconsin."
The self-supporting program now employs four full-time librarians, two full-time support positions, a part-time project assistant and more than 20 student assistants. Currently, WTS serves a national clientele and receives about 50,000 requests annually.
