Ohio University Libraries News and Events

The Libraries recently enabled security on servers which provide access to library services. The servers now use the SSL (secure sockets layer) protocol which protects personal information entered by those using the Libraries’ online resources. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security numbers are among data now encrypted before transmission.

The online catalog ALICE, the InfoTree Web gateway, and ILLiad document requesting now operate on secure servers. The only online library service for which security is not yet fully in place is electronic reserves. The Libraries’ Systems Department anticipates secure e-reserves being available in the near future.

Visitors to the Libraries’ web site will notice little difference with the security software in place. The site’s URL will display as “https” and a lock icon will appear in the browser display, depending upon browser settings.

The most noticeable change is the appearance of a popup message indicating entry into a secure site. There may also be a warning to the effect that the website’s security certificate is signed by an “unknown” certifying authority. The certifying authority is actually the Libraries and the warning is generated only because the browser has never previously encountered the Libraries’ certificate. It is safe to proceed with the login process. Frequent users of the Libraries’ web site can permanently bypass the warning screen by installing a root certificate ; here is a link to download the root certificate.

A major renovation will transform Alden Library’s second floor into a new learning and study space to be called the Alden Library Learning Commons. Construction is expected to begin during the upcoming spring quarter.

The Learning Commons will integrate information, computing, and tutoring services. Its services and facilities are planned to provide students with critical learning tools, expert assistance, and resources required for group and individual educational projects and activities. New group study spaces are featured in the renovation, along with new casual study areas.

In the Learning Commons, students will find electronic and print information resources, along with reference librarians to provide research consultation and assistance. Computer workstations will offer an array of software applications and multimedia devices for the production of projects, papers, presentations, or other coursework and assignments. Technical assistance will also be readily available for computing questions or problems. The Writing Center will offer tutoring services within the central lobby of the Learning Commons.

When construction begins in March, the library public services, collections, and personnel currently on the second floor of Alden Library will be re-located to the fourth floor. Demolition and construction will require closing of the second floor doors for the duration of the project.

The Learning Commons is a cooperative project among the University Libraries, Computer Services, and University College. It incorporates the Library’s Reference and Instruction Department, the Computing Lab operated by Computer Services, and University College’s Writing Center, all within one location.

More information about the Alden Library Learning Commons is available on the Web at www.library.ohiou.edu/libinfo/lc.

The Libraries have a new online tool, which we’re calling E-Journal Gateway, for finding electronic journals. This database brings together in one place all of the electronic journals which we subscribe to ourselves or which we receive via OhioLINK. It includes periodicals that are part of the Lexis-Nexis database.

Using the E-Journal Gateway, you can search for individual titles, browse through a list of titles, and view titles arranged by database in which they are included or by their publisher.

Perhaps most useful of all, however, is the ability to “browse journals by subject category. The main categories, each of which has a number of subcategories, are:

• Business and Economics
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Fine Arts and Music
• Gender and Ethnic Studies
• General Interest Periodicals
• Government, Law, and Public Policy
• Health Sciences
• Humanities and Reference
• Life Sciences and Agriculture
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Religion and Philosophy
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Sports, Leisure, and Hobbies
• Technology and Applied Sciences

E-Journal Gateway supplements, but does not entirely replace, ALICE’s Periodical Title Search feature. ALICE includes both electronic and print version of journals, whereas E-Journal Gateway has only the former.

Ohio University has an active program designed to help all types of library users learn about the libraries, their collection, and services. Special topic workshops and seminars are offered each quarter to assist researchers in becoming more effective and efficient in using specific databases or search tools.

For winter quarter, workshops include:

• Introduction to the Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe
• If It’s Not in Alden, How Do I Get It?
• The Library and Your Blackboard Course
• Databases for Advanced Research
• Fundamentals of Endnote

Click here to sign up.