DeForest Area School Library Media Specialists Share Their BadgerLink Stories
I use TeachingBooks through BadgerLink almost daily with students and as a resource to share with teachers at my school library.
- Rebecca Greco, Eagle Point Elementary School
BadgerLink resources are a cornerstone of our digital offerings for our middle school students and staff. NoveList and TeachingBooks are essential tools for staff in vetting books, supporting literacy instruction, and extending student activities. Britannica [School] and Explora [for Middle and High Schools] are essential, age-appropriate databases that can be used across the curriculum. Having all of these resources at the state level allows us to focus our limited funding on specialized resources for specific content areas. This unique partnership between state and local resources ensures that all students' needs are met.
The DPI Library Services Team has been instrumental in ensuring that the Badgerlink resources are accessible and relevant to our students and staff. Whether an email exchange to troubleshoot a specific problem or a WEMTA Conference presentation for more in-depth training on a resource, their knowledge is essential in making sure these resources are getting maximum visibility and use. I can't imagine not having access to their expertise!
- Laura Shucha, DeForest Area Middle School
BadgerLink is an integral part of my teaching. I guide my students in using its databases for their research and always emphasize how fortunate they are to have lifelong access through their Wisconsin public library card. I highlight the wealth of resources it offers as part of teaching them to be lifelong learners who can find and evaluate high-quality information.
When I had trouble accessing BadgerLink, I reached out to the Library Services team, and they were incredibly helpful and responsive in resolving the issue quickly so I could get back to using the resources. I've also found their training materials extremely valuable—especially when I was new to the role of school librarian.
- Kristin Pachal, DeForest Area High School