The Information Point

at 11:04 AM

Now you can check the weekly calendar online as well. This is the place where all trades are recorded. I think I've also put in all the holidays we'll be closed for too. But if you notice one I missed let me know.

Right now I have the reduced Fall schedule as continuing till Winter Break, but we may end up closing the desk after Finals. We'll look at that later in the semester.

See you Monday!

at 11:36 AM

So many folks were able to stay on for the first three weeks of Fall! Thank you all for volunteering! The Fall Triage Schedule is up, and we'll start Monday. Keep in mind that Monday-Wednesday next week we'll only be open until 6pm though since it's still technically intercession.

We'll continue with the full schedule until September 10th when we'll switch to the reduced Fall Schedule. Again though, so many folks were willing to take shifts during these busy times. Thank you all!

Those who were unable to fit the Info point into your schedule with the reduced time coverage, we'll miss you. Hopefully we'll see you again in the Spring. My guess right now is that we'll do the three weeks of Triage again in the Spring, but we'll see what happens.

I'm trying to keep up with the Email Distribution List, but if you find you're still on the list and you should be removed, please let me know. I'm also trying to keep our page of Information Specialists up to date as well.

See you on the desk!

at 12:47 PM

It's that time of year again. Time for Graduate and Faculty to apply for their study carrels.

Applications are being accepted until August 31st. Applicants use the online form at http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/cars/.

Assignments will not be made until the first week in September. Then all applicants will be notified via email to check their online account at the same URL.

The application form allows room for special notes or requests, so please ask patrons to enter those there rather than contacting Lori Driscoll directly. She's happy to answer any policy questions, but here are links to them as well:

Online Policies for:
Graduate Students
Faculty

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I just had a question from a student about what classification number they should choose (e.g. 7ED, 8EG, 9EN etc.) I found the information below to be very helpful. It's from the online Graduate Student Catalog.

Classification of Students

6 - Postbaccalaureate students: degree-holding students admitted to postbaccalaureate credits.

7 - Graduate students seeking a first master’s degree.

8 - Graduate students who have earned a master’s degree, or who have earned 36 or more credits while seeking a graduate degree, but who have not been admitted to doctoral candidacy.

9 - Graduate students admitted to doctoral candidacy.

at 2:40 PM

The July statistics are up. But I know what we're all really waiting for are the stats for the first month of fall!

at 12:34 PM

Today we officially start intercession and the Information Point will be closed until Monday 8/20. I have only a few people to hear from on the schedule and then I'll be sending around the fall triage schedule and the regular fall schedule via email.

at 9:43 AM

The switch to Endeca is coming up sometime this month. Possibly even as early as next week. There are two classes coming up this week and I recommend everyone try to attend one if possible. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, August 7, from 1:00-3:00 in Library West 419
Friday, August 10, from 1:00-3:00 in the MSL L107

Class objectives:
-You will leave the class with a general understanding of the web pages your patrons will encounter.
-Review common search strategies
-Highlight Endeca’s unique query capabilities.

at 12:16 PM

If you have a patron who want workstation access and they can't use their Gator1 Card for some reason (they don't have one or theirs cannot be activated) please refer them to the circulation staff. The circ staff do have workstation ID cards they can give patrons, but there is an entire procedure to set them up in the system that they'll need to follow and the patron will need a photo ID to show the circ staff member as well.

at 11:20 AM

Due to a problem with the server for the Alternative Form, any items requested from storage over the weekend (From Friday 1pm on) may not be able to be delivered any earlier than Tuesday (tomorrow). Check with circ staff for the most recent information.

at 10:44 AM

The Aleph v18 Upgrade seems to have gone rather smoothly. Be sure that you're opening v18 when on the desk. If you can't remember how to navigate in the new version, feel free to ask any of the circ folks for help, or you can call me at 3-2523 and I'll try to walk you through it.

There has been a problem this weekend and today with the Verify Patron server. This is the server that controls patrons ability to log in to the workstations and ID checker. Systems is working on it now and expect it to be working around noon today.

at 4:28 PM

Happy Monday!

It’s time to talk about Fall. We talked about these items during our Summer B Team meeting, and as promised here is the email follow-up. I’ll also post this to the blog.

Hellos & Goodbyes:
Summer B is coming to a close, but I wanted to recognize the folks who came on board for Summer B and those who have had to leave as well. Michelle Foss and Matthew Loving joined the Information Point schedule in July. Sonia Tergas, Enrico Gumbayan and Margeaux Johnson have had to leave us. They will be missed.

Scheduling:
With the hiring freeze I know every unit is feeling stretched right now. With this in mind we’re trying something a little different this Fall. What we propose is from Monday, 8/20 – Friday, 9/7 we’d like to fully staff the desk with as many of our current Information Specialists as possible during these first three weeks of Fall.

After the third week of classes, starting Monday 9/10, we will change up the schedule and only staff the desk between the hours of 11am-3pm. Historically these are the busiest hours on the desk and the Circulation staff is spread thinly at this time due to lunches and meetings. This will cut our total Information Point coverage to only 20 hours a week. I’m hopeful that even though many of our Information Specialists are pressed for time having to take on additional duties due to the hiring freeze and other circumstances, we will be able to fully staff the desk during these peak hours.

So to this end, please contact me with two pieces of information:

1. Let me know whether you can maintain your current Information Point schedule through Friday, 9/7. If you need to change your schedule during these first three weeks, let me know and I’ll do my best to move shifts around to accommodate all requests. (The desk schedule for Summer will end on 8/9/07 for intercession.)

2. Let me know what days/times will work for you best between 11am-3pm for the remainder of the Fall semester. If you’re already scheduled during that time period and prefer to keep your timeslot unchanged, please let me know and you will have priority in that time slot. If you will be unable to continue volunteering on the desk after 9/7, please let me know that as well.

Training:
The folks at the meeting this week agreed that while the trainings are very useful and pertinent, we probably don’t need them offered for fall. There are only a few folks who haven’t yet been able to attend the trainings, and I was able to meet with each of them one on one to go over all the training objectives individually. We’ll revisit training for Spring. If you feel you need more practice with Ares, check out the tutorials online at: https://ares.uflib.ufl.edu/videos.html. They are very helpful. Also I’m happy to come out and spend a shift or two with you to provide any training you think you might need.

Survey:
We discussed the results of the General Satisfaction survey. The results are available online here and are overall very positive. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Statistics:
We took a look at the Summer A statistics. The number of questions was drastically lower than it had been during Fall and Spring, but the ratio between types of questions was consistent with the rest of the year. Current statistics are available online here.

Thank you to all of the Information Specialists for sticking with the desk this summer. While the traffic wasn’t nearly as high as the rest of the year, we did help nearly 3,000 patrons in May and June alone. We are making a difference out there!

The Big Silver Boxes:
This came up after our meeting, but I wanted to let everyone know that the new prototype for a replacement for our big silver boxes is up on display near the Information Point. Please come take a look at the prototype (note the information about how the real one will look- with etched glass, not clear) and express your opinions about it. If you’d like your comments to be anonymous, feel free to email them to me and I will compile them into a document for Carol and Lori.

at 1:10 PM

We had some confusion about printing from the circulating laptops. To revisit this issue I spoke with Amy Polk and confirmed that yes, patrons can print from the circulating laptops just like they can from any other library computer that prints. When they click print, they'll be prompted to enter a "print release key" which is basically a code-word they will use at the print release station to identify their print job. It can be anything they can easily remember.

Amy will work on getting some printing information/instruction up on the library website. I'll link to it from our Useful Links page as soon as it is up.

To recap on what computers are available with what capabilities:

We have 110 computers available in the General Computing Area (which includes everything on the 3rd floor 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 will 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.

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. These six computers do NOT print.

at 5:45 PM

When a patron turns in a video or DVD to you, please make sure to discharge it in Aleph before setting it on the back table. Or, if you aren't comfortable discharging in Aleph yet, you can also give them to one of the circulation students or staff to discharge. Circ will take care of putting them in the security cases and everything, but they will assume that any media on the back table have already been returned in Aleph.

at 1:29 PM

You've probably seen the email invitation already, but I thought I'd include it here as well. We'll be meeting Tuesday, July 24th from 10-11am for our Summer B Team Meeting in Room 253 (the conference room in Access Services. I'll meet folks outside the door to let everyone into the area. Hope to see you there!

Our tentative agenda includes:
Hellos & Goodbyes

Upcoming Fall semester:
-Recruitment
-Training: Any changes?
-Schedule: Any changes?

Results from the General Satisfaction Survey
Next Survey projected

Statistics from Summer A

at 2:32 PM

This came up today in Access Services, and while many folks may already know about this form, a few might not have had this come up yet...

If a patron comes to you and can't find an item on the shelves (book or video/DVD) go ahead and check the availability in the catalog (even if they say they already did) and if it should be on the shelf please have them fill out the "Not On Shelf" form. These aren't online, they're on the table behind the circulation desk. If the catalog record looks funny and you're not sure if the item is on the shelf or not, you can refer them to the circulation staff member also. I'll be the first to admit I don't know what all the item status codes mean.

While there are a few times I've gone into the stacks myself to help a patron find a book, you're not required to do so, especially if the desk is busy. Depending on how busy the desk is, a circulation staff member might send a circ student with the patron as well. Feel free to refer them to circ.

at 4:57 PM

Thank you all for your participation in the Information Point's first General Satisfaction Survey. We had 24 responders out of a total of 50, so about a 50% response rate. This included all past and current Information Specialists, so I think that's a pretty good turn out.

The survey results are in and up on the web for you to see. I added them to the statistics page (now the aptly named Statistics and Surveys page).

Please take a look. I think by and large most folks are happy with what we're doing. Let's talk about these results in more detail though at our Summer B Team Meeting. I'll be setting a date for it soon. Watch this space. :)

at 4:16 PM

Well Summer B is off to to a great start. Already folks are noticing a huge increase in questions at the desk.

To answer questions about the statistics, yes we are still using our old forms that we've been using. These forms give us a great breakdown of what kinds of questions we field at the information point. (But I am also reporting these statistics weekly, along with all the Access Services statistics, to Amanda up in administration, so they are getting counted in with the daily stats we're all doing.)

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We have a few changes in the schedule for summer B:

Sonia has given us her all since the Information Point started. She finished her last shift in June, and we'll miss her!

Matthew Loving will be joining us on the desk as of this Friday. Thank you for volunteering Matthew!

at 1:09 PM

Tuesday July 3rd we'll close at 6pm and Wednesday July 4th we will be closed.

at 1:08 PM

You can find the dates and times for General Orientations here. No registration is required, students can just come.

at 11:13 AM

Throughout the next two months there are faculty trainings for Ares (the new course reserves system) every Monday and Wednesday. Please be advised that half of these trainings are at Marston and the other half are at West. Faculty members may come to the circulation desk at Library West in error, please direct them to the Marston Science Library as necessary.

The training dates and locations are as follows:

Marston Science Library Room 308 (10AM-11AM)

June: 27th
July: 2nd, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th

Library West Room 211 (10AM-11AM)

August: 1st, 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 27th, 29th

at 10:24 AM

We'll close the Information Point during Intercession. We'll be back to staff the desk during normal hours starting July 2nd.

at 5:21 PM

Friday June 22nd Ares will go live. All Summer A, B & C classes that were already up in the old system have been set up in Ares and should be ready for viewing.

If you haven't had an opportunity to attend one of the Ares training sessions there is one more left on Tuesday, June 26th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419.

at 4:10 PM

Ares trainings are still available. If you're planning to come to the one tonight at 5:30 the location has changed and is going to be in West Room 211.

Tuesday, June 5th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Sunday, June 10th, 3-4pm in Library West Room 211
Tuesday, June 12th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Thursday, June 14th, 5:30pm-6:30pm in Library West Room 211
Tuesday, June 19th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Tuesday, June 26th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419

at 11:16 AM

The long awaited General Satisfaction survey is up and ready. I've emailed all the current and former Information Specialists the link (the survey is hosted by Survey Monkey) and I do hope you'll take the few minutes to answer the 16 questions. The survey is completely anonymous and I'll tabulate all the responses to share at our TBA Summer B Team Meeting.

Thank you for participating!

at 10:34 AM

At our meeting Friday we discussed the following:

New staff joining us on the desk
Starting in Summer A: Chris Templeton, Melissa Ware, Kenny Herniman, Todd Chisholm, and Janice Kahler.

Starting in Summer B: Michelle Foss and Matt Loving

Statistics
We looked at the new statistics from May.

Also we talked about how in July everyone will be taking daily statistics individually throughout the libraries, but we will continue to take our Information Point stats like we have been. I'll be reporting these to administration for the Information Point, so the stats you take on the Infopoint should not be included in your individual statistics that you report with your department.

Trainings
The Aleph v18 Circulation trainings are finished. The associated PowerPoint slides have been put up on the website. They're in the Circulation Manual so you probably will have to be at a staff computer to be able to view them.

Ares trainings are this month. Be sure to attend one. They're to be hands-on and Ares is very different from ERes. Bring any general questions you have about course reserves too!

Trades
ALA is coming up. If you need coverage please ask now.
Be sure to let me know when you arrange a trade so that I can mark it on the calendar.

We discussed Jana's using a wiki for the Ask A Librarian trade calendar. A few folks are familiar with it, and we talked about the possibility of using that model for Infopoint trades. No change will be made right now, but if folks have a chance to look into that, we might want to explore it in the future.

We talked about what to do if you need last minute coverage in an emergency. Call Angela first, but if you can't reach her call the main Access Services number 273-2525 and let someone there know. Even if you have to leave a message on that line there is now a receptionist who will pick up the message quickly and let circulation know that you can't make your shift. This will be especially important when the traffic picks up in Summer B and Fall.

Survey
The survey we talked about last Spring has turned into two separate surveys.

A General Satisfaction Survey will come out soon and be emailed to you as a Survey Monkey survey.

Later in the summer, before Fall trainings begin, an anonymous self-assessment survey (also on Survey Monkey) will help us set up the training sessions needed.

Additional notes:
Circulation staff will put a desk schedule on the big silver box so that you can see the names of the folks working the desk.

at 10:11 AM

The online videos (about one minute each) are now available to work in both IE and Firefox. To get to the videos go to: https://ufl.ares.atlas-sys.com/videos.html

The most important ones for us to watch are:
How to Create your account (under Student and Faculty Videos)
How to search for and add your class (under Student Videos)
How to view items for your class (under Student Videos)

To watch them in Firefox, be sure to click on the Quicktime version.

at 11:51 AM

Matthew has linked up the PowerPoints for the Aleph v.18 Circ Module trainings. I've added them to the Infopoint website on the training page. Being that they're "in" the circ manual you may only be able to actually connect to them while on campus.

at 9:20 AM

A Sunday training session has been added to the mix. So to update, these are the Ares trainings coming up:

~~Tuesday, June 5th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419~~
Sunday, June 10th, 3-4pm in Library West Room 211
Tuesday, June 12th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Thursday, June 14th, 5:30pm-6:30pm in Library West Room 419
Tuesday, June 19th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Tuesday, June 26th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419

at 10:22 AM

We found out today that room 401 (a two person room) does not have a dry erase board in it. To our knowledge all the other rooms have one though.

If a patron asks, we do have dry erase markers in the drawer right next to the Information Point. They don't checkout, just ask that they return it with the key when they're finished. Many of the rooms will have dry erase markers left in there as well (from when they forget to return them) and they should all have erasers.

Also in that drawer you'll see these little foil packets with phone cleaning wipes in them. You can use these on the keyboard, the phone if you feel the need, but also you can give one to patrons who want to clean off the headphones when they borrow them.

at 9:22 AM

Ares is set to go up on June 22nd during the Summer intercession. I've taken a peek at it, and it is completely different than ERes. If you haven't had the opportunity to attend a training yet, please come to one of the following sessions. Natalie is planning on it being a hands-on training this time, so even if you were able to attend one of the earlier overview sessions you might want to come to this as well.

A few of the differences I've personally noticed so far:

* Every student will have to create an Ares account before they can use the system.
* Each student will have to add their classes to their account before they can view the reserve items for their classes.
* If we want to be able to search for a reserve item, to find a call number for example, we'll have to create an Ares account (or use the sample account set up) and add the student's class to our own account.

It sounds like we'll be doing a lot of instruction with students and possibly faculty to help them start using the new system.

The available training sessions are:

Tuesday, June 5th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Tuesday, June 12th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Thursday, June 14th, 5:30pm-6:30pm in Library West Room 419
Tuesday, June 19th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419
Tuesday, June 26th, 10-11am in Library West Room 419

Hope to see you there!

at 1:12 PM

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2007 - Summer 2008 school year. See the page online here for the answers to most questions.

To access the online application, patrons go to the main library page and click "Online Requests" at the very top of the screen. From there they can scroll down to "Library Study Rooms."

at 4:07 PM

We will be closing the Information Point during the week of Intercession from June 25th to June 29th. I know it seems far away, but folks have already been looking at making trades for that week.

We'll look into whether we'll close for Summer/Fall Intercession later in the summer.

at 9:51 AM

The Course Reserves system (ERes) is down. Docutek is working on the problem now and they hope to have it working by lunchtime today.

In the meantime, if a student needs an item from Hard Copy Reserves, you can find it either by course number and professor name if it is owned by the instructor, or if it is a library owned item and they know the title, you can look it up in the catalog and then find it on the shelf by call number.

If you need help, you can ask the circulation folks on the desk to see if they can assist as well.

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UPDATE 10:40am

Course Reserves is back up and working. Thank you for your patience!

at 9:49 AM

If a student is not enrolled during the summer we refer requests for library access (e.g. card activations) to the circulation staff. But I thought it would be helpful for us to know the policies the circulation staff are following with regards to these patrons.

Click here for Graduate Students.

Click here for Undergraduate Students.

at 12:11 PM

You'll notice when you come to the Information Point that the table behind the circulation desk looks a LOT different! We've purchased headphones for the patrons to use, and (for the moment at least) they are housed on that back table.

The things that were displaced from the table (the stack of black boxes for example) are now back in the reserves area (near the 24 hour hold shelf).

If the arrangement changes I'll let you know here.

But the cool thing is that we have a lot more headphones to lend out to patrons now!

at 10:23 AM

In case you missed the email from Carol:

For the summer, we are permitting snack foods such as granola bars, chips, crackers, cookies, candy, nuts, and small fruits and vegetables throughout Library West along with covered drinks. Other foods must still be consumed in the study area across from Starbucks or outside. Staff who observe inappropriate foods (hot entrees, salad, pizza, soup, and anything hot, messy, or odorous) should ask the patron to take the food to the area across from Starbucks or outside the building.

Several things are being done to advertise the project. There will be posters at the entrance, a notice on the web page, and a press release. A survey will be distributed to gather user reaction to the pilot project. Copies of the survey will be available at the entrance, the circulation desk, and the research assistance desk. Please encourage library users to complete the survey. Surveys will be returned to the Circulation Desk and the Research Assistance Desk. Amanda Humphries will gather the surveys each day during the lunch hour.

Also, Barbara Hood has designed some new heavy paper coasters as a way to keep our table surfaces neater. These will be distributed throughout the building, and they are certain to be popular.

Here is some of the project publicity.

The surveys are at the desk (there is a stack right at the Infopoint) and if you have someone turn one in to you, there is an orange folder on the table behind the circ desk (in the black stacked boxes where you put the ILL orange slips).

at 9:39 AM

Public printing will be unavailable intermittently from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Friday, May 18th. Systems will be working with Xerox and Equitrac to install updates to their server.

Remember that students can go to any of the Circa labs to print, or to the Reitz Union for free printing.

at 5:43 PM

If a faculty member or TA wants to place items on Reserves, here are the steps as outlined by the Course Reserves staff:

To place items on Course Reserve there are 4 easy steps:

1. Go to the Course Reserves online form: http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/ereserves where you log in using your GatorID and password.

2. Fill out appropriate form. If you have a book, click on “Book” and fill out the citation information. Do the same if you have a “journal” or “multimedia” item. If you have a personal item, a call number will be automatically generated. If this is a roll-over class, click the corresponding radio button and fill out the class roll-over information. Quick Tip: copy & paste the citation from your syllabus as it will save you time. A full citation is required.

3. Be sure to fill out the Copyright form, if necessary. You can fax it to us at 392-6540.

4. Once the form is completed, hit the “submit” button. You will be given a confirmation number. Please print for your records and/or save the e-mail for future reference if you call us during the semester. You will need to include this confirmation number on any personal items that you bring in to the library circulation desk for Reserves processing.

For us on the desk, the key words here are: "You will need to include this confirmation number on any personal items that you bring in to the library circulation desk for Reserves processing." We need to make sure that we don't accept materials that do not have a confirmation number. If you have any questions or the faculty member has a question, please call back to the Course Reserves staff at 273-2520.

Once the faculty member has the confirmation number and the materials together, they can be placed on the shelf in the back. The shelf is labeled, and it's the one right next to the 24 hour hold shelf (between the Reserves shelves and the Hold shelves). There is a log there as well where you can log in the materials received.

at 5:21 PM

The folks at ALF are starting a new reclass project where items that are requested from storage will be reclassed from Dewey to LC and then put on the shelves at West. To this end, items requested from storage will have a circ note added to them by the folks at ALF so that they will be sent for reclass when they are returned by the patron.

Basically, this means that when you check out an item to a patron that was in storage it will pop up with a circ note that will say "Return to Cataloging for LC Reclass." You can totally ignore this message, click "OK" and continue checking the materials out as normal. This message is simply there to notify the folks checking in the books to send them for reclass instead of returning them to ALF.

If you have any questions though, please ask one of the circulation staff.

at 3:31 PM

If you have patrons who are not enrolled in Summer classes who want/need library privileges, please refer them to the Circulation staff. They have specific policies and procedures to follow in who gets this kind of access and how they go about setting it up in Aleph.

We can activate cards for students who are enrolled in classes, like we have been doing all along. But if anything seems unusual about their Aleph account (the expiration date has passed, their 8 digit UFID isn't in the system, etc.) please refer them to Circ for help.

at 5:06 PM

We just received an email from Emily Madden with the Price Library. While some select reference materials can be checked out from the 3rd floor (with permission) we are not to EVER check out Judaica Reference items. This might change later on when the new librarian comes on board, but for now, any questions about this policy can be directed to Emily Madden at: 273-2791.

at 9:59 AM

Well, we've trimmed back the summer training sessions. For our new folks on the desk, I'll spend your first shift on the desk with you to answer questions and provide some 1:1 training. For everyone though, the three more important training sessions to attend are:

Interlibrary Loan (new interface) - Wednesday, May 8th 11-12pm in West 419

Course Reserves (new Ares system) - These were last week, but I can ask if one more session could be offered if there is interest. Please let me know soon if you were unable to attend one of the trainings.

Aleph v18 training sessions (4 sessions) - Right now 3 of the 4 classes have been scheduled. You will be able to sign up using the new training database at this site soon.

Introduction to v.18 Circulation Client: in West 419
* Monday, May 14th 9-10am
* Tuesday, May 15th 4-5pm
* Wednesday, May 16th 10-11am
* Thursday, May 17th 3-4pm

Borrowers: in West 419
* Monday, May 21st 10-11am
* Tuesday, May 22nd 4-5pm
* Wednesday, May 23rd 9-10am
* Thursday, May 24th 3-4pm

Loans and Returns: in West 419
* Tuesday, May 29th 10-11am
* Tuesday, May 29th 4-5pm
* Thursday, May 31st 9-10am

at 2:34 PM

The statistics for April are in. This was the first full month after we'd shortened our hours to 10am-8pm. What will really be interesting is seeing what our first real summer in the new building brings. Enjoy Intercession! See you on the desk starting May 14th!

at 11:22 AM

Well, Trainings are to start next week. The most important sessions for everyone to attend are:

Interlibrary Loan Information
Date: Wednesday, May 9th 11:00 - 12:00 pm in West 419
Trainer: Michelle Foss
Trainees will be able to:
* Direct a patron to ILL/Illiad appropriately.
* Demonstrate using the new Illiad interface.
* Explain basic Interlibrary Loan policies.
* Locate and Checkout ILL items
* Accept ILL Returns appropriately

New Course Reserves Information
Dates: Monday- Friday, April 30th - May 4th 10:00 – 11:00 am in West 211
Wednesday & Thursday, May 2nd & 3rd 7:00 – 8:00 pm in West 211
Trainer: Michelle Foss
Trainees will be able to:
* Direct a patron to Ares as appropriate.
* Identify items in the UF catalog as being on reserve and explain basic course reserve policies.
* Demonstrate finding course reserves materials online in Ares.
* Locate and Checkout Reserve Items.
* Return Reserves Items appropriately.

Aleph v.18 Training
Dates: TBA
Trainers: TBA
With the upgrade to Aleph 18 coming up there will be several trainings coming up that will apply to all of us on the Information Point. So rather than have Matthew hold his usual Circulation Basics training session, I’ll email you with the dates and times for the Aleph v.18 sessions relevant to the Information Point as they are announced. It looks like there will be at least 3 of these sessions that will be important for us to attend, possibly 4.

I haven't had much response on any of the other trainings (the same ones we've offered each semester). We have 5 new volunteers joining us on the desk, so if no one else is interested in attending these trainings, we might cancel those and I can train our new teammates individually on the desk. I'll let you know via email if we do cancel any sessions.

at 12:38 PM

I just found this today, and I know it's new as of last week when I was on the desk.

On the UF homepage, when you click "Libraries" it used to take you right to the uflib.ufl.edu page. But now it takes you to a page about all the UF libraries (which I can see does make sense). It just adds an extra step when showing patrons how to get to the library homepage, but I can see it really throwing someone for a loop the first time it happened.

So now you click "Libraries" and then on the left side of this new page you click "George A Smathers Libraries" to get to our homepage.

at 1:44 PM

Just to confirm what is below in the meeting minutes from our April meeting, the logbook for Xerox problems is actually a clipboard. It's located on the table behind the circulation desk. If you have any problems with the Xerox copiers or card dispensers reported, please follow the procedures outlined below and on the flowchart here.

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

Illiad is having some authentication problems. So someone trying to use ILL, even if they've been in the system for years, might be getting errors when they try to login to Illiad. If you have a patron with this problem, call Michelle Foss at 3-2541, or if she is not available call the main ILL line at 3-2535 for help.

at 3:25 PM

But you knew that right.

I found out today that items from the Gov Docs collection cannot be returned to other libraries, they must return them to the Gov Docs department. This doesn't seem to come up much, but we did have one item end up here at West today.

at 9:59 AM

This came up last week. A professor came up to the Information Point and told us that library staff sent some of his students to the wrong library - they were asking for the PK Yonge Library of Florida History, which is housed in Special Collections in Library East, but were accidentally sent to the PK Yonge School. That's an awfully long walk to end up at the wrong owning location.

So, now we know there is a PK Yonge Library of Florida History in Library East. I learn something new everyday!

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

Another topic that will be coming up more and more now that Summer is nearly here:
Question: If a student is graduating this Spring and starting Grad school at UF in the summer, will they have library privileges over the summer?

Answer: if they are here during spring, and enrolled for Fall, then the student can have library privileges during the summer. Usually their card access will expire in mid to late May, but if they bring it to the Circulation desk, Circ staff can give them access for the rest of the summer.

at 2:06 PM

Minutes from today's meeting:

Statistics- We looked at the February and March statistics (which are available online).
-----------------------
Schedule- We discussed the Summer schedule and a few folks have moved around. If anyone would like to move to a different time slot, or split their shift please just let me know. I'm sure we can find a schedule that works for everyone. There are several slots available since we have had a few folks who needed to drop off the schedule for the summer. (Although several are returning in the fall.)
-----------------------
Reports- We discussed a few issues:

Reporting Problems with the Copiers, Printers, or Copy Card Dispensers:
Carol shared that it is very important that all service desks consistently report any and all problems we're having with the Xerox equipment. Even if it seems to be a minor issue we need to document it. A procedure has been put into place as of today.

When staff at the desk or within any branch location become aware of a failed Copier, Card dispenser or printer:

1.) Notify your Systems Liaison. (This is Scott Fagen for the Infopoint.)

2.) If the Systems Liaison is unavailable for immediate assistance:

a. Call Xerox at 366-4407 – if they don’t answer, leave a message.

b. Document the problem in the Xerox log book at the desk (It will be on the back table behind the desk)

c. Email the Liaison (Scott Fagen) of the steps you have taken.

3.) The Liaison will always submit a SysHelp.

So basically the end result will always be Scott putting in a Syshelp for us. That way they'll have consistent documentation gathered of all problems. If you have any questions about a copier/card dispenser/printer issue, you can ask one of the circulation staff members or contact Scott (or Angela of course). No problem is too small to report.

Phone calls:
It has come up a few times that a patron wants to either know where the closest pay phones are, or wants to use the Circ phone. After speaking to the Access Services folks I've gotten the following information.

Guidelines for patrons using the Circ phones: The circulation staff really don't let patrons use the phone unless it is a very unusual circumstance (the example was someone whose wallet was stolen and they were calling UPD). So if you have a patron who is adamant about using the phone and you're not sure it's permissible refer them to the pay phones, campus phones or to circulation staff.

Pay phones are located: Across the street in front of Target Copy

Working Campus phones are located: In Bryan Hall (east of us, past Anderson and Matherly halls) and in Criser Hall. The one that is outside of Library West does not work.

VHS vs DVD:
A few patrons have had this same issue where they are looking for a DVD but are searching in the VHS section or vice versa. To some patrons the word "video" is interchangeable with "DVD" and this can cause confusion. Just something to be aware of when an item isn't being found.

Also though, it is possible that an item is actually mislabeled or mis-shelved. If you find an item is mislabeled, Naomi requests that you send an email to the Cataloging Problems email address so that it can be fixed. If an item is mis-shelved or not found in the proper location, you can fill out an "Item Is Not On Shelf" form (on the back table) so that Access Services can initiate a search.

Fire Drill/Alarm Procedures:
The procedures for us to follow anytime the fire alarms go off are simply to lock your workstation and exit the building. However be aware that patrons with physical disabilities may not be able to leave the building via the stairs. You are not to wait with the person, but instead take their name and location (they may have an orange card with this information to give you) and report it to the first uniformed person you find outside the building.
-----------------------
Training:
I've confirmed with the trainers that they are available and ready to hold training sessions during the week of May 7th-11th. I'll be sending out invitations to the sessions soon. If you haven't attended any one of these sessions before they are highly recommended. I've gotten excellent feedback on all of them. Folks have reported that they are highly relevant and useful when on the desk. Everyone is encouraged to attend each training at least once, although feel free to come for a refresher if you've attended before!
-----------------------
Call for Volunteers:
The call went out via email yesterday. Please share with your colleagues how you've enjoyed working on the Information Point and encourage everyone to join us. The more the merrier! The only requirements are that they be a TEAMS or USPS position and that they have their supervisor's approval.

at 3:24 PM

Fines going UP

Fines are increasing starting with Summer A/C this year. We have little information cards at the desk that can be handed out to patrons, and there is information online as well.

Semester winding DOWN:

The Spring semester is drawing to a close. The last day to staff the Information Point is Friday, April 27th.

Gearing UP for Summer:

It's time to think about the Summer!

Have you enjoyed working on the Information Point? Let me know if you're willing to volunteer again for the Summer!

Have you been looking for the opportunity to switch up your schedule a bit? Let me know if you'd like to change to a different shift!

Do you have some fellow officemates who have been jealous all Spring about all the fun you're having on the Information Point? Time to send them my way so that we can add them to our schedule!

Getting DOWN to business:

Finals Week is almost here. The Student Government is looking to offer free coffee and donuts in the 1st floor cafe area on April 26th. We don't have a lot of details at the moment, but more information should be forthcoming.

Training coming UP:

With Endeca on the way, a recently updated ILL interface, and now an upcoming new Electronic Reserves system coming this summer, we'll have lots of new training opportunities coming up as well. Watch this space for training dates! Well, I'll email you too. ;)

at 3:41 PM

The HUB is now open for students to use. There is an article on the Office of Academic Technology's website that details some of the features of the new space. There is also a link to their hours which are: Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Friday8am-5pm, and Saturday & Sunday closed.

The site says they have videoconferencing suites and workgroup spaces supported with multimedia and videoconferencing. I'm not sure how analogous those are to our group study rooms though. They have wireless access and walk-up internet access but don't say how many computers they have available. The reference to "laptop appointments" refers to their being able to help folks figure out issues with their personal laptops.

If anyone goes by there we'd love to hear more about how the new space looks!

at 9:28 AM

Both events are open to the public. If you're not on the desk at these times stop by! The events have been great!

Wednesday, April 4th: 3–5 PM in East 100

Jennifer Hu Corriggio, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, FL: “The Spanish Roma: Gitano Cultural Identity, Flamenco and Legal Governance” (Lecture with a slide show)

Thursday, April 5th: 2–5 PM in East 100

Dr. Geoffrey Giles, Associate Professor of History, Department of History, UF: “Gypsies and the Holocaust” (Lecture and screening of Porraimos: Europe’s Gypsies in the Holocaust – a documentary film, 2002)

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

Also, on a separate note, please push the Read-a-thon as much as you can this week. It's next week and we still have lots of reading slots available. We'd love staff, faculty and students to read and also come to listen and enjoy free 5Star pizza on the plaza! If you can sign up for a slot that would be great!

The website to sign up for a slot is linked on the library homepage under the announcements section on the right side. There should be handouts at the desk as well. Feel free to place one in any books you check-out or hand to anyone coming to the desk!

at 11:13 AM

The Electronic Resources in Japanese Studies Workshop is being held today. There are three associated events to be aware of:

2pm in West 212: Global Interlibrary Loan

3pm in West 211: Digital Resources

4pm in East 100: Keynote Lecture and Reception to follow

at 12:30 PM

Now that we no longer have the 8-10am shift folks doing this, it will fall to the 10-12 shift folks to change the dates on the date-stamps in the morning. Until we're all used to the change, it would be a good idea to double check the dates before you check out the first items of the day.

Also, if you have questions about the circulation of reference items the Circ folks should have the answers for you. I do know that the test prep books (GRE, CLAST, LSAT, etc.) can be checked out. But we recently found out that the Judaica Reference books do not circulate at all. The 3rd floor reference books can circulate only if they have a notice with them from the reference desk giving permission.

Can you tell it's been a slow week for updates? If you have anything come up that you think the Infopoint folks should be aware of, please email Angela to have it added to the blog. I'm always on the lookout for blog topics!

at 9:47 AM

This came up in a meeting last week. Sometimes when you're on the Information Point Aleph can go down. It happened to me about a week ago.

When this happens, the circulation staff member will set up two terminals (probably not the InfoPoint one) for Offline Circulation. One line will be for short term loan items (laptops, keys, course reserves, basically anything with a loan period of less than one day) and the other will be for regular loans. During this time, we'll still be able to answer questions and retrieve ILL materials for patrons, but we'll have to refer anything that requires the staff side of Aleph to the two working terminals.

The good news is that Aleph is usually not down for very long.

at 3:48 PM

The celebration yesterday was very well attended, and I hope everyone enjoyed the food and recognition. Click here to see the great photos that Barbara took. I thoroughly enjoyed throwing you a party, and I can't wait to do another one! Everyone has been a lot of fun to work with and has really made a difference to the Information Point, the library and the patrons. I sent certificates back with folks for the folks who couldn't attend so hopefully you've gotten them by now. Just a little something to add to your collections of accomplishments. ;)

Now for the news you've all been waiting for! I was able to meet with Carol this week and we've gotten the go-ahead to continue the Information Point for the foreseeable future. That means we'll even staff it over the summer. There was one change that is to be implemented immediately following Spring Break and that is to change the hours of coverage. We will be staffing the desk from 10-8pm, and eliminating the 8-10am shift. This is all based on statistical data we've gathered. (You guys have been doing great in gathering data! Thank you!)

I very much value everyone's contribution to the Information Point though, and so I've been trying to fit everyone into the existing schedule by seeing what hours the former morning folks are available and who would be willing to give up half of their shift. So far I've been able to place most of the morning folks who need coverage, but I do have two more to hear from. I should have the new schedule finalized by Monday and if your regular shift is changing at all it will only be with your knowledge and consent. If you have any questions, please give me (Angela) a call. I appreciate everyone being flexible while we figure out how to keep all our volunteers on the desk.

at 4:02 PM

Neflin has free full color help guides on over 60 computer programs that we can get for free. Here is a link to a list of available guides.

Do you get questions about using any particular programs (Windows, Word, Excel,PowerPoint, etc.) Would these quick reference guides be useful on the Information Point?

I personally haven't been getting these kinds of questions, but I thought I'd check with you all before saying we don't need them. You can email Angela or leave a comment here with your feedback.

Thank you!

at 10:30 AM

I have great news! The Employee Recognition Committee has approved a request for Discretionary Recognition Funds to be used to upgrade our March Meeting into a celebration! So come and join us for a celebration to recognize all the Information Specialists who have volunteered on the Information Point. Food and drinks will be provided. Please notice the time has been changed to a more food-friendly time. See you there!

Date: Wednesday, March 14th
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Place: Access Services Conf Room 253

at 3:39 PM

Everyone enjoy your spring break! We won't staff the Infopoint next week. But do remember to come to our Team Meeting on Wednesday the 14th! The Employee Recognition Committee has given us some $ to turn this into a real celebration, so there will be food! Watch for a new and improved invitation to come to you soon!

at 12:30 PM

This came up yesterday. If a person is IN a group study room with a group they can't get on the waiting list until they've turned the key back in. If you have any questions about these kinds of questions, check with the Circ staff out at the desk. Sometimes patrons ask the darnedest things. :)

at 11:43 AM

Today from 3:30pm-7:00pm Illiad will be undergoing the major upgrade we heard about in the recent ILL presentation. During this time no one will be able to log into Illiad.

After the upgrade, the user interface will look completely different, so I encourage you to explore it when you have the chance. From the presentation it looks like it will be much more user-friendly and easy to navigate, but it is substantially different than the old Illiad. ILL staff are available for questions about the new interface at their main number 273-2535.

at 3:52 PM

Rooms 335 & 336 are the two rooms with ADA/Media equipment. These are available by reservation for up to 4 people. The people reserving the rooms must also be using the equipment.

If you go to the main library page there is a link to the Information Commons page. From there you can click Accessibility and Media Production Studios and that page will show you the equipment, peripherals and software available in those rooms. From there you can click on the highlighted word reserve to see what the reservation policies are. There is an online reservation form, or the patron can go up to the third floor reference desk to reserve a room in person. For more information you can call your fellow Information Specialist Marilyn Ochoa.

Starting Monday, February 19th room 229 will be undergoing an upgrade. This room will be getting specialized equipment to allow it to be used for teleconferencing. This room will no longer be checked out by the Circulation desk, instead it will be reserved and checked out at the third floor reference desk. I do not know how long the installation of the equipment will actually take, but I have been told it will no longer be checked out by the Circulation folks as of February 19th.

Also, just a reminder that folks can also reserve the Group Presentation area (the area near the bean bags with the giant monitor) at the reference desk as well. That information is also linked on the Information Commons page.

at 11:31 AM

I just attended the Fire Safety class today and then went on a fire extinguisher hunt. I thought I'd share my findings with you.

Fire extinguishers are all over the place. I found that if I went to a spot where two corridors converged I could see an extinguisher box.

The closest fire extinguishers to the circulation desk are located on either side of the circulation desk on the walls with the long benches towards the north end of the bench (in the halls heading back to the 2nd floor stacks).

There are pull stations (for setting off the fire alarm) at each the door leading into the stairwells on the 2nd and 1st floors, and at the emergency exit doors leading outside from the stairwells on the first floor. Apparently they are placed so that you can pull them on your way OUT of the building.

at 11:28 AM

Just a reminder, Group Study Rooms and Laptops should never be checked out to library staff members. If they need a meeting space you can refer them to the various training rooms and conference rooms in the libraries. If they do need a laptop for any reason, please refer them to systems. I'm told systems has loaner laptops for staff use. If you think the staff member might have an extenuating circumstance, please refer them to one of the Access Services managers.

at 3:48 PM

We've had a few folks looking for Tax forms (like the 1040EZ) to file their returns. These can be found in Government Documents on the first floor of the Marston Science Library.

at 3:27 PM

Just a fun fact:

When the Gator Wait pagers are running low on battery power they will start letting out an occasional beep (not the full out lighting up buzzing - just a beep). The pager will still work for the patron, but when it comes back it's a good idea to place it down on the bottom of the stack so that it won't be given out for a while.

at 12:16 PM

We've had a recent increase in the number of patrons having issues with connecting to the wireless network using their laptops. If you have a patron complaint different from the one below, please report it to me so we can see if there are additional issues.

The patron comes to the desk and says they can't log into the wireless network. I was able to get the patron to show me the error he was getting. This was the error:

This was a new laptop and it has Microsoft Vista on it rather than Microsoft Windows XP. Vista has some increased security options that are turned on by default. This page is basically saying "the page you're trying to view is possibly a dangerous page, do you REALLY want to go there?"

All the patron has to do is click the option with the scary red X that says "continue to this website (not recommended)."

I can imagine we'll be getting more inquiries about this as folks get their new laptops with Vista.

--------------------- edited to add--------------
The image above is the error they'll get in Internet Explorer. If they are using Firefox as their browser they might see this error:

------You may have seen this commercial about the security in Vista:------

at 2:38 PM

We have January statistics available now. I think we can all see a clear pattern here.

The circulation folks are gathering stats for us this week. I'll compile those and compare them with our stats from this week and see what shows. Then I'll hopefully be able to set up a meeting with the powers that be and get a decision on the future of the Information Point. If you have ideas about what you'd like to see us continue to do or what you like for the future, chime in on the discussion (or start a new one) on the Information Point Forum we have on the Library BBS.

at 4:32 PM

We had a patron earlier having a problem with the copiers. He tried all three floors, but found that his copies kept coming out lighter and lighter. We called Xerox and they came out to look to see if the copiers were running low on toner. They weren't. But I got a great tip to share with patrons who have this problem!

If you do not close the top of the copier down over whatever you're copying, the light from the room goes through the glass and compromises the quality of the copy. Use the top of the copier to shield the glass from the light of the room as much as possible to get the best copy quality. I think this mostly will come into play when folks are trying to copy pages from a text (like a reserve item). They tend to use both hands to push the book down and hold it still and do not close the lid. I know it takes extra time to close and open the lid for each copy, but it really does work!

I thought this tip was worth passing along!

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.

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