I just had a primer from Bill on locating maps in our library collection.
As many of you know, not all of our maps are cataloged. This is true for a lot of topographic maps (topo for short) in the Irvine room. We generally have these uncataloged maps in alphabetic order by geographic location. The broader level is by state. We only have them for 3 states: California, Arizona and Nevada.
If you are looking for a topo map for an area in California, for instance, sometimes the area you need might not be in the quadrangle map (quad for short) that is labeled as the location needed.
Example: I am helping an MSGIS student look for a topo map of Joshua Tree National Park, but the one he found on his own (appropriately labeled Joshua Tree) did not have the land features and areas he needed. As far as he is concerned the area of interest was off the quad he found. So, what to do?
The quad maps themselves have area markers at each corner and side of the quad. These help if you are looking for adjacent areas, but if they aren't adjacent, indices will help. These indices are located in the first drawer of each of the (uncataloged) map collection for each state. The indices are big maps or map pamphlets/books of the state chunked into different quads that correspond to the different quad maps we have in the drawers. The names of each quad map are in the index, so that's a good way to figure out which map name you should be looking for. Also, be aware of the date on the map. The later maps will be a better match to the map index.
That's what I learned today! Pretty cool!
~Melissa
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Supreme Court cases
A student from Art Svenson's GOVT 402, Equal Protection class came to the ref. desk asking to see a number of Supreme Court cases. She had a list of volume and page numbers but her syllabus did not appear to have the series title. Svenson had told her it was on the 4th floor and she had written "US Reports" in her own handwriting. We do indeed have United States Reports upstairs, which "contain the fourth and final generation of the Court's opinions. " Unfortunately the catalog record(s) may be misleading as they do not reflect these multiple volumes.
Furthermore, if a student comes in knowing the case name, but not the United States Reports volume/page number, you may use United States Supreme Court Decisions which is located behind the Reference desk. Essentially, you'll find the case name and the citation below it. In the example below, you will find the following case in United States Reports, vol. 347, beginning p. 483
E.g. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
347 US 483
In case you were curious, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas is actually listed more than once in the c2001 reference book United States Supreme Court Decisions--once for a case decided in 1954 (the landmark case) and another time for a case decided in 1955. Unless you or the student knows the date/year of interest, there is no way (I could find) to readily distinguish which citation referred to the landmark case. I hope this was helpful.
Furthermore, if a student comes in knowing the case name, but not the United States Reports volume/page number, you may use United States Supreme Court Decisions which is located behind the Reference desk. Essentially, you'll find the case name and the citation below it. In the example below, you will find the following case in United States Reports, vol. 347, beginning p. 483
E.g. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
347 US 483
In case you were curious, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas is actually listed more than once in the c2001 reference book United States Supreme Court Decisions--once for a case decided in 1954 (the landmark case) and another time for a case decided in 1955. Unless you or the student knows the date/year of interest, there is no way (I could find) to readily distinguish which citation referred to the landmark case. I hope this was helpful.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Alumni Borrowing Privileges
Based on a reference question emailed to us, a UofR alum wanted to know if she could acquire borrowing privileges and how much that would cost. There is currently no information posted about that on our website. Lori & Les informed me that Debbie Alban is the one who works these privileges out. Privileges include borrowing up to 6 books, looking at periodicals in the library, and guest use of the computers. It does NOT include database access or ILL.
Monday, April 27, 2009
RMA Annual Statement Studies and Value Line
Hello Librarians!
School of Business students from Lee Bertrand's class might be calling about the two texts mentioned in the Title line of this blog. They will be looking for a copy of the introduction in RMA Annual Statement Studies. I have left a PDF copy of the introduction, entitled "definitionofratios.pdf" on the reference computer desktop so it may be forwarded along via email.
Also, they will be looking for both a company and industry report in Value Line. We have online access to this for librarians only - if you want access, see Eugene or I for the password. You can also forward these requests to either of us!
Best,
Lua
School of Business students from Lee Bertrand's class might be calling about the two texts mentioned in the Title line of this blog. They will be looking for a copy of the introduction in RMA Annual Statement Studies. I have left a PDF copy of the introduction, entitled "definitionofratios.pdf" on the reference computer desktop so it may be forwarded along via email.
Also, they will be looking for both a company and industry report in Value Line. We have online access to this for librarians only - if you want access, see Eugene or I for the password. You can also forward these requests to either of us!
Best,
Lua
Monday, April 13, 2009
Project Muse Error
Accessing Project Muse this morning, an error message appears.
http://0-muse.jhu.edu.library.uor.edu/
The error message says "502 Bad Gateway
Connection to remote host returned error 14."
I've alerted ITS and sent a help request to Project Muse.
Based on a related comment on a Innopac uses group Listserv, I believe this is
relatively minor and will go away soon.
Let's hope the hive mind is correct.
-eo
http://0-muse.jhu.edu.library.uor.edu/
The error message says "502 Bad Gateway
Connection to remote host returned error 14."
I've alerted ITS and sent a help request to Project Muse.
Based on a related comment on a Innopac uses group Listserv, I believe this is
relatively minor and will go away soon.
Let's hope the hive mind is correct.
-eo
Thursday, April 9, 2009
IEALC Cooperative Borrowing
Azusa Pacific Student just called about borrowing privileges here.
I couldn't find the answer on the website. What I saw is written from the perspective of a U of R student borrowing from another IEALC school, not the other way round.
The answer is:
IEALC students can borrow up to 5 books for up to 3 weeks with option to renew.
I couldn't find the answer on the website. What I saw is written from the perspective of a U of R student borrowing from another IEALC school, not the other way round.
The answer is:
IEALC students can borrow up to 5 books for up to 3 weeks with option to renew.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
ArmRef 1 Printer
The "out of order" sign on the ArmRef 1 is due to a lack of ink. The printer tells me it needs a new ink cartridge. Shaking and reinstalling the cartridge didn't work. We have no replacement 64As in the cabinet. I've asked Debbie to purchase more.
Shana
Shana
Monday, April 6, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
A student yesterday needed the congressional quarterly (CQ Weekly), particularly the most recent of them from this year, and they've been placed in current periodicals should she return looking for them. The oldest ones through spring of '08 are in the reference section (JK1.C15), but she's looking primarily at the ones from this year. These will be in current periodicals under "CQ Weekly."
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
SPSS printing issue
Students report that SPSS files are not printing.
SPSS docs end in a .spv, I tried an export function to change them to PDFs but that
didnt seem to work either.
Don Williamson is coming over now to take a look.
SPSS docs end in a .spv, I tried an export function to change them to PDFs but that
didnt seem to work either.
Don Williamson is coming over now to take a look.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Anthrosource not linking properly to JSTOR
Another problem with the databases. When content within Anthrosource is accessed through JSTOR, it won't actually bring up the content. When one clicks on the link, either the PDF or the HTML, rather than going straight to JSTOR it returns to the Anthrosource homepage. This is possibly a problem we've already discussed, but it was brought to my attention this evening by Alexa, who resolved it by going directly into JSTOR. Still, a wee bit frustrating.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PDF Creator
I've installed PDF Creator to the reference desk computer. This program should help us capture error messages and weird computer and database behaviors without having to do print-screen and pasting to a word processing program.
I recommend using Firefox as a browser since it has a print preview function that allows users to examine before printing a document.
When you need to capture a screen or some other error data, follow these steps:
Melissa
I recommend using Firefox as a browser since it has a print preview function that allows users to examine before printing a document.
When you need to capture a screen or some other error data, follow these steps:
- Select File>>Print or Ctrl+P. This should pull up the print window.
- Select PDFCreator from the drop-down menu. PDFCreator will start and prompt you to save the resulting pdf file. Change the name of the file if need be and click save.
- PDFCreator will then prompt you to select the location to save your pdf file. I generally use the desktop so I don't have to dig around.
- After this, you will be asked if you'd like to view your file. If not, the default PDF viewer (Acrobat or Foxit) will just show you the file you just created.
Melissa
Keyword searching in Firefox's location bar
Hello!
Just an fyi: As per Eugene's request, I've reconfigured the default search engine for Firefox's location bar. Type in any keyword into the bar where a URL address is generally entered and you will be taken to a Google results page. I haven't tried this for IE though.
Melissa
Just an fyi: As per Eugene's request, I've reconfigured the default search engine for Firefox's location bar. Type in any keyword into the bar where a URL address is generally entered and you will be taken to a Google results page. I haven't tried this for IE though.
Melissa
Labels:
firefox,
Google,
keyword,
location bar,
search,
search engine
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Today I was asked by a student to assist her in figuring out how to find articles when fulltext access wasn't available. She knew to use the "fulltext search" function and what to do if online access wasn't available, but when using article linker, it returned an error message when attempting to access content within Wilsonweb. She wasn't given the option to search the library catalog, etc. Is there an issue with Wilsonweb and article linker?
Similarly, ComDis Dome seemed to have gone completely wonky. The search page appeared, but after entering a very simple search, a page with many lines of error messages came up. I've never seen it before, and almost looked like a problem with the code, from my ignorant perspective on the matter. Frankly I couldn't begin to guess where the problem lay because there was no particularly specific error message, just a list of them which were distinctly un-informative about the exact nature of the error. Does anyone know anything about ComDis dome? Thanks!!
Similarly, ComDis Dome seemed to have gone completely wonky. The search page appeared, but after entering a very simple search, a page with many lines of error messages came up. I've never seen it before, and almost looked like a problem with the code, from my ignorant perspective on the matter. Frankly I couldn't begin to guess where the problem lay because there was no particularly specific error message, just a list of them which were distinctly un-informative about the exact nature of the error. Does anyone know anything about ComDis dome? Thanks!!
Student-use scanner working again
Hello!
We finally have a resolution to unresponsive scanner and the disappearing scanner drive. Don Williamson came by, looked at the scanner and gave me some trouble-shooting tips.
The scanner apparently is not meant to be turned-on and -off multiple times in the day so sometimes it gets buggy.
When the scanner is unresponsive or will not shut off, it would be a good idea to check the Control Panel>>Scanners and Cameras to make sure that there is a scanner driver. For some reason, it disappears from time to time. Unplugging/replugging the scanner can resolve the missing scanner driver issue.
You can unplug-replug the scanner by detaching the power cord from the scanner or from the wall/surge protector plug. If that doesn't work, you can also try unplugging/replugging the scanner's USB connection from the back of the computer next to it. But be sure to plug it back into the correct port. Don said that we can try these strategies in the event that restarting the computer is not the best option. Restarting the computer should also take care of it, but can take a while.
The scanner can also take a long while (up to 5 minutes) when using the default HP scanner program. The default program is not as proficient in creating pdf files from multi-page documents beyond 6 pages. For speedier scanning into pdf files, please use Adobe Acrobat Professional.
We finally have a resolution to unresponsive scanner and the disappearing scanner drive. Don Williamson came by, looked at the scanner and gave me some trouble-shooting tips.
The scanner apparently is not meant to be turned-on and -off multiple times in the day so sometimes it gets buggy.
When the scanner is unresponsive or will not shut off, it would be a good idea to check the Control Panel>>Scanners and Cameras to make sure that there is a scanner driver. For some reason, it disappears from time to time. Unplugging/replugging the scanner can resolve the missing scanner driver issue.
You can unplug-replug the scanner by detaching the power cord from the scanner or from the wall/surge protector plug. If that doesn't work, you can also try unplugging/replugging the scanner's USB connection from the back of the computer next to it. But be sure to plug it back into the correct port. Don said that we can try these strategies in the event that restarting the computer is not the best option. Restarting the computer should also take care of it, but can take a while.
The scanner can also take a long while (up to 5 minutes) when using the default HP scanner program. The default program is not as proficient in creating pdf files from multi-page documents beyond 6 pages. For speedier scanning into pdf files, please use Adobe Acrobat Professional.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Student-use scanner in research computers area
I had an issue with the single scanner that we have in the library for computer use. It was not turning off or allowing any scanning. I called Jones Computer Center and they were supposed to send someone over to try to take a look at it.
I made the call around 7:30 p.m. As of 8:34 p.m., no one has arrived yet. Meanwhile, I have placed the out-of-order sign on the scanner. There are more scanners for student use at Jones, so please direct students there.
I'll call Jones again in the morning.
--Melissa
I made the call around 7:30 p.m. As of 8:34 p.m., no one has arrived yet. Meanwhile, I have placed the out-of-order sign on the scanner. There are more scanners for student use at Jones, so please direct students there.
I'll call Jones again in the morning.
--Melissa
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
BUS 126 op. cit. endnotes
Fellow librarians,
I had a BUS 126 student in Osborn's class who needed to know how to use op. cit. endnotes with the Chicago citation style. Unfortunately, according to the 15th edition, op. cit. and it's kin, loc. cit. are no longer used (16.50). Instead Chicago style directs users to use the short-title form (16.45).
Given that the class is still employing op. cit. we still need to provide students with an example of how it is used. A Google search proved the most helpful in this case. It directed me to Southampton Solent University's Library page discussing the use of op. cit. and ibid. and provided examples of how each is used. See link: Using ibid. and op. cit.--Southampton Solent University
--Melissa
I had a BUS 126 student in Osborn's class who needed to know how to use op. cit. endnotes with the Chicago citation style. Unfortunately, according to the 15th edition, op. cit. and it's kin, loc. cit. are no longer used (16.50). Instead Chicago style directs users to use the short-title form (16.45).
Given that the class is still employing op. cit. we still need to provide students with an example of how it is used. A Google search proved the most helpful in this case. It directed me to Southampton Solent University's Library page discussing the use of op. cit. and ibid. and provided examples of how each is used. See link: Using ibid. and op. cit.--Southampton Solent University
--Melissa
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Meebo Status
Reminder: If you're going to step away from the reference desk, please set your status to "I'll be right back." This can be done in the sidebar that's usually at the right-hand side of the Meebo screen. At the top of the sidebar, look for the the little emoticons for adding users, just below that is your status line which is usually set at "I'm available." If you click on that status line, a drop down list will appear with a number of prefab status options from which you can select one.
Thanks,
eo
Thanks,
eo
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Project Wombat
Ever been stumped with a tough reference question? I know I have. When I can't seem to verify a quotation or think of the best way to find specific historical data, Project Wombat is one of the things that comes to mind. It's a discussion list for those difficult to answer reference questions. It's a public list in that everyone can submit questions and answers are archived for future reference. They helped me out a lot with a couple of questions from my reference classes in library school.
Just wanted to share.
--Melissa
Just wanted to share.
--Melissa
Labels:
mailing list,
Project Wombat,
questions,
reference,
resource
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
computers photocopiers contact
Hello Librarians,
I have two handy bits of information.
Don Williamson, is the IT guy who handles the public computers in the reference area.
The student assistant who works upstairs outside the CLS reports to him.
Don Williamson
Information Technology Services
Senior PC Specialist, Jones
909/748-8961 Campus Ext. 8961
For Photocopier Issues, including both the photocopier behind the reference desk and those located in the periodicals area.
Contact
ext. 8462
copycenter@redlands.edu
The men who come in the morning to check on the photocopier are Anthony and Mark.
I have two handy bits of information.
Don Williamson, is the IT guy who handles the public computers in the reference area.
The student assistant who works upstairs outside the CLS reports to him.
Don Williamson
Information Technology Services
Senior PC Specialist, Jones
909/748-8961 Campus Ext. 8961
For Photocopier Issues, including both the photocopier behind the reference desk and those located in the periodicals area.
Contact
ext. 8462
copycenter@redlands.edu
The men who come in the morning to check on the photocopier are Anthony and Mark.
Friday, January 16, 2009
LibGuides Basic Training--1/27/09
Monday, December 15, 2008
Check this out! New toy on the Reference FF browser
Hey Librarians,
You may have noticed the leaf icon next to the URL address bar in the Firefox Browser.
The leaf button is Sage, which is a lightweight RSS and Atom feed aggregator extension for Mozilla Firefox. Click on it and a sidebar opens up, with a list of blogs and other sites that are rss-equipped. I have stocked the list with blogs mostly from library land. Feel free to add more feeds.
Enjoy!,
-Eugene
You may have noticed the leaf icon next to the URL address bar in the Firefox Browser.
The leaf button is Sage, which is a lightweight RSS and Atom feed aggregator extension for Mozilla Firefox. Click on it and a sidebar opens up, with a list of blogs and other sites that are rss-equipped. I have stocked the list with blogs mostly from library land. Feel free to add more feeds.
Enjoy!,
-Eugene
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monitor Morte
One of the reference computer monitors won't turn on (for me, at least). Third row back, first computer (closest to printers). It seems to be plugged in and the hard drive is on.
Help?!
Shana
Help?!
Shana
Monday, September 8, 2008
Don Miller Request
Retired UofR professor, Don Miller, called to request that we find an email address for Alexandra Kleeberg. What I found is: alexandra.kleeberg@gmx.de. His phone line has been busy; I will keep trying, but should he call back in the meantime...
Shana
Shana
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Jones Computer Center Summer Hours
The lab is located in the southern-most trailer (closest to Hedco and Gregory Halls) between the Library and Lewis Hall. Open Monday-Thursday 8:00am-10:00pm, Friday 8:00am-5:00pm, and closed Saturday & Sunday.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Music Education Materials
Hello all,
Students from Kathy Hickey’s May Term class will be coming in asking for the music education kits. These kits are the ones shelved behind the circulation desk on the bottom shelf in boxes and crates. They are boxed by grade level so the students should be able to tell you the grade they want. They can check out one box or crate at a time and should use the materials in the library. They can take the items to the music room and spread things out on the table. Thanks in advance for your assistance in helping the students find and use these materials.
Thanks,
Verletta
Students from Kathy Hickey’s May Term class will be coming in asking for the music education kits. These kits are the ones shelved behind the circulation desk on the bottom shelf in boxes and crates. They are boxed by grade level so the students should be able to tell you the grade they want. They can check out one box or crate at a time and should use the materials in the library. They can take the items to the music room and spread things out on the table. Thanks in advance for your assistance in helping the students find and use these materials.
Thanks,
Verletta
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wilson Trials
I bookmarked the Wilson page on the reference computer for our free trials of Art Museum Image Gallery, Biography Reference Bank, and Book Review Digest Retrospective. Check'em out.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
JSTOR cookies...
Unfortunately not edible. A student had trouble getting in to JSTOR this afternoon, as did I when I made the same attempt. The message for why this happened said something about cookies not being properly enabled, or some such matter, the exact wording of which eludes me at present. Suffice it to say, students may have trouble getting in to JSTOR through our website. However, it can be accessed through the JSTOR website, and it can also be accessed by closing the window and then clicking on "JSTOR" in the databases list again, which for whatever reason seems to clear things up. Verletta believes something in our firewall may have changed and is planning to politely investigate said change with IT. In the meantime, it seems to be fairly easily gotten around.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Course Reserves- URSB & Chemistry
Denise asked that I post the following information about two potentially tricky course reserves.
MGMT 304 – Managerial Assessment and Development
http://library.uor.edu/search/r?SEARCH=mgmt
This School of Business class will be taught on a continuous basis (if enough students are enrolled). It’s currently listed under SPEE & Others, but will be taught by various instructors. All Reserve materials are shelved under SPEE.
CHEM 132 – General Chemistry
http://library.uor.edu/search/r?SEARCH=chem
Spring 2008: There are multiple instructors for this course. There are 5 copies of a text for the final (study guide) on the shelf under WACKS.
MGMT 304 – Managerial Assessment and Development
http://library.uor.edu/search/r?SEARCH=mgmt
This School of Business class will be taught on a continuous basis (if enough students are enrolled). It’s currently listed under SPEE & Others, but will be taught by various instructors. All Reserve materials are shelved under SPEE.
CHEM 132 – General Chemistry
http://library.uor.edu/search/r?SEARCH=chem
Spring 2008: There are multiple instructors for this course. There are 5 copies of a text for the final (study guide) on the shelf under WACKS.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Crafton Hills Students & Electronic Databases
I had two Crafton Hills students working at the reference computers this afternoon who wanted me to log them into the electronic databases. I informed them that the databases are only for our students and faculty (contractual agreements, etc.). They told me that someone working last night logged them in. I apologized several times, explained our agreement with Crafton Hills (to my knowledge), and did not give them access.
I am happy to work with them at the reference desk in those databases that allow walk-in usage. But we need to ask faculty, staff, and student workers at the library to be consistent in our electronic database policies.
I am happy to work with them at the reference desk in those databases that allow walk-in usage. But we need to ask faculty, staff, and student workers at the library to be consistent in our electronic database policies.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Printer Jams
Today the back printer is jamming continually. I have removed the jam about four times but once it begins printing again, it gets stuck. I have left a voice message for Linda and placed the out of order sign on it for the time being.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Invalid Logins for MBA Students
We are experiencing a recurrance of a problem we had at the beginning of last semester in which new students cannot log into the databases using their UoR IDs and passwords, even though they are able to successfully use these IDs and passwords for e-mail, etc.
How it behaves: The student types in his ID and password on the left-hand side of the proxy server login screen, but the password keeps jumping into the barcode field on the right-hand side of the screen. He then gets a big red message on top of the screen telling him his data is invalid.
The cause: The student's UoR ID (firstname_lastname) is for some reason missing from the patron record.
The solution: Add the student's ID (firstname_lastname) to the E-MAIL ADDRESS field of the patron record from the UPDATE PATRON RECORD screen. The code for the field to be added is "z."
How it behaves: The student types in his ID and password on the left-hand side of the proxy server login screen, but the password keeps jumping into the barcode field on the right-hand side of the screen. He then gets a big red message on top of the screen telling him his data is invalid.
The cause: The student's UoR ID (firstname_lastname) is for some reason missing from the patron record.
The solution: Add the student's ID (firstname_lastname) to the E-MAIL ADDRESS field of the patron record from the UPDATE PATRON RECORD screen. The code for the field to be added is "z."
Monday, March 24, 2008
Double-Sided Printing on ARM Ref 1
The Jones folks came and fixed the ARM Ref 1 printer this morning so that it will print double-sided. They said that it wasn't working because the little blue switch inside the paper tray was not set on standard. Apparently if this switch is moved when loading paper, it screws everything up. They got it to work fine so keep an eye on it! Hopefully the solution really was that simple.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
More Printer Woes
Now when I try to change the computers in the back two rows to print to the front printer, nothing will print at all. We just receive the error message "Document failed to print". The first two computers in the third row and the first computer in the last row have all experienced this problem. I have called and left a message for Linda asking her to look into this...
Shoot 'em Up Printer
The back printer in reference was making a delightful machine gun sounding noise this morning while printing. Donald came to have a look and said that one of the gears on the printer was broken and someone from HP will need to come and fix it. So, we are down to a single printer in the reference area for the time being...
Friday, February 22, 2008
NetAdvantage
The first time the student logs in, the NetAdvantage page asks for a login and password. If you just close the window and choose NetAdvantage again from the databases list, it works fine the second time.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Update on Printing
Bill reports that ArmRef2 (the back printer) is now working and routes the way a reasonable person would expect: ArmRef2 for single-sided, ArmRef2-DoubleSided for double-sided. ArmRef1 (the front printer) works the same way for single-sided but still has that manual feed problem for double-sided. Now, however, we can advise students to route to ArmRef2-DoubleSided instead of messing with the Finishing Tab, etc.
So, some improvement. Meanwhile, they know what is causing the manual feed problem; it's just a question of getting someone up here to reset it.
So, some improvement. Meanwhile, they know what is causing the manual feed problem; it's just a question of getting someone up here to reset it.
Friday, February 1, 2008
BRIDE OF Duplex Printing
The current state of the congeries is as follows:
First two rows of reference: Regular printing normal. To print double-sided, you must do the dance described in "SON OF Duplex Printing" below: choose Armref-1, choose Properties, go to the Finishing Tab, and specify double-sided. Choosing Armref-1 Double-Sided will jam the printer, after which the only solution is to turn it off to clear the print queue. (All jobs awaiting print must then be resubmitted.)
Last two rows of reference: Printer out of order. Routing to Armref-1 WILL NOT WORK. You must do here exactly what you should NOT do in the first two rows: Choose Armref-1 Double-Sided, which prints double-sided copies without incident. If you don't want double-sided, you're out of luck.
Whew.
First two rows of reference: Regular printing normal. To print double-sided, you must do the dance described in "SON OF Duplex Printing" below: choose Armref-1, choose Properties, go to the Finishing Tab, and specify double-sided. Choosing Armref-1 Double-Sided will jam the printer, after which the only solution is to turn it off to clear the print queue. (All jobs awaiting print must then be resubmitted.)
Last two rows of reference: Printer out of order. Routing to Armref-1 WILL NOT WORK. You must do here exactly what you should NOT do in the first two rows: Choose Armref-1 Double-Sided, which prints double-sided copies without incident. If you don't want double-sided, you're out of luck.
Whew.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Vietnam: It Still Isn't Over
Jim Sandos' Vietnam class is looking for maps of wartime administrative divisions and military regions, and Bill reports that our usual reference source is MIA. He recommends the following site:
http://www.rjsmith.com/viet-mr-map.html
http://www.rjsmith.com/viet-mr-map.html
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Return of Historical Statistics and BUS 126
Hi All,
I am sure that everyone is thrilled that BUS 126 and the need for historical statistics has returned. Actually there is now a link to online historical statistics through the Census Bureau. Hooray! Here it is:
http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab.html
I still like to use the print volumes, but for those students who want/need the online version, I hope this will help.
Susan
Addendum: This particular iteration of the assignment requires them to use WEB SITES ONLY, so none of the previous print sources will work. So far we have had some luck going into Google Advanced Search and limiting the domain to .gov sites.
AK
I am sure that everyone is thrilled that BUS 126 and the need for historical statistics has returned. Actually there is now a link to online historical statistics through the Census Bureau. Hooray! Here it is:
http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab.html
I still like to use the print volumes, but for those students who want/need the online version, I hope this will help.
Susan
Addendum: This particular iteration of the assignment requires them to use WEB SITES ONLY, so none of the previous print sources will work. So far we have had some luck going into Google Advanced Search and limiting the domain to .gov sites.
AK
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Adobe!
The IT folks have now loaded the Adobe Suite on the reference desk computer! I'm not sure how long it has been there as I just noticed it today. Enjoy!
Monday, December 10, 2007
SON OF Duplex Printing
Apparently you must choose printer Am-Ref1 and go to the "Finishing" tab to ask for double-sided print. WARNING: DO NOT CHOOSE PRINTER "AM-REF2: DOUBLE-SIDED." If the printer itself asks you to take the paper out and reload it into tray 1, you have done something wrong. It should pop the paper out, suck it back in, and then re-pop it all by itself.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Dot-Edu Sites for Environmental Chemistry
I had a student working on a paper for an adjunct Chemistry prof named Chedekel, who apparently wants the students to use internet sites only, and only those with .edu extensions. I am not commenting on this assignment, you understand, just noting helpfully that this can be done through specifying .edu in the domain in Google Advanced Search.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Way of the Stapler
Our stapler has gone missing. I don't know when it slipped away. I've been letting students use the super-stapler, but it only has a few staples left. No spares in the supply cabinet (hmmm...). So, I may bring my own stapler out before leaving for the evening.
Such is the way of the stapler.
Such is the way of the stapler.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Printer News!
Great news about our reference printers (at least one of them). Ref-1 prints duplex (and Ref-2 may if its the same model). I was informed today by a student that she has been printing duplex on Ref-1 and would like us to post signs telling others that they can print double-sided too. Very good idea. Perhaps we should make some signs to paste to each computer noting this, especially since I've been telling students for the past couple of months that our printers don't print duplex.
When the print box appears, go to Properties and you have a choice to Print on Both Sides. This choice only appears for Ref-1. If the printers are the same model, can we change the properties on Ref-2 to reflect the ability to print duplex?
When the print box appears, go to Properties and you have a choice to Print on Both Sides. This choice only appears for Ref-1. If the printers are the same model, can we change the properties on Ref-2 to reflect the ability to print duplex?
FirstSearch Full Text -- NOT
FirstSearch is not respecting the "full-text only" box today. The student I was helping had checked it, but about half of his return was not full-text. He was in Philosopher's Index; I replicated the problem in both Agricola and MLA. Verletta is letting the appropriate people know.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Library Floor Map
I have posted a pdf of Lua's Library Floor Map to the website. It is located under the "About Us" section, and is the third link down "Library Floor Map." There are also black and white print outs of the map in the handout display.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
"Note on Organization Structure" by Nitin Nohria
Kamala Gollakota has this article on her syllabus. Note that the actual title uses the phrase "Organization Structure," not "Organizational Structure." We do not have access to this publication through the library, but it is available from Harvard Business Online, to which her students are required to subscribe.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Walk-in Databases
I have posted a list of databases that allow usage by walk-in patrons on the bulletin board inside the reference desk. I also placed an updated guide on how you might log these people into the databases if they request access. Let me know if you have any questions.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Handout Display
I added some handouts to the display this evening. There are four slots remaining. One will hold Lua's charming map once it is completed but feel free to put any other handouts you think are appropriate in the remaining three slots!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
SciFinder Scholar
It appears that SciFinder Scholar has stopped working on the new reference area computers. I have contacted Linda to try and fix this problem but in the meantime, you can send students to the back two rows of computers as it is up and running there.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
High-Capacity Stapler
The high-capacity stapler is now "under the counter." We've been through half a box of (expensive) high-capacity staples already AND had a staple-jam caused by someone (student assistant?) putting regular staples in the fancy stapler.
Sigh. It seemed like such a good idea at the time.
But now we get to save the day by producing the big stapler when we see a student struggling with a large document, so I guess that's all right.
Sigh. It seemed like such a good idea at the time.
But now we get to save the day by producing the big stapler when we see a student struggling with a large document, so I guess that's all right.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Course Reserves--CHEM 131
Denise asked me to post a note about Chem 131 reserves to the reference blog as we often help students find their reserve items.
I have another unusual situation for Course Reserves. There are 10 copies of a Lab Information Packet for CHEM 131. They are located on the Reserves Shelf under LONGIN, but there are also 5 other instructors. Here’s the Reserve page for LONGIN:

I have also added a note to the Reserves page for each of the other instructors: “PLEASE NOTE: All CHEM 131L packets are on the Reserve Shelf under LONGIN”.
I have another unusual situation for Course Reserves. There are 10 copies of a Lab Information Packet for CHEM 131. They are located on the Reserves Shelf under LONGIN, but there are also 5 other instructors. Here’s the Reserve page for LONGIN:

I have also added a note to the Reserves page for each of the other instructors: “PLEASE NOTE: All CHEM 131L packets are on the Reserve Shelf under LONGIN”.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
WorldCat Ports
I am having trouble accessing WorldCat once again this afternoon due to the "All Ports Full" issue. If you think of it, would you all mind sending me an email when this happens to you as well? I would like to keep a log of "lock outs" to send to SCELC. I am still working on getting WorldCat added to our training account as well. At least we have some access with Open WorldCat...
Brubacher Assignment
You may be seeing some of Elaine Brubacher's students in (I think) BIOL 133 with the annual assignment in which they must find a (reputable) web site, a primary source, and a secondary source. They most often have questions about the secondary source. Reference books are OK! If the topic is appropriate, I just hand them Mosby's Medical Dictionary (Ref Desk R 121 .M89), which has the added advantage of some really gross pictures. ;}
Monday, September 24, 2007
Son of Business 126
For your reference, there is a link on the library website to Susan's handout, "Recommended Resources for Business 126."
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
WorldCat Ports
I don't know if anyone else has experienced this but I have been locked out of WorldCat on three separate occassions, receiving the error message "Ports Full: Your library's authorized maximum number of users are currently searching WorldCat. Please try again in a few minutes or try another database." I emailed our OCLC rep as it was my understanding we had unlimited search access through our SCELC subscription. Apparently SCELC has opted to go for the purchase of 50 ports to be shared by all SCELC subscribers so if fifty people from any one place are searching WorldCat at the same time, we will be locked out of the database. This, of course, could be allievated by SCELC subscribing to unlimited access at a 5-6% cost increase... At any rate, I anticipate this could be a problem during our instruction sessions. I will see if I can get WorldCat added to our training account for instructional purposes.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
ProQuest Lock Out
This morning ProQuest presented us with an error message, "The ProQuest account you entered is locked due to too many failed logon attempts." In talking with ProQuest Technical Support, it appears that the problem is a result of our recent password change. ProQuest's policy to lock our entire account when too many incorrect passwords are entered. After twenty incorrect password entries, the database locks everyone out-- regardless if they are entering through our proxy server or using the old username/password system. I have fixed the problem for now but anticipate that it will occur again until current students and faculty realize they should be entering ProQuest through the proxy server and former students realize they no longer have access. I will continue to monitor ProQuest but suggest you might want to check it before each instruction session. If I am not around (particularly Wednesday mornings), ProQuest technical support can be reached at 1-800-889-3358. It is a relatively quick fix. Hopefully this system will be changed in the ProQuest-CSA merger? It seems silly to continually punish us for not violating our license agreements!
Friday, September 7, 2007
BUS 126 Assignments
Hello All,
Here are the essay assignments and topics for Bus 126. The library instruction sessions are coming up next week -- Sept. 10 - 14. There are 5 sessions so be prepared for lots of questions. In each session I will offer to meet with the students on their topics so feel free to send them over to me.
Business 126 Assignments
Osborn Topics
Andress Topics
Here are the essay assignments and topics for Bus 126. The library instruction sessions are coming up next week -- Sept. 10 - 14. There are 5 sessions so be prepared for lots of questions. In each session I will offer to meet with the students on their topics so feel free to send them over to me.
Business 126 Assignments
Osborn Topics
Andress Topics
Lexis-Nexis: It's Worse Than We Thought
Running search samples for next week's BI, I discovered that Lexis-Nexis is now defaulting to a search that produces primarily NEWSLETTER sources, not NEWSPAPER sources. It does this in the Easy Search under both General and News tabs. In order to specify that I wanted actual newspapers, I had to go into Power Search and use the dropdown menu. Grrr...
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
New Databases!
New databases added to the virtual collection include the Bibliography of Asian Studies Online, HAPI, and the JSTOR Music Collection. ComDis Dome and AnthroSource will be coming soon as well. Happy database exploring!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
LexisNexis Refresh
FYI-- It appears that LexisNexis has changed the look/feel of their website. You may want to check it out when you have a chance if you haven't already...