Serving International Students at the Reference Desk

Sue A. found a very useful resource on the special challenges of international students in the library and how we can help them. It is located at http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~cosentin/stress.htm

ILLiad is Down

ILLiad is currently inaccessible. Users trying to log in receive an error message that the "username is not in the database." The problem appears to be an LDAP authentication issue on MTSU's end, and it will be fixed as soon as possible.

Users need to wait until ILLiad is working before they make ILL requests. Please do not send users to ILL with a hard copy of requests--we don't have the resources to manually enter requests for patrons.

Pam suggested telling patrons to try again on Thursday morning.

-Kristen W.

Journal Locator problems

Two people have reported occasional journal locator problems. Serials Soutions says that they're not aware of any problems.
If you experience any difficulties, try to get a screen shot and I will forward it to Serials Solutions.
Thanks.

Web of Knowledge

There is now a separate resource that searches all of the Web of Knowledge databases at the same time. It's available on Databases A-Z for now.
If you would like it placed elsewhere, please let me know.

SciFinder Scholar web & client versions

The links to SciFinder Scholar on both Databases A-Z and the Chemistry page now go the web version because the client version is being phased out.
The only way to get to the client instructions is on the SciFinder scholar Database details page.

Problem reporting

While Beverly is away, you can report Journal Locator problems to me. I will trouble-shoot the issue and forward journal access problems to Nan for resolution.
As a general rule, Journal Locator and Journal MARC record problems are reported to Beverly. Article Linker and general electronic resource problems are reported to me.
~Mary Ellen

Worldcat Local Beta Site

We have a no-cost version of Worldcat Local because of our subscription to Firstsearch. Mayo, Mary Ellen, Ken and Jackie have looked at the site and spent some time configuring the set up. We have it to the point that we would like input from Reference Librarians about its strengths, drawbacks and possible uses. You can get to it either of two ways: Direct web link:

http://mtsu.worldcat.org/

A search box that can be used in Libdata or placed on webpages: http://library.mtsu.edu/libdata/page.phtml?page_id=76

If you get a chance to play with it please post comments here.

Thanks, Mayo