FAQ: Web Laboratory
What is this place?
This site showcases projects and proposed additions to Ball State University Libraries web environment. It provides a venue for the testing and refining of services prior to their offical release to the BSU community. Please have a look around and try out the items featured. Then, use the "add comment" link to tell us what you think.
Why should I care?
You have the ability to offer your input and influence the services and products that BSU Libraries develop.
So how to I give my input on one or more items?
Simply click the "add comment" link under the item for which you desire to leave feedback. Type in your comment (no space limit!) and click the Submit button. It's that easy!
Why aren't the "add comment" and "Talk to us!" links working?
These features utilize JavaScript. If your browser does not have JavaScript enabled, nothing happens when you click the links. In order to enable JavaScript in Firefox, select Tools->Options. On the Content tab, click the "Enable JavaScript" checkbox. In Internet Explorer 6 and 7, select Tools->Internet Options. Go to the "Security" tab and click the "Custom Level" button. Scroll down the list to "Scripting". Under "Active Scripting", select "Enable".
If you make changes to either browser, you must close the browser and relaunch it to pick up the updated configuration.Is my feedback anonymous?
Yes! In the spirit of gathering the true opinions of our users, we do not track who leaves a comment. No email address or login is required to comment.
How often do you add new items to the site?
Items are not added on a particular schedule. Items that are being considered for permanent use on The University Libraries web site are added to this site as they become available.
Is there an easy way to keep up with new offerings without having to visit this site constantly?
Yes! Simply subscribe to our RSS feed.
Okay, so how exactly do I subscribe to your RSS feed?
Click on the Subscribe link at the top of every page. An XML file will appear in your browser window. Simply copy the address into your RSS reader, and you are subscribed! Learn more about RSS.
You have a lot of cool stuff for Firefox, but nothing for Internet Explorer. Why is that?
Firefox is an open-sourced program, which means that the source code is available to anyone in the world to download, modify, and contribute to the Mozilla foundation for inclusion in official releases. This also allows web developers to write their own Firefox extensions and search engines, which add great functionality to the browser. Internet Explorer is not open-sourced; Microsoft alone controls what features are included in its browser. Hence, the web community is unable to make extensions for it. Read more about open-source software at Wikipedia.
Do the featured tools available for download work on off-campus computers? Can I install them on my home computer?
Certainly. The toolbars and search engines available for download work on any computer, anywhere.
Does your site support the Opera or Safari web browsers?
Yes. The Web Laboratory site should work properly in IE, Firefox, Opera, and Safari. Netscape presents some display issues, but the content is still accessible.
I have a question or comment about the site in general - not about a particular featured item. How do I get in touch with you?
Questions or comments on the site are welcome via the "Talk to Us!" link in the right column. You can also email us. Please leave comments on featured items in their respective comment areas to ensure your feedback is properly received.
