Newsletter for Reference Student Assistants

Hello!

Here are some updates for the beginning of the semester

• We got new black and white printers! Hopefully they will solve a lot of the printing problems we were having last semester. Some words about the new printers:

• Currently the default on some of the computers calls for "label paper" instead of regular paper which the printers use. If someone is waiting for a print job and the red light is flashing, press "OK" 2 times to tell the printer to use the normal paper.
• Some of the computers (when in Windows) will say no printers are installed when someone tries to print. We are working on this but you have to tell the patron to use a different computer, preferably not a windows machine. For sure using Mac OS works.
• Fill up both trays all the way. You no longer have to let one run out

• Log-in problems: If a student cannot log-in, make sure they are trying to log-in to the domain "accounts." If they still cannot log-in, you can make a guest account for them (Library homepage --> Information --> Staff Only --> Guest Account General). You should also recommend they reset their password (USFConnect --> Change Your Password --> Students and alumni Reset your password) because that usually fixes the problem.

• We now have designated areas or "zones" for silent study, quiet study, and conversation study. Check out this webpage and this map for more details. How this affects you: if a person complains someone is being noisy, if they are in a conversational area, it is ok to talk, so you could suggest the complainer move to a silent or quiet area. If they are already in a silent or quiet area, go to the person who is making noise and suggest they move to a conversation area where it is OK to make noise. Just because we call it "conversation" does not mean it's a party area. Patrons must still use "library voices" and we do not allow music played through speakers. What do you guys think about this?


• Statistics tally: as you know, we tally the questions we answer on the statistic sheet next to the phone. For the next month or so, also tally a question you receive that is about government information. This includes any question you answer with information about our collection of government documents, government websites, statistics that come from a government source (like the census), etc.



• I know you are all good at your jobs, but please review the student manual, especially the yellow tab called "student duties." Refresh your memory on what you should do every shift. I will check in on this.



• Lastly, all returning student workers received raises because you guys rock. You can see your current wage on your e-timesheet. Please keep up the good work.

We have a couple of databases that are special -- that is, there are special instructions on how to access them. In general someone will ask you for a password. Then just remember this: GO TO MANUAL.

1. USA Trade Online

This is a gov docs database with only 2 "seats" for users. The two designated computers for this are in the gov docs room, facing South. There is a shortcut to the database on the desk top. You need a password, which is in the big black Reference manual (next to your student manual), as well as the Gov Docs manual, which is on the same shelf. DO NOT GIVE THE PASSWORD TO THE PATRON. Log the patron in yourself using the password.

Note: If these two computers are in use, politely tell one of the patrons they must move. Gov docs users are always given priority at the computers in the gov docs room.



2. NTIS / DARTS

Maybe you remember an old blog post about this database. It also requires a password that you are not to give to the patron. Log them in yourself. For this database, the patron can use any computer in the Reference or Gov Docs rooms.

This password, along with many more, is also in the big black Reference Manual.

Any Questions? Please ask!