Albertsons Library: computer system maintenance over Winter Break

During Winter Break, Albertsons Library will be performing maintenance on its main computer systems.

From 6-8:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21, most library online services will be offline for regular maintenance. This includes the library web server, interlibrary loan and the library catalog.

On Dec. 21 and 22, the back-end library catalog will be offline for a software upgrade. Patrons will be able to search for items held by the library by using the search box on the library’s homepage, but will not be able to place holds, renew books or see availability of items.

Searching for and downloading articles from databases or journals will be available. Downloading of ebooks will be available from the ebook vendor databases: EBL EBOOKS LIBRARY, EBRARY, and OVERDRIVE EBOOKS.

New: 2nd Floor Computer Space

Our space innovations continue with a new computer lab space on the second floor of the library. The space includes:

• 12 new computers
• A group study table with central plug-in for your laptop and the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connector for the monitor. You can check out adaptors and a remote at the Circulation desk on the first floor
• An all-in-one Printer/Copier/Scanner (Black & White or Color printing)

Let us know what you think of these and other changes to your library spaces at
http://bit.ly/library_space. #3rdspace

Bill English,
Head of Library Computing & Information Services

Extended Library Hours for Dead Week & Finals

Ready for finals? We'll help! The Albertsons Library will be open 24 hours a day for dead week AND Finals week. This includes the second floor as well, which includes the library's computer classroom (L203) and its 30 additional computers.

Here's the schedule for dead week & finals week (1st & 2nd floors only):

• Sunday 5/4: 10 am to midnight
• Monday 5/5: Open at 7 am and close at midnight on Friday, 5/9
• Saturday 5/10: Open 10 am to midnight
• Sunday 5/11: Open 10 am and close at 7 pm on Thursday, 5/15
• Friday 5/16: Open 8 am to 5 pm
• Saturday 5/17: Closed

During the late night hours staff will be on hand to answer questions and check out first-floor reserve materials. Free coffee and treats will be provided each night (while supplies last!) by the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU). An officer from the Boise Police Department will be on duty in the library all night and can provide escort service as needed.

Please refer to our calendar for a complete list of library hours. Of course, you can always access our online resources 24/7 at http://library.boisestate.edu/

Best of luck on your finals!

Check Out What’s Happening at the Circulation Desk

Fall 2013 is in full swing and if you haven’t taken advantage of everything that the Circulation Desk has to offer you might be missing out on some very valuable resources!

Technology
Did you know that the Circulation Desk has more than 50 laptops available for checkout? As well as computer and phone chargers, iPads, headphones, microphone headsets, and even calculators. Although most items must remain in the library, our lending policy has recently changed and many items can now be checked out until 30 minutes before closing with no need to renew! We’ve also eliminated the $0.50 per minute fine in favor of a 3-strike policy. Return technology items late 3 times in one semester and you’ll lose technology lending privileges until a new semester begins. Visit the Circulation Desk to find out about all available items!

Reserves
You’ve ordered your textbook, but it hasn’t arrived. Maybe you just don’t want to haul around ten
pounds worth of Chemistry. Perhaps finances are tight. Whatever the reason may be, course reserves can be a wonderful resource for many students. Textbooks and required reading books are kept on special shelves behind the Circulation Desk and check out for shortened periods, usually for in-Library use only. This allows multiple students to have regular access to the materials without having to purchase them. Unfortunately, the library is not able to carry every book that is required for every class and professors must request that specific items be added to the reserve shelves, so check with your professor or the Circulation Desk to find out what materials may be available. Reserve items are arranged alphabetically, so knowing the title of the book will help us find it for you the fastest. 

Clint the Bald Eagle
Our beloved scarlet macaw had to fly away at the end of the Spring 2013 semester, but happily a new friend swooped in to take his place. Clint the Bald Eagle is currently soaring through the stacks. Find him and bring him to the Circulation Desk to choose something special from our prize box! There’s no limit to the number of times you can find our feathered friend.

Heather Grevatt
Access Services

Time is on your side with laptop checkouts

Photo by Jen Gallardo

You check out a laptop from the Circulation Desk. You set up a study space on the fourth floor and arrange it just so.  You’re several hours into the essay that will determine your grade in the class that will ultimately determine your academic future and in turn your entire life! When suddenly, you glance at the clock and realize that the laptop was due 30 minutes ago. Panic sets in as “$.50 per minute overdue fine” echoes in your ears.  

This all too familiar scenario happens to students every day, which is why Access Services is happy to announce that starting Summer 2013 we have updated our laptop lending policy. Instead of a 3-hour check-out period, students may now check out a laptop at any time during the day and keep it until 30 minutes before closing, no renewals necessary!   

In addition, the $.50 per minute overdue fine has been eliminated. Students will now operate on a 3-strike system. If a student returns technology items late, 3 times in a single semester, they will lose their technology borrowing privileges until the start of a new semester. These students will still have access to all Library desktop computers, scanning, and printing and will be able to check out all non-technology items, such as books, periodicals, and DVDs. Their ability to borrow materials from OIT operated Labs, such as The Zone will not be affected. 

Some aspects of technology lending will not change. Except for 3-day iPads, technology items are still restricted to in-Library use only.  Also, students will not be able to “park” their materials. If students need to leave the library, they must check-in their items and check them out again when they return. Due to limited supplies, the extended checkout will not apply to certain specific items, such as iPhone 5 chargers, Apple Mag-Safe chargers, and VGA adapter kits.  

It is the Library’s hope that these new policies will better serve our students by providing uninterrupted typing and studying time, while eliminating the stress associated with large fines!

Heather Grevatt,

Access Services