Spam, spam, spam, eggs, and spam . . . In an effort to lessen the flood of spam in our email boxes generated from the forms on our website, we've added "reCAPTCHA" to our pages.

What is Recaptcha? You've seen "CAPTCHA's" before -- after you've filled out a form online, you're asked to type a string of distorted letters and numbers. This verifies that you're a real person, because people can read distorted text; machines, for the most part, can't. reCAPTCHA provides the same spam-deterring function, and at the same time harnesses this unique power of the human brain to contribute to Carnegie Mellon University's book digitization project. reCAPTCHA uses images of words that cannot be read by OCR, presenting one that has already been correctly translated, and one that is still in question. Each reCAPTCHA submission helps to translate the unknown word. If you're as tickled about this as we are (hey, we are librarians!), read more about it at http://recaptcha.net/learnmore.html.

So email us a question, or a suggestion, or a recommendation of something to purchase for the library collections, help us fight spam, and help digitize more books!

Continue reading "We're Fighting Spam -- and Answering your Questions" »

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 08:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Beginning on May 7th, tutors from the Drexel Writing Center will be available in Room 125 in Hagerty Library on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Students in need of help with writing assignments can make appointments via sign-up sheets posted on the door.

For more about Writing Center hours and services, see http://www.drexel.edu/writingcenter/.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As of May 1st, the Drexel Libraries's reciprocal borrowing letter to Penn's libraries will reflect changes in policies between Drexel and Penn.

The new reciprocal borrowing letter issued to students and faculty will reflect a change in the periods of expiration of that letter for the patron. Faculty (full-time) will continue to have an annual expiration date -- one year from the date of issuance of the letter. Part-time faculty, graduate students, and staff who are eligible for Penn borrowing privileges (see Privileges at Area Libraries for Drexel University Community) will get their date of expiration that is in the libraries' Millennium circulation system. (In most cases this is four months, or, in the case of graduating students, a possibly shorter period of time.) This will mean that our patrons will need to get these letters more frequently -- no exceptions will be made.

In addition, at Van Pelt Drexel borrowers will be asked to sign a form that shows that they agree to Penn's stipulations on loan periods, fines, etc.

Access policies for visitors at University of Pennsylvania libraries vary from library to library, and may change during reading and exam periods. Please see their website for further information.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, we have a lot to tell you about!

Did you notice our new Website?
We've done a visual refresh for a new, more contemporary look -- you'll still find all your old favorites, along with some new features, including highlights of our library blogs, and quick access to our IM/Chat reference service. Let us know what you think!

Our New Patio!

Our new outdoor tables are lonely right now, but they're looking forward to the first warm, sunny spring days when they know they'll be the hottest seats on campus! Think about it: warm sun, cool drink, hot wireless -- or maybe even a good book to read!

Adaptive Technologies Room Reopened

Hagerty and Hahnemann Libraries have equipment and software available to assist students with visual and other disabilities. In Hagerty Library, Assistive Technology equipment is now located in Room 122 on the first floor of the library; the key to this room can be requested at the Circulation Desk. In the Hahnemann Library, equipment is available in both the 1st floor computer lab, and the 2nd floor 24-hour room.

Please see Library Services to Patrons with Disabilities for more information.

And watch for: more study room spaces opening soon!

If you were away for the Winter Term, here's some of the news we blogged while you were gone:

• New Humanities/Social Sciences Librarian Introduces Himself
  
• Compact Shelving Area Now Open
  
• American Song: New Streaming Audio
  
• And, (can't leave this one out) Bookmark Café Now Open Overnight, Coffee/Snack Bar Opens

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Larry Milliken, our new Librarian for Humanities and Social Sciences, describes the services he'll offer to the university community in postings to DrexelHumanitiesLib and DrexelSocialSciencesLib, the latest additions to our family of Library Blogs.

Library Blogs provide udpates about new subject-related resources, special exhibits and events in the University Archives, Careers research workshops, and responses to comments from our Suggestion Box. You can visit our blogs dirextly, or subscribe to get updates through your favorite feed reader.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Coffee, snacks, beverages, sandwiches, salads and more!

The Coffee/Snack bar in Hagerty Library's Bookmark Café is now open for business. Operated by Sodexho, the café will be open 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday, and 4 to 9 pm on Sundays. "Turbo oven" facilities allow fast heating of pizza slices and other tummy-warming goodies.

Vending machines will be available to meet snacking needs when the Café snack bar is closed.

All Night Hours also Begin

Also beginning tonight, the Bookmark Café will remain open all night, every night, providing 24/7 study space throughout the term. After the Library closes (2:00 am Sunday-Thursday), night owls looking for a safe, cozy place to study will be able to enter the Bookmark Café directly by swiping their Dragon Cards at the card reader right next to the door.

Public Safety staff will be on duty in the Café when the Library is closed. Walking escorts are to all locations within the Department of Public Safety patrol area for students leaving the Library at any time.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Due to library renovations, Hagerty Library's Assistive Technology equipment will be unavailable until mid-January.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It just isn't any fun.

But in addition to frequent complaints from our students about smelly and messy food eaten and discarded in study rooms and other parts of Hagerty Library, we've noticed that our mouse population is growing in both numbers and plumpness.

Please feel free to enjoy a candy bar or a tightly-covered mocha decaf latte anywhere in the Library (except, of course, near the computers), but in consideration of your fellow students -- and our hardworking cleaning staff -- please find your way to the Lower Level or to the newly-opened Bookmark Cafe when you're digging in to one of John's delicious meatball sandwiches, or an order of Kung Pao chicken.

Thank you for helping to keep the Library clean.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It has come to our attention that some functions of the Library Catalog, particularly renewing items using My Library Record, don't work when using the Firefox browser.

We recommend using Internet Explorer at this time for renewing books online or marking and saving records from the Library Catalog; you can also request the assistance of library staff in renewing books by emailing us circulat@drexel.edu. We hope to find a resolution to this problem ASAP!

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tutors from the Drexel Writing Center are available in Room 134 in Hagerty Library Monday - Thursday, 5:30 - 8:30 pm to help with writing assignments. Appointments can be made via sign-up sheets posted on the door.

For more about Writing Center hours and services, see http://www.drexel.edu/writingcenter/.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Libraries are following the lead of IRT in continuing to use Office 2003 applications on library computers for the present time. We have, however, loaded converters that will allow you to "downconvert" a document saved in the 2007 format to the 2003 format. You may, however, want to consider saving your document on your own system in the 2003 format. Most University faculty are not yet using Office 2007 and may not be able to read an electronically-submitted document in that format.

We have recently upgraded the libraries' networked printing system to work with the Vista operating system; if you have set-up DragonFly Wireless access on your laptop (assistance available in Korman Center) you can print directly to the library printers from your laptop.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 03:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Careers Collection remains closed while it is moved from Hagerty Library to the Steinbright Career Development Center suite at 3201 Arch Street. The move will allow better integration of the collection, and the services of Careers Librarian Jenny Roberts, with the services and resources of the Steinbright Career Development Center.

Watch for announcements of the grand re-opening of the Careers Collection!

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All public printers in the libraries are connected to a networked printing system, using DragonCard funds to pay for printing. It's easy to use:

• Send your document to print.
  
• In the pop-up box, give your document a name -- anything that will let you recognize it in a list (don't bother with a password).
  
• Go to the printer, swipe your DragonCard, select your document from the queue, and VOILA!

You'll find the full information about Printing in the Libraries, including locations of printers, costs and printing from laptops at http://www.library.drexel.edu/about/printing.html.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Congratulations -- you've found your way to the Library! Learn about the services and resources the Libraries have to offer -- online and in-person -- on our New Students' Guide to the Libraries.

Watch this space (or subscribe to this news blog -- see below) for tips for making the most of the libraries, and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Do you have a question for us? Ask us! By email, by instant messaging, by phone -- or come in and say hello! no question too big, too small or too silly!

Continue reading "Welcome New Students!" »

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's been a busy summer here in the libraries -- we have a lot to tell you about!

• You'll notice a new entrance gate when you come in to Hagerty Library. Just swipe your DragonCard over the stripes on the top of the gate support, and wait a few seconds for the bars to drop. You don't even need to take your card out of your wallet!
  
• New DragonCard machines have been installed at both Hagerty and Hahnemann Libraries; you can check the balance of all funds on your card, and add money for printing and copying. At Hagerty, the machine is located on the first floor near the reference-area printer; at Hahnemann, you'll find it in the 24-hour study room.
  
• Six new group study rooms have been created at Hahnemann; they can be used for individual quiet study when they aren't signed out to a group.
  
• IM Reference service is now offered at Hahnemann Library as well as Hagerty. For screennames, times, etc.
  
• Construction is underway at Hagerty Library to create a 24-hour Study Room on the south side of the 1st floor (previously the reserve/periodicals reading room). The room is planned to be a lounge-style area, with comfortable seating to facilitate group work, with some form of coffee/snack vending provided. Read more in the Triangle!
  
• New stuff! New laptops, new PC's at Hagerty and Hahnemann, 2 42" LCD TVs in viewing rooms at Hagerty -- get the full story in our 7/27 blog posting.
  

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s that time again – time to submit your reserve requests for the fall quarter!

Complete instructions for placing materials on reserve, including blank reserve request forms can be found here: http://www.library.drexel.edu/services/putreserves.html . Please feel free to contact Jeanne Hamann at Hagerty library (215-895-6786) or Anita Chiodo at Hahnemann (215-762-7631) with any additional questions.

The backlog of work is always very considerable by the first day of classes, so if you wait until the term begins, it could take a week or more for your reserve materials to be processed and made available to your students. If you have any purchase requests related to course reserves, be sure to contact your subject specialist librarian as soon as possible.

Our sincere thanks once again to those of you who have already submitted your requests.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Reference chat continues to be available from Hagerty Library as well -- drexellibraryref. Watch for service to expand to evening and weekend hours when the Fall term begins!

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Beginning on Sunday, August 19th, Hagerty hours will be extended to provide later hours for end-of-term studying, staying open until 2:00 am Sunday through Thursday.

Please see http://www.library.drexel.edu/about/hours/hours-wwh.html for a full listing of hours for the remainder of the Summer term.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You can now add funds to your DragonCard again in both Hagerty and Hahnemann Libraries; new machines have been installed and have been activated to work with the re-encoded DragonCards. In Hagerty Library, the machine is located on the wall near the printing station on the 1st floor; in the Hahnemann Library, you'll find it in the 24-hour room. Both machines accept cash in denominations up to $20.

At the DragonCard offices -- 124 Creese Student Center on the University City campus, 1608 New College Building on the Center City Campus, or Room 101 on the Queen Lane Campus -- funds can be added by cash, check or credit card.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As of this morning (Tuesday, August 14th) DragonCard systems have been switched over to work only with re-encoded cards. If you have not yet had your card re-encoded, it may no longer work in the Libraries for printing and photocopying.

All Drexel students, staff, and faculty who were issued a DragonCard before June 19, 2007 at the University City Main Campus must visit the DragonCard Office to have the magnetic stripe re-encoded. The magnetic stripe allows the DragonCard to access meal plans, Ultima funds, University Club memberships, and printing.

To have your DragonCard re-encoded, bring it to the DragonCard Office located in the Creese Student Center, suite 124. The office is open Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. If you have any questions, contact the DragonCard Office at 215-895-6095 or email dragoncard@drexel.edu.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for the staplers at the reference desk?

We've set up two new Stapling Stations in Hagerty Library to help you with all your collating/stapling/paper clipping needs. One station is to the left of the reference desk, and the other station is at the back of the reference hub next to the Careers Library. We hope you enjoy this space!

Posted by Tara Martin at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All Drexel students, staff, and faculty who were issued a DragonCard before June 19, 2007 at the University City Main Campus must visit the DragonCard Office between now and August 10th to have the magnetic stripe re-encoded. The magnetic stripe allows the DragonCard to access meal plans, Ultima funds, University Club memberships, and printing.

The re-encoding is necessary in order to update the systems and services available to the Drexel community. Please note that if you do not have your card re-encoded by August 10th, your card will no longer work to access meal plans and funds. Parking and building access will not be affected.

To have your DragonCard re-encoded, bring it to the DragonCard Office located in the Creese Student Center, suite 124. The office is open Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. As an additional incentive, all students, staff, and faculty who have their cards re-encoded by the August 10th deadline will be entered into a drawing to win $300 in Dining Services funds.

If you have any questions, contact the DragonCard Office at 215-895-6095 or email dragoncard@drexel.edu.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The libraries extend their warmest congratulations to all of the students who graduated last week, and in May.

But you don't have to say "good-bye" to us! Your Drexel alumni benefits include continued use of the libraries (in person), and the ability to borrow books and other materials from the libraries. We regret that, at the current time, we are unable to offer Interlibrary Loan services or off-campus use of our electronic resources (e-journals, e-books and databases) to alumni.

Please see "Library Services for Alumni/ae" for further information.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

And the question is . . . . "How many continuous hours is Hagerty Library open for exams?"

Our all-night library access continues this week through Thursday night, with the library building closing at 11:00 pm on Friday.

Enjoy our midnight movie series, with this week's features including Spaceballs, Them (giant mutant ants!), Spike & Mike's Festival of Animation, and for the finale on Thursday night, The Wizard of Oz.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At midnight on Wednesday, June 6th, Hagerty Library begins its Midnight Movie Series. Take a study break and catch a movie in the Mary E. Hagerty Learning Lab (Room L33) on the Lower Level of the library. Midnight Movie selections will include Dune, Cabaret, Spaceballs and Spike & Mike's Festival of Animation and other classic choices.

Tonight also begins Hagerty Library's 24/7 library access for the exam period. Circulation and Reserve Desk services will be closed (all laptops and reserve books must be returned by 1:45), but study space, computers and printing via DragonCard funds -- and, of course, all of our electronic books, journals, etc. -- will be available. To enter the Library after 2:00 am, swipe your ID card at the card reader next to the front door (see below).

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 08:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Summer (reduced) hours at the Queen Lane Library began on Friday, June 1st; the Library will have reduced hours during the week, and will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays through the beginning of August. Summer hours at the Hahnemann Library will begin the week of June 17th. Please see http://www.library.drexel.edu/about/hours/index.html for details.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For the first time, Hagerty Library will be open around the clock during exam week. The Library will open at 7:30 am on Wednesday, June 6th, and will remain open until 11:00 pm on Friday, June 15th (see Library Hours).

To ensure student safety, students entering the Library after 2:00 am will swipe their DragonCards at the card reader next to the doors to enter. Two University Public Safety Officers will be on duty inside the building.

The Library also plans some treats for late night studiers -- cookies and coffee will be offered at 10 each night, and the vending machines will be kept well-stocked. There will also be free screenings of classic (but campy!) movies beginning at midnight in Room L33 (the new Mary E. Hagerty Learning Lab on the lower level of the Library).

With funds set aside in next year's budget for Hagerty Library renovations, Library Director Jane Bryan hopes to add a cafe to the first floor, which will function as a 24/7 space with a separate entrance.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Hagerty Library announces its "Ask Me!" program for research help. Temporary reference desks staffed by librarians will be appearing in the following locations:

• Tuesday, May 29, 2007, 3 to 5 p.m. in Creese Student Center lobby (32nd and Chestnut Streets)
• Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 3 to 5 p.m. in Starbucks Coffee at Pearlstein Learning Center (33rd and Market Streets)

For more information, contact Josh Roberts at jcr382@drexel.edu.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

IM (Chat) reference service is offered Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. In recent months, library staff have answered more than 200 questions via IM, ranging from requests for research help to questions about library hours. Next time you have a question -- IM a Librarian!

• On AIM - drexellibraryref
• On Yahoo Messenger - drexellibraryref
• On MSN (Windows) Messenger -- drexellibraryref@hotmail.com
• On gTalk (Google) -- drexellibraryref

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Laptop checkout, as well as the DVD and VHS video collections, have moved to the 1st floor of Hagerty Library. Look for our expanded DVD collection, including more recent releases and classics, next to the Circulation Desk. Borrow a video and enjoy a study break today!

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The next time you submit an interlibrary loan request you will see that the ILLiad web pages have a new look. In addition to the changed appearance, the form includes several new features.

A search box at the top of the initial screen now allows you to search by keyword for any past request, regardless of whether it is a current, canceled, or completed request. Another nice option is the ability to undelete “electronically received articles” that you might have unintentionally deleted. You will notice several other changes. We hope you find them useful. Have fun exploring!

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

. . . and they began to cry!

Have you lost your mittens? Or umbrella, or scarf, or notebook, or keys, or . . . .

Visit the lost and found display near the stairs on the main floor of Hagerty Library and reclaim your long-lost stuff! The circulation desks at each library hold lost items to be reunited with their owners.

Our lost-and-found display celebrates National Poetry Month, with Elizabeth Bishop's "One Art".

Continue reading "Three Little Kittens They Lost Their Mittens . . ." »

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Smoking - Critters - Firefox -- What are your fellow students saying about issues in the library?

The Suggestion Box is the Libraries' new online version of our popular Suggestion bulletin board. We'll post selected suggestions submitted online or in the libraries, with responses from library staff -- your comments on the postings are always welcome!

The Suggestion Box joins our Library Log and Medicine/Health Sciences news blog, as well as our new DrexelCareerLib blog for career resource news, and our many popular subject-related blogs. Add our blog feeds to your favorite feed reader to stay up-to-the minute with info about the libraries.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Spring term (for programs on the quarter-system) begins only one week after the end of finals week. This gives us all less time to kick back, relax, and perhaps most importantly, prepare the materials we need to put on reserve for next term.

Our Reserve Service will make every effort to handle your requests in a timely fashion, but we need your help:

• If you want a book from the collection put on reserve, please tell us now so we can hold it or recall it.
  
• If you want readings put on electronic reserve, send photocopies ASAP.
  
• Reserve Request forms can be found here:
  
  • Reserve Request form for electronic submission:
    http://www.library.drexel.edu/services/reserve_form/reserve_form.html
    
  • Printable Reserve Request form:
    http://www.library.drexel.edu/services/reserve_form/Rsrvreq.pdf
    

Those of you who have already handed in your materials have our gratitude, appreciation, and promise that your materials will be ready by the first day of classes.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As renovation of the Hagerty systems offices begins, all checkout services are moving to the Circulation Desk on the 1st floor of the Library. Laptops can now be checked out and returned there; DVDs and VHS videotapes will move to reserve and open shelving on the 1st floor, and will also be checked out at the main Circulation Desk.

For a few weeks, while the DVDs and VHS tapes are being processed (which will include some reconditioning for damaged videos), they won't be available for browsing but can be requested through the Library Catalog.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 01:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

DrexelCareerLib, a new blog from Careers Services Library Assistant Jenny Roberts, announces the latest career resources, advice and events to keep you on the cutting edge. Visit DrexelCareerLib frequently to get updates on new Career Library resources, job search tips, career-related news and events.

Subscribe to DrexelCareerLib to get the latest updates without having to visit this site. Look for the XML button on the right side of the DrexelCareerLib blog, to add DrexelCareerLib to your favorite feed reader.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tired of carrying around your coat, your books, etc.? Hagerty Library has lockers to rent for just $2.50/term. The lockers are on the lower level of Hagerty Library and have attached combination locks.

Visit the Hagerty Library Circulation Desk (1st floor) to rent a locker.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For the past month, we've been using our new Library Log for news about library resources, services and events. You'll see each blog entry highlighted on our library home page -- just click for the full story. Do you want to keep up with library news when you may not be visiting the library website? Look for the button on the right, and add our blog to your favorite feed reader.

What's a feed -- and a feed reader? You can find a good explanation, and recommendations for some easy to use readers at http://www.sixapart.com/about/feeds.

Continue reading "Have you met our Library Blog?" »

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Or at least, Tastykakes ™ and chips! A snack vending machine has been installed in the lower level of Hagerty Library, in the small room adjacent to the computer lab. The snack machine joins the two beverage vending machines installed during the Fall term to provide tasty, re-energizing treats during those late night study sessions.

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 08:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hagerty Library is now offering Instant Messaging (chat) reference, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. IM us via AIM or Yahoo Messenger at drexellibraryref. Visit our Ask a Question page to see if we're online, or put us on your buddy list!

Posted by Web Editor (Kathleen Turner) at 08:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)