Service Desk Knowledge Base - Recently Updated Pages

Library Public Computers

vicki_b — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:50:28 CST

There are many computers for public use scattered throughout the subject libraries, branch libraries, and the stacks. These computers provide access to the home pages of the University Libraries and its various operating units, LIAS on the WEB, and the Internet, and they are enhanced with a variety of software applications as well as the Beilstein 7.0.8, ChemNetBase, SciFinder Scholar 2006 databases. Additional software applications for word processing and spreadsheeting are available in the Student Computer Labs located around campus (access account required).

Find an available computer in the library.

Headphones

vicki_b — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:40:04 CST

Headphones are available for checkout to patrons in the following areas:

Service Desk Knowledgebase

vicki_b — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:30:12 CST

The University Park Libraries Service Desk knowledgebase (formerly called FAQs) serves as a repository of answers to commonly asked questions at service points in the University Libraries, primarily at University Park.

Try the Search function (top right) or the Navigation menu to the left. If you can't find the information you are looking for, use the ASK PSU chat window to the right to chat with someone at the Gateway Desk (Refresh the page if the chat window is empty.)

This knowledgebase is provided and maintained by Library Learning Services. Please contact us with updates, or let us know if you'd like to became a writer for your area.

Latest News & Announcements for Service Points
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Vending Machines are back!!
There are now three vending machines outside of the new Maps Library in the basement of Pattee Library. Access the machines (Pepsi products, water and juice, and snacks) from the stairs near the Central entrance.

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Maps Library has moved
The Maps Library is now located in the basement of Pattee (access via the staircase near the Central Entrance). The library now includes a classroom/computer lab (W13) and a group study room. The lab has seating for 24, with 13 shared computers. Additionally, there are two printers in the lab: one color printer (up to 11 x 17) and one black and white printer. The library also includes a copier room. Vending machines are located right outside the Maps library, and available at all times. There are new restrooms inside the library which are available when the Maps Library is open.
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Campus Building abbreviations (note: building abbreviations on student schedules are not the same as abbreviations on the campus map) - for building abbreviations as listed on student schedules, click here.
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Arts & Humanities Print Journals Temporary Home

The Arts & Humanities print journals have moved from the 2nd floor of central Pattee (the blue shelving in room next to A&H ref desk).The print journals will be housed in the Music and Media Center in the coming weeks (2nd floor, west Pattee -- temporarily shelved on table tops in the Music and Media Center. For any questions, please contact the Music and Media Center.
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Dewey Decimal Books have moved!

A&H Stacks - Level 2: the books that were shelved by DD have been removed from the stacks on Level 2. Some books are being re-cataloged with Library of Congress numbers and will be returned to the appropriate shelves. The remaining books have been moved to the Annex. Update 8/2/09: some of the books have been re-labeled with LC numbers and are currently in the area where the book with Dewey numbers were shelved.
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Right to Know Report

Read the report here
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Film & Video Equipment Rental

Lately, we have been getting lots of questions regarding the rental of film and video equipment. The media equipment for rent is available through Mediatech (Media & Technology Support Services). MTSS now offers service in two locations:

1. 26 Willard Bldg -- open 7:45AM to 5PM (M-F)
2. (new) Wagner Annex -- open 7:45AM to 7PM (M-F)

Useful website: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/mtss/

Music and Media Center does not rent any equipment.
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Helping Students Access Library Databases

Do they have the VPN client installed on the computer they are using? If not direct them here for instructions.

Did they select the "ISP-to-PSU" connection in the VPN? If not and they do not see that option, ask that they reinstall the VPN.

Are they able to connect to other Access services (elion, mail, ANGEL)? If not, please ask them to call the ITS Help Desk at 31035 or 32494.

Kindle

vicki_b — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:15:43 CST

Sending Personal Documents to Kindle

Kindle's Personal Document Service (via Whispernet) allows you to e-mail approved files to your Kindle's e-mail address. Then, Amazon can transfer the file(s) wirelessly in a Kindle-compatible format to the device(s) for a fee. To avoid a fee, or if you're not in wireless range, you can send an e-mail to "name"@free.kindle.com and download the files via USB in a Kindle-compatible format to the device(s).

More information from Amazon.

To help prevent spam, your Kindle will only receive converted files from e-mail addresses you have authorized on the "Manage Your Kindle" page.

This is a different process than Amazon’s Digital Text Platform, where you can publish your own material with Amazon, including Kindle formating.

Student Newspaper Readership Program

vicki_b — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:18:44 CST

Newspaper dispensers for the Student Newspaper Readership Program (website) are located at:

Inside Paterno Library entrance (Curtin Rd.)
Library bus stops

Newspapers are free to Penn State Students. The selection of newspapers include USA Today, The New York Times, and a variety of local and regional newspapers throughout Pennsylvania. At University Park, the Centre Daily Times and Daily Collegian are also available.

Music & Media Center

vicki_b — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:36:00 CST

The Walter and Doris Goldstein Music and Media Center (website), a part of the Arts and Humanities Library, is located in 202 Pattee Library, west, and houses sound and video recordings, musical scores, and books with limited circulation.

Playback equipment includes CD and DVD players, turntables, cassette players, laser disk players and VCRs.

A broad selection of music and literary readings, plays, and speeches is available for listening in the center.

The Music and Media Center provides a course reserve service for video and audio materials (including e-reserve), and music scores.

Additionally, there are two group workstations available.

Arts and Humanities Library

vicki_b — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:34:20 CST

The George and Sherry Middlemas Arts and Humanities Library (website) is located in Pattee Library, 2nd and 3rd floors and stacks levels B, BA, 1, 1A, 2, 2A, and 3.

Current and recent issues of arts and humanities related journals and magazines are located in the Jean D. Kerr Reading Room on the second floor of Pattee Library, next to the Arts and Humanities Reference Desk (between the reference desk and the door leading to West Pattee and the Music and Media Center).

The Arts and Humanities Library has a Group Project Room which can be scheduled by calling 814-865-3616 or by stopping by the Music and Media Center's Reference Desk. The room has a large TV screen mounted on the wall so students can practice their presentations. The Group Project Room will hold about six students.

H Index

damsberry — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:35:27 CST

The H index is a measure of individual scientist impact based on a certain formula. You can see it in Web of Science if you do an Author search and then select Create Citation Report from the far right side.

Maps Library

vicki_b — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:02:27 CST

The Maps Library (website) moved in November, 2009, from the basement level of Paterno Library to the basement level of the Pattee Library. It is accessible via the staircase near the Central Entrance.

The Maps Library contains an extensive collection of maps, gazeteers, atlases, digital cartographic materials, electronic trip planners, GIS software, and much more. GIS assistance is provided Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is a classroom/computer lab (W13) with seating for 24 and 13 shared computers. Additionally there is a group study room with seating for six.

Equipment: scanner, printers (color and black & white), copiers.

Vending machines are now available right outside the Maps Library.

Please note that the Maps Library schedule varies slightly from standard library hours; call the Hours Line, (814) 865-3063, or the Maps Library Service Desk, (814) 863-0094 to confirm hours before traveling.

Printers, Color

vicki_b — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:58:26 CST

Color laser printers are set up like the black and white printers, but a color print counts as three black and white pages. Color laser printers are currently available in the following areas:

Pattee/Paterno Libraries

Pattee W113 (off the Reserve Reading Room)
News & Microforms Library NEW!!
Maps Library NEW!!!

Other buildings at University Park

Hours for these labs can be found here.

More information on color printing

The Maps Library has a HP color laser printer that charges $.30 per copy; print jobs must be sent from computers located in the Maps Library.

Schlow Library in downtown State College has a color printer available for public use (does not make transparencies; print charges may apply).

The Libraries

vicki_b — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:06:01 CST

At University Park, there are 14 libraries with specialists who know your content needs, plus you get access to more than 5 million books, with 23 additional statewide Penn State library locations. Look to the University Libraries for specific resources and a wealth of information, reference services, instruction, and collections!

Organization Chart
Libraries Staff Directory Database, searchable by staff name, library, department, or campus
Department links
Penn State Univeristy Libraries (UP and Campus libraries)
History of the Libraries
Penn State Press
Library Twitter Accounts

Food

vicki_b — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:09:36 CST

Cafe in Pattee Library

Need a cup of coffee, a bagel, or a bowl of soup? Try MacKinnon's Cafe!

Beverages

Beverages in securely covered containers are permitted in the University Libraries unless otherwise indicated by “No beverages in this area” signs. Library patrons should dispose of all beverage containers and contents in the appropriate receptacles or recycling bins. No uncovered beverage containers are permitted in the Libraries.

Food

Food is not permitted in the University Libraries except in designated areas. Library patrons should dispose of all food containers and trash in the appropriate receptacles or recycling bins.

Please see the Code of Conduct for policies regarding food and beverages in the Libraries.

Vending Machines

With the completion of the new Maps Library in the basement of Pattee Library (accessible via the staircases near the Central entrance), there are now vending machines available outside of the Maps Library.

There are soda and snack vending machines in these nearby buildings:

Chambers
Sparks
Armsby
Kern

Carnegie
Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
Music

Zoller
Waring Commons
Willard

Food Services near the Libraries

Click for a map of nearby food services.

NEW!!!

Sisu Organic Store and Coffee Bar is located on the 1st floor of Waring Commons. Enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, teas, smoothies, and many more coffee shop favorites! Now featuring organic and free trade coffee!

Coffee Bar

Monday - Thursday
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m
Friday
7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. .
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

At the Sisu Store you can pick up items that are exclusively organic and all natural! Seasonal fruits and vegetables, wraps, sandwiches, fruit cups and lots of snack items will be available to grab and go.

Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday
9:00 a.m .- 1:00 a.m.

CIC University Libraries (Big Ten)

vicki_b — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:08:56 CST

The CIC University Libraries (Big Ten) provides online catalog access and mutual borrowing privileges for the students, faculty, and research staff of the CIC Big Ten Universities and the University of Chicago.

Through the virtual electronic library, a user at any CIC library can search and borrow the materials at any other CIC library. Books unavailable at Penn State (not owned, missing, or checked out) can be ordered directly through the CIC rather than through Interlibrary Loan or from the Databases.

Access the CIC virtual electronic library here. This link goes to the MetaLib "Quick Search" module. Under the search boxes, select the radio button "CIC University Libraries (Big Ten)" to search the catalogs of the CIC libraries.

Group Study Areas

vicki_b — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:32:25 CDT

A complete list of group study areas at University Park Libraries and other campus libraries is available here. You'll find information on how many seats, features, internet connectivity, as well as reservation information.

Please note: There is a Teamwork Center located in the University Learning Center, 220 Boucke Building. The facility has five work areas where groups of up to six students can work on projects, assignments or presentations for classes. Each work area is equipped with a large table, lab computer, and whiteboard or chalkboard. To reserve a work area, please call the Learning Centers at 865-1841 or stop by 220 Boucke to speak with a receptionist. Walk-ins are welcome.

Summer Hours: Sundays: 7-9pm; Monday-Thursday: 1-4pm and 7-9pm
Fall and Spring Hours: Sundays 6-10 pm; Monday-Thursday, 9 am-10 pm; Friday 9 am-3pm

DeskTracker

vicki_b — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:20:04 CDT

Access DeskTracker here: https://client.desktracker.com/?uact=login

Our account number is 585219

Copiers

damsberry — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:24:50 CDT

The distribution (subject to change) of copiers in Pattee Library and Paterno Library is as follows:

Paterno Library 1st Floor, 4 LionCASH+/coin copier
Paterno Library 2nd Floor, 4 LionCASH+/coin copier
Paterno Library 3rd Floor, 2 LionCASH+/coin copiers
Paterno Library 4th Floor, 5 LionCASH+/coin copiers
Paterno Library 5th Floor, 6 LionCASH+/coin copiers
Pattee stack level B at top of ramp, 1 LionCASH+/coin copier
News and Microforms Library, 24 Pattee Library (ground floor, west), 1 LionCASH+/coin copier
Reserve Reading Room, 113 West Pattee, 4 LionCASH+/coin copier
Arts and Humanities Reference Reading Room, 206 Pattee Library, west, 1 coin-only copier
Arts and Humanities Reading Room, 203 Pattee Library, west, 1 LionCASH+/coin
Music and Media Center, 202 Pattee, 2 LionCASH+/coin

Most of these areas have at least one machine with multi-sheet feed capability.

Copier repair, toner, and copier jam issues.

Color photocopiers are available in the:

Music and Media Center, 202 Pattee Library, west, coin only
Maps Library, 1 Paterno Library (ground floor)
Architecture & Landscape Architecture Library , 111 Stuckeman Family Building

These machines accept LionCash+ cards (with magnetic strip) and $1 bills.

Visitors (not affiliated with Penn State) can purchase visitor copy cards at LionCash machines using $1, $5, or $10 bills.

All photocopiers accept coins (nickels, dimes, quarters, Susan B. Anthony dollars).

A photocopier that is accessible to people in wheelchairs and to people who may need to sit down while they are copying is located in the News and Microforms Library, ground floor West Pattee.

AT&T Visitor Wireless

vicki_b — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:10:57 CDT

Service currently can only be used for visitors with a laptop or handheld WiFi enabled device.
Most AT&T wireless subscribers can access for no cost and without contacting a UL service desk.
Service may be purchased in the following manner:

Online credit card payment on site through the AT&T webpage.
Prepaid coupons with a scratch-off access code are available at the Computer Stores on campus, but only can be purchased by a person affiliated with PSU. The coupons provide 24 hours of Internet access from the time of activation. Various quantities of 24 hour cards can be purchased.
Prepaid coupons can be purchased online at the Computer Store and mailed to PSU departments. There is a significant cost reduction if purchased in bulk.
Purchase of AT&T WiFi service for $19.99 per month will enable a user to access service at any “hot spot” including McDonalds, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, etc.

The cost to customers for online credit card purchase is $5.99 for 24 hour Internet access. During the 24 hour period, service can be used at any “hot spot” location on campus, but not at any other locations off campus.

Prepaid coupons can only be used with the laptop or handheld device that was used to activate the service.
Visitors needing technical support will be required to call the AT&T WiFi Technical Operations Center toll-free at 1-888-888-7520 for assistance.

Service is for the Internet only. The CAT and other free UL databases are accessible via the Internet. Most University Libraries’ licensed resources are available only on-site at Visitor’s Stations

More information:

Wireless Internet Connection

vicki_b — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:14 CDT

Wireless access is available in all libraries including branch libraries. For more information, go to I-Tech's wireless page. Wireless locations through UP listed here.

NEW! Wireless 2.0 and AT&T Visitor Wireless

LIAS-VPN

The LIAS-VPN (different from the VPN used for on campus wireless) is designed to help PSU users working from home to more seamlessly connect to the databases. It makes the home computer "look like" it is on campus and also makes a "secure tunnel" through which the information communicated passes. LIAS VPN is also used for music audio reserves.

LIAS VPN also allows the "get-it" button to appear in Google Scholar and in other places when the other VPN will not work. The LIAS VPN comes in with the VPN client and is at the very bottom of the list of connections after all the campuses.

Which VPN Do I Use? Want to know which VPN to use to connect from the road or from home?

Which VPN?	Where Can I Use It?	Why Would I Use It?
ITS Wireless at [Campus]	on campus only	wireless internet access on while on campus, as in ITS Wireless at University Park for University Park, ITS Wireless for Berks at Berks, ITS Wireless at Fayette for Fayette, etc.
LIASVPN*	*off* campus only	access to Penn State resources, and network shared drives *plus* psulias email, Libraries licensed resources, Libraries databases, and Google Scholar, etc.
ISP to PSU*	*off* campus only	access to Penn State resources and network shared drives *only*

*The number of concurrent connections to LIAS-VPN is limited, so if you cannot access LIAS-VPN try ISP to PSU instead.

Note: You can not use the LIAS VPN for wireless at UP or other on-campus locations. It is intended to be used by people that are not at a Penn State location to access the databases and other licensed library resources.

For software assistance, refer patrons to an ITS Consultant at the Gateway Commons or the ITS Consulting Services helpdesk. For information about wireless computing at Penn State, click here.

More information about accessing the Penn State network (including the VPN, and accounts).. Update: Instructions for connecting to Penn State Wireless using 64-bit Vista can now be found here.
These are temporary instructions for the 2008-09 academic year. For further assistance call the ITS Helpdesk. (12/17/08)

Free Wireless access in State College

Free wireless internet access is also available at the following locations in State College:

Schlow Library 211 S Allen St
Dunkin Donuts (College Ave.)
Wegmans - cafe area - 345 Lowes Blvd. - (814) 278-9000
Irving's Bagels - 418 E. College Ave. - (814) 231-0604
Panera Bread - corner of Allen and Beaver
Webster's Bookstore Cafe - 128 S. Allen St. - (814) 234-1507
Otto's Pub and Brewery - 2105 N. Atherton St. - 814-867-OTTO (6886)
Saint's Cafe - 123 W Beaver Ave - 814-238-5707
Belly Buster Burritos Taqueria & Expresso Coffee Bar - 444 E College Ave - 814-237-2137
Quaker Steak and Lube - 2200 North Atherton St. - (814) 234-8900
Hotel State College complex, including, Zenos, Pickles and The Corner Room - 100 W College Ave.
Ramada Inn & Conference Center - atrium and lobby - 1450 South Atherton Street - 814-238-3001
Starbucks Cafes (3 locations)
232 West College Avenue
141 S. Garner Street
2030 North Atherton Street

Wireless 2.0 - No VPN Required

vicki_b — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:55:35 CDT

1. What Do I Need?

To get connected to the Penn State Wireless 2.0 service, you'll need:

A Penn State Access Account.
A laptop with an 802.11 compatible wireless network card.
Instructions for Windows | Macintosh | Unix/Linux | Apple iPhone/iPod Touch (pending)

The Penn State Wireless 2.0 service incorporates recent 802.1X wireless authentication and encryption methods that are aimed at enabling an improved level of security and improved performance. You no longer have to download a VPN or relaunch a VPN session when moving from building to building. Just open your laptop and you'll see the psu network.

2. Unplug and Fire Up a Connection!

t's easy to get connected to Penn State Wireless 2.0. All you have to do is:

Power up your laptop.
Use the psu wireless network for your tasks.

Visit the ITS Knowledge Base for setup instructions for Wireless 2.0 access on the iPhone

Collaborative Workstations

vicki_b — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:51:05 CDT

There are several areas around the libraries available for group study around a computer workstation. These computers feature 24" wide screen displays for easy group viewing and memory card readers supporting all the popular flash memory card formats including:

Compact Flash
XD and SD cards
Memory Stick
Multimedia Cards
USB Flash Drives

These workstations can be found in the following areas: