February 28, 2007
iMacs arrive at the Learning Commons Lab
18 new iMacs are now available in the Learning Commons
The Bernice Blazewicz Pitcairn Learning Commons has been outfitted with 18 brand new 17" Core 2 Duo iMac computers. If you haven't visited the Learning Commons lab, it is located just off Bernice's Reading Room (follow the stairs outside the Library's entrance/Media Gallery area up to the Reading Room and take the first left).
- New to Mac? Get acquainted with this quick introduction.
- Log-in procedures remain the same. If you've forgotten or need to get your computer username or password, use ClaimID.
- Printing is not yet available from the iMacs in this lab.
TIP: Use a USB storage device to save your files, upload to your myUWinnipeg space, or send documents to your email account. You can then use the Quick Access workstations in the Library to send your documents to the printers. - Familiar applications such as Firefox and Microsoft Office are available on the iMacs. You'll find the old favourites plus much more!
Export citations from Google Scholar to RefWorks
You may know that RefWorks works seamlessly with many of the databases available through the Library's online offerings, but did you know that can also export citations directly from Google Scholar to a RefWorks account? Here are the steps:
- Go to Google Scholar
- Click on Scholar Preferences, located to the right of the Search button.
- Scroll to the bottom of the Preferences page and change the settings in the Bibliography Manager so that they match the example below:
- Click Save Preferences
The next time you do a search in Google Scholar, you will see the option to send a citation to your RefWorks account.
February 14, 2007
Live Help Goes IM!
You can now add the library to your favourite Instant Messenger, such as MSN/Windows Live, Yahoo, AIM, and GTalk. Why? This way you have quick access to expert staff that can help you with research, navigating the World Wide Web, and answer your questions about libraries. Check it out!
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The Live Help IM service is a pilot project that will continue until the end of March. It is very similar to our current Live Help service, which allows anyone to chat online with our experts in information in the Library.
How is IM different?
- You will be able to ask your questions in an enviroment (your Instant Messenger client) that you are familiar with!
- You will be able to see when we are online after adding us to your Messenger!
- Hopefully, when you see us online, it will remind you that you have access to a wealth of expertise at your UWinnipeg Library.
How can I access my favourite IM client on campus?
Since not all computers on campus have IM clients installed, you may use its web version if one is available. Alternatively, you can logon to meebo.com, which provides you access to multiple IM accounts.
What if I don't have an IM client?
No problem. On the Live Help IM page, we have a Meebo widget that allows you to message us right from the page.
Is the Live Help IM service provided 24/7?
No. Your questions will be answered by real people, and people need to sleep! Our hours are posted on the Live Help IM page. We will strive to provide coverage as stated, but we reserve the right to reduce hours or cancel blocks of coverage without notice.
Borrow a laptop at the Library
Laptops are available for loan at the Circulation desk for UofW students, staff and faculty on a 24-hour loan period. You can check status and due dates through the library catalogue:
- 10 Dell Latitude D610 laptops
- 8 Apple iBook G4 laptops
Click "Book this Material" to reserve a laptop.
The laptops have wireless capabilities. For more information on how to connect to the wireless network, check Connecting to The University of Winnipeg Wireless Network.
February 7, 2007
Aluka
The Library currently has a trial for Aluka. The trial for this database is available until June 30th.
Aluka is an international, collaborative, not-for-profit effort that is building a networked digital library of scholarly resources from and about Africa. The name, 'Aluka,' is derived from a Zulu word meaning 'to weave', reflecting Alukaês mission to connect resources and scholars from around the world. Africans have collected, protected, and preserved materials in archives and libraries on the continent.
To demonstrate the potential of this new collaborative model, we have facilitated the development of a content area focused on African Plants. This set of digital materials now has over 280,000 objects in 21 collections, including plant specimens, photographs, art, reference works, and archival records of historical expeditions to Africa. The content will be of interest not only to botanists, but also to students and scholars in many related academic disciplines, including ecology, ethnobotany, history, biology, anthropology, economic development, and environmental studies.