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New and Improved Library Services for Fall

Newcomers and returnees to campus this fall will be greeted by a host of new and improved services from the UO Libraries. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect.

New Library Website Design

• A new metasearch function called OneSearch, which will search several databases (including library catalogs and electronic resources) at once and return the results in a single, merged list. Standard and customizable search modes will be available.
• Labeled links on each web page for Find Resources, Research Assistance, Library Services, About the Libraries, Ask a Librarian, and My Account.
• Immediate access on all web pages to search functions for the library’s catalog, journal articles, journal titles, course reserves, and library web pages.

Learning Commons

The Learning Commons will open on September 18, 2006. Its initial features will include:

• An expanded and relocated laptop checkout service. Located in Knight Library Room 143, the laptop checkout center will feature 40 wireless-equipped laptops for student checkout.
• A “presentation practice room” configured with A/V and computer projection hardware typical of a UO classroom. It will be available to students who are developing and practicing classroom presentations and can be booked for use whenever Knight Library is open.
• Six high-performance collaborative workstations equipped with a wide range of application software, large-format monitors, scanners, and seating. The workstations will allow multiple students to work together on technology-based projects.
• A “collaboration center.” This new learning area will serve the needs of academic departments and academic support units. It will provide group and individual tutoring and study and offer other scheduled student support services.
• A distributed service offering assistance in accessing and understanding information resources available both online and in the library’s physical collections. This service will be provided by librarians and professionals at Knight Library’s reference desk, by student technology staff, by staff in the co-located Adaptive Technology Lab, and by library staff at other nearby service points, such as the GIS lab.

For more information on the Learning Commons initiative, call or e-mail JQ Johnson (jqj@uoregon.edu, 346-1746).

Desktop Document Delivery

To request an article, look up the citation in any of the library’s online article indexes, then click the FindText journal articles link. If the article appears in a print journal the library owns and is not already available in electronic format, eligible users may request delivery by selecting the “UO Faculty and Distance Ed” link.

Alternatively, users can start from the FindText button on the library’s home page, enter complete citation information, and proceed from there.

This service is currently available to all UO faculty, and to UO students and staff members who live more than 30 miles from Eugene and do not work or attend class on campus.

To learn more about desktop delivery, contact Shirien Chappell (chappel@uregon.edu, 346-1914).

Blackboard Upgrade

Training workshops and handouts for Blackboard will be offered in the coming weeks. Contact JQ Johnson ( jqj@uoregon.edu, 346-1746 ) for more information.