The Information Point

at 9:51 AM

We met yesterday and went over the November and December statistics. They're now linked online as well. I think it's fairly obvious that we're primarily doing circulation transactions at this point.

When asked how they feel about this the consensus was that no one was surprised about this. Discussion ensued about how different the Information Point really is from the other circulation desk service points. Are we providing any different kinds of service? It was suggested we keep statistics at the other circulation points to see if the stats show we are answering the same types of questions as the circulation staff. I spoke with the Access Services managers later yesterday and have their approval to design a statistics form for the other circulation desk service points. They will keep statistics (just like we do-with the same categories) for one week between Monday and Friday next week. I'll compile the data and we can see what it shows.

Another topic, and one that has consistently come up in our team meetings is everyone's desire to hear from the circulation staff. To this end we will have a joint meeting at our February Team meeting we will invite all of the circulation staff and have an opportunity to meet everyone and have an open discussion about working the desk together. I spoke with the Access Services managers on this as well, and while they're not sure what kind of feedback is being sought they are open to attending our meeting. They didn't think the student staff would be able to attend in any great number, but we should be able to get the majority of the circulation staff to attend if we time it between 3:30-4:30pm sometime midweek and have enough lead time for schedules to be adjusted. I'll be looking at everyone's February schedules and try to pick a time when most everyone is showing as available. Several of the circulation folks will be coming in early to make the meeting and hopefully anyone who normally leaves early will be able to adjust their schedule to stay a later for the meeting.

Other things that came up in the meeting yesterday:

People ARE reading the blog

I will conduct a survey for the Information Specialists in March

The TV/VCR/DVD players ARE installed in the 6 round booths on the 2nd floor. There are remotes at the circ desk that we can use to help the patron, but we can NOT check them out or give them to the patrons for use.

The late evening volunteers are worried about making trades when they have to miss a shift. They often volunteer to take daytime shifts, not necessarily as a trade, but just to help out and they hope folks will be willing to cover for them occasionally.

It came up and I later confirmed that we WILL be closing the Information Point over Spring Break. Enjoy your Spring Break week!

Suggestions for me to bring up to the Library West Building Group:

More demarkation showing that the Information Point is different than a regular circulation Point.

Having a triage point on the first floor between the escalators during the first few weeks of school. (But not specifically staffed by Information Specialists exclusively)

Possibly using the Information Station on the first floor inside or outside the library.

Creating and having something in-house to help students who are just looking for "novels" or "something to read." Perhaps a list of suggested call number ranges to search for different kinds of books (poetry, novels, etc.)

Later in my meeting with Access Services we were discussing the possibility of establishing a staff presence on the first floor stacks-side. A discussion of this possibility has begun in the Information Point Forum on the Library BBS. Come give your opinion.

If I've left out anything from the meeting, please add your comments below. We talked about a lot of things and my minutes are only as good as my notes!

at 4:12 PM

I heard late last week that some folks have had the barcode scanner stop working during their shifts. I actually had this happen to me today and found out from Brett (thanks Brett!) that all you need to do is unplug it from the back of the computer and then plug it back in. You don't have to restart the computer or anything. If you find this doesn't fix the problem, please let me know and I'll have our systems liaison take a closer look.

at 12:58 PM

I would like to meet with everyone for January Team Meeting before January is actually over. I've found a time that seems to be available for most of us (even though it is right on the heels of PSC). So our January meeting will be:

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 from 11-12pm in West 253 (in Access Services)

Agenda:
Introducing our newest Information Specialists to the group
Getting answers for some of the crazy questions you're getting on the desk
Look at the November and December statistics
There will be a survey later this spring in order to pick your brains anonymously
I'll be meeting again with the Library West Building Group to finalize future plans for the Information Point, and I'd like your input.

See you soon!

at 3:40 PM

There is a lecture series organized by two UF history professors and all four lectures will be held in Room 212 Library West. One was just yesterday and it seems the person who will let them into the room and set up the projector is Paul McDonough. If he's not there to meet them when they arrive (they come early it seems) just give him a call and let him know they're ready.

There ended up being standing room only yesterday so these might be very well attended. Expect lots of questions about "where is the conference room" if you're on the desk during these lectures.

The next lectures are:

On the Muslim Question by Gil Anidjar, Columbia University, Feb 20th at 4:30pm

Politics and Religious Identities in Pre-Modern Europe: Case Studies in Poland and Spain by Benjamin Ehlers, University of Georgia, and Pawel Kras, University of Lublin, March 1st at 4:00pm

Reproducing the West: The History and Politics of Population Growth and Movement by Matthew Connelly, Columbia University and Woodrow Wilson Center, April 5th at 4:30pm

at 4:09 PM

There's a new label color in ILL. We already knew that Pink labels stay in the library only and Blue labels can be taken out of the library, but now there are Green labels too.

The Green labels indicate that this is book that we have purchased for the UF collection. The program is called Books on Demand. When books are requested via ILL and they meet certain criteria, ILl will purchase the books, lend them first to the ILL patron and then upon return they will send them to be cataloged. In each of these books is a bookmark survey that ILL staff would like us to point out to the patron.

So basically, the Green labeled books are handled by Circulation exactly as we now handle the Blue labled books. Please refer any questions to the ILL staff. You can reach them quickly by phone at 3-2535.

at 10:12 AM

While we do not reserve the group study rooms on the 1st, 2nd or 4th floors, there are two study rooms on the 3rd floor that the Reference Desk manages. These are rooms 335 & 336 on the East side of the building. These are the rooms that have assistive technology and multimedia equipment. They are not used as regular group study rooms and they can be reserved in advance. There is a website that explains the reservation policies for these rooms.

I'll add this link to the "Useful Links" page of the Information Point. If you haven't been to this page lately it's worth taking a look. I've tried to put links to most everything you'd need while on the Information Point.

at 1:10 PM

If you have a patron who does not have a Gatorlink account and they want to use the wireless network anywhere on campus they must set up a temporary Gatorlink account with CIRCA.

You have several options:

1. There is a page in the circulation manual that explains the procedure. But only a few members who work the West Circulation Desk that have the ability to set up a guest account for the patron. These folks are: Jim Stevens, Matthew Daley, Brett Diaz, Missy Shoop, Kenny Herniman, Chris McHale. So if any of these folks are on the desk you can refer the patron to them for wireless help.

2. You can give them CIRCA's phone number so that they can use their own cell phone to call CIRCA and set up an account with them. The number is: 392-4357.

3. You can call 2-HELP and allow them to talk with CIRCA on our phone at the desk.

4. Or you can suggest they stop by the CIRCA help desk in the CSE building.

Remember, this only applies to patrons who are non-UF patrons. They do not already have a Gatorlink account of their own. The password will expire in two weeks and they will have to reapply if they need it after that.

Also, having a Gatorlink guest account does not mean they have access to our online databases. If they want access to our library resources online they will need to use one of the library's desktop computers.

at 5:40 PM

Please be aware that there is a section in the Judaica area that is malfunctioning. The section has no power (no lights on the controls), but will open with the use of a battery pack. However, if while opening it with a battery pack, you stop (or even if you open it fully) the shelving will automatically retract (and fairly quickly). While the safety features are functioning, it seems unsafe. There is a sign on that area, and library administration has been informed of the problem. The company has been contacted for repair also. I just want everyone to be aware of the problem.

I would recommend that if a patron requires a book from this area they fill out the Item Not on Shelf form and just include a note that it is in that area of the shelves. Then our staff can see if they can access it, or at least notify the patron when the shelving is fixed.

The area is on the 1st floor, Judaica, from PN3035 to the just before the Oversize area.

at 9:34 AM

Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break!
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Monday, January 8th is the first day of our new Spring schedule. While we have usually held a general orientation meeting before the new semester began I felt we just have too much going on this week (and next week) to try to fit in one more meeting. So instead I'll be meeting with each of the new volunteers individually before or during their first shifts. I did want to introduce our 5 new volunteers to everyone though, so here they are:

Cindy Frey will be working the 2-4 shift on Thursdays
Enrico Gumbayan will be working the 11-12 shift on Mondays
Dee Hawes will be working the 8-10 shift on Wednesdays
Michael Jay will be working the 2-4 shift on Wednesdays
Marilyn Ochoa will be working the 12-1 shift on Wednesdays

Welcome to the Information Point!
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While December was short and hectic, we didn't have our Team Meeting that month. I'd like to go ahead and schedule the January Team meeting now, before everyone's calendars fill up. I'll be checking outlook calendars and sending out an invitation to the meeting soon. Everyone should have a few Spring shifts under their belts by the time of the meeting, and we can all share how the semester is beginning and look back at our Fall statistics. I look forward to seeing you all there and hearing how things are going.

at 1:20 PM

We now have all 6 of the media boothes on the 2nd floor working to play VCR tapes and DVD movies. Patrons do have to supply their own headphones or check-out one of the few pairs we have at the circulation desk.

The graduate carrels have all been assigned! If anyone has a question about the carrel assignments, please refer them to Lori Driscoll. If someone has a technical or maintenance complaint about their carrel, please have them fill out the the "Library West Carrel Problem Report Form" for Lori. (Ask a circ staff member to show you where the forms are.) We do not have any estimated date for repairs.

at 1:14 PM

As you've seen from your Outlook invitations, I've been scheduling trainings for the spring. We have two more now and only two more left to schedule.

The two new ones are:

Aleph Web OPAC Information
Date: Thursday, January 4th 10:00 - 11:00 am in West 211
Trainer: Denise Bennett
Trainees will be able to:

Explore the functions and features for navigating around the public catalog
Manage search results with short-term and long-term saving options
Explain which patron empowerment features are only available to signed-in patrons

Basic Online Library Resources
Date: Thursday, January 4th 3:00 - 4:00 pm in West 211
Trainer: Paul Victor
Trainees will be able to:

Use the library webpage.
Search the UF catalog for all kinds of materials and interpret status and locations of items.
Use the Database Locator.
Use the Databases by Subject page.
Use the Subject Guides and Specialist pages.
Use the Project Starters Databases.
Find full text availability.
Explain the difference between popular, trade and scholarly periodicals, and explain when to use each.
Demonstrate how to view, save, print or email search results.

at 3:34 PM

It's that time of year again! We have a full complement of trainings being scheduled for the upcoming spring semester. Undoubtedly many of you have already attended many of these, but we do have several new volunteers for the spring and if you feel like a refresher or have questions about a particular service these will be a great opportunity for you.

So far this spring we have the following trainings scheduled, with many more to come soon! Have a wonderful Holiday Break!

Reference Skills

Date: Wednesday, January 3^rd 2:00 - 3:00 pm in West 211

Trainer: Shaun Saxon

Trainees will be able to:

· Conduct a reference interview.

· Determine whether a question can be answered quickly or needs to be referred to the 3^rd floor Reference Desk or elsewhere.

· Make appropriate referrals to the Reference Desk or elsewhere.

Campus Knowledge

Date: Wednesday, January 3^rd 3:00 - 4:00 pm in West 211

Trainer: Missy Shoop

Trainees will be able to:

· Answer basic questions regarding where and how to access common student services, including: the registrar’s office, financial aid office, paying fees and fines, campus maps, computer labs, and bus routes.

· Direct patrons to online resources that show information on these services.

· Direct patrons to campus locations of these services using a campus map.

· Give patrons phone numbers and other contact information for these services.

Library West Building Information

Date: Friday, January 5^th 11:00 - 12:00 pm in West 211

Trainer: Lori Driscoll

Trainees will be able to:

· Explain how the Library West collections are arranged in the new library.

· Explain what services are available in Library West and how to utilize those services.

· Direct patrons to various staff offices.

· Communicate library hours (both regular hours and holiday hours).

· Communicate basic library policies regarding library usage and services.

· Computer services: software, equipment, areas, printing, etc.

at 10:07 AM

Repairs have been completed on all but a few carrels, and the lucky individuals who were assigned a graduate study carrel have been emailed. The other 400+ applicants who did not receive a carrel were also sent an email notification. If anyone has questions about the assignments, please feel free to direct those to Lori Driscoll. Please remember that, in keeping with library privacy policies, the list of assignees is confidential.

at 2:10 PM

In case anyone was wondering, the procedure to follow when at the Information Point when the fire alarm goes off is to lock your computer, grab your stuff and leave the building. The circulation staff have their own procedures to follow which include locking the group study keys and laptop cart. Their instructions can be found in the Circ Manual online.

If anyone asks, in case of a fire alarm, patrons who have checked out an "in library use only" item should take it with them when they leave. This includes laptops! The items are checked out to them and they are responsible for them during the drill/emergency.

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On another note, the group study Gator Wait system has been working great! Students and staff alike really seem to appreciate the service. We have noticed that if patrons fill out the Gator Wait form on the clipboard it is usually filled out incorrectly. So to keep the service working smoothly we should all fill out the form ourselves using the patron's Gator 1 Card information.

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Finally, next week is our last week of staffing the desk. Friday December 15th will be the last Information Point staffing day of the Fall semester. I haven't gotten much feedback in the way of having a last meeting of the semester. Perhaps everyone would rather wait to have a Spring Orientation meeting when we return from the holidays? Please let me know via email or the Bulletin Board.

I hope to see many of you at the Holiday parties next week! We're having the evening party on Tuesday and the daytime potluck on Thursday. If you haven't RSVP'd please do email me and I'll make sure your name gets on the list! It's going to be a lot of fun!

at 11:24 AM

Please take a look at the draft schedule for Spring. Most folks seemed to want to keep their old shift, so I tried not to move too many folks around. Please let me know if you need to change your shift before the holidays begin.

Coming up next will be the Spring training schedule. I'll keep you posted.

I've noticed several folks have viewed the BBS page, but we haven't gotten any discussions going there yet. I have a question posted there now for us to discuss. Please come in and give your opinion.

at 3:32 PM

I think that pretty much sums it up. ;)

We'll be back on the Information Point on Saturday November 25th.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

at 5:17 PM

The last day we will staff the Information Point is December 15th. An email calling for additional volunteers will be going out soon.

Spring trainings will be scheduled during January, and the Spring schedule will begin on January 8th.

Please take a look at the Fall Schedule and let Angela know if you would like to change your schedule for Spring. Several folks have expressed an interest in splitting their shifts to work a one hour shift twice a week rather than all at once. If you'd like to try something like that just let Angela know what days/hours would work best for you.

at 4:55 PM

When a person who is a non-UF patron comes in and wants to use the Internet from a laptop (theirs or ours) we have a new procedure as to how they get a gatorlink guest login to access the wireless network.

The instructions can be found in the Circ manual online at: http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/ps/Circ/CircMan/guestgatorlink.html

Because this involves a PeopleSoft permission, only certain Circulation Staff members will have access to create accounts like this. So most of us will need to refer patrons over to circulation for these particular requests.

at 10:13 AM

If you have a non-UF patron who needs to access databases or other remote access features, they must use a library desktop computer. If they are using the guest wireless login on either their own laptop or one of the circulating laptops, they cannot gain access to the databases unless they log in through the proxy server (thus they must have a gatorlink account).

I suppose this is obvious when you think about it, but I hadn't thought about it this way before and I thought I'd share.

at 10:06 AM

I just spoke with the xerox repairman. He said that the 2nd copier on the 2nd floor IS working now, but only one tray is available until he gets another part for it. Patrons shouldn't have to do anything special to select the right tray though so as of now it's working. (It just might run out of paper faster.)

at 9:42 AM

We will check out non-circulating Reference books only if they are accompanied by a completed orange slip. Otherwise you will need to refer the patron back to Reference to obtain one. Note that the study guides shelved at Reference actually are *circulating* items, so no slip is needed. The item status will help you identify these. If you have any questions about the orange slips or lack thereof feel free to refer them to the circulation staff or ask a circ staff member.

at 4:15 PM

As we discussed at our team meeting, I have an organizer with office supplies on the shelves under the counter to the left of the Information Point. We have scissors, highlighters, pencils, pens, sticky notes, paperclips, rubberbands and whiteout. I'm ordering golf pencils and I'll gather up some non-pink scratch paper to have out in a little holder there too (if you have a supply of quartered scratch paper feel free to contribute). A stapler, tape dispenser and hole punch are available at the circ desk in a variety of spots so we don't have these in our organizer. Let me know if there are other supplies you need out there.

at 12:13 PM

Finally I've finished compiling and charting the October Statistics. Whew!
I think you'll be impressed with how much circulation we're actually doing now that we're tracking circulation we're doing separate from the circulation referrals. Check out the statistics from the Information Point Homepage.

Copiers: To my knowledge we still have one copier working on the 1st floor, one on the second floor (the second is out of order) and two working on the 3rd floor. If anyone notices a change they can post a comment here on the blog, email me, or use our new BBS page! That's right, we now have our very own BBS section for the Information Point. You can find us at the bottom of the list at: http://libbs.uflib.ufl.edu/phpBB2/

Feel free to post whatever is on your mind there. Only library staff can post here so you'll have to register. It's also a possible place for us to get more feedback from Access Services staff. I brought this up with the Access Services managers (that you all requested more feedback from Access Services during our October Team Meeting) and they will try to do this both in person and on the BBS.

Odds and Ends:

To my knowledge all the elevators are working, and they are allowing access to the 6th floor fine.
The escalators are working.
All copiers with the exception of one of the 2nd floor copiers are working.
Melody has begun her new position and will no longer be available during the 2-4 Wednesday shift. I'll be covering that shift now. If anyone is willing to trade over to this shift I'd be happy to swap! Just email me and we'll work it out.

at 11:24 AM

Both copiers on the 2nd floor are not operational at this time. This has been reported to Xerox.

at 8:56 AM

One of the copiers on the 2nd floor is working and the other is being repaired right now. We should have both working shortly.

at 9:34 AM

We now have Xerox copy machines located as follows:
Floor 1 - One - to the far right of the elevators as you face them
Floor 2 - Two - in the East alcove from the Desk
Floor 3 - Two - in the East alcove from the Desk

There are two card dispensers on Floor 3 and one on Floor 2 in the East alcove from the Desk.
Report any problems with these to Xerox at 336-4407 any time of the day and leave a message stating which floor, which machine, and the problem. Of course if you are lucky enough to actually speak to a person, give them the same info.

Currently it appears that the two copiers on the 2nd floor are out of order.
~Angela

at 1:13 PM

We have started using our new pagers when there is a wait for group study rooms; they are a huge success! They are located under the 3rd workstation along with a clipboard for the log. We should all be aware of the procedures. I would recommend checking with the Circ staff member on duty the first few times you work with the Gator Wait system (if you choose to do so).

Gator Wait Instructions:

1. Record on the paper log:
-patron’s name
-UFID
-number in group
-pager number

2. Give the patron a pager (do not check-out in Aleph). Inform patron to return to Circulation Desk when pager flashes and vibrates. Let them know they only have 5 minutes to get to the Circ desk when it goes off.

3. Note the room capacity of returned keys; try to match the room to the group size as best as possible, especially for the larger rooms (142, 229, 230).

Paging instructions:

1. Type pager number into transmitter
2. Press “Enter”
3. Record time on log
4. Contact next group if first group fails to respond in five minutes

at 11:38 AM

Facilities informed us that the RIGHT elevator is not recognizing the security system and will not allow anyone to exit on the 6th floor.

The LEFT elevator is working fine. Please advise any students needing to access the 6th floor to use their cards in the LEFT elevator.

at 9:11 AM

When checking out an item with a shorter than normal due date, please remember to remind the patron verbally of the due time and offer to give them a reminder slip. Circulation has 'official' reminder slips for the laptops and the group study rooms, but for any other short term loan items you can just write the time due on a pink slip of paper for them.

Right now it isn't mandatory to give out the reminder slips, but since laptops and group study rooms come with very large fines, it is a good idea to err on the side of caution. I will have a small stack of the two 'official' reminder slips available at the Information Point right next to the de-sensitizer.

at 9:18 AM

As you can see, things must be calming down in the new building. I don't have nearly as many updates lately!

Here are a few though:

The southwest stairwell (when sitting at the desk it's the one off to your right that you can't see) is now open into the stacks on the 1st floor. For some reason this one stairwell wouldn't allow folks into the first floor stacks, but now it's working.

The 4th floor is now fully loaded in terms of wireless signal! We finally have the oodles of signal we were promised! I was just up there yesterday afternoon and I can confirm that it was at full strength in room 419! So if you have anyone complaining of weak wireless signal in the building please let me know and send a Syshelp.

New fines information in the circulation manual. Basically the cap on short term loans has been changed to 25$.

We spoke a bit at the meeting last week about the future direction for the Information Point. I met with the Library West Building Issues group (I don't know if that's an official name) and we decided to continue gathering data through November before making a final decision. So we'll keep going this month and then before the holiday's I'll meet with them again and we'll look at how the stats have changed over the semester, in particular how the circulation (referrals and those you're doin) transactions look. I should have more information for you before the holiday break.

at 4:47 PM

In attendance: Naomi, Hank, Jan, Patricia, Jody, Angie, Christy, Gerald, Suzanne, Doug, Angela, Margeaux, Pam, Cathy, John, Kenneth, Travis (please let me know if your name was mistakenly left out)
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Comings and Goings: Introduce Nick Kontax as our new weekend staff member, say goodbye to Melody who is heading up to the 3rd floor, see if anyone can move to Melody's shift (Wednesdays 2-4pm) and Angela will take their old shift.
• LeiLani said Melody may still be able to work the same shift, or may have to move shifts but very well might keep some shift on the Infopoint. She’ll check on this and let Angela know.
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Statistics from August and September: share the September stats, and the comparisons to August. (handout)
• Naomi volunteered to print color copies next month for everyone.
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Feedback on the new statistics forms & new maps: ask how the new stats forms are working and get feedback on the new maps (examples)
• No questions on the statistics forms, although we discussed how some questions may be categorized differently by folks (e.g. I have a reference question. Referred to Reference or Directional; Can I check out a laptop? Equipment, Policy or Referred to Circulation; How do I print? Equipment vs. Directional)
• One patron asking many questions counts as multiple questions. Also, if you activate a card and then they check out a laptop that would be two circulation transactions (or one transaction and one referred to circ if you referred it).
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Recruiting for Spring: get folks to start thinking about the spring, whether they'll need to change their schedules, if there are others in the library who have expressed interest, good times for trainings, etc.
• Cathy may need to arrange coverage for her shift later in the spring semester.
• Suzanne may have two new recruits contacting Angela soon.
• Hank is getting a lot of admiration from co-workers for working the infopoint.
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Suggestions to improve the service:
• Infopoint staff would like to see more feedback from the Access Services staff to see if they are annoyed by our help. (Angela assures us they are greatful, but folks have experienced some friction and are concerned.) Angela encouraged all infopoint staff to let her know privately about any particular issues that arise at the desk with Access Services staff.
• Naomi noticed that some A-D Judaica books and West books are being mis-shelved in each section. Meaning sometime a West book is in call number order, but in the Judaica section and vice versa. Angela will bring this up with Ben Walker and Emily Madden to see if the area can be shelf read more often. Also suggested was that we have the Judaica call number range cards printed on a different color paper (blue was suggested, please do not choose yellow). Colored stickers were discussed, but due to practicality and cultural sensitivity the group decided not to suggest it.
• We would like the following supplies at the Information Point, perhaps in a basket hidden on the lower shelves to our left:
o Stapler
o Tape
o Scissors
o Paperclips
o Whiteout
o Golf pencils
o Non-pink scratch paper
o Hole-punch
• We would like a recycle box placed near the printer.
• Sometimes the due date slips don’t have the sticky tab on them. Angela will check into this to see if they should always be pre-stickified or if we need access to the tabs.
• The BBS might be a good addition to our communication tools along with the website, blog and email list. Angela will see what needs to happen to get a topic heading on the BBS and will put the info on the blog and a link on the website.
• The food and drink policy is not as strictly enforced as we’d initially hoped. At this point, circulation staff are accepting any lid as an acceptable drink container. We have no written policy to follow, but Angela is sending folks with food to the first floor and if a drink is uncovered (a hand over the cup doesn’t count!) then they must take that downstairs also.
• October statistics should be available on the website sometime in the next two weeks.

at 9:32 AM

Starbucks is open! I met with the managers last week and they have travel mugs they sell in different sizes. If someone buys one then all refills are 25 cents off in their mug.

If they have the disposable cups (even though they all will have lids) we are to send them downstairs to the cafe. To bring their coffee up they must have it in a travel mug or some kind of container with a screw-on lid. So far everyone has been pretty accommodating when we redirect them downstairs. Let me know if you have any problems. (Also we can talk more about this on Friday at our meeting.)

at 5:00 PM

It's supposed to be working, and working on the new server! Let's all hope things go smoothly over the weekend!

at 11:06 AM

We've had several reports about library databases being unavailable. Some services (e.g. EBSCO) are available (at least to me), but others (e.g FirstSearch) are not.

The numerous database outages point to a network ISP problem not a problem with a particular vendor. The appropriate UF people are aware of the problem and the issues have been reported.

I'll keep you posted, but in the meantime if you have issues with one database, please try to guide students to another database. Also, this might be a great time to use the Research Gateway to do a cross search!

at 9:55 AM

It's going down right now. They're going to attempt to connect the new server again. Wish them luck!

at 10:19 AM

But they were unable to get the new server working. We're still on the old server, but printing should be working. Report any problems to Syshelp.

at 11:27 AM

Xerox is trying to install the new server. They'll have an expert on hand to help configure it and either it will be up and working by 2pm or we'll have the old server re-attached by 2pm. I'll keep you posted.

at 10:21 AM

The two passenger elevators should be working now. The staff elevator should be fixed soon.

If there are any other problems with the elevators, please notify Angela or one of the Circulation staff members.

at 9:23 AM

Printing is back up as of last night. We're still on the old server though. If you hear any problems about public printing, please notify Systems.

at 3:34 PM

Xerox is working on the server again. Printing is down in all the libraries. Refer patrons to CIRCA labs on campus. Here is a link to thier schedules.

We also have a work-order in to have the western-most elevator looked at (the one on the right as you face them). It doesn't seem to be working right now.

at 11:58 AM

Looking for something to do tomorrow?

Tomorrow (Tuesday, October 17th) from 11-12 in Library West 419 Tom Minton is going to be taking questions about the Research Gateway. The Research Gateway is replacing the Database Locator. (The current "Database Locator" is on the WebLuis platform which will be eliminated this summer.)

If you can attend, this should be a very helpful informal session. There will also be a formal training later this fall also.

at 9:42 AM

I just received word that printing in Library West is back up. (Apparently there were some printing issues over the weekend.) I'll let you know if things change.

at 3:04 PM

As promised I have the September statistics up on the webpage. I find them pretty telling! By far our greatest number of questions are directional and circulation related. If you haven't noticed already, starting in October the statistics sheets have a separate row for Circulation transactions that you are doing yourselves and those you are referring to the Circulation staff. Please try to remember to start marking them separately on the stats form. (I even MADE the form and I STILL forgot to separate them the first day.)

I presented our statistics and an update on how we're doing to the Joint CM, PS, TS meeting this morning. (And I saw plenty of your friendly faces there too!) I hope I conveyed how much I appreciate you volunteering your time on the Information Point. I think you're all doing a fabulous job providing a valuable service to our patrons. Thank you!

at 3:02 PM

Xerox didn't tell us exactly when it happened this afternoon, but printing is back online and should be working fine. Please report any trouble to Xerox or Systems.

at 10:29 AM

Please be advised that all Xerox printing will be down today from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Xerox will be putting the new server online during this time.

Hopefully this means printing will start working reliably again this afternoon!

----------------------
UPDATE 1:50pm

The technicians are still working to replace the Xerox server. The downtime may extend beyond 2:00 p.m. today. Further information will be passed on as it becomes available.
-----------------------
UPDATE 3:14pm

Xerox technicians are still working on the configuration of the Print Release Stations and the new server. Printing will be down until further notice.

at 9:46 AM

We have new statistics sheets at the Information Point. Due to popular demand {and an interest in compiling new data :)) I've put in a separate field for Circulation transactions that you do yourself and then the old Referred to Circulation for those transactions you refer to circ staff. It's not exactly the first of October, but it's pretty close, so this will give us some interesting data on October.

Speaking of Data, I should have the September stats ready for everyone to look at early next week. They're pretty impressive so far!

at 9:13 AM

Tomorrow is Friday and the library is closed. Enjoy your weekend!

at 10:56 AM

While compiling stats today I've noticed a few of the "other" questions you've recorded and thought it would be good to answer those here:

Q: What is the procedure for a real fire? Do we leave the desk or try to help evacuate the building? What about if it's a fire drill or a false alarm?
A: Lock your computer and leave the building through the front door. You are not obligated to help clear the building.

Q: What to do about gift books?
A: When a patron has a question about gifting the library with a book (or anything) we refer them to Gifts and Exchange. According to their website the main person there is Steve Carrico.

Q: Where do I record circualation transactions that I do (instead of referring to circ)?
A: Since we're only recording the types of questions and it's up to the individual Information Specialist what circulation transactions they feel comfortable doing and what ones they refer just put all circ transactions or referrals under the "Refer to Circ" heading.

Q: People ask for Library Tours?
A: Lots of people asking for the Library Tour are actually referring to the General Orientations going on in Rooms 211 and 212. Here is the schedule.

Q: Pencil Sharpener?
A: We have an electric pencil sharpener at the Reference desk on the 3rd floor, along with an industrial strength stapler and hole punch.

Q: Can someone leave a notebook or other item with us to have someone pick it up later?
A: Because we trade shifts so often this really isn't a good idea. You can refer these folks over to circulation since they have longer shifts. Perhaps they might be willing to do that, but can you imagine if that was considered a service we offer? Yikes!

Q: Where is quiet study?
A: The 4th floor is the official quiet study floor. Often the 1st floor has few folks, and there are lots of seats around the stacks on all 3 floors that are usually quiet (but not officially so).

Q: When no group study rooms are available, where can our group study and talk?
A: Any of the tables on the 2nd floor can be group study (we can't possibly expect this floor to be quiet with the noise coming up from the cafe and starbucks). Anywhere on the 1st - 3rd floor is fine for group study. Of course this means within reason, even the group study rooms are not sound proof.

Q: When will Starbucks open?
A: October 23rd is still the expected date.

Q: A student from another college (not in Florida) wants a card here.
A: Refer them to circulation. They can get a special borrower card from them.

Q: Some lights are off somewhere.
A: Get as much specific information as you can. You can even have them circle it on the map. Then let me know so I can pass the word to the appropriate folks.

Q: Is Library West a "Green Building?"
A: All I could find was that we expected (back before the building was finished) to receive recognition of being a "green building" from whatever entity bestows that title. I haven't heard anything official though since the move. Anyone know?

Q: How much is it to print?
A: According to the Xerox Page, it costs 13 cents a page to print. They have to buy a copy card, which costs 35 cents. They can buy a card with a 1$, 5$, 10$, or $20 bill. They CAN'T get change back though! If they put in $20 they'll get a copy card with $19.35 on it to make copies. The machines only take bills, no coins. (By the way, phone number for Xerox is: 336-4407.)

Q: How long can I wait to print out my print job?
A: Xerox reports that they believe the server is set for 2 hours. After that the job may be deleted.

Q: Can I park in those spaces to the East of the Building? (near the loading dock)
A: Those spots are all either Handicapped or Reserved and so you are at high risk for towing/ticketing 24/7. Parking at Flint or Criser would be a better choice.

Great questions!

at 9:38 AM

I just verified today that DVDs will not play in the regular computers in the library. They WILL play in the 18 high-end computers with dual-monitors on the East side of the 3rd floor so you can send folks there. Systems is aware of this and I'll let you know if and when the other computers can play DVDs.

at 9:20 AM

I have the new maps of the 1st and 2nd floors showing the updated call number ranges. They are double-sided so each one has both the 1st and 2nd floor (the entire floor) back to back. I've replaced the old folders with the separate maps with this new one. Comments are welcome!

at 5:26 PM

Access Services received the following from Lori. I thought I should spread the word to everyone on the desk. At the very least we can call folks back to the desk and have them talk with a circulation staff member if the reason for the alarm isn't quickly obvious.(I've found that ipods will even send off the alarm occasionally.)

-------snip--------
Please remind everyone working at the desk to be vigilant in calling people back from the gates if the alarm goes off. Please check the item and if ILL, read the instructions on the band. Just because they have an ILL doesn't mean that we should give them the "all clear." There are MANY items that specify "In Library Use Only" that we can't let walk out. When we lose these items, even if the patron ends up paying overdue fees or lost book fees, the institution black lists us and refuses to loan to us.

Please understand the importance of this. Last Spring, MSL circ staff routinely allowed items to be taken out of the library and several items from the Library of Congress came back late. They blocked us -- and they may be the only supplier of many items our patrons need.
-----end snip------

at 4:57 PM

I just received this info on the AskALibrarian list. Apparently the Biology students are out looking for resources on "species interaction." I know we aren't the science library, but we do have lots of computers so students may come here to do research online. Tara recommends sending students to the Web of Science or BIOSIS Previews databases for assistance. Of course for further assistance it is entirely appropriate to refer them over to Marston too.

at 9:32 AM

We just received word that the Xerox Printing in the building is down. I'll let you know here when I find out more. In the meantime there are two alternatives for students needing to print:

The CIRCA labs on campus print and use their gatorlink accounts to bill them later.

The 3rd floor of the Reitz Union has a small computer lab that offers FREE printing.
----------------------

It just came to my attention that students have been referred to the 3rd floor desk for course reserves. We don't know exactly where they're being referred from, but I thought it would be prudent to make sure everyone on the Info Point knows that Course Reserves are located on the 2nd floor in the glass room behind us. We just refer folks over to the Circulation Desk for Course Reserves items. If anyone has questions though, please ask. I know we have not had a ERes/ILL training yet this fall.
Thanks!

at 10:06 AM

Access Services is trying to identify why so many of our patrons are becoming inactive (NA) overnight in Aleph. This is what is causing so many people to request card activation, over and over again. FCLA is stumped. They're having difficulty finding a pattern, so please report any trends you've noticed. Also, when you activate a card in the ID checker, if you see that the card has been overridden several times, please note the ID# and send that to Matthew Daley. Any clues would be helpful at this point!
------------------------------

And now for something completely different:

Yes, NetLibrary books are a pain to use, and printing is one of the greatest challenges:
* You may only print one page at a time
* At times, you'll have trouble figuring out how to print

When books are in true PDF format, you'll see a row of icons above the main (text) frame. Click on the printer icon in the Adobe Acrobat frame.

When books are in a format that is not PDF, you won't see the familiar row of Acrobat icons:

In the icon-free situation, click in the main (text) frame and then either open the File menu and click Print (when present), or press Ctrl-P. You should then be able to print the page of text. If you don't click in the main frame first, you're likely to print the Contents menu instead of text.

at 2:02 PM

Jay sent this link to me and I found it heartwarming. It's a collection of accounts from corporate bigwigs sharing their excellent customer service experiences. Just some fun reading that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about giving good service.

Ok, well it made me feel good anyway. ;)

at 9:40 AM

Team Meeting 9/14/06 notes:

2 electric pencil sharpeners ARE available at the Reference Desk on the 3rd floor, along with an industrial strength hole punch and stapler. We have a regular hole punch and stapler at the circulation desk (on the other side near the printer) but they've got the big ones up there at the Reference Desk.
-----------------------------------

We discussed having signage near the computers on the 2nd floor that indicate more computers available on the 3rd floor and laptop checkout at the circulation desk. Carol was at the meeting and will be addressing this with the appropriate folks.
-----------------------------------

In response to a request at the meeting, Colleen sent over some great links about the LC call number system. I think you'll find these interesting and useful enough to bookmark. I know I will!

Overview of the LC call number system:

From the Library of Congress:
http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/lcco.html

A-Z List: LC Call Numbers and Corresponding Subjects
http://dotsx.usc.edu/repository/read/chapter/366#page709

A-Z List: LC Subject Headings and Corresponding Call Numbers
http://dotsx.usc.edu/repository/read/chapter/367#page710

How to read LC call numbers:

http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/using/how/readcallnumbers.html

http://www.ewu.edu/x6326.xml

http://geography.about.com/library/congress/blhowto.htm

-----------------------------------

The ADA elevator between the escalators is out of order again. We'll be using the same workaround as before. When we find out (by phone or from a patron) that there is someone needing the elevator a circulation staff member will go downstairs with a key and let that person come through the hallway by the restrooms to use the interior passenger elevators. They'll do the same for anyone leaving. Hopefully this will be fixed quickly.
-----------------------------------

Marilyn talked about the equipment we have (or will have) available on the 3rd floor:
We have 110 computers available in the general computing area (which includes everything except the 18 dual-monitor computers on the east side of the building).

These computers, the 2nd floor standing computers, and the laptops students can checkout print to either the blue or orange printers. Both printers are on the 3rd floor. Orange is on the west side of the building, blue is on the east side next to the copier machine. A colored sticker on the monitor will indicate which printer they should go to. All the circulation laptops print to Orange, computers on the 2nd floor print to Orange, computers on the west side of the 3rd floor print to Orange and computers in the middle of the 3rd floor print to Blue.

Patrons' personal laptops can NOT print in the library at all.

The "Digital Media Center" has 18 dual-monitor computers with web design and image editing software. These 18 computers do NOT print though.

There are 2 computers on the north side of the stacks on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. These may not have applications like MS office on them, but they do have internet access. They're not sure, but they believe that these six computers do not print.

There is currently only 1 scanner on the 3rd floor. It is on one of the dual-monitor computers in the Digital Media Center. Over the next few months they will add 7 more scanners to this area and then add 6 scanners to the computers on the west side of the building.

There is one computer on the 3rd floor that has access to the "Bloomberg" database. There are 3 computers on the 3rd floor that have access to the "DataStream" database. These are both business/financial databases.

The copy card machines are on the 3rd floor next to the copier. One of them sells cards for 1$ bills AND allows them to add money to their card. The other one sells cards for 5$, 10$ and 20$. Each card costs 35 cents of the first dollar and the remaining amount they paid is on the card to use to make copies or print. Printing and copying cost 13 cents a page. The card machines do not make change. The closest places to get change would be the Florida Bookstore or other businesses across University Avenue, or the University Cashier's office in Criser Hall during open hours.

The "Group Presentation Area," where the bean bag chairs are, will have a 61" plasma screen put up that will be checked out for patrons to practice presentations. No definite date for when that will be ready yet.

The two ADA/Media rooms (335 & 336) Will have video production and audio editing software in addition to ADA software/hardware. These should be ready in 2 weeks.

On the 2nd floor, the big presentation room #229 will have equipment for video conferencing installed, but will not be ready until October.
-----------------------------------

Sadly, we're losing three of our Information Specialists. Let's send a hearty "We'll miss you" to: Adrian, Richard and Aimee. Thank you for being on the team. We hope you'll be able to return sometime in the future!
-----------------------------------

On that note, is there anyone willing and able to pick up one extra hour on the Information Point? There are 4 total hours available:
Wednesdays 10-11am, 11-12pm, 2-3pm, & 3-4pm. This would be effective each week starting October 4th. Please email me if you are willing to cover one of these hours in addition to your shift.
-----------------------------------

Questions? Additions? Corrections?

at 2:40 PM

It's that time of year -- ENC classes! There is a schedule for ENC1101 and ENC1102 on the web:
http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/instruct3/UWP/enc1102.htm
http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/instruct3/UWP/enc1101calendar.htm

Since it will require hands-on computer work, expect that Circ will be busy at the start of those classes with card activations. This will be a good time for those of us comfortable with card activations to help out. We'll also want to be familiar with the schedule and be ready to direct folks to the correct training rooms. Remember that 211 (hands-on computer room) is on the West side and 212 (lecture room) is on the East side.

at 2:30 PM

Some folks have had difficulty using their Gator1 cards in the elevators to access the 6th floor. Assuming they have already gone through the sign-up process and their cards are already activated, you can give them the following instructions which may help.

Holding thier Gator1 card in their right hand, they put their thumb over their picture and swip downward. This puts the thin magnetic strip on the back firmly up against the sensor. They need to swipe first and then press the button for the 6th floor. If it works the button will stay lit, if not it will not light up. If they continue to have difficulty they should check with circulation staff.

As a side note, I just received the email from Tom Caswell about a problem patron. If you see this patron, please notify the circulation staff member on duty at the circ desk.

at 4:01 PM

Lots of little things. Important things, but little things. And lots of 'em.

----------------------
Please note that Circulation will be handling group study room #223 differently temporarily.

We need additional units for students to watch VHS taps that are on Reserve; while admin is deciding what equipment to order, we have one set-up that cannot be secured on the tables of the booths. This will be placed in room #223 on Wednesday morning. (This is the small group study room closest to the Circ Desk, near the booths.)

Circulation will only check that room out to folks who need access to the equipment for a Reserve video, and it will be checked out for 2-hours. I'll let you know when they can place that back into general circulation with the other group study rooms.

Nevermind! Facilities is going to figure out a way to attach the unit to one of the boothes. YAY!

-----------------------------
We now have lots of bookmarks with the library hours available to give out. There is a hanging folder in the rolling file-box. Let me know when these or any other handout is running low and I'll get more.

-----------------------------
There has been a call for scrap paper. Circulation staff have a bunch of old ALF due date slips (bright hot-pink) in a box on the table behind the circ desk that can be used for scrap paper. I'll see about labeling up some pencils and pens and getting them out there for us to use.

-----------------------------
Hands-on Circ training starts tomorrow with the first session. If you haven't already signed up you can still email me!

-----------------------------
I know everyone got the email from Lori about the statistics. Pretty impressive! Keep tracking those questions! I'm working on getting the nice graphical representation up online soon.

at 6:03 PM

It's been a busy day for meetings and emails and I have a LOT of updates for you!
--------------------------

Signs:
The "temporarily closed" sign will no longer be used. Instead there is a "please use the next window" sign you can use if you have to leave the Information Point during your shift, or if your replacement is not there (although you're going to call me if that happens too, right?) Please also make sure that the Information signs are up when you are manning the desk. Hopefully those will do the job until they get those external monitors working.
--------------------------

DVDs & Videos:
Several things I've learned lately...

The DVDs are in acension order on the southernmost shelf. These can be viewed even if the compact shelving is all closed. They start from the West and move in order to the East.
The Videos are on the first inside shelf (so you have to face south inside the compact shelving to see them) and are in acension order from East to West.
--------------------------

Many patrons have brought up a "list" that used to be kept in Library East that had a listing of "all" the videos. In actuality it wasn't current, and we no longer have that list. (I have no idea where it went, but I've been told we don't have it anymore.) So instead of using the list, patrons must search the catalog to find their videos. Denise shared a method of doing this in her workshop last week. Here it is:

"In the catalog, you can click on Advanced Search and set the limits to Format=Video (any) and Location=Lib West. You then get a very long, un-sortable list.

But we do have a shortcut for videos. On the home page, click on the word FIND and then click on DVDs & Videotapes. The form is preset for Format=Video, and the index boxes are set to be friendlier for videos. But patrons still have to type **something** to get results. (genre words like comedy or drama or western will work.)"

Thanks Denise for that tidbit!
--------------------------

The ADA elevator is reported to be working again!
--------------------------

If you verify reports that compact shelving is not working or that lights in the shelving areas is not working, please notify me or Ben Walker immediately via email.
--------------------------

Graduate Floor access is still being granted to one patron at a time as Jim Stevens enters them in the security system. At one point we thought they'd all been automatically done, but they weren't. Graduate students will still need to make sure to sign up on the clipboard at the circ desk to get Gator1 access and can be checked out a temporary card for immediate access for the day.
--------------------------

Storage Retrieval Requests: From the time a patron enters their request using either the Request button or the alternate form their book will be on the hold shelf within 2 business days. That's 48 hours, but we do not retrieve on weekends, so if they put it in on Friday it will be ready on Tuesday. Contrary to popular belief, they will NOT be getting emails letting them know their book is on the hold shelf. They may have gotten them before, but that is not normal operating procedure. Now, if there is a problem and their book WON'T be ready in 48 hours, then they WILL get an email notice.
--------------------------

E-Reserves:
There are now 2 ways for instructors to place items on reserve (both e-Reserve and Hard Copy Reserve). They may either come here and fully fill out one of the forms we have at the circulation desk. OR they can now submit their order online using the Online Request Form which is linked on the ERes homepage. To show them this form, click on Course Reserves under the Find menu on the library homepage. The link to the form is in the Announcements section to the right. The link is: http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/ereserves.
--------------------------

I think that's it for today. Any questions? Fire away!

at 5:50 PM

Someone brought up that a lot of folks missed the original information I'd sent out about referring circulation processes to circ staff. I realized I had sent it within an invitation to the Information Specialists Team Meeting and so as soon as you accepted/declined the invitation it probably disappeared from your inbox and is buried in your calendar somewhere. Not helpful! So here it is again in its entirety. Keep in mind this is quite likely to change AFTER our training sessions with Matthew. Now that we have the laptops loaded with Aleph Test I'll schedule those trainings. They'll be hands-on this time, which will really be great! Watch your emails early next week for the training dates!

The original info:

Information Specialists,

We met in August at the General Orientations for fall, and we met back in July before the opening also. I would like to continue having monthly meetings with everyone so that we can all share information, experiences and suggestions. Looking at the Outlook Calendar, nearly everyone seems to be available Thursday, September 14th from 3-4pm. Lets all meet in the Access Services conference room in West 253 and reflect on how the fall semester is starting, what kinds of issues are coming up on the Info Point, and talk about what we can do to improve the service. By the time of this meeting everyone should have already been through the majority of the training sessions, and you may have suggestions for other trainings you would like to attend.

Circulation staff have requested that we send any checkouts, returns, ILL pickups and returns, and Course Reserves pickups and returns to them. I haven't been trained yet on how staff have set up the ILL/Reserves/hold shelves yet, and we're needed at the desk anyway, so feel comfortable referring all circulation issues to circulation staff. If you do notice a long line at the circulation desk, ask first if anyone just has a question. Then you can ask if anyone just needs to have their card activated (if you have been trained on this already). But for the time being, at least until we have all had a chance to attend Matthew's hands-on circulation training coming up in September, refer all circulation processing to circ staff. If you have any questions about this, please give me a call (273-2523).

See you all in September (if not sooner!)
Angela

at 2:06 PM

We now have links on the Useful Links page to the Circulation Manual, the new Group Study Room Policy, the updated Laptop Policy and the Borrowing Priviledges Chart. You may have to refresh the Useful Links page to show the new links.

Thanks t0 Carol M. for bringing this helpful link to our attention! Getting students asking about the orientations or tours? Use this link to help you out!

The faculty carrels have been assigned. Faculty who were assigned a carrel are supposed to come to the desk M-F from 8-5pm to get their keys assigned. Please refer any of these faculty members to Jim Stevens, Missy Shoop, Matthew Daley, or Brett Diaz for their key assignments.

The graduate carrels are not yet assigned and will not be assigned until they are in working condition. We have no estimated date of when the repairs will even begin.

Anything else we need to share on this fine Friday?

at 9:48 AM

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.

at 10:21 AM

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/

at 10:57 AM

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.

at 10:02 AM

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!

at 4:18 PM

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!

at 9:46 AM

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!)

at 9:29 AM

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!

at 5:16 PM

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.

at 4:53 PM

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.

at 11:05 AM

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.

at 3:53 PM

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.

at 2:45 PM

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.

-----------------------------------

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.

at 2:03 PM

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.

at 2:52 PM

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.

at 10:26 AM

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!

----------------

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.

----------------

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.

at 12:27 PM

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).

at 5:39 PM

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.

at 5:32 PM

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.

at 10:05 AM

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.

at 11:36 AM

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!)

at 11:20 AM

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

at 8:47 AM

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!

at 8:19 AM

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!

at 10:52 AM

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...

at 5:51 PM

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!

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