The Recollection Wisconsin Digitization Initiative (RWDI) connects libraries, archives, and cultural organizations across the state with graduate student interns to digitize local history collections. Through these partnerships, RWDI helps ensure that photographs, yearbooks, published histories, and archival materials documenting Wisconsin communities are preserved and shared online for anyone to explore.
We’re thrilled to welcome our summer 2026 participants!
Middleton Public Library / Wisconsin Library Association Archives
UW-Madison iSchool graduate student, Sophia Auron, will be leading a collaborative project to digitize archival materials that document Wisconsin Library Association‘s history. Sophia will be working with Katharine Clark at Middleton Public Library and mentored by WLA Executive Director, Kara Sullivan. Many thanks to Middleton Public Library for providing space and support for this project!
Sophia Auron grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and attended Knox College, where her work in the library and archives inspired her love of the field. After living in France for a year, she returned to Madison to work on her masters in Library and Information Studies. She is excited to learn more about local history through her work with the Wisconsin Library Association’s archives.
Katharine Clark is Deputy Director of Public Services at the Middleton Public Library. She earned her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2003 and currently serves on the Wisconsin Library Association Board as the immediate Past President.
Kara Sullivan is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA). Before joining WLA, she served as Executive Director of the Friends of the Appleton Public Library. A trained attorney, Kara earned her law degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and worked in private practice before moving into public service with the Maine District Court. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, cycling, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her dog and a good book.
Welcome team Middleton Public Library / Wisconsin Library Association!
Gateway Technical College
UW-Madison iSchool graduate student, Hazel Johnson, will be working with Gateway Technical College librarians Rachel Rohlf and Paige Barreto to digitize photos that document GTC’s history.
Hazel Johnson just completed their first year of the UW-Madison MLIS program with a focus on archiving. They have a passion for the preservation of children’s broadcasting and toys with an intense interest in plush and puppet preservation. They are incredibly excited for this opportunity with Gateway Technical College and to work with their staff on their digitization efforts.
Rachel Rohlf has worked at the Racine Campus of Gateway Technical College since 2009. Originally hired as a Reference/Instruction librarian, Rachel’s interests have grown to the systems side of librarianship. She recently helped with the migration to a new Integrated Library System with the rest of the WISPALS consortia. She also supervises the Gateway Archive collection, which is why she is so excited about the partnership with WiLS and Recollection Wisconsin. In her free time, Rachel likes to read historical fiction, play her cello and hang out with her cats Siegfried and Isolde.
Paige Barreto earned her M.Litt. in Art History from Christie’s Education, London and her MLIS from UW-Milwaukee. She currently works as an academic librarian at Gateway Technical College, where her professional interests include Open Educational Resources and User Experience. In her free time, Paige enjoys traveling, LEGOs, watching period pieces, and listening to America’s Next Top Model podcasts.
Welcome team Gateway Technical College!
Northcentral Technical College
UW-Madison iSchool graduate student, Katy Kulie, will be working with Northcentral Technical College Learning Commons manager, Matt Hoenecke, and Katie Aldrich, Library Student Outreach and Acquisitions Specialist, to digitize materials that document NTC’s history including academic programs, photos, student handbooks and more.
Katy Kulie has lived in Wisconsin since she was just a few months old, and, excepting her college days at the University of Michigan, has stayed here ever since! With Recollection Wisconsin, she’s absolutely looking forward to preserving more of her local history. Currently, she’s pursuing her MA-LIS at UW-Madison’s iSchool and plans to graduate next spring. Her professional interests include archival preservation/conservation and reference work, as well as reference and outreach services to incarcerated populations. She’s a proud Executive Board member of the iSchool’s revitalized Jail Library Group. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, birding, and watching and/or theorizing about sports of all kinds.
Matt Hoenecke is the Timberwolf Learning Commons and Esports Manager at Northcentral Technical College (NTC), where he oversees the library, Academic Resource Center, and esports programs. He leads initiatives that support student success through innovative academic services and engagement opportunities. Matt also serves on the Wausau City Council.
Katie Aldrich is the Student Outreach and Acquisitions Specialist at the NTC Library. Learn more about Katie and her excellent work with NTC here.
Welcome team Northcentral Technical College!
Thank You, Wisconsin partners!
Our sincere thanks to the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, UW-Madison iSchool, UW-Milwaukee SOIS and WiLS and Recollection Wisconsin staff and leadership for their continued support of our Digitization Initiative. Their commitment makes it possible for libraries and cultural organizations across the state to preserve community history while mentoring the next generation of information professionals. These partnerships play a vital role in keeping Wisconsin’s local stories accessible, discoverable, and meaningful for years to come.
For more information about the Recollection Wisconsin Digitization Initiative, visit https://recollectionwisconsin.org/rwdi or contact vicki (at) wils.org.
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