Monday, June 25, 2012

Free BNF smartphone app available via NHS Athens

NICE has launched a free British National Formulary app for smartphones, which is available to access using an NHS Athens account. NHS Athens accounts are available to all HYMS students.  If you are unsure of your account details, go to http://libguides.hull.ac.uk/content.php?pid=206456&sid=1722530 to find out how to get your password.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Finch report on access to research literature released

The Finch report on Expanding Access to Published Research Findings is now available at http://www.researchinfonet.org/publish/finch/:

"The report of the Working Group chaired by Dame Janet Finch published on 18 June recommends a programme of action to enable more people to read and use the publications arising from research. Better, faster communication of research results will bring benefits for public services and for economic growth. It will also bring improved efficiency for researchers, and opportunities for more public engagement with research....."


UoY Library loans and fines: important consultation

A survey is currently available regarding major proposed changes to the current loan periods and overdue charges at the University of York. We would strongly recommend that if you use the University of York Library that you read the proposals which are summarised at: http://www.york.ac.uk/library/news/proposedchangestolibraryloans/


and take 2 minutes out to complete the survey which is available at: http://www.york.ac.uk/library/news/reviewoflibraryloans/

The current closing date for this consultation is Friday 29th June 2012.

Friday, June 15, 2012

SCONUL Access scheme - access to other university libraries

If you're going home during the summer break and want to use your local university library while you're there, make sure you get a SCONUL Access card from either University of York or University of Hull library before you head back.  Full details of the scheme can be found at http://libguides.hull.ac.uk/content.php?pid=206456&sid=1722039.

Win an iPad with BMJ Learning

BMJ Learning is fast approaching two million module completions!

To celebrate, from 2nd-9th July, everyone can access all of the BMJ Learning modules for free - including journal related modules.

Plus, if you complete the two millionth module, you will win an iPad. BMJ Learning expect this module completion to happen this week.

Here are the latest and most popular modules which you could complete:

You can access these resources by visiting the 'Find Articles and More' tab on the HYMS Library webpages. Just click on the BMJ Learning link (York e-account and registration required).
 
Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Brynmor Jones Library renewal plans approved


Creating a library for the future


Plans for a major renewal of the Brynmor Jones Library on the Hull Campus have been given approval to proceed.

The library is to benefit from a multi-million pound investment, creating a stunning new focal point for students, staff, and visitors alike. The plans have been carefully formulated to incorporate the views of students and staff, and will dramatically improve and modernise the library. Stunning architecture combined with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure will ensure that the library remains an inspirational place to study and work, with flexible learning spaces to accommodate the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students. The project will make the library a hub for community engagement on campus, helping to support our strategic aspiration to be an anchor institution in our local communities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Calie Pistorius, said: “The University is committed to providing an outstanding student experience and this major investment is proof of that commitment. The plans will ensure that the Brynmor Jones Library not only continues to be a vital place of academic study and research, but is also a gateway into the University for the wider community.”

The library is home to a million books and a wealth of other resources including periodicals, CDs, DVDs, videos and maps. Library users can also access a huge range of digital material such as electronic journals, electronic books, databases and datasets, ensuring that they are connected to information from across the globe.

As well as being at the geographical heart of the Hull Campus, the Brynmor Jones Library also has a fascinating place in its history - poet and former librarian Philip Larkin famously oversaw its construction more than half a century ago.

Dr Richard Heseltine, University Librarian, said: “We have consulted extensively with students and staff and the renewed library will reflect advances in technology and learning practices. The plans include more flexibility for teaching and study space, allowing students to work in groups or privately, and improved IT systems that will enable students to use devices such as laptops or tablets anywhere in the building. The whole ground floor will be open to the public, with a new space housing the University Art Collection and hosting public exhibitions and events.”

The upper floors will also undergo a major reconfiguration, including the creation of a viewing area on the top floor with panoramic views across Hull and the East Riding, and a space where schools and other groups can learn what the view tells us about the geography and history of the area.

Work is expected to start in late summer and will take around 18 months to complete. The library will remain open throughout this period.

Alex Solk, Associate Partner from Sheppard Robson and Architectural Lead on the project said: “The tremendous history of the Brynmor Jones Library places a great responsibility on us as designers to deliver a contemporary learning facility which also respects the library's heritage and that of England’s 14th oldest university. Drawing on the latest research in design for higher education, the new library will respond to the needs of students and staff, as well as supporting the University's wider outreach aspirations. We are enormously excited to be working with the University of Hull on this project.”

More details and images of how the Library will look are available online at http://www2.hull.ac.uk/theuniversity/building_for_the_future.aspx



Thursday, June 7, 2012

Potential LinkedIn Security Risk

University of York Information Services has received several reports of the LinkedIn password database being compromised. While this has not been confirmed by LinkedIn, Information Services is advising users of LinkedIn to change their password for that service, and for any other service where they use the same password.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Summer loan periods for HYMS at the university libraries

Summer vacation loans will soon start at the two university libraries. Information about how this affects HYMS students at both Hull and York is below:

Hull
  • Summer loans for continuing students will start on Saturday 2 June 2012.
  • 7 day loans will be due back w/c 24 September.
  • 3 week loans, journals and 24 hour loans will remain at their normal loan periods.
York
  • Summer loans for continuing students start on Monday 25th June 2012.
  • One week loans will be due back on Wednesday 10th October.
  • Key Texts items will be overnight loans, due back at 10am the following morning.
  • 24 hour loans, DVDs, journals and 3 week loans will remain at their normal loan periods.