Jessup Journal

The library is pleased to announce the arrival of media:scape . This innovative piece of new technology takes working collaboratively to another level. Have you ever tried to use a laptop while working as a group? There was never an easy way for everyone to see the screen. Your previous only option was to set up a projector, but even that's cumbersome. With media:scape, this is no longer an issue. With the push of a button, students and faculty can project their laptop to a screen installed in the table and then easily toggle to the next person's computer. Think of the possibilities! Students can work on group presentations for public speaking or microbiology. Faculty can have students work in groups using peer review. The possibilities are endless. We only have this unit for two weeks. We'll be testing it and evaluating its usefulness for potential purchase. Please let us know your opinions. It is currently located in Study Room A (Rm. M721) in the library and will be open...

As most of you know, the library has had problems with its student computers. Many of our older computers worked very slowly or froze unexpectedly. This certainly made research assignments and writing papers difficult, to say the least. The good news is that this is now all behind us. Just last night, 24 brand-new computers were installed in the library! These great desktop computers are all Vista and have Microsoft Office 2007 installed on them. They work wonderfully so far, but if you do notice any kinks we have to iron out, please let us know. We want them to be in tip-top shape for you as you work on course assignments. We hope these new computers will make your life easier and less stressful. It certainly makes the library look beautiful, especially with all those out-of-order signs gone. So enjoy! And if you have any questions, please let us know!

We've known it for a long time! The library's laptops were old, slow and frustrating. Trying to search on the World Wide Web was near impossible and waiting for the computer to recognize a USB drive could take forever. But no more! Last Thursday, the library started circulating 15 new netbook computers. These computers are slimmer, lighter, faster and just plain cute! Each computer uses Vista as the operating system and has Microsoft Office 2007 installed. The only thing these computers can't do is play a CD or DVD. For that capability, you'll have to use one of our older laptops. So, yes, to answer your question, we still have the older laptops; we'll just use these when we run out of the netbooks. So please stop by the library's circulation desk and check out a new netbook. We think you'll find them a vast improvement. Have fun and enjoy!

On your right, you'll notice a new tool; the staff at the Jessup Library have implemented meebo (instant messaging)! Do you ever have a quick question or concern? Would you like to ask us a question but would prefer anonymity? For example, if the noise level is bothering you, send us a quick message via meebo, and we will respond. We hope this new tool will be beneficial. We understand how busy you are and we want to respond quickly and efficiently. Please take advantage of this new feature and, as always, let us know if you have any questions.

The library just completed its most recent student survey, and the availability of working computers topped the list of concerns. Many a student asked for more or better working computers. While we cannot purchase additional computers at this time, you'll find that most of the broken ones have been replaced (as mentioned in an earlier post). Will that solve the problem completely? Probably not. Computers are in demand in the library, particularly during college hour (12:20-1:20 p.m.). During this time, students often wish to print papers or other materials for class, and generally, they are in a hurry. It is frustrating when computers are monopolized by others who are checking e-mail or looking at Facebook. At least that's what many respondents said on the survey. We understand these concerns and want to take the time to remind students of the library's policy regarding computer availability. According to the library's Policies and Services Web page, priority is as fol...

The library has wonderful news! On Thursday, May 14, 10 new computers were installed to replace the broken ones, for a total of 24 desktop computers. That's one more than before! For a while now, the library has suffered from a lack of computers. Out of 23 desktop computers, nine had failed in the recent semesters. This created a problem for many people as there weren't enough computers during our busiest times. In the recent student surveys, you voiced your frustration about the lack of working computers; we hope these 10 new computers will help. The new computers have Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. You will be able to instantly recognize them; they have both towers and monitors. All other functionality, including printing, is the same. Let us know if you have any questions about the new computers, and enjoy!