Thursday, August 21, 2008
Students will find library services more convenient and user-friendly, thanks to changes that KU Libraries made this semester.
Some of the changes include a new function on the library Web site that allows students to search multiple databases, a text messaging system to “Ask A Librarian” and a relocated circulation desk in Watson Library.
The updated library Web site will be simpler and more functional for researchers. New search tools on the main page allow users to search many popular databases at once. Holly Mercer, head of KU Scholar Services, said the new tools saved time for users and were helpful for interdisciplinary research. She said about 120 databases were available through the new search service and the number would grow over time.
“It’s a quick way to get started,” Mercer said. “It will help you identify some good databases for starting points to do research.”
Davis Morgan, Newton junior, works at the new circulation desk in Watson Library Tuesday afternooon. Morgan said that he has worked at the library for three years and that the new desk is "quite spacious."
Users can narrow down databases or see more specific subjects on the “Articles and Databases” page. Once users select a subject, the Web site will list relevant databases, Web sites and librarians who are familiar with the subject.
“What we want to do is guide people to the right resources,” Mercer said. “Our goal was to simplify the process as much as we could.”
The KU Libraries also added text messaging to the “Ask A Librarian” service. The service also includes the options to ask by phone, online instant messaging, e-mail or in person.
The service is available during the normal service desk hours of Anschutz and Watson libraries.
Fran Devlin, KU Libraries’ coordinator of reference services, said librarians would respond to questions as soon as they could.
Erin Ellis, KU Libraries’ coordinator of Instructional Services,said she hoped the texting service would make students more aware of librarians and feel less intimidated to ask for their help.
“What I’d like to see is students feel more free to ask questions,” Ellis said. “They can text in a stack, like, ‘I can’t find this book.’”
Watson library also remodeled its circulation desk and moved it to the immediate left of the entrance.
Rebecca Smith, KU Libraries’ director of public relations, said the new desk location improved staff visibility. The circulation desk provides the same service as last year, but Smith said remodeling allowed patrons to talk to staff more casually.
“The desk itself is really gorgeous,” Smith said. “We’re really trying to increase the aesthetic appeal of Watson. We want to make Watson very comfortable for students and faculty and make it a
place they enjoy being.”
— — Edited by Jennifer Torline
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