Hello,
A few notes for the week....
Doors and Gate
Main Entry: There is still work being done on our doors to coordinate the gate alarm and door locks. At the moment it appears that the locks are not always tripped by the gatre alarm as expected. Staff are asked to monitor the gate alarms and follow up with any clients who set off the alarm. This might mean getting their attention before they exit the library.
Gate: We have had some 'phantom alarms' recently, where the gate alarm rings with no one in sight. Please report these in the shift report or to your supervisor. Items with RFID tags, such as some CPL books can also set off the alarm. These items should be passed around the gate separately.
Please let me know if there are any situations of concern with the gate and doors.
Exit door by Individual Study Rooms
There has been a OneCard swipe pad installed in the hallway outside the exit door by the individual study rooms. Staff will eventually access that area of the library from the hallway (across the hall from our workroom entry door), once the programming is complete.
From the inside of the library this door is still on the Securitron alarm and should show a green light when properly alarmed. We do have a key to reset the alarm if necessary.
Access to the 1461 - 1464 Study Rooms
We undersatnd that access to the 1461-1464 study rooms is coming soon. Once doors are operational, we will have access to this area evenings and weekends only.
Annunciator panel
We now have an annunciator panel sitting at the service desk by station #3. This panel, once completely set up, will show a light and give an audible alarm when an alarmed door has been breached. It will be fully operational once we have acccess once again to the 1461-4 group rooms. At the moment, it does give an audible and visual alarm for the main entry. This mean that if the main entry goes into alarm you will also hear the annunciator panel and see a light for 1450. To silence the annunciator panel alarm, press the red button. To reset the lights on the panel, the alarmed door in question needs to be reset. We will have more detailed information available once the system is completely up and running.
Self Checkout
We would like to promote use of our new self checkout machine. Could staff please mention this option to clients checking books out at the desk - they may wish to try it next time. Please also offer to assist clients at the checkout , or provide if they are interested in seeing how it works. Clients who have given this a try seem to be impressed. Have you tried it yet?
Hold Notices
A message from Mary Jane in Discovery Systems regarding hold notices:
To answer a question arising at today’s CSCG Meeting, users should only be receiving one hold-available-for-pickup notice per hold item.
If the user already received a pickup notice and the hold item was subsequently charged to a “transit” card” and then discharged and the hold trapped again, the system has tracked that one notice was already sent. Our report settings are currently set to send only one notice. For U of C, notices are sent out for holds available at 5:30 p.m.
Note that you can see the Notified date in the glossary (the window that pops up when you click on the underlined item):
Holds
If there is an item with multiple holds, and the first client does not pick up the hold, the hold ‘expires’ and the item automatically shows as ‘available’ in Sirsi for the next client, even while it still sits on the hold shelf. This can cause some confusion, especially if expired or cancelled holds are not pulled from the shelf quickly. The client will not be notified by email until the items is actually processed by staff, but in some cases the client may think the item is ready for pick up before it is available. As noted above, checking for the ‘Notified’ date may help in tracking the status of a hold.
Technology
We have had some comments from clients about weak wireless signal in the back of the library. If there are any more comments/complaints from our patrons, Lourdes would like to track. Please forward any comments or concerns about the wireless signal to Lourdes or your supervisor.
Term loans
We have had a number of clients asking about when they will be able to renew their term loans. On May 1st, term loan items can be renewed and will have a new due date of Sept. 15th. There will be renewal reminder notices sent to all those who have term items on loan.
Room Bookings
We have noticed that more and more people are using the self-serve room booking system. Clients need to log into the system using their ucalgary email username and password (the same one they would use to access webmail for example). Once the login information is entered, access into the system is quite slow. If clients are still having trouble accessing the system with their login and password, please pass along their name and the username they are using to me and I will investigate with ITS.
Equipment Booking
Further to the note last week about the HSL equipment booking, I would like to clarify that this equipment is for staff sign out /use only.
Clients wishing to book equipment, for example a data projector for use in the 1453 - 59 rooms, they can contact Medical AV Services at 210-3839, during regular business hours M-F.
Reserve override
When trying to check out reserve items for TAL clients, for example the Toronto Notes, you will need to enter the override password twice.
Friday, April 13, 2012
a few friendly RefStats reminders
Good afternoon everyone,
A few friendly RefStats reminders to close out the week:
1. Directional questions: clients asking whether or not they can wait in a particular spot/place etc., need not be recorded. Rather, please just record directional questions requesting locations of units, departments, buildings, etc.
2. Circulation transactions mediated by staff (i.e. staff renew books, place holds, etc. for patrons) should not be counted. Rather, it’s the process of showing clients how to renew, place a hold, register for an account (the clients then perform the action themselves) that is to be recorded.
3. Again, please exercise caution to select the correct question category type when inputting questions (there have been a few directional questions listed as reference and vice-versa).
A few friendly RefStats reminders to close out the week:
1. Directional questions: clients asking whether or not they can wait in a particular spot/place etc., need not be recorded. Rather, please just record directional questions requesting locations of units, departments, buildings, etc.
2. Circulation transactions mediated by staff (i.e. staff renew books, place holds, etc. for patrons) should not be counted. Rather, it’s the process of showing clients how to renew, place a hold, register for an account (the clients then perform the action themselves) that is to be recorded.
3. Again, please exercise caution to select the correct question category type when inputting questions (there have been a few directional questions listed as reference and vice-versa).
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
University Timesheet Schedule
Here's a link to the University's timesheet calendar for 2012 in case you need for planning purposes: http://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/files/hr/De-Central_Master_Calendar_2012.pdf
Includes timesheet lock and manager approval dates.
Includes timesheet lock and manager approval dates.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
HSL Access Notes - April 5th
Hello,
A few notes to begin the month…..
Staff computer updates
ITS has been able to upgrade a few of the staff computers in the service area. The computer at station #3 (sit down) has been upgraded, that should speed up processes. Both Brian and Grace’s computers have been upgraded, and Brian’s computer now has a double screen. The second screen acts as an extension to the first, and items can be simply dragged from one screen to the other.
Glen was able to also adjust our laptop so that when used with a data projector, the desktop with display both on the laptop and the screen.
You will notice a slight change to the login screen at service desk station #2. The login screen will show a window with
username: libuser
Password:
Log on to: WS706936
Simply enter our LCR login password in the password field to access the desktop.
Coming up next, all of the keyboards in the computer classrooms will be replaced within the next week or two, prior to the MCCQ exams at the end of the month.
ITS
At HSL please route technology concerns to Lourdes who is our liaison with ITS, or myself as backup.
A message from Paul Pival regarding technology concerns…
When your computer appears to be ill, please contact itshelp@ucalgary.ca first, and not main IT (itsupport). The former will come to our crack team of LCR experts, who are the ones who built the image on your PC, and thus are intimately familiar with how it works.
Mail Changes in service area
In consultation with staff, and in response to the growing number of items we have in transit to different locations, we have made a few changes for managing mail in the service area. We are going ahead with this and would be happy to hear any additional feedback.
TBCC and WHKC mail pick up trays have moved from the back workroom area to the bookshelf under the clock in the service area.
Mail and items going to main campus are now being sorted on a table beside the service area photocopier. This includes:
TFDL Courier
TFDL returns bin
HDL return bin
Other campus mail
Extra empty bins will be kept under the table
There are now separate outgoing mail trays for ACH, RGH and PLC on top of the cabinet where all outgoing mail used to be sorted. There is one additional tray for all other outgoing mail, for example Canada Post items, beside the KC trays.
Thanks for your good ideas and help setting this up today Janine!
Duplicate Call Numbers
Please note that with new book processes, it is possible for two books to have the exact same call number. When pulling items for the hold list, please ensure to check titles as well as call numbers. It is the university barcode that is the unique identifier for each item.
Back care videos
HSL has received 4 copies of a "back care video" for our Compulsory Education collection that may be needed by Occupational Health & Safety employees.
These were formerly the Calgary Health Region videos that were in the white Compulsory Education binders that we discarded about a year ago.
Mackie Collection
Hello, we will be receiving additional materials for the Mackie History of Medicine collection soon. As well, we have special covers on order to use with especially fragile items.
We are preparing to send a second batch of items from this collection for digitization.
Alumni Renewals
Clients who have Alumni cards with expired privileges can have their privileges extended for one year from the date of renewal. There is currently no fee for Alumni library privileges.
Chairs
Every adjustable public study chair was checked for proper function this week, and staff were given a very helpful demonstration. The chair seat can be adjusted:
Height - front pull out lever on right side(when sitting)
Depth (chair cushion can move away from or closer to the chair back)- back pull out lever on right side.
Back Lean - lever on left hand side. Press down to unlock, lean back, press lever up to lock. If locked in lean position, press lever down, lean back slightly and chair back will reset.
Tension - turning knob on end of lever on left hand side. Loosen for less tension in chair back.
Booking Equipment Calendars
We are in contact with Paul Pival to create equipment booking calendars in Outlook. In the meantime Leslie has created printed calendars for equipment booking. Thanks Leslie.
Calendars for the following are in the equipment cupboard beside the equipment:
BENQ data projector
NEC data projector
PC Laptop
MAC Laptop (not yet available)
IPad 1
Skype Camera
Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
Happy Easter, happy spring,
Mary
A few notes to begin the month…..
Staff computer updates
ITS has been able to upgrade a few of the staff computers in the service area. The computer at station #3 (sit down) has been upgraded, that should speed up processes. Both Brian and Grace’s computers have been upgraded, and Brian’s computer now has a double screen. The second screen acts as an extension to the first, and items can be simply dragged from one screen to the other.
Glen was able to also adjust our laptop so that when used with a data projector, the desktop with display both on the laptop and the screen.
You will notice a slight change to the login screen at service desk station #2. The login screen will show a window with
username: libuser
Password:
Log on to: WS706936
Simply enter our LCR login password in the password field to access the desktop.
Coming up next, all of the keyboards in the computer classrooms will be replaced within the next week or two, prior to the MCCQ exams at the end of the month.
ITS
At HSL please route technology concerns to Lourdes who is our liaison with ITS, or myself as backup.
A message from Paul Pival regarding technology concerns…
When your computer appears to be ill, please contact itshelp@ucalgary.ca first, and not main IT (itsupport). The former will come to our crack team of LCR experts, who are the ones who built the image on your PC, and thus are intimately familiar with how it works.
Mail Changes in service area
In consultation with staff, and in response to the growing number of items we have in transit to different locations, we have made a few changes for managing mail in the service area. We are going ahead with this and would be happy to hear any additional feedback.
TBCC and WHKC mail pick up trays have moved from the back workroom area to the bookshelf under the clock in the service area.
Mail and items going to main campus are now being sorted on a table beside the service area photocopier. This includes:
TFDL Courier
TFDL returns bin
HDL return bin
Other campus mail
Extra empty bins will be kept under the table
There are now separate outgoing mail trays for ACH, RGH and PLC on top of the cabinet where all outgoing mail used to be sorted. There is one additional tray for all other outgoing mail, for example Canada Post items, beside the KC trays.
Thanks for your good ideas and help setting this up today Janine!
Duplicate Call Numbers
Please note that with new book processes, it is possible for two books to have the exact same call number. When pulling items for the hold list, please ensure to check titles as well as call numbers. It is the university barcode that is the unique identifier for each item.
Back care videos
HSL has received 4 copies of a "back care video" for our Compulsory Education collection that may be needed by Occupational Health & Safety employees.
These were formerly the Calgary Health Region videos that were in the white Compulsory Education binders that we discarded about a year ago.
Mackie Collection
Hello, we will be receiving additional materials for the Mackie History of Medicine collection soon. As well, we have special covers on order to use with especially fragile items.
We are preparing to send a second batch of items from this collection for digitization.
Alumni Renewals
Clients who have Alumni cards with expired privileges can have their privileges extended for one year from the date of renewal. There is currently no fee for Alumni library privileges.
Chairs
Every adjustable public study chair was checked for proper function this week, and staff were given a very helpful demonstration. The chair seat can be adjusted:
Height - front pull out lever on right side(when sitting)
Depth (chair cushion can move away from or closer to the chair back)- back pull out lever on right side.
Back Lean - lever on left hand side. Press down to unlock, lean back, press lever up to lock. If locked in lean position, press lever down, lean back slightly and chair back will reset.
Tension - turning knob on end of lever on left hand side. Loosen for less tension in chair back.
Booking Equipment Calendars
We are in contact with Paul Pival to create equipment booking calendars in Outlook. In the meantime Leslie has created printed calendars for equipment booking. Thanks Leslie.
Calendars for the following are in the equipment cupboard beside the equipment:
BENQ data projector
NEC data projector
PC Laptop
MAC Laptop (not yet available)
IPad 1
Skype Camera
Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
Happy Easter, happy spring,
Mary
Thursday, March 29, 2012
RefStats Reminder
Hello everyone,
Just a brief reminder, that, as per a discussion/decision by the Reference Workteam at our previous meeting, requests for permission to use the KC computers should no longer be included in RefStats.
Please let me know if you have any questions,
Thank you,
Marcus, on behalf of the Reference Workteam
Just a brief reminder, that, as per a discussion/decision by the Reference Workteam at our previous meeting, requests for permission to use the KC computers should no longer be included in RefStats.
Please let me know if you have any questions,
Thank you,
Marcus, on behalf of the Reference Workteam
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
HIN Videos Updated
The following HIN videos have been updated and uploaded to our YouTube Channel (hinyyc). These replace the ones recorded in 2008 (with the older yellow template).
YouTube Description: The Health Information Network provides library and information services to AHS Calgary Zone and AHS Cancer Care (south) staff, and to patients and their families. Visit us at http://hinc.ucalgary.ca/.
- HIN An Introduction: http://youtu.be/i9G5KxuMZ70
- HIN How to Register for a Library Account: http://youtu.be/ZvDe1UaMgNQ
- HIN How to Renew Your Books Online: http://youtu.be/OgMJ0TLOiTE
YouTube Description: The Health Information Network provides library and information services to AHS Calgary Zone and AHS Cancer Care (south) staff, and to patients and their families. Visit us at http://hinc.ucalgary.ca/.
Friday, March 23, 2012
HSL Access notes - March 23rd
A very few notes this week....
Touch Table
It is nice to see interest in the touch table. We are hoping to have a staff training session for the touch table soon.
Recently I did see students with drinks sitting on the edge of the table. Please note this is definitely a no food and drink area. Please ask clients using the table to set aside any food or drinks away from the table.
Transit tips
Thanks Janine for creating the helpful transit tip sheet that is posted at station #1. The chart indicates if and when to place items on the transit card.
Items going to the Downtown campus: There is direct delivery to Downtown Campus through inter-campus mail. Items can be placed in a transit bag with Downtown Campus Address Label (saved on Grace's computer and in shared drive) for inter-campus mail delivery.
The Military Museums(TMM): No direct delivery. Please route through TFDL as with other main campus branches. Flag with location and place in TFDL transit bin/blue box.
TFDL: TFDL is now, in addition to our blue boxes, using larger beige bins for transit of items between TFDL and HSL. These still have a reusable address label that can be flipped for return delivery. Please do not fill these new bins to capacity since they would then be too heavy for safe management.
Please do not put any extra TFDL flags in regular TFDL returns. Please flag items going to other branches only.
History of Medicine Room
The plastic has been removed from the table and collection in the History of Medicine room. Staff are continuing to check the room for any leaks each morning and evening. We will be expecting more of the collection to arrive in April.
Sirsi and Daylight Savings Time
We have received word that the one hour time change on March 11th may have caused problems with a few transactions in Sirsi. If there are clients who are concerned about fines or problems with transactions form that time, please take this into account. Clients with concerns can always be referred to me for follow up as well.
Staff Contact List
The HSL staff contact list is being updated and should be distributed soon. Thanks Leslie for your work on this.
Supplies
I will be submitting another supply request in early April. Please submit supply requests to me by March 30th.
Thanks. Please let me know if there are any questions, suggestions or concerns.
Touch Table
It is nice to see interest in the touch table. We are hoping to have a staff training session for the touch table soon.
Recently I did see students with drinks sitting on the edge of the table. Please note this is definitely a no food and drink area. Please ask clients using the table to set aside any food or drinks away from the table.
Transit tips
Thanks Janine for creating the helpful transit tip sheet that is posted at station #1. The chart indicates if and when to place items on the transit card.
Items going to the Downtown campus: There is direct delivery to Downtown Campus through inter-campus mail. Items can be placed in a transit bag with Downtown Campus Address Label (saved on Grace's computer and in shared drive) for inter-campus mail delivery.
The Military Museums(TMM): No direct delivery. Please route through TFDL as with other main campus branches. Flag with location and place in TFDL transit bin/blue box.
TFDL: TFDL is now, in addition to our blue boxes, using larger beige bins for transit of items between TFDL and HSL. These still have a reusable address label that can be flipped for return delivery. Please do not fill these new bins to capacity since they would then be too heavy for safe management.
Please do not put any extra TFDL flags in regular TFDL returns. Please flag items going to other branches only.
History of Medicine Room
The plastic has been removed from the table and collection in the History of Medicine room. Staff are continuing to check the room for any leaks each morning and evening. We will be expecting more of the collection to arrive in April.
Sirsi and Daylight Savings Time
We have received word that the one hour time change on March 11th may have caused problems with a few transactions in Sirsi. If there are clients who are concerned about fines or problems with transactions form that time, please take this into account. Clients with concerns can always be referred to me for follow up as well.
Staff Contact List
The HSL staff contact list is being updated and should be distributed soon. Thanks Leslie for your work on this.
Supplies
I will be submitting another supply request in early April. Please submit supply requests to me by March 30th.
Thanks. Please let me know if there are any questions, suggestions or concerns.
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