Here’s an illustration of some of the benefits of our new Bookeye scanner and BSCAN software.  With this software ILL staff will now be able to scan two very large pages at one time–with the BSCAN splitting them into two distinct, reasonably sized images.  The program automatically corrects errors, smoothes the curvature of the book, straightens crooked pages, and even removes fingers from the image. With the addition of cover sheet recognition, automatic updating and color imaging, this new setup will streamline the ILL scanning process and permit readers to read more easily.

LIS Administration is continuing to evaluate what services we should stop as we move ahead with reduced staffing, and we have reached the decision that we can no longer offer a staffed Information Desk in the Library throughout the year. We will want to offer a human presence for the first week of each semester, and will look forward to providing more information tools at the desk for users of the library, but as of Friday, September 11th, there will no longer be staff scheduled at the Information Desk. Doreen Bernier will become the primary person to assist with room reservations in the library, and to answer ext. 2200 when Circulation Services cannot. We will continue to put a high value on providing a welcoming library with services that are easily found, but will look for ways to serve our visitors without having a staff person sitting at that desk.

The person who some day invents a completely reliable high volume printer will make a fortune.  Until then, we all know that printers sometimes break down and go off line.  Communicating printer status to our users has been a challenge and we hope this recently installed “printer status board” will help.  The Helpdesk will simply change out the green dots for red ones when a printer goes off line.  The sign is in a high profile location in the Atrium of the Main Library and we expect that our users will grow accustomed to noticing it.  Joseph Watson came up with the brainstorm and was able to use spare signs and left over scraps to put it together, so it cost nothing to implement.  A similar sign will be installed at the Armstrong Library soon.

We’ve made it easy to ask for topics for us to cover in LISt. Just go to http://tinyurl.com/listsuggestions and suggest the topic and who you would like to write about it. And of course, you can always volunteer yourself.