Library Hours- We have bookmarks!

Thank you to Matthew Daley for designing really nice Library West Hours bookmarks! We have a stack by the Information Point, and soon I'll make a hanging file with extras.

I've gotten word that the staff training laptops will have Aleph Test loaded and ready to go next week, so I'll be scheduling several Circulation Trainings soon! Until then please keep referring all checkouts and returns to the circulation staff for processing.

All stacks are open!

The move is complete! The final walkthrough is this afternoon.

We've heard that the Starbucks construction that required us closing the HQ-HV section of the stacks is over and that those stacks should be open from now on.

Starbucks is supposed to open on October 23rd.

If you get questions about jobs with the Starbucks, refer them to Aramark. They will be doing the hiring. Here's a link: http://www.bsd.ufl.edu/dining/emp/

Graduate Study Carrels

There is a clarification now on how Graduate Study Carrels will be assigned.

Faculty will find out if they are getting a study carrel via email the second week of classes.

BUT

Graduate students will find out they are getting a study carrel AFTER the carrel doors are working. They still have to have their online request submitted by this Friday, 8/25/06, but we won't be actually notifying any graduate students they have a carrel until they can actually use them. It's possible that they might work on fixing the carrels a section at a time and so the ones that are fixed may be assigned out as they come available.

ID Checker Permissions

A few folks have noticed they were unable to use ID Checker. They could open the program and search for a card, but when it came down to actually overriding a block they would get an error.

I just put in a trouble ticket this morning. Syshelp found the problem and they say everyone should now be able to use ID Checker.

If you find you get an error when using ID Checker, please let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks!

A word about trainings

I've begun scheduling the fall training sessions. If you've already attended these sessions during the summer they are not mandatory. However, if you've found yourself stymied on a question at the desk that is related to a training this is your chance to ask the expert! You are all welcome to repeat any and all of the trainings you attended over the summer!

For anyone who is new on the desk and anyone who missed out on the trainings the first time around, I hope you will be able to attend these trainings. If a training is scheduled during your desk shift, please let me know and I will cover that shift for you or help arrange a trade. If you have any questions about the training objectives just let me know.

Thank you!

New bookmarks reflecting the food policy

We just had a stack of bookmarks dropped off at the Info Point. These are cute little bookmarks with a nice message asking patrons to keep food down in the first floor seating area. Carol Turner would like one of these bookmarks to go out to every patron when they check out materials, and you can give them out freely to anyone else too.

Our unwritten food policy is that ALL food must be consumed in the first floor seating area (not the stacks area). Any drinks coming up the escalator should be in something with a screw on or otherwise VERY affixed lid. Something like a water or soda bottle from a vending machine is ok. A plastic McDonald's cup with a lid and straw isn't. Basically if it tipped over would it spill a drop or a lot? As many of you know we don't have an actual written policy, or signage, yet. But we still need to try to keep food and risky beverage containers downstairs and away from our computers and materials. Vive les livres! (Feel free to correct my french!)

Please pay attention to the gate alarms

This just in from Access Services. They asked that we be appraised of the procedures in case all the circ staff are swamped when an alarm goes off.

When the alarm goes off and someone is entering, have them come to the desk. Ask about the typical items that set off the alarm:

• new textbooks
• laptop computers (make sure it is not one of *our* laptop computers)
• rented videos
• other Libraries' books
• ipods have been known to occasionally set off the alarm also
  

When the alarm goes off when a patron is leaving, have the patron step back to the desk to verify there is nothing new leaving the library. If it is one of the items above, you can offer to desensitize the item. (This uses magnets, so please do NOT desensitize computer items, phones, ipods or videos!) If it is an ILL item, make sure the item does not have a band that states "In Library Use Only" before desensitizing the item.

If there is additional confusion, please report it to the circulation staff member on duty for guidance.

Thank you!

Students looking for Jobs

I now have a small handout for students who are looking for jobs. The handout is in the file box at the Information Point in it's own folder. They are 1/3 of a page and include instructions on finding both on-campus jobs in general and library jobs via the HR webpage. There is a link to the handout on the "Handouts" page of the Information Point Website.

You can also now go straight to the HR Student employment page via the "Useful Links" page of the Information Point Website.

HQ14 to HV9950 What to Do?

We have a procedure now to handle requests for books from the HQ14 - HV9950 area that is off limits due to the Starbucks construction.

We DO occasionally get access to the area, so we can have patrons fill out the Item Search Request form (on the table behind the Circ desk in the standing files on the top right) and when we have access our staff will search for the items and notify the patrons. This is the best we can offer right now other than putting in an ILL request.

Please offer this service to any patrons requesting books from this closed area. Patrons must be sure to fill out their name, email address, phone number and the book information.

The Fall Schedule, Guest Wireless ID, and Bus Schedules

Fall Schedule:
The new Fall Schedule starts on Monday! You can view the new default schedule here, and I should have the Weekly Schedule link updated by Monday afternoon.

Guest Wireless ID:
On the desktop of each computer on the Circulation desk is an icon that says "UF Guest Wireless ID." Basically this is a link that will show you the Guest Wireless ID and Password for the day. When patrons are not affiliated with UF and do not have a Gatorlink account they can't access the wireless network the same way as our students, faculty and staff do. Instead they need this temporary Guest Wireless ID. You'll have to use your regular network login to access the page once you click on the icon. The ID and password for the Guest ID change every day, so you'll need to check it daily when you have a patron who needs it.

Bus Schedules:
The fall bus schedules are here! There are plenty of these available at the Information Point now. We have both the large booklet and the brochure. Feel free to hand these out as needed.

Info Point Fall Trainings:
Watch for an email regarding upcoming Fall trainings. I want to meet with the Orientation group today to find out which trainings they found most useful and then I'll schedule the trainings starting the second week of classes.

A clarification on Microforms

While the microforms have been taken out of the Science Library, they are not accessible yet in Library West because it is in a move zone.

They probably appear to be available right now because the movers are not in those stacks and the stacks are not blocked off...so patrons are welcome to browse. But after Judaica has been moved, the movers will be right back working in those stacks again, installing shelving, etc. and the microforms will not be available. It was not a linear move, so the movers are working in many areas at once. Therefore, the microforms generally are still inaccessible. If you have a patron who needs a microform item that is in the West collection, please refer them to ILL.

Upcoming events for students and faculty

The PR and Marketing committee have planned two upcoming events, one for faculty and one for students, to celebrate the reopening of Library West. We want to inform all staff so that you can answer questions if asked. If you are asked a question you can’t answer please refer them to Barbara Hood (273-2512) or Chelsea Dinsmore (273-0369).

Faculty open house

Tuesday, August 22, 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the study area just inside the front door.

Provost Janie Fouke will speak for a few minutes and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the escalators at 2:30. It’s open to all faculty and email invitations were sent today to faculty by the dean’s secretary in the colleges of Fine Arts, Business, HHP, CLAS, and Journalism & Communications (Education will be forthcoming).

Student celebration

Cake will be served Wednesday, August 23, to students beginning at 1:00. Cake will be kept in that room only! There will be a sign by the door inviting them to enjoy cake to celebrate the opening.

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Murder in the stacks and Pirates of the Library

In the Marston Science Libray we will be running Pirates of the Library on August 22 and 27 from 5:00-6:30pm. The press release says this about the program:
"Beware the libraries—you never know what may be lurking in the stacks. Pirates, treasure, and dead bodies await UF freshmen as the University of Florida’s George A. Smathers Libraries present their new orientation programs. Continuing and expanding their pilot student orientation programs begun during Summer B, the UF librarians are plotting murders and burying treasure in an effort to introduce new students to the extensive resources at the libraries."

In Library West we will be running Murder in the Stacks on Aug. 20 and 24 from 5:00-6:30pm. The press release says this about the program:
"Oh, Murder most foul! On August 20 and August 24 from 5:00-6:30pm, in addition to getting a first look at the newly renovated Library West, students will also find themselves involved in a murder investigation. When a dead body turns up during a routine library tour, students will be put into teams, given a starting clue, and asked to follow the directions to find more clues to the identity of the murderer. Each clue will take them through a basic library skill or information station. The first team to find all the clues and get the right answer will win prizes."

For both scenarios, the program is expected to last about an hour and refreshments will be served at the end. Library staff will be on hand to offer tips and help—making sure that students finish with a basic understanding of how to best access library resources.

Interested students should contact Carrie Newsom at 273-2863 or Chelsea Dinsmore at 273-0369 to reserve a spot.

All items are now back in West

This information is current as of today...

MOVED from MSL back home to WEST

The following items are going, going, GONE from MSL and on their way back to West:

1) Library West Course Reserves (moving on 8/11)

2) all Retrieval items (moving on 8/11)

3) Interlibrary Loan pickups (moving on 8/11)

4) Newspapers on Microfilm: (all moved as of 8/10)
Atlantic Monthly
Chicago Tribune
Florida Alligator
Florida Times Union
Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinel
Gainesville Sun
Los Angeles Times
Miami Herald / Nuevo Herald
New Republic
Tampa Tribune
*** all the small-town Florida newspapers ***
The newspapers on microfilm will be problematic for a while because the catalog records still say SCIENCE. So it's extremely important that staff everywhere know that all the items housed temporarily in SCI are now back in WEST, even if the catalog seems to indicate otherwise. We don't want patrons to be referred to MSL only to be sent back to West.

Some Starbucks Information

From the Communications Committee meeting today:

"Bill received the final plans for Starbucks today. It will be done in October - estimated to take 7-8 weeks. There will be 24 seats. The stacks on the first level will be closed only a few days during construction but access will be limited. There will be no sign on the Plaza side but there will be a sign on the slatted wall to the right after you walk into the building. Starbucks will be open whenever the library is open."

I'll update you as I find out more. I talked with Carol and she agrees that all indications are that the section will be closed off for a few weeks. Refer all patrons to ILL for items in that area.

Move updates, wireless system, and 1st floor group study room

Some quick move updates:

The microfilm move is underway.
The Judaica Collection will move at the beginning of next week, and then we'll finish the microfilm.
The Oversize collection is all moved in!

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CNS is continuing to work on correcting problems with the wireless access in Library West; they anticipate it will take a few weeks. The fourth floor, in particular, is the worst.

Until the problems are resolved, you may want to recommend that patrons move to another floor or more centrally within the building if they experience weak signal strength.

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Group study room 142 which is the only group study room on the 1st floor is being used by the construction company during the Starbucks construction. So it is locked now, and when we do start checking out keys for the group study rooms in the fall we will not be checking out this key.

New students, 6th floor lockers & Job applications

Incoming new students registered to start in the Fall are coming to the desk to have their cards activated so that they can use the computers. BUT they're not in the system yet. Rather than issuing workstation cards, Circulation staff is setting them up with a temporary activation. So refer these students to the Circ staff.

The keys for the 6th floor lockers are not yet being checked out to students. we anticipate this starting in Fall.

By the way, the job applications were moved from the basket to a stack of black filing trays on the table behind the circ desk (as opposed to the basket they were in yesterday).

Students looking for Library Employment

We now have OPS student applications behind the circulation desk. On the table behind the desk is a basket full of blue forms. Blank forms are at the bottom, filled out forms are on top. Students can fill these out and turn them in to us. We have no official word whether they are hiring for fall yet as they are still awaiting word from former student assistants who were gone over the summer.

6th floor IS accessible now!

For Graduate students only:

They can check out a "Graduate Floor Access Card" from the Circulation Staff that will grant them immediate swipe-access via the elevator to the 6th floor. These have to be returned by the end of the day.

OR

They can give Circulation Staff they're Gator1 card and it will be activated to give them swipe-access to the 6th floor with their Gator1 card via the elevator. BUT this process is manual and may take 24-48 hours to become active. For immediate access they'll want to check out a "Graduate Floor Access Card" also.

HT720 to HV9069 off-limits

This just in from Ben Walker:

During the Starbucks construction, please be aware that we will not be able to retrieve from the HQ area directly behind Starbucks. Currently, there is plastic covering one side of the range. This prevents us from moving the shelving. Also, the power is scheduled to be turned off for that module sometime this week. Because of this, Interlibrary Loan may be the best option for patrons who need materials in that area, and is what I recommended to the patron in this case.

So the downstairs area that ranges from HT720 to HV9069 is off-limits to patrons and staff right now. Refer patrons to ILL for items in this range.

Lost and Found

Yet another update! Whew!

We're using the big drawer on the far right side of the circulation desk (opposite end from the Info Point) as the lost and found.

Just in case. (It's already got a UF ID and a notebook in it!)

Updates on the book move

This is the latest move information I have:

Wednesday, 8/2 Library West open to public
Friday, 8/4 Complete Publix shelving breakdown, Continue Paged integration
Tuesday, 8/8 Complete Paged integration, start Oversize
Wednesday, 8/9 Complete Oversize, start Microfiche
Monday, 8/14 Stop Microfiche, start Judaica
Thursday, 8/17 Complete Judaica, resume Microfiche
Tuesday, 8/22 Complete Microfiche, Start Microfilm
Thursday, 8/31 Complete Microfilm

Another way to get to the retrieval form for Dewey items

I just discovered an easier way to get to the old retrieval form from the catalog. Many of you already knew this, but since I didn't I thought maybe this will help some folks out.

Once you're in the catalog, there is a button in the top orange bar that says "Retrieval Help." This goes straight to the page where they click on the "alternative form" link. It also opens in a new window so that their catalog record is still displaying, making it easier to cut and paste the call number and other information.

Hope this helps someone!

Job questions, desk to use

Hopefully everyone has read the updates below. Lots happened yesterday!

I've noticed a lot of job inquiries while on the Info Point and I found out the answer. If Missy Shoop is at the desk, grab her to talk to the person. If she's not, tell the student to go online to myUFL and check the jobs there. Right now we don't have any applications behind the desk, if we get some I'll post it on the blog.

Which desk to use? We've talked before about being able to use the two rightmost desks (as you are facing the circ desk from the escalators). But right now we have no signage to indicate which desks are Information and which are Circulation. I have found it easier to use the shorter desk so that I can refer people to the "taller" desks for circulation issues. Once we have signage we can more easily use the taller desk. Of course this means we really have to make an effort to gain the attention of the patrons coming in. So I'm doing a lot of "May I help you?" At the very least most folks want a map of the library. So far all my contacts with patrons have been very positive. I hope everyone finds the same!

See you out there!

Opening day updates

Updates might be coming hard and fast folks, but in order to reduce spam I'll be posting them here and resisting the urge to email everyone. I'm just going to update this post today to keep everything together.

HANDOUTS and MAPS
The handouts are ready and filed in the cart between the two Information Points. We just received the color brochures with the maps of each floor inside. They look great! I have them filed in the first folder.
NOTE: The call number break on these brochures is much more accurate than the single page copies we have, but the range call numbers are still not quite accurate.
We now have the master maps of floors 1-3 at each station and the call numbers for each range are on them. Use these to direct patrons to their books. We only have one master copy at each station though; the patron copies are still showing the incorrect range numbers.

Compact Shelving Instructions
We now have the compact shelving instructions in the handout cart.

Setting up the computers
Remember that when you first logon to these computers it will have to go through setting up your profile and then setting up your Firefox browser. If you want to have all your bookmarks set up the same as they currently are on your personal computer follow these steps:
On your personal computer, in Firefox go to Bookmarks -> Manage Bookmarks. Then go to File -> Export. Then save the export on your personal folder on the network.
On the Information Point computer, in Firefox go to Bookmarks -> Manage Bookmarks. Then go to File -> Import. Choose "From File" and find your saved file in your personal folder on the network.

Statistics Sheets
I almost forgot these! Please remember to grab one of the blank Statistics forms and fill it out during your shift. You can leave these for me at the desk and I'll collect them all. Remember we're counting questions, not patrons. Thanks!!

No Signage at the desk
Keep in mind there is currently NO signage at the desk. So there is no indicator that you're there to help other than you saying "Can I help you?" At least try to give eye contact and a smile. Remember to stay in the PIZ (Patron Interaction Zone) at all times. We've really noticed that the monitor shrouds hide us and the patrons, so we've got to actively make sure to stay in the PIZ as much as possible.

Down escalator is down
I think that about says it all. Hopefully they'll get it working sometime today. The repair folks have been called.
Update: The circulation folks have a key that will restart the escalator. If you notice the escalator not working, let the circulation staff member at the desk know and they will find the person with the key.

The Alternative Request form
I just had to show someone how to use this form and realized my earlier instructions are not quite correct. To find the alternative form they need to:
Click the Online Requests link in the top orange bar.
Click Library West or Storage items.
Click "alternative form"
Then fill out the form.

More later I'm sure...

Information for Opening Day

Wednesday is the big day! And there are a lot of little things going on that we all need to know about when we hit the desk. In no particular order...

The first floor is set to be open to the public. However the Oversize section is empty. Those are coming later. The Judaica collection has not yet moved in either. And the section east of the passenger elevators (call numbers HQ-HV) are off limits due to the Starbucks construction. If a patron needs an item in HQ-HV that they cannot access, they can first try to use the Online Request Form. If we are unable to retrieve it for them they can use ILL.

Throughout the building, all the faculty and graduate carrels will be locked. We need patrons to leave these alone until the company can fix the doors and locks so that they all work as promised.

In the catalog, all items with a Dewey call number (starting with a number) are in storage at ALF. Some of them show as Library West books, some show as STORAGE, but they are all at ALF now. If an item has a Dewey call number and there is no Request button next to it, they must use the Online Request Form by clicking the "Online Requests" link in the top orange header bar. Then they click on "Library West or Storage Items," and "Request an item."

There are some items that they will not be able to find yet in the new building (some paged items have not been integrated yet). Basically, if they cannot find it on the shelves they need to use the Online Request Form to get it.

Unless it is a microform. The microforms are unavailable until they have finished moving on 8/18/06 (estimated date). Patrons can use ILL to request microforms.

The 6th floor is still open to all patrons although we are still calling it the Graduate Student Reading Room. There is currently no method in place to restrict access to only graduate students.

The ADA rooms are not fully equipped yet. For ADA services direct patrons to Education or MSL for now.

The group study rooms around the library are open and can be used on a first come-first serve basis right now. The two that will have electronic equipement in them are empty now, but when they have equipment they will be locked until we start checking out keys in the fall. The group study room on the 1st floor may be locked.

The TV/VCR units for the 2nd floor are still not in.

The electronic gates in front of the escalators were worked on today. They could still be overly-senstive. Don't assume the patron is ok, they all should be checked, but do keep tabs on how many false positives we're getting so that we can call the repairman out to tweak them again if necessary.

The taller of the two Information Point desks is the only computer equipped with a dual monitor button. There are only two options: the patron screen is blank or the patron screen shows exactly what is on your screen. It would be best to avoid using the patron screen if you are not sure you will remember to turn OFF the patron screen whenever you may be viewing senstive data (such as Aleph records). When we have the capability to have a splash screen showing something different than what we see on our screen we will all start using them.

I think that's all I've found out over the last two days. If you have questions please ask!