BSU Libraries' Web Lab
Computer Availability System
As mentioned in the Software Search Utility Web Lab posting, a new mapping system is being developed to help users find available computers and discover where software is installed in the library.
A prototype is being made available that, currently, only shows the majority of the 3rd floor (it also does not yet locate software). There is also extensive work being done with the GIS Research and Map Collection's ArchGIS system to harness its power, although this system is not publically available just yet.
Once this service goes live, students will be able to quickly locate available computers that have specific pieces of software installed on them. Library staff will also benefit from the increased ability to monitor usage and potentially catch problematic computers that otherwise would be missed.
Date added: Thursday, August 6, 2009
PrinterOn Laptop Printing Service
As part of its continuing efforts to serve the printing needs of BSU students, faculty and staff, University Libraries has switched to a new service provider for its wireless print service. PrinterOn Campus Printing service allows students and faculty to print most common documents to selected printers in Bracken Library. You do not need to install any print drivers to use this service. The system is currently set to print out at printer #6 on the first floor of Bracken Library. Users are invited to test the service, then provide feedback on the results.
Date added: Monday, June 15, 2009
Software Search Utility
Bracken Library's 360 public computer workstations offer a wide variety of the latest software packages to meet your computing needs. To make finding a particular software title or package easier, we have created a utility that will tell you how many computers have it installed on them by floor. Simply select the software title you are looking for from the drop-down menu, and you will be presented with a floor-by-floor count of the number of computers where it is installed. Give it a spin, then tell us what you think via the "add comment" link below.
We are currently working on adding a mapping feature that will graphically display the locations of these computers, and which ones are or are not in use. We will post it to the Web Lab when it is available for testing. Thanks for stopping by!
Date added: Tuesday, June 9, 2009
University Libraries' Toolbar for Firefox: version 2 (beta)
Version two of the University Libraries Toolbar for Firefox is now in its beta release. If you want to try it out for yourself, open this page in Firefox and click on the image a the right. Or, type the address below into your browser's address bar:
http://www.bsu.edu/libraries/bsultoolbar/test/bsu_research_bar.xpi
Both will automatically install the UL toolbar into Firefox, and after restarting, it will be available for your use. Try it out, then tell us what you think!
Date added: Tue, 28 April 2009
Find Audiobooks
Looking for a good read but have no time? Do you have a long commute and would like something different to listen to? Did you know that BSU Libraries offer audio books? Browse our collection quickly by type -- Action & Adventure, Nonfiction, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, and more -- on our website. Browsing for a good audiobook at Ball State Libraries has never been easier! Try it, then tell us what you think!
Date added: Fri, 2 Jan 2009
My Library @ BSU
My Library @ BSU is a customizable library web portal page for students, inspired by iGoogle and MyYahoo. It is designed to organize and present the excellent resources provided by University Libraries based upon the courses you are taking. Simply log-in using your Ball State user ID and password, select from the drop-down menu three subjects you are taking, and My Library will do the rest. You can personalize your site by adding a favorite widget, or track your favorite blog via RSS feed. Future versions of My Library @ BSU will include a view of your patron record, useful tools such as an assignment caluculator, and much more. Try it out and tell us what you think!
Date added: Wed, 25 Feb 2009
MultiSearch
MultiSearch is University Libraries' new federated searching product. Type in your search terms, and it will search through 50 of the Library's subscription databases simultaneously, then present the results grouped by sub-topics, dates, journals, and authors in a highly faceted research interface.
Date added: Fri, 16 Jan 2009
LibX Toolbar
The LibX Toolbar allows you to search CardCat directly from your browser. It is similar to the BSU Libraries toolbar previously mentioned, with slightly different features. It offers the option to search for your topic in Google Scholar, allowing you to find resources across disciplines. In addition, when searching for books on Amazon, or reading a book review, the BSU LibX toolbar places an icon on the page; clicking on it will search CardCat for that item in the library's collection. To learn more about the LibX toolbar, check out the LibX home page.
Install LibX for Firefox Ball State U Libraries LibX Edition --- Revision #1
Install LibX for Internet Explorer Ball State U Libraries LibX Edition --- Revision #1
LibX IE requires that .Net 2.0 or later is installed. Check your Windows Update.
Date added: Fri, 9 Jan 2009
