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
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