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Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Get help with a click...

When visiting the library homepage, help is only a click away.

As you can see in the image to the left, if you've got questions, we've got answers. Clicking on the violet Help button gives you access to several helpful services. I've highlighted a few for you below.

Ask a Librarian: This service provides you with ways to get in touch with a librarian who can help you find resources you need for whatever you might be doing. Whether it's research for a paper or you're just looking for something good to read, ask us!

How Do I...?: The links in this section can give you good information if you need help finding books, images, articles, or how to cite resources.

Finding Your Way: Need to visit Bracken Library or just curious about what it's like on the inside? You can access a virtual tour, get local maps of campus or Muncie, or driving directions. in this section.

Next week, look for another quick tour of part of the library website.

As always, remember you don't have to be in the library to use it!

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Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Chat with the Distance Librarian!

Now you can chat with the distance education librarian personally using popular IM clients. When you open up AIM, MSN or Yahoo! chats, just send a message to jasonlibrarian.

I'm typically available from 1pm to 5pm and 6pm to 10pm, Sunday through Thursday. If you get stuck on a research question, are having trouble accessing databases, or have a reference question, I'm there to help!

Just remember: jasonlibrarian on AIM, MSN, or Yahoo!

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Sunday, July 01, 2007

UF4U: CardCat, Part Two

I missed last week's post due to attending ALA Annual. Now, let's return to our regularly scheduled blogging.

Several weeks ago, I wrote about an easily missed feature of CardCat. Now, another change has come around the bend: user logins!

When you access CardCat from the links on the library homepage, you'll automatically be taken to a screen that asks you to enter your BSU username and password. If you'd just like to do a quick search of the catalog, you can do that without logging in by clicking the link close to the middle of the page, "Use CardCat without logging in." Check out the screenshot for a more detailed look.

So, why log in? Just like with everything else these days, customization provides flexibility that people enjoy. By giving you access to a CardCat "account, " there are many things that can be offered that couldn't have been before, like online renewals.

If you have something checked out, but can't make it in to the library, log in and extend your borrowing time. (Note that some items can't be renewed, or have limits to the number of times they can be renewed.)

There is a list of available features right there for you on the login screen. Poke around and see if you find something you like. CardCat login is just one more example of why you don't have to be in the library to use it.

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