Commons Knowledge

You may have trouble finding some things on the main floor of the library but we’re really not trying to hide anything from you, honest! During renovations the photocopiers have found a temporary home underneath the stairs. And, since we have only two copiers set up, please refrain from bulk copying during peak hours. Don’t worry, we’ll move them to their new permanent location, along the back wall beside circulation ASAP.

The “current” newspaper rack is now in its permanent location at the foot of the stairs and back issues can be found adjacent to the rack, on the bottom of the periodical shelves. The “General Interest” periodicals (i.e., Time, Newsweek, China Today, etc.) have been interfiled alphabetically with the other unbound periodicals.

Stay tuned because these moves are only the beginning. We'll keep you updated on the progress. And don't forget . . . If there is anything, including a quiet place to study, that you need and can’t find, just ask!

Ray Small UNBSJ’s systems analyst has developed a comprehensive website that offers information and links for: Software Installation Packages, Multimedia How to Tutorials, UNBSJ Helpdesk Forms, How to Links, and updates on computer lab purchases for the campus. The site has plenty of great information and lots of really useful software packages such as mail programs, GIS Software, MS Office, Adobe Programs, virus scanning, Spyware cleaners and more. (Some programs require installation by ISS staff as licensing agreements are in place.) Also learn about the Dell student and employee discount purchase program that can save you money on your next computer purchase. You can access the site at: http://138.119.1.209/~rsmall/

As the renovations continue, a major change is in store for the room formerly known as the Map & Atlas room. The maps, atlases, DVDs and videos currently housed there are, at this very moment, being moved upstairs to share the science fiction area. Now what will we be doing with all that empty space you ask? Simple . . . You’re in the library working on assignments and papers, right? Well, wouldn’t it be convenient if you could get assistance with your writing without leaving the building?

We are very pleased to announce that Writing Centre staff will be moving into the former Maps & Atlas Room in the near future. You’ll be able to meet one-on-one with consultants for assistance with written assignments and projects. Along with the new Library Commons and Helpdesk presence on the main floor, we are truly becoming “Your One-stop Shop” for students.

We are pleased to announce that Lisa Weir is the winner of the “Tim’s” Gift Certificate this week. Lisa was randomly selected from all of the respondents to our survey question, "What productivity software applications do you use most often?" Incidentally, absolutely everyone answered Microsoft Word, followed closely by PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat. Thanks to everyone who responded and here comes our next trivia question . . .

Approximately how many records are added to the ASFA database monthly? Please submit your answer to wcl@unbsj.ca for your chance to have coffee on us. A random draw of all correct responses will be made to select the winner of a $10 gift certificate from Tim Hortons. Good Luck!

The Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstract (ASFA) database of over 1 million records is considered the premier reference in the field of aquatic resources. This database is compiled by institutes and organizations from around the world, committed to collecting and disseminating information on the science of all aquatic environments. Records stretch back to 1971 with about 3700 added monthly. The ASFA database is readily searchable, with browsable indexes available for author, journal name and publication type. So, whether you’re looking for environmental conservation, aquaculture, fisheries or oceanography, start your search with ASFA.

Judy Arseneau, come on down! (whoops, wrong contest) . . . Let's just say, Judy Arseneau can come on in to the library and pick up her Tim Horton's gift certificate. She was the winner of this week's trivia question (albeit, an easy one). Congratulations, Judy!

Next week we'll be looking for more of your input with another survey, so don't forget to check the blog for your chance to be our next winner.

The Student Helpdesk is thrilled to announce that Andrea Bainbridge, (you know her from the library’s circulation desk) has joined their staff effective immediately. Andrea will join Wayne Hansen, helpdesk supervisor, and various student workers to provide one-on-one support for students. Our best wishes go out to Andrea in her new endeavor! New ISS initiatives for this coming academic year include student application support and a “satellite” student helpdesk located in the library learning commons area.

Rest assured that the circulation desk will not be understaffed, as Andrea will be replaced in September with another staff member from the campus. You’ll probably also recognize her, but we’ll keep you in suspense for a few more weeks!

In 1972, a Scottish epidemiologist, Dr. Archie Cochrane wrote a book, Effectiveness and Efficiency: Random Reflections on Health Services. Twenty years later, a research team from McMaster University, built on Cochrane’s concept and further refined the methodologies used to qualify research and collaborate medical data. The term, “evidence-based medicine” was first used in a paper published by this group in 1992. (Guyatt et al.,1992) Five years after Dr. Cochrane’s death in 1988, the Cochrane Library, named in his honor, was founded. Their vision is that healthcare decisions will be made on the basis of “high-quality, timely research evidence” across all areas of health care.”
Today, evidence-based medicine has become the “gold standard” in all fields of patient care and health policy. Although designed originally for clinicians and researchers, the Cochrane Library has a number of user-friendly features: Plain-language summaries are provided for most of their abstract reviews and the Cochrane Consumer Network solicits input from health “consumers.” So whether you’re nursing student, a patient, know a patient or just have an interest in medicine and healthcare, take a look through the Cochrane Collection.

This week our contest tests your knowledge of local geography . . . Be warned, it's slightly more difficult than last week's give-me! To enter, please click this link, answer the "skill-testing" question, just don't forget to leave us your e-mail address in the space provided (so we can let you know that you've won the goodies). And, if you have any problem visualizing the area we're asking about, please feel free to come into the library to check out our "water" view. We love visitors.

All responses will be entered into a random draw and the winner receives a $10 Tim Horton's gift certificate.

Effective July 3rd there will be a change to the “Relais Request Form” login procedure. Instead of using your barcode as your login ID and your email address as your password, we are changing the procedure . . . Now your e-mail address will be your login ID and your PIN will be your password, similar to logging into your e-mail or e-services. The actual web form remains the same, ie. users will choose to request a loan or copy, or may query their requests as usual.

You will also notice that the policies and fees are now on a separate page and you must agree to them before you are routed to the request forms. Please make sure you read these terms before you agree. (Practical life advise always!)

If you encounter any problems, please contact Document Delivery Staff at 648-5705 or legere@unbsj.ca.