Thursday, December 11, 2008

Reference Desk Calendar

I've put in the 2009 calendar. Don't worry. The month of December is still in there.

Friday, December 5, 2008

New Procedure for Assisting Patrons Wanting to Schedule Either of the Rooms

Up-to-date guidelines for both the new Presentation Room and the old Seminar Room A are in the scheduling notebook.

Now that we have two rooms, it is necessary to think about what happens when someone wants to schedule a room and is not specific about which one. Also with newer and more expensive equipment coming into use, we need to be able to know exactly who is signing up for which slots. We discussed these issues this morning and came up with the following procedure.
1) In addition to a name get the requestor's MSU ID number and record both in the scheduling notebook.

2) If they don't specify a room:
~ Ask them how many people are in the group.

~ Ask them what they need to do.
Based upon what you know about the guidelines, capacity, and equipment for each room you should be able to guide them properly.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Color Printing & Copying

Here is a reminder for when students ask about printing or copying in color. Tell them:

The Student Open Access Lab (SOAL) is open 24/7 and has one color printer.

The IKON Document Center is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and has pricing for a variety of color printing options.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Public Opinion Polling Data

Where there used to be public opinion polling data available through Lexis Nexis Academic Universe, there no longer is. If we want to spend money we could subscribe to a separate service that would provide us with an extensive database. If you think we need to look at pricing and a trial for this sort of thing let me know.

Handicapped Door - Please Log Incidents

We're going to keep track of incidents with the 2 handicapped doors in the hope that we may determine the cause(s) of the problems we've been having lately. At the 1st Floor Circ. Desk we'll keep a log sheet. If there's an incident, normally the Circ. Desk staff will know about it. If the alarm goes off because someone just walked out the door at the 2nd floor door, please call the Circ. Desk and ask a staff person to log it in. Thank you.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Replacement Monitor

Thanks to Luana's efforts and our warranty we have replaced the monitor for the Digital Scanner Station that had been defective.

10/16/08 edition of Lexington Herald

The paper got soaked in the rain so patrons will need to access it online.

Friday, October 10, 2008

EagleCards found in Reference

I just found out that we are supposed to take a lost EagleCard to the EagleCard office over in ADUC rm 107. It says so on the back of the card and that office puts up on their website a list of lost cards.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Research Proposals to Reserve for Friday, October 10

Tom:

I will be leaving one archival box with the most recent research proposals at the Reference Desk. Teresa and I will be out of the office at a conference, and since the deadline for research proposals is on Monday, we would like our patrons to be able to access them. These files may not be checked out, but patrons are welcome to copy them.

I will bring the box down when our department closes today, and pick it up tomorrow evening upon my return.


Thanks,

Donna

New CCL pencils

Lookie! We have new golf pencils with our info on them!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Budget Cut Database Links Redirected

As of today the links for the databases that we have lost due to the budget cut point to a page which explains the cut and which includes recommendations for alternate databases. We will probably leave it like that until the end of the semester, and then remove the links entirely.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Telephone problems on fourth floor

Teresa Johnson informed me that the phones on fourth floor are not working properly. Clay's old number (3-5123) seems to be ok . If anyone calls and needs to be transferred to fourth floor staff, please transfer them to 3-5123.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Dr. Murphy's assignment for the paralegal class

Dr. Murphy has given an assignment that asks the student to find a case in print. The citation begins with 356 S.W. 3rd. However the newest volume we just rec'd only goes to 353. I have e-mailed Dr. Murphy and advised her of this.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Reminding Patrons Not to Reshelve

We'll be improving our signage on this, but verbal reminders are probably more effective. As a routine matter, please remind patrons as often as possible, but only at appropriate moments, not to reshelve items. Explain that we need to count usage for everything. Otherwise a patron may ignore the reminder figuring that we simply don't trust them to be smart enough to know where things belong.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Patron Copy Card Missing

The patron copy card is missing and whoever gave it out last, did not exchange it for another ID (ask for a driver's license) so we have no idea who has it. I doubt it will return on its own unless it's one of us who has it. Someone will need to let Luana know.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Free Newspapers???

Just wanted to let everyone know that a student came to the desk and asked if we give free copies of current newspapers, such as New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, etc. I informed him that we certainly do not give them away, but students are permitted to use them only in the library. He had a hard time believing me because the president of SGA and several others "who should know" told him to just come over to the library and get a paper. He has seen several students walking around campus with newspapers and assumed it was the freebie from the library. I have informed Mykie about this.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Copier Working

We now have a functioning photocopier on the 2nd floor.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Cell Phones at the desk

Just a reminder that if you keep your cell phone with you at the desk, it should be set to a quiet ringtone (or better yet, to vibrate) so that we don't disturb computer users. Thanks!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

West Elevator

We no longer have an elevator key at the Reference Desk.
Quoting Jennifer's recent e-mail:

The elevator on the West side has been changed so that it will go down
to the Ground Floor without a key. Patrons may go down there if they
need to get an old bound journal or talk with someone in Automation. If
they want someone in Automation, it's best to call downstairs to make
sure Granuaile or Chris are there.

If a patron needs help locating a periodical down there, please ask them
to go to the Reference Desk for assistance.

There is NO EXIT for patrons downstairs (it's just an emergency exit
that sets off an alarm). They must return via the elevator or the
staircase near Java City to exit on the First Floor.

Jennifer


Thursday, August 28, 2008

Ground Floor Access

You no longer need an elevator key to access the ground floor. A button has been placed in the west elevator so that the public can access the bound periodicals housed there. We are still in the process of moving so it is possible that patrons will need assistance. I will keep signage up to date at the reference desk and on the west side of the building as we move more volumes. If there are any concerns, please let me know.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Friday, August 8, 2008

Lost Key

Cindy from IKON services in the basement of Allie Young called. She found a key in the grass between the library and AY. She said it looks like a house key. If anyone comes to the desk looking for such an object, direct them to the basement of Allie Young in IKON services. I have also notified Jennifer Little about this.

Making Eye Contact Is Important

Recently I asked someone about her/his general impression of our service at the desk. This person indicated that whoever is staffing the desk just as often as not does not make eye contact with someone walking through the doors. I agree that there is room for improvement on this point. Remember that one of the primary reasons we moved the desk over near the doors was to be more effective at greeting patrons and improving their sense that they are welcome to approach the desk. I will take this constructive criticism to heart and work to improve my attentiveness to people walking through the doors, and I encourage everyone to do likewise.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Spreadsheet for Reference E-Books

I've uploaded my spreadsheet listing individual titles and proxied links for our Reference e-books. You can find the link on this page.

http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/research/

I will be keeping this up-to-date. These are all in the catalog, and my goal is to insure that all of them will be searchable in Reference Universe as well. The spreadsheet serves basically as an A to Z list.


Monday, July 28, 2008

Betty Wellman of Portsmith, OH

Should you get a call from Betty Wellman of Portsmith, OH, concerning genealogical research, please let her know that Clara says, "We're on it!" and that the person who handles such requests is out on Mondays, but her needs will be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Remotes for Seminar Room A

The remote controls for Seminar Room A are now on reserve at the Circulation Desk. The two remotes (projector & VCR) are in a bag and may be checked out for one day. If you need them longer, just let Circ. staff know.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Grolier Databases Should Work Off-Campus

The three Grolier encyclopedias have, for much of their history with us, been very uncooperative with exproxy resulting in unreliable access from outside the campus network. With a recent fix they seem to now be proxying well. So we can encourage anyone who has had difficulty with them in the past to give them another try.

http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/encamericana

http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/groliermultenc
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/nbknow

Moving On Up...

Thanks to MSPR the Ref Desk now has some golf pencils WITH ERASERS. This is a measure of opulence to which we could easily become accustomed.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Printing in a Period of Transition -- Regular Students, GSP Students, and Upward Bound Students

Everyone,

On July 7th the new systems that take the new Eagle cards are supposed to be in place. Until then there are likely to be some difficulties with the transition. When you work with patrons who need to print during the transition period, show flexibility and err on the side of customer service. Many of us have staff cards for printing. Those can certainly be employed for small printing jobs when you encounter patrons who are frustrated in their attempts to print. I'll send out notifications as I learn new details about the transition. Please read further to see how best to help different categories of students.

REGULAR STUDENTS

The value add station in the library is out of order with a sign on it directing students to the ground floor of either Fields or Ginger. Instead of being repaired the library's station will soon be replaced with one that will work with the new cards. So regular students without a card are typically told to go to the Reference Desk to borrow an empty card which they can add value to and use. They could still do this if they want to hike over to Fields or Ginger, but it is probably not the best thing to recommend until after the new system is in place. These are the cases leading up to July 7th where we need to be flexible.

And as a reminder: There is one photocopier that takes cash, and at the digital scanning station they can create digital images of documents for free.

GSP STUDENTS

The GSP students have ID cards, but they do not function with either the old or new printing system. Al Baldwin is providing the library with several cards that the GSP students may use for printing. He will notify the GSP faculty. These cards are only for GSP students and should be in place by the end of today. Here is the basic procedure:

1) GSP students can ask for the card in three locations: Circulation Desk, Reference Desk, and Learning Technology Lab.
2) Since each card will start out with $50 on it, we need to be careful not to give it to someone unless they leave an ID card in exchange.
3) As soon as a card is depleted notify me and I can provide a replacement.
4) And of course notify me immediately if any card is lost.

UPWARD BOUND STUDENTS

Upward Bound students also have ID cards that don't function with the printing systems. In their case they are encouraged to print in the computer lab that is designated to them. When they are in the library and wish to print they can seek out one of the Upward Bound coordinators who will provide them with a printing card. There should be a coordinator somewhere in the library whenever Upward Bound students are supposed to be here. Listed below are the three coordinators. I think those are all cell phone numbers, so they are should be easy to reach. Ryan is in charge.

Ryan Rigdon (606) 356-7746
Brian Barker (606) 207-0901
Erin Peak (502) 724-1968

I think that covers it, but if not let me know if you have any questions.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Revised Page for Bibliographic Management

I have revised the page describing EndNote to be a more general guide to the options for bibliographic management. Please look it over and let me know if you have any questions.

I plan to offer some staff training on Zotero early in the Fall.

http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/ref/index.aspx?id=4085

Monday, June 23, 2008

Cabell's

The link to Cabell's can't be fixed until next week. If anyone calls tell them the that the link on the drop-down menu on the home page works.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Upward Bound Staff

The Upward Bound students are regularly signing in for study hours in the library. They are doing group work typically in the Reference Reading Room or the 4th floor tower. The students are supposed to sign in. This is handled by UB staff. But if there are any questions relating to it, below are listed the phone numbers for the staff who are coordinating this. Ryan is in charge.

Ryan Rigdon (606) 356-7746
Brian Barker (606) 207-0901
Erin Peak (502) 724-1968

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Windows

Just a friendly reminder to check and close windows during closing time. As I was opening this morning, I noticed that there were several windows left open in the Ref Law room and in the back room.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Missing Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology Part B??

Just wanted everyone to know that the Part B reference book for Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology is missing. A patron was looking for it and we looked all over the library for it, but could not find it. Does anyone know where it is? Thanks!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Stick

The stick has been found and is now behind the reference desk.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

NetLibrary Problems?

Just wanted everyone to know that I was approached by a patron tonight concerning a question about NetLibrary. The patron was looking for a specific book that was said to be available in the Main Collection and also available online as an e-book. When the patron told me that the book was not on the shelf in the Main Collection; I then looked the book up and tryed to view it online. But, there was a problem with NetLibrary because it wasn't showing the all the text in the e-book. The patron, told me that she has had problems with NetLibrary before. Does anyone know what is wrong with NetLibrary and is it possible to have this fixed so that patrons can view e-books online? Thanks!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Obtaining Student Information

Tom asked me to let everyone know that if you need a student's phone number or address that is not available on switchboard, I have access to that information on my pc in my office. Just let me know.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Returning Long Distance Calls

A procedure for returning long distance calls is now under the plastic sheet.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Patrons Needing to Use Scanner

I just wanted everyone to know that lately I have been asked a lot by patrons to use a scanner. During my work shift there have been more patrons asking more about this and if they can use one. But, there doesn't seem to be any scanner available for patrons to use so I refer them to the Learning Technology Lab. But, some patrons need to use a scanner before the next day if they are working on a presentation or project. Since the Learning Technology Lab is not open during my shift I have to tell the patrons to come back the next day when it is open. I feel like the Learning Technology Lab should be open during my shift because I am getting more questions asking to use a scanner or for presentations. Even on Saturdays I will get some patrons asking to use a scanner or work on a presentation. Let me know what you all think about this and if it is at all possible for this to happen. I believe many students would benefit from it being open and I feel that a workstudy could help students in the Learning Technology Lab. Thanks!

Friday, February 15, 2008

New Interface for SBRN

There is a new search interface for Sports Business Research Network. Please familiarize yourself with it.

http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/sbrn

Refresher for NetLibrary

Yesterday I was helping a patron with NetLibrary e-books and I needed to refresh my memory on the check-out policies. Since I needed a refresher I figure that others may as well. Here are some key points to remember.

1) When a patron views a Netlibrary e-book they are not limited in the amount of time they can have it checked out (previously it was 2 hours). However, they need to remain active with the e-book or else it will check itself back in after 15 minutes.

2) "Activity" is defined as traffic between the PC and the server. Using the scroll bar to move down the page is not activity. Clicking into a new page is activity.

3) Before it automatically checks a book back in NetLibrary will send a pop-up message asking whether to continue the session. Many times a browser will be set to block pop-ups, so this warning will not appear when pop-ups are blocked.

4) If any older NetLibrary sessions are cached they can sometimes interfere with new sessions. So the first troubleshooting tip for any problems encountered is to clear the browser's memory and history.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Library Classroom

A student just came in and asked to sign up the classroom so he could use the smartboard to practice a presentation. We do not loan the classroom out like seminar room A because if any problems occur, library instruction will have to come to a screeching halt. We have nowhere else to teach -- ours is the only classroom we have access to.

Just to clarify, students are NOT allowed to check out the classroom. Instructors aren't either. As a rule, it's just for library related courses and should always be signed out with me. Sometimes I let people in on a case by case basis, but I seldom let students in there on their own. It's not a lab and it's not a seminar room.

For more information, here are our classroom policies:
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/instruction/index.aspx?id=6511

Thanks, L

Friday, February 8, 2008

Links into Lexis-Nexis Should Now be Working

Mykie was able today to fix the problem we have been having all semester of linking directly into records in Lexis-Nexis from the "Get it" button. Please let me know if you encounter any problems with these links.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Special Codes ... sheet gone

In the drawer at the desk there used to be a sheet entitled, "Special Codes and Passwords for the Reference Department." Don't look for it because it no longer exists. Everything on it is either defunct or under the plastic sheet on top of the desk.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Floppy Disks

There is a new batch of MAP PCs soon to go in. This will mean that floppy drives will soon be a lot less common. In the future if a patron has a floppy disk that (s)he needs to read or if any of you need to copy something over after your old PC is gone, I have an external floppy drive that can be plugged in to a USB port. If you would need it when I'm not in my office, then look on the bottom shelf of my white book case (behind my desk).

I am also removing the little box of disks that we had sitting out for the public to take. Eventually, I will clean out the drawer behind the desk with all the floppies in it.

The LTL will have a few PCs with floppy drives for a while yet but has no plans to keep that capability in perpetuity.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Lights Out

I have revamped some missing dots in the stacks and the tower. For those who are closing, remember that orange dots are to remain ON. I have put orange dots on light switches in the stacks as well. There has been a pattern of confusion in the past so hopefully this will help and not add to it. The blue dots in the stacks are to be turned off each night and are still on the switches as well.

If there are any complaints, comments or opinions, let me know!

MSU 101 Activity

All of the print periodicals needed for the MSU 101 Library Survivor Activity have been moved to the second floor west. The list of citations has also been moved up. It is now located on top of the micro cabinets across from the newspapers (it is also marked with a star on the map on the back of the assignment sheet).

New Interface for the Wilson Databases

Check it out.

http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/appscitech
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/art
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/biographyrefbank
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/bookreviewdigest
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/educ
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/liblit
http://www.moreheadstate.edu/library/db/socsci