Google drops synonym search

The synonym search functionality on Google has disappeared. Previously, it was possible to carry out a synonym search using the tilde"~" character. Prefixing a word with ~ would automatiaclly include alternative terms in the search. For more information and opinion about this, see Phil Bradley's blog entry, and Google's explanation of why this search function has been lost.

Library system upgrade YORK

Library system changes during the Summer vacation - YORK

 

The library management systems are being upgraded during the Summer vacation - the

upgrade will enable us to streamline our processes, and improve integration with other systems.

 

There will be some impact on library services as a result, particularly during the second half of August, when some services will be temporarily suspended. The services we expect to be unavailable for part of August include:

• loan renewals - we’ll extend borrowing periods to ensure that this isn’t a problem
• requests for items on loan to other users
• interlibrary loan requests
• purchasing and processing of new items

More details of the upgrade, including regular updates, can be found at http://www.york.ac.uk/library/news/alma/

 

If you have any questions about the upgrade and its impact on Library services, please contact the Library by email to lib-enquiries@york.ac.uk, telephone 01904 323873, or talk to

staff at the Library Help Desk.

The NSA prism affair, doctors and patient confidentiality

An interesting article on the PRISM and the issues around data storage in the cloud for medical practitioners and academics which notes that:

It's time for the British Medical Association... to start thinking about the ethics of using cloud-based services for confidential client information.

See:

http://m.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jun/20/nsa-surveillance-doctors-lawyers-clients-snooped

BJL Redevelopment update

What’s going on?

·         In preparation for the opening of the new Reading Room in September, the short loan stock has been merged in with the high demand collection on the first floor of the tower.  The items from short loan remain on 24-hour loan. The library catalogue has been updated to reflect the changes.  Any queries please email shortloan@hull.ac.uk

·         The Reading Room and the third and fourth floors will be fully operational by the start of semester in September and the rest of the first and second floors of the east building are expected to be handed over before Christmas

·         As soon as dates have been confirmed a schedule of book moves relating to the Reading Room and third and fourth floors will be issued.  At the same time the sequence of moves from floors five, six and seven will be confirmed

·         The location of books in the redeveloped Library can be found on the Redevelopment web site at http://www2.hull.ac.uk/lli/bjl-redevelopment/keeping-in-touch/finallocations.aspx

When’s it happening?

·         Short loan stock is now shelved on the first floor of the tower in the high demand collection

·         The new Reading Room and floors three and four will open in early September

·         A book move schedule will be issued within the next few weeks

Brynmor Jones Library opening hours Summer 2013

The Brynmor Jones Library will begin its summer vacation opening hours on 18 June 2013.

These are:

08.30-17.30 Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday

08.30-19.00 Tuesday

09.00-13.00 Saturday

Complete opening times for the Brynmor Jones Library are available at http://libguides.hull.ac.uk/content.php?pid=354204&sid=3081999

Equipment Loans Available

The HYMS eLearning Team have invested in a range equipment to facilitate the development and increased use of technology enhanced learning (TEL) within the school.

To borrow the video cameras, iPads or other equipment view the Equipment Loans pages via the Help tab on the blackboard home page. Bookings can then be made from through the eLearning Team and collected from reception at either of the two main sites at Hull and York.

Reading Well Books on Prescription

Reading Well Books on Prescription provides self-help reading for adults based on cognitive behavioural therapy for a range of common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, phobias and some eating disorders.
Books can be recommended by GPs or other health professionals from the Reading Well Books on Prescription core booklist.

For more information check out the Reading Agency's 'Reading Well' website

Why not listen to Radio 4's 'You and Yours' programme from 3rd June which covers the 'Reading Well' Scheme (approximately 13 minutes in). http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0211hn9/You_and_Yours_Doctors_prescribing_books_stolen_phones_sun_creams/

Problem with off-campus Athens access to Proquest services via University of Hull

There is currently an issue with Athens access to services provided by Proquest via the University of Hull. On campus and using the University of Hull proxy server will still allow you access. Information on how to use the proxy server is available at http://libguides.hull.ac.uk/content.php?pid=354204&sid=3081510

We will update you when this issue is resolved.

Read-cycle: HYMS online book exchange area now available!

This month sees the launch of HYMS Read-cycle - the new online area to advertise and buy second hand books on. The site has been developed in direct response to student feedback received from HYMS Library consultation exercises.

The resource is open to ALL members of HYMS and can be accessed via HYMS Blackboard or the HYMS Library Find Books tab. A HYMS network login is required to access full content.


The site is designed to be intuitive but help & information are available at http://readcycle.hyms.org.uk/help/.

The HYMS Library Team would like to give a big thanks to HYMS eLearning for helping to develop this service.