Business Library Reference Desk Blog

ANGEL alert from ITS

2008-04-17T13:38:00.000-04:00

ITS has posted the following alert regarding Angel that could be of interest to public services personnel. Please refer to http://its.psu.edu/alerts/alert-669 for further information.

ANGEL is experiencing an issue that causes files uploaded to ANGEL courses, groups, LORs, and My Files to be intermittently unavailable. This will cause a "page not found" error to be shown instead of the file. ITS is currently investigating this issue and working toward a resolution. We appreciate your patience during this time and apologize for any inconvenience this causes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact ANGEL Support (angelsupport@psu.edu).

Human Resource Management

2008-04-15T17:10:00.002-04:00

We have a new research guide: Human Resources Management: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/business/humanresources/default.htm. To find it from the home page click on "Additional Research Guides" then "Human Resources Management. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Nonprofit Organizations guide

2008-04-03T17:23:00.003-04:00

On Thursday, April 10th, Penn State's Career Services is sponsering an Industry Spotlight on Public Service and Non-Profits. Kevin created a guide that we're including in the Industry Guides outlining resources for finding information about the non-profit sector.
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/business/industryguides/nonprofit.htm

Hoover's handbooks

2008-03-28T15:10:00.002-04:00

The Hoover's Handbooks that are on the shelf behind the desk are to be used in the Business Library. Please note when patron picks up and returns. Her name is on the books (5 of them).

Thanks

Internet slowdown today March 25

2008-03-25T14:11:00.001-04:00

ITS at University Park has just notified us that the University will be experiencing degraded Internet connectivity through the remainder of the day and possibly into the early evening. The reason is that the University's Internet Service Provider had a transformer burn and fiberlines cut in Johnstown. Until this is repaired later in the day, the University's bandwidth or capacity will be less than ten percent of normal capacity. (Forward from Becky Albitz)

Book by William White

2008-03-21T15:14:00.002-04:00

On April 22, William White will be speaking at the HUB. He will be giving away 100 copies of his book entitled From Day One: CEO Advice to Launch an Extraordinary Career. We have the same book....but the title is listed as From Day One: Success Secrets for Starting Your Career. The ISBN is the same.

software on public workstations

2008-02-28T14:12:00.003-05:00

From time to time, a patron will ask if our computers have XYZ software. On the lifecycle page (https://intranet.libraries.psu.edu/home/itech/lifecycle.html ) there is a link to see what software is loaded in what area of the library. Click on "Public Image - Software List".

Int. Acctg Vol.1 - Missing from Desk

2008-02-17T15:37:00.004-05:00

It appears that our Intermediate Acctg vol.1 book has been misplaced - the last person to actually sign the textbook out (Bethany Pashel, 5 days ago on 2/12) did not record a sign-in time, so I'm assuming she still has it, but before trying to contact her I thought I would check to see if anyone else knows where it might be. Please let us know asap.

-nikki

charger found

2008-02-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

A charger was left plugged into the wall near the train display. It is in the lost and found box at the desk.

Lost Wallet

2007-12-18T15:58:00.000-05:00

A patron brought a black wallet to the desk. I believe it had a New York drivers license inside. We brought it down to lending services desk.

Missing Reference Book

2007-12-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

Please keep an eye out for: West's Business Law 10th ed. The 9th ed. is in our textbook area. We cannot find the 10th ed...which is supposed to be at BusRef KF888.C55.

Lost Cell phone

2007-12-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

A patron brought a cell-phone up to the desk at about 4:00pm today. It's a really small silver pantech phone. The number is 814-321-3968. I will bring it down to the lending services desk at the end of my shift at 5 if it isn't claimed by then.

Found Cellphone + login problems

2007-12-05T13:47:00.001-05:00

Cell phone found around 1:30pm near the front desk.
The phone number is 585-278-5848. It has been brought to Lending Services.

I also submitted a helpdesk request. Some students were having problems logging in to the computers in 302. The computers said that the user name/password was incorrect even though it was correctly entered (I attempted and it wouldn't allow me to either.)

2007-12-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

New Books Link

2007-11-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

On our home page is a link to a list of titles on our "new books" shelf. The list does not include call number, so if someone is interested in a title and it is not on the new books shelf it is most likely checked out. Look it up in the CAT and show them how to request it using the "I want it" button. Please keep a tally of any questions regarding the new book list on the post-it at the top of the Daily Statistics Sheet. Let me know if you have any questions / comments/ suggestions!

Lost key

2007-10-30T16:50:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, I seemed to have lost my laptop lock key. It's about an inch and a half long and bright orange. It slipped out of my pocket somewhere. Luckily I have another one at home, but if you find it, let me know.

Found Car Key

2007-10-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

I found a Mercedes-Benz key on the floor near the DVD collection. It's one of those flip-out keys, it's black. Cheryl brought it down to Lending Services desk Wednesday evening.

Open House prizes

2007-09-28T16:44:00.000-04:00

The Open House prizes have been awarded and the students notified by email. The prizes are in the grey tub near the copier in the office. The envelops are arranged alphabetically by student's first name (except for the glass banks). Have student initial and date the form on the clipboard when they pick up their prize. If you have a question, don't hesitate to call me.

Cheryl

Missing Textbook

2007-09-27T22:11:00.000-04:00

Essentials of Investments by Zvi Bodie
HG4521.B56 2007 6th Edition
We have the 5th Edition with the other textbooks, but I cannot find the 6th Edition. The record for the copy designated for the Stacks says that copy is missing as well.

We also found a small yellow Master key. Its in the lost & found box.

Lost Car Keys

2007-09-16T23:24:00.000-04:00

A patron left their car keys at the first lias computer Sunday night.

They are Mitsubishi keys with a remote. There are two other keys as well as what appears to be a luggage key and a Giant Bonus Card all attached to the key ring.

I had them at the desk for a few hours and then I brought them down to lending services around 10:30 PM.

Answers for Ref Question 7

2007-09-10T14:02:00.000-04:00

The primary purpose of the question was to encourage you to explore a database that has a new interface. Keep the database in mind when patrons need marketing information.

Cheryl
____________
Mintel (publishes market research reports for the U.S. and European consumer markets. Reports analyze market drivers, trends, market forecasts, market segmentations, demographics, and consumer attitudes and purchasing behaviors. Mintel publishes over 600 reports each year.) has a new look and some expanded features.

1. Spend some time exploring the database....remember, all users are required to set up their own profile. Write down something that was new to you in terms of coverage.
2.Name 5 countries that are covered (excluding the U.S.).
3. Give the title of one new report (July, August or Sept. 2007).
4.Find the company profile for Blimpie. What is their newest marketing campaign?

send responses to Rick, Mike or Cheryl

Animal Pictures

2007-09-04T15:30:00.000-04:00

A Graphic Design 200 class has an assignment to find pictures of animals. I pointed them to National Geographic Traveler, but it may not be sufficient enough. We suggested trying the Life Science library (4th floor Paterno) and asking the desk for periodicals with pictures. This is just a heads-up.

ITS Remote Printing

2007-08-28T15:50:00.000-04:00

A patron asked if they were able to print from their laptop on campus. This is only able to be done if the patron downloads software from ITS. It's called "UP ITS Remote Printing." Once installed whenever a job printed to that printer, it will ask for their user id and password. To actually retrieve the printout, the patron would need to go a "release station" at one of the few locations where this is possible (currently Pollock 201, Findlay 6, Waring 107, Warnock 108, and Redifer 24). It doesn't appear that they can do this within the library (we are checking on this). This information can be found at http://clc.its.psu.edu/Printing/PharosDistribution/PharosDist.aspx.

This link as well as information on the VPN client are now located in the staff section of the Business Library webpage.

[Eventually, all the library printers will be "release stations." We'll let you know when that happens!] cm

Public Workstation Image

2007-08-20T09:19:00.000-04:00

The information regarding the University Libraries Public Workstation Image is at the desk on the schedule clipboard. Please review it before classes begin.

Answers to Ref Questions #5

2007-08-07T11:23:00.000-04:00

1.(Pretend it’s September 5th) I thought my English 202D class was in 302 Paterno! My instructor’s name is Elizabeth Nelson and we meet at 10:10 am. Where’s my class?
Different paths:
a. Libraries Web Page/For Students/Library classes/A schedule of course-related and credit library instruction sessions
b. Business Llibrary Web Page/ Staff Access/Where is my class/A schedule of course-related and credit library instruction sessions
c. Gateway FAQ/Instructional Programs/A schedule of course-related and credit library instruction sessions
d. On the PSU home page, type instructor’s name in the search box.
Name appears with class number, time and room. (Note: This will work only if the instructors name has been included in the Meeting proposal. It will not work if the librarian has not included the information.)

2. I’d like to reserve the DeFluri room for my group every Thursday night from 8-10 for the semester. How do I do that?
The DeFluri room may not be reserved for an entire semester. Signup is limited to the number of weeks already in the signup book (which is usually the present week and the week to follow.)
And would you mind letting the Domino Pizza guy know where we are when he delivers the pizza and soda?
Food can only be eaten in the student lounge area near the restrooms. Deliveries should not be made within the libraries. (Special arrangements are made for staff events).

3. I graduated from Penn State 2 years ago. Can I still access Proquest?
Within the libraries, Proquest may be accessed on the LIAS Express computers. Remotely, alumni, if they are members of the Alumni Association, can access Proquest through the Alumni Association website: University Libraries home page>Information and Services for Alumni>Member benefits

4. Where can I find a color copier?
Maps Library
Music and Media Center
Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library
(See Gateway Library FAQ: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/gateway/FAQ/index.htm#p )

5. My laptop is being repaired. Can I borrow a laptop from the library for several days until I get it back?
The Gateway no longer has laptops for patrons to borrow. However, patrons can borrow laptops for in-library use OR for up to a 7-day loan at the Reserves Circulation desk. 1st floor W. Pattee.

6. How do I access the wireless network?

In-library info for staff: http://www.libraries.psu.edu:8001/itech/wireless.htm

PSU instructions: https://www.work.psu.edu/vpn/

ITS Printing

2007-08-07T11:18:00.000-04:00

Non-Penn State users can only print through the ITS system if they have a RAD. Only full-time staff and faculty can issue RAD. so in the event of the need to print by a non-PSU person send the patron to Gateway for a RAD.

Locker 34

2007-08-01T10:57:00.000-04:00

The lock on Locker #34 is broken.

Financial Times

2007-07-31T09:34:00.000-04:00

Financial Times was not rec'd today, July 31, 2007.

Answers to Ref Question #4

2007-07-30T15:46:00.000-04:00

NOTE: Guide to the Libraries is available online at http://www.libraries.psu.edu/pubinfo/resources/libraryguide06-07.pdf (link added to the “Staff Access” web page. )

1. How do I print using my free pages?
Free printing is available with ID card in the Computer Lab, adjacent to Course Reserve Services: First Floor, Pattee West

2. I’m a new student…why won’t my card work in the self-checkout machine?
ID card needs to be activated at the Lending Sevices Desk (Circulation Desk), 1st floor Pattee.
And how many books am I allowed to check out anyway?
100 items, undergraduate, 200 graduate.
How long can I keep them?
4 weeks(undergraduate); semester, (faculty and graduate students).
Answers may be found at http://www.libraries.psu.edu/pubinfo/lendingcode.html

3. How do I save to my PASS space?
a. Directions on p.3 of Guide to the Libraries
b. Go to PSU home page-select portal at bottom right-login-click PASS Explorer-Save As-“select the path that includes your UserID and the word ‘pass’” (p.3, Guide to the Libraries or http://www.libraries.psu.edu/tas/reserve/laptops.htm#pass)

4. Do you have a jump drive I can borrow? Can I return it tomorrow?
Jump drive can be checked out at the reference desk for 2 hours. This is the default borrowing time. To extend that time check with Mike. Right now there is no firm understanding of loan time beyond the default 2 hours.

5. How long can I check this 2007 Finance textbook out?
Textbooks cannot be checked out.

6. (Think fall semester…) What do you mean you close at midnight! I have an exam tomorrow! Where can I go to study?
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/hours/up.html#fall2007

Pattee Library Extended Hours area in the News and Microforms Library and the Course Reserves area (Ground floor and first floor, Pattee West)
Hours:
Monday-Thurs. 24 hour service
Friday Closes at midnight
Saturday 9am-midnight
Sunday opens at noon for 24 hour service

Oversize Books

2007-07-12T16:18:00.000-04:00

If you have a patron requesting help finding a book in the oversize collection (books with a "Q" at the end of the call number) and you are unable to find the book, please take the patron's name, phone # and email. Put that info along with a copy of the CAT record in my mailbox. (Please initial)

Evidently, the oversize materials that were sent to the annex have not all had their locations changed and we want to expedite the process. Please let the patron know that I will be in touch with them as soon as possible.

Let me know if you have any questions. (Just a reminder...these materials are no longer at the east end of the library. They are shelved at the end of the current periodicals.)

Thanks!

Missing Textbooks

2007-07-03T16:46:00.001-04:00

Also missing:

Accounting for Decision Making & Control
Zimmerman, Jerold L. 1947-
HF5657.4.Z55 2006 (5th ed.) Bus Ref

Answer to Ref Question #1

2007-06-27T13:15:00.000-04:00

Reference Question #1 Where can I find the address for the Pennsylvania company, Blue White Illustrated? How many people do they employ? What is an estimate of their annual sales?

Most of you immediately went to Hoovers…..which is a great place to quickly find the information online.

Blue White Illustrated
3006 Research Dr Ste B1
State College, PA 16801-2768
Phone: 814-234-1177

Annual Sales $0.3million
Total Employees: 4

If Hoovers had not been available, the information can also be found in print resources in the Bus Ref. area (note that some stats are different in the print resources):

Pennsylvania Manufacturers Register
BusRef HD9727.P4 P429

Harris Pennsylvania Industrial Directory
BusRef HC107.P4A282

In both cases, start with the alpha listing to find the specific address. Then go to the geographic section to find the additional information. If you thought to use the product section in the Harris Directory and looked under publishers, there are 51 subsets. Who would have guessed that Blue White Illustrated would be under “Publishers: Periodicals, No Printing”? :-) So go with what you know.

If you chose to use
Ward’s Business Directory of U.S. Private and Public Companies
BusRefHG4057 .A5601
….it would have been harder to find the information.
In the Alpha list, Blue-White (because of the hyphen) was listed after Bluewater not after Blue Whale. If you used vol 4, the geographic listing by zipcode (guessing that it might be 16801), the publisher listed the company name incorrectly as Illustrated Blue White.

Along the way, one staff member found some info that was personally rewarding. ..One of the side benefits of this activity!

Question 2 will be posted by tomorrow…..and answers due by July 8th.

Ref question for June 16-22, 2007

2007-06-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

Format: Copy question and then list all resources consulted, what the answers are and where you found the answer. Please give your individually written response to Rick or to me by Friday, June 22nd.

Question: Where can I find the address for the Pennsylvania company, Blue White Illustrated? How many people do they employ? What is an estimate of their annual sales?

If online resources are unavailable, what print resource would you use?

Testing

2007-06-15T14:31:00.000-04:00

Over the next week we can test the blog. You can play with fonts, etc a little; but let's focus on readability and useful ways to share. Confidential, or sensitive, information will not be posted to the blog. Each person will need to use their initials or first name at the end of a blog post or comment.

Reference desk blog

2007-06-14T12:24:00.000-04:00

We have established a blog for the Business Library staff to share information. We will use the blog in place of the reference notebook. I will be giving each of you permission to post to the blog. When you log on at the reference desk each day, please check the blog for new information.