If you like Brian's tech tools to watch at CU Onlines's spring symposium this is another.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/03/cashmore.web.trends.2010/index.html
Did you know there was a site you could hum a tune into and it would locate the music?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
ERI/Learning Commons Update Dec. 11th
SIGNAGE
The Facilities Task Force (or a few of us at least) met with AHEC and a sign specialist today. You may notice some paper “samples” of ASK US and TECH HELP signs taped to the columns by the current Ref and Circ Desks. Next Tuesday, the sign specialist, Fred, will also bring a printout of the Research Help sign to include an example of what the sign might be if on the “clock” wall or on one of the columns next to Research Help.
This might change, but currently, the sign design discussion is:
1. for the Ask Us Desk – corner column at the desk will be painted (color likely to be determined by AHEC). Running vertically down the column will be the words ASK US at strategic intervals around the column. The words will be raised, brushed aluminum letters of approximately 7-8 inches.
There is a small (4 inches) example of one of these letters taped to my office door if you wish to look at it. Also, the Jackson Enhanced Learning Center sign is an example of raised, brushed aluminum letters.
2. for the Tech Help Desk -- corner column at the current Ref desk will be painted (color likely to be determined by AHEC). Running vertically down the column will be the words TECH HELP at strategic intervals around the column. The words will be raised, brushed aluminum letters of approximately 7-8 inches.
3. for Research Help – one of the columns adjacent to the area will be painted (color likely to be determined by AHEC). Running vertically down the column will be the words RESEACH HELP at strategic intervals around the column. The words will be raised, brushed aluminum letters of approximately 7-8 inches.
And/or, the wall behind the Research Help tables will have a horizontal sign. Likely will paint that wall.
We are also working with Fred on how the specific services will be identified at the desks. For example, at the Ask Us desk, how to represent that it is Information; Checkout; Reserves; ILL; Media. We are also working on signage for the Self Check machines.
TRAINING
As Diane reported on RefL, the training for Ask Us is going brilliantly. I was part of that training and heartily agree with Diane’s assessment. You guys are doing GREAT!!!
We all hate to see Meghan go, but Judith is continuing to analyze the workflow, workload, and delivery of product in Information Delivery Services and to determine how best to proceed.
MOVING
Phase I of the Ask Us desk will be the move of the Circ staff to temporary quarters in room 129. They will soon begin to box up their belongings in preparation for PSI moving them.
After the staff move out, the area behind the Circ desk will be prepared to become the Ask Us desk; that is, the rm 109B wall will be opened up; lighting will be improved; flooring will be patched; etc. Then, the move of media and reserves collections/shelving to the Ask Us desk can go forward. Once the collections/shelving are moved out of the Media/Reserves space, that space will be prepared to move Circ staff in…thus bringing together many of the Information Delivery Services staff and processing areas.
The “dominos” are falling into place quite nicely with the help and good humor of everyone involved (even though Azim gave me a heart attack when he jumped up on the desks to tape the sample signs to the columns)…not that we aren’t prepared for delays and surprises which are always part of these types of moves, but overall, we are making terrific progress. THANKS EVERYONE!
THE NEW AURARIA LIBRARY Marketing/Information Campaign
1. The exhibit on the black panels will go up early next week and will be placed in the central lobby area (sent out text that that exhibit earlier).
2. The PDF and printed versions of the brochure are available and if you need either contact Cindy H.
The Facilities Task Force (or a few of us at least) met with AHEC and a sign specialist today. You may notice some paper “samples” of ASK US and TECH HELP signs taped to the columns by the current Ref and Circ Desks. Next Tuesday, the sign specialist, Fred, will also bring a printout of the Research Help sign to include an example of what the sign might be if on the “clock” wall or on one of the columns next to Research Help.
This might change, but currently, the sign design discussion is:
1. for the Ask Us Desk – corner column at the desk will be painted (color likely to be determined by AHEC). Running vertically down the column will be the words ASK US at strategic intervals around the column. The words will be raised, brushed aluminum letters of approximately 7-8 inches.
There is a small (4 inches) example of one of these letters taped to my office door if you wish to look at it. Also, the Jackson Enhanced Learning Center sign is an example of raised, brushed aluminum letters.
2. for the Tech Help Desk -- corner column at the current Ref desk will be painted (color likely to be determined by AHEC). Running vertically down the column will be the words TECH HELP at strategic intervals around the column. The words will be raised, brushed aluminum letters of approximately 7-8 inches.
3. for Research Help – one of the columns adjacent to the area will be painted (color likely to be determined by AHEC). Running vertically down the column will be the words RESEACH HELP at strategic intervals around the column. The words will be raised, brushed aluminum letters of approximately 7-8 inches.
And/or, the wall behind the Research Help tables will have a horizontal sign. Likely will paint that wall.
We are also working with Fred on how the specific services will be identified at the desks. For example, at the Ask Us desk, how to represent that it is Information; Checkout; Reserves; ILL; Media. We are also working on signage for the Self Check machines.
TRAINING
As Diane reported on RefL, the training for Ask Us is going brilliantly. I was part of that training and heartily agree with Diane’s assessment. You guys are doing GREAT!!!
We all hate to see Meghan go, but Judith is continuing to analyze the workflow, workload, and delivery of product in Information Delivery Services and to determine how best to proceed.
MOVING
Phase I of the Ask Us desk will be the move of the Circ staff to temporary quarters in room 129. They will soon begin to box up their belongings in preparation for PSI moving them.
After the staff move out, the area behind the Circ desk will be prepared to become the Ask Us desk; that is, the rm 109B wall will be opened up; lighting will be improved; flooring will be patched; etc. Then, the move of media and reserves collections/shelving to the Ask Us desk can go forward. Once the collections/shelving are moved out of the Media/Reserves space, that space will be prepared to move Circ staff in…thus bringing together many of the Information Delivery Services staff and processing areas.
The “dominos” are falling into place quite nicely with the help and good humor of everyone involved (even though Azim gave me a heart attack when he jumped up on the desks to tape the sample signs to the columns)…not that we aren’t prepared for delays and surprises which are always part of these types of moves, but overall, we are making terrific progress. THANKS EVERYONE!
THE NEW AURARIA LIBRARY Marketing/Information Campaign
1. The exhibit on the black panels will go up early next week and will be placed in the central lobby area (sent out text that that exhibit earlier).
2. The PDF and printed versions of the brochure are available and if you need either contact Cindy H.
Marketing innovations
http://toc.oreilly.com/2009/10/video-seth-godin-on-new-media.html
Really interesting and with a little twist applies to how we get people talking about the library and it’s services ... and why information commons work. The new spaces/commons are already doing some of this. Classes have always done this. The science behind the news did this.
From his powerpoint:
Books are souvenirs - of ideas
Permission - to share ideas with people - is the only - key - asset
Conversations are marketing – Facebook- blogs
Words for readers not readers for words – publishers should focus on getting words for an existing market not trying to build a new market from scratch
Blogs work - if there is passion there
It’s not about selling books - his allusion is that Disneyland makes a lot of money selling souvenirs but was not built to sell tshirts
“You can’t afford to push a book on people who don’t already know it exists.”
I found this video from a comment on the following post from inside higher ed about ebooks:http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/technology_and_learning/clueless_publishers
Really interesting and with a little twist applies to how we get people talking about the library and it’s services ... and why information commons work. The new spaces/commons are already doing some of this. Classes have always done this. The science behind the news did this.
From his powerpoint:
Books are souvenirs - of ideas
Permission - to share ideas with people - is the only - key - asset
Conversations are marketing – Facebook- blogs
Words for readers not readers for words – publishers should focus on getting words for an existing market not trying to build a new market from scratch
Blogs work - if there is passion there
It’s not about selling books - his allusion is that Disneyland makes a lot of money selling souvenirs but was not built to sell tshirts
“You can’t afford to push a book on people who don’t already know it exists.”
I found this video from a comment on the following post from inside higher ed about ebooks:http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/technology_and_learning/clueless_publishers
Friday, December 4, 2009
ERI/Learning Commons Dec 4th Update
Meeting with AHEC resulting in "final" plans for:
1. the move of Circ staff to temporary offices in rm 129
2.the remodel of the area behind the Circ desk...the Ask Us desk. Includes removing the rm 109B wall, potential asbestos abatement, improving lighting, patching carpet,moving Video, CD, Reserves, skeletons, kits, and other collections and the necessary shelving, creating an additional service point on the Ask Us desk, etc.
Meeting with signage contractor and AHEC to get design and quotes for:
1.signage for new service areas:
* Ask Us desk
* Research Help
* Tech Help
2.signage for self-check
3.smaller signage describing services at Ask Us and Tech Help
4.potential "you are here" sign
5.temporary signs as needed
6.removal of old signs
Facilities Task Force members and other in attendance at either of these meetings, please feel free to comment (some of the attendees: Linda, Becky, Meg, Ev, Louise, Judith, Catherine)
1. the move of Circ staff to temporary offices in rm 129
2.the remodel of the area behind the Circ desk...the Ask Us desk. Includes removing the rm 109B wall, potential asbestos abatement, improving lighting, patching carpet,moving Video, CD, Reserves, skeletons, kits, and other collections and the necessary shelving, creating an additional service point on the Ask Us desk, etc.
Meeting with signage contractor and AHEC to get design and quotes for:
1.signage for new service areas:
* Ask Us desk
* Research Help
* Tech Help
2.signage for self-check
3.smaller signage describing services at Ask Us and Tech Help
4.potential "you are here" sign
5.temporary signs as needed
6.removal of old signs
Facilities Task Force members and other in attendance at either of these meetings, please feel free to comment (some of the attendees: Linda, Becky, Meg, Ev, Louise, Judith, Catherine)
Friday, November 27, 2009
ERI/Learning Commons Nov Update
The New Auraria Library!
The Learning Commons and ERI Services Marketing/Information Campaign task force(1), with help from many others, has begun to reach out to our campus constituents. As Catherine announced earlier in an email, we now have a brochure that describes the Learning Commons and the ERI service area changes. A short marketing video is being produced. A webpage will describe the changes. We are working on a “what’s new” exhibit that will be displayed in the lobby area. Email and newsletter communications in various venues with the campus community are commencing.
(1) Jeffrey, chair; Eric, Karen, Meg and others as needed
Here is an update of our current status that is largely pulled from our Timeline and the work of several committees/task forces:
1.Ask Us desk:
The combined services at the Ask Us desk,formerly Circ Desk, will include circulation; first level of information delivery (2); media check out; interlibrary loan; holds pickup; reserves. The collections currently housed in Reserves/ILL/Media will move to the space behind the Ask Us desk -- and the Circulation staff will eventually move to the Reserves/ILL/Media area (I will refer to this as the Information Delivery Services or IDS staff/processing area in this correspondence). Temporarily, the Circ staff will move to rm 129 while the IDS staff/processing area is being prepared.
Reconstruction of the area behind the Ask Us desk will begin in the middle of December. The office furniture will be removed. The old cubicle walls will be removed. Improved overhead lighting will be examined. The wall between 109B and Nicole and Supak’s old office areas will be opened up to accommodate the media collections. The book drop, PA systems, electrical systems, and other infrastructure won’t be changed. Walls will be painted as needed. (Asbestos abatement is a possibility)
The computer setup for the Ask Us desk will be improved by adding one more workstation and adding dual swing-arm monitors and dual keyboards. Equipment is in the building. AHEC has been contacted about mounting the swing-arm posts into the granite counter-tops
(2) First level of information delivery includes working with the customer in:
•Identifying the information need (that is, doing a reference interview)
•Navigating the Library website – finding wealth of information on the library’s website
•Directing to the subject guides, general guides, online tutorials such as Navigating Library Research, other online learning objects to proceed with their research
•Suggesting and demonstrating the use of Skyline and/or WorldCat at Auraria
•Suggesting and demonstrating use of the ADI page and the top used databases
•Answering directional questions
•Referring to Research Help if the information need cannot be met especially for in-depth questions
•Referring to the Tech Help desk if question concern printing, scanner, library computer software, microform machines
2.Research Help service area:
Last week, IT ran into a snafu with moving the public PCs from the alcove area to the column beside the Reference Desk. Niraj is working on that. The furniture for Research Help will be pulled from existing furniture (tables and chairs). The equipment (4 monitors, 4 keyboards, 2 cpu’s) is in the building.
3.IDS processing/staffing area:
IDS staff are working on what this redesigned area will look like. It will include new office areas for the circ staff and reconfigured processing areas for the work of circulation, reserves, and inter-library loan. There will be a new perimeter wall around the area where the old Reserves/Media service desk is and where the old LP shelving wall is. These modular walls apparently take some time to construct, so AHEC is recommending we allow for approximately 3 months at a maximum for delivery and set-up.
4.Learning Commons:
New furniture and equipment has been added to the Learning Commons. Come take a look. We are working on an “information wall” that will show what new things are happening in the LC. That wall will be where the Computer Help Desk is currently located. Meg is working on demos for ERI of the equipment.
The assessment of the electrical engineer continues as we determine our current electrical capacity and our future needs.
5.Communications:
The Marketing/Information Campaign task force and others are hard at work as described above.
Engaging the community through the surveys and the Architecture class project are continuing.
Cindy H
*****AS ALWAYS, FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS OR COMMENT ON OUR BLOG *****
The Learning Commons and ERI Services Marketing/Information Campaign task force(1), with help from many others, has begun to reach out to our campus constituents. As Catherine announced earlier in an email, we now have a brochure that describes the Learning Commons and the ERI service area changes. A short marketing video is being produced. A webpage will describe the changes. We are working on a “what’s new” exhibit that will be displayed in the lobby area. Email and newsletter communications in various venues with the campus community are commencing.
(1) Jeffrey, chair; Eric, Karen, Meg and others as needed
Here is an update of our current status that is largely pulled from our Timeline and the work of several committees/task forces:
1.Ask Us desk:
The combined services at the Ask Us desk,formerly Circ Desk, will include circulation; first level of information delivery (2); media check out; interlibrary loan; holds pickup; reserves. The collections currently housed in Reserves/ILL/Media will move to the space behind the Ask Us desk -- and the Circulation staff will eventually move to the Reserves/ILL/Media area (I will refer to this as the Information Delivery Services or IDS staff/processing area in this correspondence). Temporarily, the Circ staff will move to rm 129 while the IDS staff/processing area is being prepared.
Reconstruction of the area behind the Ask Us desk will begin in the middle of December. The office furniture will be removed. The old cubicle walls will be removed. Improved overhead lighting will be examined. The wall between 109B and Nicole and Supak’s old office areas will be opened up to accommodate the media collections. The book drop, PA systems, electrical systems, and other infrastructure won’t be changed. Walls will be painted as needed. (Asbestos abatement is a possibility)
The computer setup for the Ask Us desk will be improved by adding one more workstation and adding dual swing-arm monitors and dual keyboards. Equipment is in the building. AHEC has been contacted about mounting the swing-arm posts into the granite counter-tops
(2) First level of information delivery includes working with the customer in:
•Identifying the information need (that is, doing a reference interview)
•Navigating the Library website – finding wealth of information on the library’s website
•Directing to the subject guides, general guides, online tutorials such as Navigating Library Research, other online learning objects to proceed with their research
•Suggesting and demonstrating the use of Skyline and/or WorldCat at Auraria
•Suggesting and demonstrating use of the ADI page and the top used databases
•Answering directional questions
•Referring to Research Help if the information need cannot be met especially for in-depth questions
•Referring to the Tech Help desk if question concern printing, scanner, library computer software, microform machines
2.Research Help service area:
Last week, IT ran into a snafu with moving the public PCs from the alcove area to the column beside the Reference Desk. Niraj is working on that. The furniture for Research Help will be pulled from existing furniture (tables and chairs). The equipment (4 monitors, 4 keyboards, 2 cpu’s) is in the building.
3.IDS processing/staffing area:
IDS staff are working on what this redesigned area will look like. It will include new office areas for the circ staff and reconfigured processing areas for the work of circulation, reserves, and inter-library loan. There will be a new perimeter wall around the area where the old Reserves/Media service desk is and where the old LP shelving wall is. These modular walls apparently take some time to construct, so AHEC is recommending we allow for approximately 3 months at a maximum for delivery and set-up.
4.Learning Commons:
New furniture and equipment has been added to the Learning Commons. Come take a look. We are working on an “information wall” that will show what new things are happening in the LC. That wall will be where the Computer Help Desk is currently located. Meg is working on demos for ERI of the equipment.
The assessment of the electrical engineer continues as we determine our current electrical capacity and our future needs.
5.Communications:
The Marketing/Information Campaign task force and others are hard at work as described above.
Engaging the community through the surveys and the Architecture class project are continuing.
Cindy H
*****AS ALWAYS, FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS OR COMMENT ON OUR BLOG *****
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
H1N1 Response Guidelines
We have drafts of 2 H1N1 response documents on the intranet. The first is a draft of departmental responses if staffing is greatly impacted due to flu-related illness. The second is a guideline for staff at public service desks that was drawn up with the aid of UCD legal counsel. Here is the draft of this document as it appears on the intranet under ERI:
We have consulted UCD legal counsel on the question of serving library patrons exhibiting possible flu symptoms.
->Working Directly with a Customer
If you encounter a patron who is coughing/sneezing excessively and not exercising proper hygiene (not covering cough, not using tissues), you
* may express your concern about possible exposure to flu-like symptoms,
* may suggest alternative methods of helping the patron complete his/her informational/research needs such as by phone, internet, email. Give handout describing how to access services and resources remotely. The main concern here is providing equal resources and services in any alternatives suggested,
* may ask the person to use recommended hygiene, and offer tissues, literature
* may wish to wear a mask and/or gloves yourself,
* may wish to take the recommended precautions of washing your hands and hard surfaces after completing the interview
->Receiving Complaints from other Customers
If library patrons complain about another customer who is coughing/sneezing excessively and they think is causing a disturbance, you may
* approach the person and let them know of complaints from another patron
* give them a handout suggesting alternative methods of doing their research and describing how to access services and resources remotely
* suggest that they self-isolate in the library
* let them know that they cannot cause a disturbance and will be asked to leave if they cannot self-isolate nor control the noise level
It may help to read this quote excerpted from an email from our legal counsel:
"...our advice is that the person indicate that they are concerned about possible exposure, and indicate there are other methods to receive reference/advice/service via internet or phone. Further, the library always has the authority to exclude someone who is disturbing or disrupting patrons or staff. This disturbance may include complaints about H1N1 symptoms that are disruptive. For example, if a student is in the library who is coughing and sneezing excessively without proper hygiene and there are complaints or it is obvious that the disturbance is causing patrons to avoid portions or sections of the library, that would be a reason to ask the person to leave....We don't want to suggest that you can't take reasonable actions to protect yourself, your patrons, or your employees."
We have consulted UCD legal counsel on the question of serving library patrons exhibiting possible flu symptoms.
->Working Directly with a Customer
If you encounter a patron who is coughing/sneezing excessively and not exercising proper hygiene (not covering cough, not using tissues), you
* may express your concern about possible exposure to flu-like symptoms,
* may suggest alternative methods of helping the patron complete his/her informational/research needs such as by phone, internet, email. Give handout describing how to access services and resources remotely. The main concern here is providing equal resources and services in any alternatives suggested,
* may ask the person to use recommended hygiene, and offer tissues, literature
* may wish to wear a mask and/or gloves yourself,
* may wish to take the recommended precautions of washing your hands and hard surfaces after completing the interview
->Receiving Complaints from other Customers
If library patrons complain about another customer who is coughing/sneezing excessively and they think is causing a disturbance, you may
* approach the person and let them know of complaints from another patron
* give them a handout suggesting alternative methods of doing their research and describing how to access services and resources remotely
* suggest that they self-isolate in the library
* let them know that they cannot cause a disturbance and will be asked to leave if they cannot self-isolate nor control the noise level
It may help to read this quote excerpted from an email from our legal counsel:
"...our advice is that the person indicate that they are concerned about possible exposure, and indicate there are other methods to receive reference/advice/service via internet or phone. Further, the library always has the authority to exclude someone who is disturbing or disrupting patrons or staff. This disturbance may include complaints about H1N1 symptoms that are disruptive. For example, if a student is in the library who is coughing and sneezing excessively without proper hygiene and there are complaints or it is obvious that the disturbance is causing patrons to avoid portions or sections of the library, that would be a reason to ask the person to leave....We don't want to suggest that you can't take reasonable actions to protect yourself, your patrons, or your employees."
Monday, October 5, 2009
RSS feeds
We've all thought of getting feeds from our favorite resources (from New Yorker to Web of Science).
CM started a wiki page describing how to do this as part of the the 23 things progam. http://intranet.auraria.edu/wiki/index.php/Setting_up_RSS_Feeds_in_Outlook_2007
I just added a procedure to that wiki page for moving the RSS feed to another email box because some of you asked for this information.
PS - a search on - rss outlook - in the intranet wiki will get you to the page above
CM started a wiki page describing how to do this as part of the the 23 things progam. http://intranet.auraria.edu/wiki/index.php/Setting_up_RSS_Feeds_in_Outlook_2007
I just added a procedure to that wiki page for moving the RSS feed to another email box because some of you asked for this information.
PS - a search on - rss outlook - in the intranet wiki will get you to the page above
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