Library Communications

Library Lowdown

A Newsletter for UO Students from the UO Libraries

Fall/Winter, 2006-2007

Welcome to Library Lowdown, the inside track about the UO Libraries for University of Oregon students. Library Lowdown keeps you informed of new and improved library services, resources, programs, and events that further the university's mission of teaching, research, and service.

Study from Dusk till Dawn
Research. Write. Get paid.
E-Search Made E-easy
Check Out the Laptop Checkout Program
Library Puts Reservations for Locked Study Rooms Online
Student Monitors Help Keep Library Secure
Library Courses in Winter 2007

1. Study from Dusk till Dawn

Knight Library will remain open around the clock at the end of each term during Dead Week and Finals Week to accommodate UO students, faculty, and staff who need extended hours for study and research.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, and running until 7 p.m. on Friday, December 8, Knight Library will be open continuously. All branch libraries will maintain their usual academic term hours throughout Dead Week and Finals Week.

2. Research. Write. Get paid.

The UO Libraries annual Undergraduate Research Awards program will soon get underway. Each year, undergraduate students who perform outstanding research projects in upper division UO credit courses (300-400 level) during the previous calendar year are eligible for scholarships. This year, two awards of $1,000 each and two of $500 each will be awarded. The due date is Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.

The library will hold drop-in information sessions for students and faculty sponsors to learn more about the program. While attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. The dates and times are:

Monday, Dec. 4 from 3:00- 4:00 pm

Friday, Dec. 8 from 11:00 am - noon

More sessions will be scheduled early in winter term

All sessions will be held in the Learning Commons Collaboration Center, 122 Knight Library.

For more information, please go to http://libweb.uoregon.edu/general/libaward.html.

3. E-search Made E-easy

More powerful search engines, reorganized content structure, a brighter color palette, and global search and resource tabs are among many notable changes in the library\'s new website design, which launched September 11.

Highlights include:

A new metasearch function called OneSearch, which will search several databases (including library catalogs and electronic resources) at once and return the results in a single, merged list. Standard and customizable search modes will be available.
Labeled links on each web page for Find Resources, Research Assistance, Library Services, About the Libraries, Ask a Librarian, and My Account.
Immediate access on all web pages to search functions for the library\'s catalog, journal articles, journal titles, course reserves, and library web pages.

4. Check Out the Laptop Checkout Program

The library has bolstered its laptop checkout program, offering more than 40 computers for student use. The laptops are available for 4-hour and overnight stretches every day of the week, and are ideal solutions to students\' research and presentation needs. Located in the new Learning Commons area (first floor of Knight Library, just east of the Reference area next to the Edmiston classroom, the Laptop Checkout desk is manned by friendly, knowledgeable staff who can assist you.

Go to http://libweb.uoregon.edu/commons/laptops/index.html for more information. The page contains links to an online advance reservation system and information on loan periods, fines and liabilities, theft prevention, and networking the laptops.

Questions? Contact Will Harmon, wharmon@uoregon.edu, 346-1783.

5. Library Puts Reservations for Locked Study Rooms Online

Knight Library has revamped its study room booking procedure to make it easier for students to reserve rooms. The previous process, in which students called 24 hours in advance to reserve a room, has been replaced with a more convenient online self-booking tool.

While Knight Library has twenty-four available study rooms, self-booking is only available for twelve lockable rooms. The other dozen rooms can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Benefits of the new procedure include the following:

Locked rooms provide added security for your personal belongings if you leave the room
Key checkout is available at the time the room is occupied.
Key checkout on weekends is now available.
Individuals can now reserve and use locked study rooms. (Previously, the use of study rooms was limited to groups only.)

For more information, call Knight Library\'s Checkout/Information Desk at 346-3065 or go to http://libweb.uoregon.edu/general/services/groupuse.html.

6. Student Monitors Help Keep Library Secure

Student safety monitors will remind students to secure their belongings, note and report suspicious behavior, and be a visible presence throughout the building in order to make the facility a welcome and secure environment for all users. The monitors will also assist library patrons by answering their directional questions, referring them to the correct place or service, and helping visitors feel comfortable in the library.

7. Library Courses Offered in Winter 2007

Each quarter, the library offers specialized classes to students on topics ranging from how to navigate the library\'s substantial resources to researching the history of baseball. In the upcoming winter quarter, LIB 101, Introduction to Library Research and LIB 453/553, Government Information will be offered.

Click here for more information.

Maintained by: Ron Renchler, ronr@uoregon.edu
Last Modified: 03/18/2009