Hello,
A few notes to end the week…
Christmas Closure
As noted in a number of emails this week, the libraries will be closing at noon on December 23rd, with regular hours resuming on January 2nd.
AUPE staff who are not working that day will use the appropriate leave code (Flex, PLD, Vac, etc.) for the full day. Those working that day until noon, will code the day as a regular work day (no flex earned).
Staff do not need to enter any special codes for the Christmas break dates, Dec. 24th – January 1st.
Timesheets
Staff are asked to submit their timesheets for the Dec. 16 – 31 pay period by December 22nd at noon.
Auto Responses while Away
We will be adding auto ‘Away’ responses to HSL generic email accounts and phones to respond to clients during the break.
Tech updates
The Xerox technician was in this week. The network printer has been fixed and configured to pick up paper from all the trays. When tray 5 (bottom) becomes empty, trays 4, 3 & 2 should push jobs.
The Circ Desk printer has also been remedied to pick up jobs from both trays.
Public Workstation 767: This computer has been displaying the following message:
Windows detected a hard disk problem. Back up your files immediately
to prevent information loss and then contact the computer
manufacturer to determine if you need to repair or replace the disk.
The computer can still be used, but will likely fail soon. This has been reported, and should be replaced in the near future.
Please let Lourdes know if there are any printer or computer issues.
Computer Installation
ITS staff may be over this coming week to install a few more computers at HSL:
· 4 stand up stations (these are the towers I believe) The stations are in the stacks.
· 4 public access desktop stations on the table closest to the library entrance, along the side closest to the bookshelves.
· 1 desktop station on the middle table side that only has 3 public access computers.
· 1 desktop station on the new accessible table in the public access area.
I will be the contact for this, but please let me know if there are any questions.
Reno updates
· Accessible furniture: New accessible furniture arrived in HSL yesterday. This includes one study table in the public computer are of the library, and one study carrel near the WZ 100 area of the collection. The carrel may still need some adjustment. Both pieces of furniture have moveable table tops to accommodate wheelchairs. Buttons on the desktop control the movement. The table in the computer area will have a computer added soon.
· Stand up stations: Four pedestal tables have been installed in the stacks. These will accommodate workstations that will allow staff and clients easy ‘express’ computer/catalogue access in the stacks.
· Flat panel: One flat panel has been installed on the wall beside the service desk. It is not yet operational. Watch for further details.
Holds
· There have been a number of holds over the past week that have gone ‘missing in action’. This can happen when the hold items going to another branch are not placed on the ‘in transit’ card.
· Also, it is important to always check the ‘mail to’ location in Sirsi’s ‘Display Item Holds’ function. Please ensure that any holds being placed on our hold pick up shelf display HSL as the mail to location.
· We are now using a 7 day stamp to indicate the pick up by date on the hold slips. All items being placed on our hold shelf should have a flag with a pick up by date stamp.
· Remember if we receive holds from other locations they must be discharged to activate the hold and trigger a hold notice to the client.
· If a staff person is placing a hold for a client in workflows remember that there is an extra step needed. Check the box : ‘Select branch for delivery’ and choose branch from drop down menu.
RFID
The RFID pad at the service counter seems to be operating well. The gates still need a bit of adjustment.
Please remember to follow up with clients when the alarm sounds. Please continue to let me know if there seems to be anything out of the ordinary happening with the gate.
Please remember that items returned at locations other than TFDL, will still need to be RFID sensitized at HSL before being shelved.
RFID Inventory
We have completed one range of monograph scanning in the main stacks. The mobile RFID reader, or Digital Library Assistant has picked up books out of order, books from other locations, books with bad tags, books needing to be sensitized, books with issues in their records.
And of course it is also collecting data for our first ever inventory.
History of Neuroscience Collection
With threats of floods and leaks behind us, we are now receiving more of this special collection. Twelve boxes of materials have been received and will be sorted and shelved over the next weeks.
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Mary
Friday, December 16, 2011
AccessMedicine results in Google
Hi All,
Something new I discovered while searching in Google. AccessMedicine book chapters show up in the results list.
Try [death notification site:.ca] as a search string. On the 2nd page, there’s a result from Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine.
Very neat!
Taryn
Something new I discovered while searching in Google. AccessMedicine book chapters show up in the results list.
Try [death notification site:.ca] as a search string. On the 2nd page, there’s a result from Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine.
Very neat!
Taryn
Monday, December 12, 2011
HSL Access Notes - December 12th
Hello,
A few notes to start the week....
Sorry for the delay.
Christmas Break and December Timesheets
With busy days ahead I would like to remind staff about some important timesheet deadlines.
Please submit your Dec. 1 - 15 timesheet by 4:00 p.m. on December 14th.
Please submit your Dec. 16 - 31 timesheet by noon on December 22nd.
If you are going to be away when timesheets are due please submit prior to your departure.
From the HR Helpdesk…
1. Regular, full time and part time employees do not need to enter TRC codes for the days listed below, just leave them blank on their timesheet.
2. Dec. 24 – closed - off
Dec. 25 - closed - off
Dec. 26 - stat
Dec. 27 - stat in lieu of Dec. 25
Dec. 28 - floater
Dec. 29 - floater
Dec. 30 - stat in lieu of Jan. 1
Dec. 31 – closed - off
Jan. 1 – closed - off
Jan. 2 – return to regular schedule
Time away Calendar
It is helpful to keep the ‘staff away’ calendar up to date for scheduling purposes. Once time away is approved, staff are asked to add their dates to the staff calendar as soon as possible.
Please add information to the subject line.
· Click on date
· Add your Name or Initials to subject line and type of leave (flex, Vac, NLD, etc.)
· Indicate number of hours away if it is not a full day
· Save
Thanks.
December Service Dates
HSL will be closed December 24 - January 1 inclusive.
HSL ILL : No Relais for processing requests from December 23 - January 4th.
HSL: No Canada Post deliveries after December 16th.
HIN: No external book requests or Canada Post deliveries after December 9th.
HSL/HIN: No inter-hospital deliveries after December 21st.
Sirsi Holiday Due Dates
Sirsi has been adjusted for the holiday period so that no books will become due from December 23 - January 2nd.
Clients borrowing 2-week loan books now have a due date of January 3rd. I have already received some appreciative comments from clients about the extended loan period.
Term Renewals and Holds
Renewals: Term loans are currently due back on January 15th. Effective December 20th, term loan due date will become May 15, 2012. Those clients with term loans will receive 3 renewal reminder notices: one on December 20th, one in early January and one on January 12th.
Holds: If a client places a hold on a term loan item, the client with the item on loan will be notified by email asking them to return the item, and they will be given a two week period to do so.
Hold Notifications
Effective Wednesday, if a hold item cannot be found for a client and is placed on an internal missing or search card, the client will be notified by the system. They will be given an update on the status of the item and information about best options. For example to remain on hold list until item found, or to cancel hold, or torequest a copy through ILL services.
Sirsi Test Database
The information in the Sirsi2 test server that is often used for training, was recently updated with current production-server (Sirsi1) data.
This means that any test records that had been added only in sirsi2 have been removed.
It also means that the Sirsi test has the 'mail to' functionality and up to date information including new clients and resources.
Printing Refund Request now online
We have received information from Campus Card Office regarding a new online form that students can use to request refunds to their ONEcard for printing or copying reimbursement.
Old paper requests can still be submitted however online submission is preferred since it puts the client in direct contact with the Campus Card Office, streamlining the process and shortening the turnaround time.
The refund request page is intended only for printing, copying and vending (unattended points of sale).
From ONEcard website it is under Contact > Transaction Review and Refund Request Form or connect directly at www.ucalgary.ca/onecard/refund
Duplicate UofC Sirsi Records
As noted earlier this fall, due to the new systems that tend to link a UCID and barcode number to an individual throughout their association with UofC, we should not be deleting expired duplicate UofC records for the time being. This does not apply to TAL, Community or HIN records.
Software List
The updated list of software available on our public computers with our new Windows 7 load is now posted on our Computer Commons webpage at: http://library.ucalgary.ca/branches/hsl/hsic
A printed list is also available in the reference service binder.
Winter Slips & Falls:
Environment, Health and Safety has some helpful information about avoiding slips and how to follow up when falls occur at the workplace at :
http://www.ucalgary.ca/safety/slip_and_fall_safety_tips
Refstats
Please remember to continue recording reference questions at the desk.
Note that client requests for items, for example the use of scissors, paperclips, stapler are not recorded at HSL.
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Thanks.
Mary
A few notes to start the week....
Sorry for the delay.
Christmas Break and December Timesheets
With busy days ahead I would like to remind staff about some important timesheet deadlines.
Please submit your Dec. 1 - 15 timesheet by 4:00 p.m. on December 14th.
Please submit your Dec. 16 - 31 timesheet by noon on December 22nd.
If you are going to be away when timesheets are due please submit prior to your departure.
From the HR Helpdesk…
1. Regular, full time and part time employees do not need to enter TRC codes for the days listed below, just leave them blank on their timesheet.
2. Dec. 24 – closed - off
Dec. 25 - closed - off
Dec. 26 - stat
Dec. 27 - stat in lieu of Dec. 25
Dec. 28 - floater
Dec. 29 - floater
Dec. 30 - stat in lieu of Jan. 1
Dec. 31 – closed - off
Jan. 1 – closed - off
Jan. 2 – return to regular schedule
Time away Calendar
It is helpful to keep the ‘staff away’ calendar up to date for scheduling purposes. Once time away is approved, staff are asked to add their dates to the staff calendar as soon as possible.
Please add information to the subject line.
· Click on date
· Add your Name or Initials to subject line and type of leave (flex, Vac, NLD, etc.)
· Indicate number of hours away if it is not a full day
· Save
Thanks.
December Service Dates
HSL will be closed December 24 - January 1 inclusive.
HSL ILL : No Relais for processing requests from December 23 - January 4th.
HSL: No Canada Post deliveries after December 16th.
HIN: No external book requests or Canada Post deliveries after December 9th.
HSL/HIN: No inter-hospital deliveries after December 21st.
Sirsi Holiday Due Dates
Sirsi has been adjusted for the holiday period so that no books will become due from December 23 - January 2nd.
Clients borrowing 2-week loan books now have a due date of January 3rd. I have already received some appreciative comments from clients about the extended loan period.
Term Renewals and Holds
Renewals: Term loans are currently due back on January 15th. Effective December 20th, term loan due date will become May 15, 2012. Those clients with term loans will receive 3 renewal reminder notices: one on December 20th, one in early January and one on January 12th.
Holds: If a client places a hold on a term loan item, the client with the item on loan will be notified by email asking them to return the item, and they will be given a two week period to do so.
Hold Notifications
Effective Wednesday, if a hold item cannot be found for a client and is placed on an internal missing or search card, the client will be notified by the system. They will be given an update on the status of the item and information about best options. For example to remain on hold list until item found, or to cancel hold, or torequest a copy through ILL services.
Sirsi Test Database
The information in the Sirsi2 test server that is often used for training, was recently updated with current production-server (Sirsi1) data.
This means that any test records that had been added only in sirsi2 have been removed.
It also means that the Sirsi test has the 'mail to' functionality and up to date information including new clients and resources.
Printing Refund Request now online
We have received information from Campus Card Office regarding a new online form that students can use to request refunds to their ONEcard for printing or copying reimbursement.
Old paper requests can still be submitted however online submission is preferred since it puts the client in direct contact with the Campus Card Office, streamlining the process and shortening the turnaround time.
The refund request page is intended only for printing, copying and vending (unattended points of sale).
From ONEcard website it is under Contact > Transaction Review and Refund Request Form or connect directly at www.ucalgary.ca/onecard/refund
Duplicate UofC Sirsi Records
As noted earlier this fall, due to the new systems that tend to link a UCID and barcode number to an individual throughout their association with UofC, we should not be deleting expired duplicate UofC records for the time being. This does not apply to TAL, Community or HIN records.
Software List
The updated list of software available on our public computers with our new Windows 7 load is now posted on our Computer Commons webpage at: http://library.ucalgary.ca/branches/hsl/hsic
A printed list is also available in the reference service binder.
Winter Slips & Falls:
Environment, Health and Safety has some helpful information about avoiding slips and how to follow up when falls occur at the workplace at :
http://www.ucalgary.ca/safety/slip_and_fall_safety_tips
Refstats
Please remember to continue recording reference questions at the desk.
Note that client requests for items, for example the use of scissors, paperclips, stapler are not recorded at HSL.
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Thanks.
Mary
Friday, December 9, 2011
Outlook in the Consult Office
Outlook in the Consult office has a very funny configuration. I will follow up with ITS on this, but in the interim:
1. To see incoming mail, select Inbox at HSLibr.
2. To use templates for HINC searches and follow up you must be in the generic Inbox not the Inbox at HSLibr. Video showing steps http://screencast.com/t/DjJsSRvWse
1. To see incoming mail, select Inbox at HSLibr.
2. To use templates for HINC searches and follow up you must be in the generic Inbox not the Inbox at HSLibr. Video showing steps http://screencast.com/t/DjJsSRvWse
- Click on Inbox
- Select Tools
- Select Forms
- Choose Form
- User Templates in this file system
Emailing Ovid results
An interesting discovery about emailing ovid results and using webexchange. My normal practice is to email results to myself, then grab and format for the HINC template.
This has worked successfully in the Consult office with Ebsco searches, retrieve from my webmail.
However, for some reason, the links for Ovid searches get converted to an exchange.ucalgary address. I have tested repeatedly. If I send the email to HSLibr and use Outlook, no problem. But sending to my ucalgary email retrieved from webmail makes the article links unusable.
This has worked successfully in the Consult office with Ebsco searches, retrieve from my webmail.
However, for some reason, the links for Ovid searches get converted to an exchange.ucalgary address. I have tested repeatedly. If I send the email to HSLibr and use Outlook, no problem. But sending to my ucalgary email retrieved from webmail makes the article links unusable.
Monday, December 5, 2011
HSL Access Notes - December 5th
Hello Everyone,
A few notes to begin a wintry week....
Welcome
A warm welcome to Mary McConnell who has joined HSL/HIN as the Manager of the Health Information Network during Renee's leave!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Grace on her plans leading to retirement following many years of valuable service at UofC!
Grace's new schedule at HSL, effective January 1st, 2012, will be:
Mondays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
DDS Staff and Stats
DDS borrowing and lending request statistics hit new highs in November with 605 lending requests and 1024 borrowing requests. Congratulations to the DDS team for your continued success in providing such valuable and timely service for our clients, and all your support at the desk. Thanks Lorraine, Kathy and Lourdes.
HIN Brochures
We have placed some HIN bookmarks, the "Smart Surfing", and the Patient and Patient Family HIN handouts on the shelving unit by the Consumer Health Collection.
RFID
Please see attached some training documentation for RFID processes at the desk. We can certainly provide demonstrations or practice sessions for interested staff when convenient. Please let me know if you have any questions.
RFID Inventory Project
We will be starting our first complete inventory and shelf reading of the monograph collection using the new RFID technology.
We will be using a hand held scanner that quickly reads the tags in items as you move it along a shelf. The scanner cross references the scan with the shelf list and identifies items that are not on the shelf list, and even items that ar eout of order on the shelf.
In using the scanner on the Reference collection we found, for example, a few wayward MacKimmie items, a few items listed as withdrawn, a History of Medicine collection item, and one RFID tag that needed to be re-programmed.
The information regarding the scanned items will be stored and saved each day and at the end of the project David Brown and Discovery Systems will be able to generate a report listing missing or problem items.
Most of the scanning will be done during evenings and weekends, however all interested staff are welcome to try out this new technology. There will be a demonstration at some point during our Potluck this week.
HSL Door and Gate
While we have had many positive comments about the look of the new doors, we are still trying to fine tune the integrated operation of gate/door/alarming/locking. The electronic locking at opening and closing is working well though the timing that is set to an atomic clock, and may be a minute or two different than our clocks. Please let me know if the timing appears to be significantly 'off'.
We have requested that the high-pitched single tone door alarm be muted, since we feel the gate alarm along with the door locking should be sufficient to alert staff and less disruptive to clients.
We have submitted an additional request to adjust the closure of the west entry door (closest to the book return), to ensure proper latching and eliminate the banging.
Staff at the desk are asked to be alert to any alarm situations, and to push the red lock reset button promptly if the doors go into a locked situation. The audible alarms cannot be turned off, but will stop after about 15 seconds.
Communications
Are you keeping up to date with the HSL/HIN Keeping Current Blog? Remember you can read the weekly Notes in the blog as well as by email.
The second edition of the HIN newsletter will be distributed this week - watch for details!
Computer Commons
The computer rooms, 1460A & B will now be referred to as our Computer Commons rather than the Computer classrooms, to ensure there is no confusion about the use of the rooms as classroom space. We will be updating our webpage information about the rooms.
Reno
Signage is being designed for the entry of the Library, a welcome in the desk area, for the book return and the Network Printer area.
Statistics
Staff are asked to continue to record reference, directional and technical question in Refstats a the desk.
HSL/HIN/HKN Holiday Potluck
From the Social Committee…..
Join us for our HIN/HKN/HSL Holiday Potluck
Thursday, December 8, 2011
12:00 - 1:30 pm
HSL Staff Lounge
Please bring an appetizer or main course or dessert to share with everyone
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Thanks.
Mary
A few notes to begin a wintry week....
Welcome
A warm welcome to Mary McConnell who has joined HSL/HIN as the Manager of the Health Information Network during Renee's leave!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Grace on her plans leading to retirement following many years of valuable service at UofC!
Grace's new schedule at HSL, effective January 1st, 2012, will be:
Mondays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
DDS Staff and Stats
DDS borrowing and lending request statistics hit new highs in November with 605 lending requests and 1024 borrowing requests. Congratulations to the DDS team for your continued success in providing such valuable and timely service for our clients, and all your support at the desk. Thanks Lorraine, Kathy and Lourdes.
HIN Brochures
We have placed some HIN bookmarks, the "Smart Surfing", and the Patient and Patient Family HIN handouts on the shelving unit by the Consumer Health Collection.
RFID
Please see attached some training documentation for RFID processes at the desk. We can certainly provide demonstrations or practice sessions for interested staff when convenient. Please let me know if you have any questions.
RFID Inventory Project
We will be starting our first complete inventory and shelf reading of the monograph collection using the new RFID technology.
We will be using a hand held scanner that quickly reads the tags in items as you move it along a shelf. The scanner cross references the scan with the shelf list and identifies items that are not on the shelf list, and even items that ar eout of order on the shelf.
In using the scanner on the Reference collection we found, for example, a few wayward MacKimmie items, a few items listed as withdrawn, a History of Medicine collection item, and one RFID tag that needed to be re-programmed.
The information regarding the scanned items will be stored and saved each day and at the end of the project David Brown and Discovery Systems will be able to generate a report listing missing or problem items.
Most of the scanning will be done during evenings and weekends, however all interested staff are welcome to try out this new technology. There will be a demonstration at some point during our Potluck this week.
HSL Door and Gate
While we have had many positive comments about the look of the new doors, we are still trying to fine tune the integrated operation of gate/door/alarming/locking. The electronic locking at opening and closing is working well though the timing that is set to an atomic clock, and may be a minute or two different than our clocks. Please let me know if the timing appears to be significantly 'off'.
We have requested that the high-pitched single tone door alarm be muted, since we feel the gate alarm along with the door locking should be sufficient to alert staff and less disruptive to clients.
We have submitted an additional request to adjust the closure of the west entry door (closest to the book return), to ensure proper latching and eliminate the banging.
Staff at the desk are asked to be alert to any alarm situations, and to push the red lock reset button promptly if the doors go into a locked situation. The audible alarms cannot be turned off, but will stop after about 15 seconds.
Communications
Are you keeping up to date with the HSL/HIN Keeping Current Blog? Remember you can read the weekly Notes in the blog as well as by email.
The second edition of the HIN newsletter will be distributed this week - watch for details!
Computer Commons
The computer rooms, 1460A & B will now be referred to as our Computer Commons rather than the Computer classrooms, to ensure there is no confusion about the use of the rooms as classroom space. We will be updating our webpage information about the rooms.
Reno
Signage is being designed for the entry of the Library, a welcome in the desk area, for the book return and the Network Printer area.
Statistics
Staff are asked to continue to record reference, directional and technical question in Refstats a the desk.
HSL/HIN/HKN Holiday Potluck
From the Social Committee…..
Join us for our HIN/HKN/HSL Holiday Potluck
Thursday, December 8, 2011
12:00 - 1:30 pm
HSL Staff Lounge
Please bring an appetizer or main course or dessert to share with everyone
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Thanks.
Mary
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Copyright Workshop in the New Year
The Continuing Education Workteam has invited Wendy Stephens to give us a workshop on copyright early in 2012. Two sessions will be delivered on January 12 from 10-11 am, and on February 9 from 3-4 pm. Please come to ONE of the sessions.
We are hoping this workshop will be tailored to your needs. Let's ask Wendy questions and explain the environment we work at. Please help us gather some pre-workshop feedback by writing down your questions here as comments.
We are hoping this workshop will be tailored to your needs. Let's ask Wendy questions and explain the environment we work at. Please help us gather some pre-workshop feedback by writing down your questions here as comments.
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