Images and Printing issues on Computers REF 9 AND REF10

Hello Reffers,

Yesterday was a simple fix in our document with image and saving that to a PDF. Today a new issue has cropped up when scanning an image (one was color) the other was not and then the image NOT printing.

This happened on the computers attached to the scanners (REF 9 and REF 10). I was able to get the BW image to print by copying it to PAINT.

However, the color issue proved more problematic. I tried to also copy it to PAINT and it would NOT print. I attempted to change the color to BW but that is NOT an option apparently. Finally, after much troubleshooting, I switched to a different computer and then the item printed by using PAINT.

Jerome was called in on the issue and had no answers but does know that their is a problem and is going to do something, he did not say what. So I am hoping that means the problem is going to be resolved, but I am not 100% clear on where the job/issue now resides. However, it is still going to be a future headache and this post is an update to avoid headaches and to make you aware of the issues that still lurk around printing images.

In addition, both times, the image file was NOT larger than the 15 MB, MG that is canceling print jobs so that was not an issue. It simply is the fact that the issue is an image and having trouble with REF 9 and REF 10.

A test print job of an image from REF 6 and REF 8 worked fine, so it looks like their is an issue with the computers connected to the scanners and this is odd. Any suggestions on how we can correct it before we are bombarded in the spring? I love the idea of fixing this before that!
Thanks,
Tracy

Printer Issue with Image issues

This is regarding some issues that "we" have experienced that are NOT Powerpoint, but articles, and/or word documents with images that are NOT printing. Today a suggestion was made that seems to work for now. One way to bypass this headache is the save the article and/or word document you are trying to print as a PDF file. After troubleshooting this way and saving as a PDF the image file (complete with text) printed just fine.

If the problem persists EVEN after the PDF file save then Michael and/or Jerome have asked that they be notified with a phone call and they would like to come out and see the actual issue if they are not too busy. This is a MUST since M.S. stressed he needs to see the problem as it is happening.

In both instances of the word document with image and the article with image from a database not printing, neither one of them was over the allotted 15 MB but much smaller. Which was confusing, but alas, the issue has been resolved temporarily with the idea to PDF save!

Thanks,
Tracy

Printer Problems

Addendum to earlier post:  Using Word 2010, if you right click on the actual color image in the document and scroll down there is a way to select black and white only, and this will alleviate the color image printer problem.

Go Print Problems 12-11-11

It seems that any Powerpoint that contains color images will not print on the first floor.  It says "printing" and it never shows up.  If you change it from color to black and white only in print options it seems to print no problem.  If the print job in question is a Word document with color images, it will not print the job, nor does there seem to be a way to select black and white only.  I experienced this about 4 times today.

Send patrons to Holbrook to print large jobs & more mobile setup questions

Send patrons to the Holbrook lab to print larger than 15 MB jobs.  The lower limit  has dramatically reduced the time it takes students to print and complaints about not getting their print jobs, but now and then there is still a backup.  Acid test will be the beginning of the spring semester.

We're beginning to get more questions from patrons about how to set up their mobile phones, so sending them to http://mcneese.edu/ns if they cannot reach anyone at x5995 (Holbrook) or Network Services.

Barbie

The Lake Charles American Press has some new software. 
Appears a bit less clunky and other plusses, but inaccessible from off campus (?).  The dates may not go back as far. 


Barbie & Walt

Halloween Monday

I have just been told by M. Sartori that JSTOR is down and that the three thin clients on the first floor have been taken by I.T. No further information has been provided at this time, but this is the status as of 3:43 Monday, 10/31/11.

Tracy

Printer Maintenance Kit

Just notified Mary Jane that the GoPrint printer needs a printer maintenance kit.  If y'all see "Perform Printer Maintenance" flashing periodically in the little printer window, that indicates the right black bar on our printer status sheet is all white (Maintenance Kit 0%).

Sometimes we catch it when there's a bit of black left in the bar, but not always.  As soon as the black is almost gone, let Mary Jane know and she'll notify Patsy to call the technician.  He has to replace some parts.  Otherwise it just stops printing without any notice.

Barbie

Grand Lake and Oberlin High School Visit

Hello Reffers,

Just a note to say that Grand Lake High School will be visiting in two groups tomorrow morning. I am expecting a total of 32. They are doing a project on careers. Once the tour is done, it is possible they will be "roaming" the stacks for books, and they might have questions. Just a heads up that this will be happening during the a.m. hours.

Please let me know if you have questions.

In addition, Oberlin High will be here next week, Wednesday Nov. 2 for the career project as well. 

Tracy 

Printer out on 1st floor

Troubleshooting on 1st floor has begun, but apparently the computer is the issue this time on the printer problem on the 1st floor. Signs have been posted, but students are once again asking, why they can't send jobs to the 2nd floor to print.

Tracy

Copier jams

Before Patsy can call a technician to fix a copier, she needs to know which copier, exactly where the jam is and how often it is jamming.   Jess suggested placing a form to track this information under the Thin Client Stats form to record this information.   I'll create one shortly.

Sharon asked we watch that the number of lost copies equal the coin refund amount (5 copies = .50).

Questions? Suggestions?

Thanks,  Barbie

Hole Punchers

On Friday, Ms. Penny the janitor, asked me if we could help her out with the little pieces of paper that are always on the ground from the hole punchers.  She had originally asked me if I ever dump them out, which I do approximately one to two times a week.  Even though I dump them out once or twice a week, there is still a large amount that ends up on the floor.  I could try to dump them out once I day, but I still feel that there would be a responsible amount that ends up on the floor.  Does anyone else have any other solutions to this problem?

Thanks,
Shandi

GoPrint will handle legal without jamming now

Michael said the GoPrint system will handle legal now without jamming, but he prefers not advertising it.
Barbie

Larger Xerox copier appearing to have no power

Sharon found the larger Xerox copier unresponsive a couple of days ago, appearing to have no power.  We unplugged it for a full 60 seconds and it came back on with no problem.  As Michael said with the GoPrint system or computers, turning it off may not clear it's memory. 
Barbie

Copier/computer paper supply

Continued from my email that should have been on the blog:
After our new supply of paper arrives in about 2 weeks, could we keep an eye on the depletion rate, especially near midterms and finals.  When the supply drops to 5  - 10 boxes between Circulation, Archives, Acquisitions (Lyn), Book Sale Room (Jan), and Reference, Patsy should be notified.
Does this sound OK to everyone?
Suggestions welcome.
Barbie

Copier refunds

     Where would the form be located that we are supposed to fill out when a patron needs to be refunded there money for copier malfunction?

Student Software

We had two students in the last few days that were told they could get free software from either the MSU Library (copy of (Microsoft Visual Studios goes for $1,000 - 9/2) or a place the other student didn't remember (for copy of XP - 8/30).  After calling the Math Department (ACC lab, etc.) we were told to send the student to the tech person in the back of the ACC/ACLC lab. 

Called Michael to see if we had any new service since the student was adamant that Ms. Kussmann said the MSU Library.  Michael said we do not want to be involved in potential copyright infringement, a considerable liability, so please send them to the tech person.  

Barbie

Kinder High School

Hello everyone. Thanks for the assistance today with Kinder students. The instructor apologized for bringing such a large group and we agreed that it would be better in the future to break into 2 sessions of some sort rather than such a large bunch. What I plan to do in the future is to make sure the group number is manageable and I will update the building/department that the group will be here in case they Meebo, wander around building, and or come to Reference desk/Serials/Govt. Docs.

We don't have a ton of outside High School groups, but we do have enough that I will work to keep everyone in the loop for simple logistics purposes. This was the largest group that I have entertained and the Kinder instructor agreed that she would bring smaller groups in the future.

Overall the session was successful but I apologize for any confusion or chaos that I may have instilled in you today.

Thanks for being patient with me on this and I hope to iron out all the kinks for future success!

Tracy

The past HS groups have had hitches here and there but for the most part have been a huge success with minor irritations. I am aware of these particulars and plan to discuss with Jess to get insight and clarification on the future of the project. Thanks again for letting me ramble I just wanted to keep a log of today's events.

Ebooks

Hello fellow reference workers,

Barbie, Tracy, and I were able to request and download the same book on Ebsco Ebooks, simultaneously.  The three of us performed a test earlier this morning and were very pleased with our new discovery.  We believe that both faculty and students alike, will greatly benefit from this new discovery.

Thanks, Shandi

QR Codes

Hello All...

It was my observation at Howdy Rowdy day on 8/17/11 that the majority of students have NO clue what a QR code is, though they may have seen them they still don't know what they are or how they work. While I think the QR code is a GREAT idea the message we have displayed on the paperwork at the reference desk just needs a bit more explanation. In a year or so QR codes might be more mainstream or passe but until then, I wanted to suggest something that I had seen on a coupon that was a great explanation to the masses on the use of QR codes. The coupon simply read like this " Use your smartphone SCAN THIS CODE & see the fall come to life"
My suggestion is to change up the current language on the ref desk QR code promoters so the message is more clear.

Thoughts?

Tracy

Copier out of order

Hello. The large copier on first floor is out of order. Says that it has a paper jam and no paper jam is to be found. Multiple attempts to clear the jam have been made and to no avail. What should we do now? Call Patsi? Jan, Tracy, Craig, Shandi have all attempted to fix and it is still not working.

Any ideas?

Tracy

Heads up...changes in catalog mean a change in reference...

Hi Gang,

If you are familiar with our feeble catalog, you'll know that we have lots and lots of location codes for our materials, 6 or 7 in reference alone. These multiple categories are going away, and the one that we will have will be called "Reference Books" or something.

We will still have a ready reference collection, and we will still have atlases on the atlas stand. In order to alleviate confusion when a student goes to the reference stacks to find a book that is actually in ready ref or on the atlas stand, Shandi will be making dummy books for all of those ready ref and atlas materials, and then she will file them in with the rest of the regular collection.

If this makes no sense to you, please come talk to me about it. I'm happy to explain.

Thanks!

Jessica

Printer Madness

Hello Refers,

Just starting to think about the printer issues as we gather steam for fall 2011. I remember in April the printer was out of service for five days and it was a big pain in the neck. Some reference desk powows and conversations amongst ourselves were that "wow....wouldn't it be cool if this happens again the student would have the option to send that job to the 2nd floor printer right away?" I know that this involved some additional logistics that I am not aware of ....but was that idea dead in the water? or can we revisit it?

The printer was out of service yesterday August 10. The printer today is now sending an ERROR message to "turn off and turn back on" with no positive results after that is done. Still relaying same message as of August 11 issue.
While on the ref desk from 11:30 to Noon, three students tried to print and could not and asked, "well can I just send the job to the second floor?" and I had to tell them no. If this is doable it would seem that this would be a great feature toward assisting our students this semester.

What do you all think? Can we inquire on behalf of our department this urgent need?

Tracy

Weeding Project summer 2011

Hello Refers,

Has anyone else had items in there sections for Weeding that have been possible candidates for special collections? I have had this happen on two different occasions and just wondered if anyone else was having this come up. I guess it's a normal thing.


Tracy

Student Inquiry

I had a student contact me today about "rumors" that the library will not be open or accessible once the renovations start. I was able to assure the student that this was not the case and while yes, things would be a bit haphazard that the library would still be open and have regular hours of operation.

With that said, the student was relieved. However, with that said, it just brings to my mind the importance of communicating this to students should they call and inquire and it reminded me that at some point there had been discussion about creating some sort of timeline of what to expect on the renovations for the website. Is that still happening? Does anyone know? It sure would be nice to have something like this to help students understand the process.

Thanks,
Tracy

Sunday Night Observations

A few things that happened tonight that need some clarification:
1. A student says she cannot access BIOOne database from home. I am not sure why and will test from my house as well. What could be the issue?

2. SciFinder is the only database that you have to "create a password" for and can only be accessed from library right? or no? If this is the case shouldn't it say this in the description. It is not very clear.

3. Idea for each reference staff member to purchase some headphones for the ref desk. It would be nice to have at least 4 pair for the busy fall approaching.They are pretty cheap on amazon.com

4. Safety and backup issues. In the event that no one shows up in Serials/CIRC or Govt. is there a plan to phone for backup? Should something be put in place. Also, Serials lights. Would like to know where they are just in case student doesn't show or is late.

5. Door in foyer area to old stair well was open when I arrived and it is unlocked. Not sure how or why, but it is still unlocked. Needs to be locked. what key locks it?


Thanks for the Q&A.

Tracy 

Registar's Office Is Moving

Starting at the end of July, the Registar's Office will be moving to the Burton Conference Center.  It is the little building that is attached to the BBC.

Thanks,
Shandi

ACRL Virtual Conference

Hey Gang,

I have posted a link in the blog to the Association of College Research Libraries (ACRL) Virtual conference I attended in March/April of this year. The virtual conference will be accessible until April 2012. You can go into the site as me, my user name is tracysacrl and check out some of the sessions.

Enjoy! and let me know if you have any questions.
I wish ALA had something like this, but I am guessing that ALA was just too massive.

Let me know if you have any troubles with the link.

Tracy

Changes to the look of Google Calendar

Changes to the look of Google Calendar

Just saw this when I logged in to Google today. Just a heads up. It appears that it is only cosmetic changes, but just wanted to share!

Tracy

EBSCOhost Behaving Badly

Hello All. I would appear that EBSCOhost has been behaving badly lately with enough minor irritations to have a student comment on what was up with that? Both Barbie and I have noticed it as well. Minor issues like the cite feature not working, or the abstract image not popping out when it is supposed to.

I have inquired with Jerome today via email (June 30) to see if he has any ideas why this is happening. Stay tuned.

Tracy

World War 1 Posters as Images

Interesting link on War Posters particular to WW1. Students are needing images of this time period. I am not sure if posters fits the criteria, but just wanted to share as an option that they might not have considered.

http://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2011/06/world-war-i-posters-making-a-point-from-a-distance/ This LOC link also mentions a significant archive collection from Georgia that would be searchable as well.

Tracy

Login instructions: Jerome will update

Tracy emailed Jerome to ask him to update the login instructions on the MSU Library page, directing them to go to "My Account" for their PIN #.  Until this update is completed, please direct patrons to "My Account" and "Email Me My PIN".

Jess said MSU is focusing all communication with students to their MSU email now. 

Whether it is unfamiliarity with the new MSU page or never having used MSU email,
some patrons are confused about:
1. how to find their email link in the portal or
2. what their email address is "msu-(initials last name #)@student.mcneese.edu"

Their email is under the Addresses tab in Workflows.

Barbie

The copiers on the first floor...

...can now accept $5 bills as well as $1 bills. Yay!

Jess

Repost

Hello Team

Remember that next week we have to open the doors for CIRC. The grad student will be arriving, but they will have to get in the building so it will be up to Reference to unlock the library!

Tracy

Xerox CopyCentre 232 Jan's verbal instructions

Placed notes about how to operate the new copier on the share drive and left a copy on the desk.
Please feel free to correct, enhance or add what you discover to our virtual copy.

LC Classification Outline @ Reference

Our LC Classification Outline (the purple one that was falling apart) has been placed in a binder.  It is still in our catalog (Ref Z 696 .U42 2003), just looks a bit different.  If the binder gives any trouble, let Barbie know and she will switch it out with another.
This title is on the web as well.

Go Print warning

Hi Team,
The maintenance kit for the Go Print system on the first floor is almost gone.  The printer will work a little while longer, but will die without this thingy.  Patsy has been notified.
Walt & Barbie

Butkus' Philosophy Assignment

If you have students doing the abortion topic, I highly recommend sending them to CINAHL and Health Source. Lots of ethical debates in those articles.

Jess

New Univ. website does not appear correctly on Ref. computers

Hey gang,
The reference computers behind the reference desk do not display the new university webpage correctly.  They do not show the navigation bar in either explorer or firefox.

Students wanting access to the portal, blackboard, or email should google search "my mcneese."  The first hit is the correct link.
Walt

Next Week June 20-June 24

Hello openers for next week....June 20-June 24. Joycia will be out of the office on vacation. She has asked that we be able to open the doors "just in case" the Circ grad student is a bit late. A circ grad will be on staff to unlock the door, but again, just in case, heads up.

Thanks, Tracy

We have a new MSU and Library website!

links and search box added

Check out the right side of the blog...there's a search box and links to the reference handbook and livetext assistance.

Jess

Larger Copier keeps jamming

Hi team,
The larger copier on the right keeps jamming.  I put an Out of Order sign on it, and alerted Patsy.
More to follow,
W

Blog Example

Hello All,
as we start off on this internal communication "project" and exploration I wanted to pass along a blog example that I found at University of Tennessee Knoxville. This purpose of this blog is to just keep staff, and of course the Director, to be kept up to date on projects and research and simply just what everyone is up to. It is much more personal in terms of issues, but it also does discuss professional topics as well. The tags located within the blog help guide the user to pinpoint what they are looking for.

I am not sure, but does BLOGGER all us to create a tag cloud? I am not sure.

Again, this is a much larger University, but wanted to share this with you as a example for the future of our blog should it take another direction and since we are still exploring these issues.

Thanks for letting me post. http://info.lib.utk.edu/share/tag/librarianship/

Status of Projector in Room A

Does anyone know the current status of the Room A projector? We are still using the "backup" one. So if that one dies we have no backup. Some of you might recall that a bulb blew out on the normal one that sits there. People went on vacation and weeks have passed and now not sure of status. I will put in a note to Jerome and Brian to inquire. Stay tuned.

Coppage Library Instruction

Hello Reference,

Heads up that Coppage (whose Library Instruction class I taught today) mentioned to me that any students of his who did NOT attend class for various reasons, are being asked to write a short one page paper on why they did not come to library session. In addition, be aware that these persons may come to us for help at Ref Desk and Coppage has asked that the students get a librarian's signature showing that they came in and inquired about some of the the items they missed.

So far, it is my understanding that only one student missed the class today. Let me know if you have Questions!

Lib Spec 2 position...

Hey,

I turned in paperwork to HR this morning, and I've chosen Shandi Thibodeaux as our new Library Specialist 2. HRwill review my paperwork, verify that her qualifications are accurate, and let me know when I can ask her to fill out the pre-employment application. Then they'll do a background check, and then we can make it all official. I don't know how long this process will take; I estimate a week.

Shandi can't begin until July 1, but all of her paperwork should be in order by then.

So I guess we need to think about how we're going to train her. Do we need to have a welcoming party? Anyhoo, we can chat about this at the ref mtg tomorrow.

Jess

Printer Network & Ref 06

Reference 06 computer is not printing.  I have reported the problem to Jerome.
Walt

See you this afternoon...

Hey y'all,

I have the Libraries Southwest meeting this morning, so I won't be in till this afternoon.

Shoot me an email if you need anything

Jessica

GoPrint update paper trays

Walt said if tray 2 and 3 are empty paper will be taken from tray 4.
Barbie

Reference Grad Computers

The Reference grad's computer keeps restarting itself (several days now), something to do with the updates? Jerome has been notified. Stay tuned! 

First Floor Printer Issues

June 7: The GoPrint printer is giving message to fill up tray 3.  Does not appear to be taking from tray 4 at all (sometimes from tray 2). 


This just in from Barbie and has been communicated to Jerome and MJ as of 11:38 on June 7. Stay tuned!

Library Specialist 2

I decided to schedule another interview since one of my applicants didn't show up. I'll be interviewing Shandi Thibodeaux tomorrow at 4. I hope to offer the position to someone by Thursday.

Let me know if you have questions or want to see application materials.

Jess

Governor's Program

Hey Y'all,

The Governor's Program is here for the summer. They'll be in Room C each Friday, 8am-1130am.

Jessica

Summer Session has begun!

Library opens at 7:15 a.m. today through July 22. Coffee!

Tracy Signing In

Hello, This is Tracy and I am just checking to see that the blog is up and working.

Super cold in the libary today.

Heads up! Wear a sweater.

Jess

hi, i am a new blog

this is my first post.