What's New at the Library and LRC

Lost and Found Flash Drives (2/14/2013)
Have you ever reached into your pocket or bookbag to get that flash drive with your midterm paper that you JUST finished at the library before running to class- and it wasn't there? NOT a great feeling.

The library staff harvest several left-behind flash drives on a daily basis and we try our best to reunite them with their owners. If they're not reclaimed after several weeks, or by the end of the semester, we'll usually reformat them and add them to our loaner collection.

Here are a few tips which might help you to not lose your flash drive while you're in the library: Use the USB port that is on the top of the desk, instead of scrambling around under the table to plug it in direct to the PC. Not only is it more dignified, you're also more likely to remember the drive if you can see it when you gather your things at the end of a study session. When you get a flash drive, create a contact information file on it with your name, HFU email address and maybe a contact phone number. Call it something like readme_contactinfo.txt so library staff can look there instead of opening papers and resumes to see if there is a name or email address anywhere.

Remember that if you need a flash drive, you can buy one from the circulation desk. We usually have a small stock of new drives that we sell at cost. We can also lend you one while you're in the library if you need one to transfer files to email or for some other purpose.

Search the Research Databases with Google (1/8/2013)
The library's research journals and databases have been added to Google's index of library collections, meaning that library users can now connect to full-text research articles directly from searches in Google Scholar. Go to http://holyfamily.libguides.com/google for instructions on how to configure Google to include links to Holy Family University library.

Library Reopens after Renovations (8/31/2012)
The Holy Family University Library building, which had been under construction since May 7, has re-opened with a new look, new services, and new digital offerings.

Lori Schwabenbauer, Director of Library Services, said the lighting is the first thing people notice.

“It is wonderful to see all the improvements in the library. I think the students will be really pleased with the changes and additions. They’ll have twice as many computers, more quiet spaces, better lighting, even a place to get a snack and a cup of coffee,” she said. “We are grateful to Holy Family and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for funding this project.”

Renovations were made possible with a $1.3 million grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (R-CAP). Funding helped pay for installation of new energy efficient windows, a new heating and cooling system, and other improvements.

During construction, library services were provided in another building on campus.

The renovations also addressed the need for more computers, more quiet spaces, and longer operating hours – three issues that were reflected in a satisfaction survey that Lori Schwabenbauer, Director of Library Services, conducted last year among library patrons.

In response to the survey results, the library – already open seven days a week – has increased its weekly operating hours to 90.5, a four-hour increase from last year.

The remodeled library also offers a new computer laboratory, several group study rooms, a new café area with vending machines, and bathrooms on the main floor.

There are also new technological upgrades in step with the digital age, including:

- Library WebPages may now be viewed comfortably using a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile computer device. A free app from iTunes also allows users to search the University’s library catalog and manage library accounts on mobile devices.

- The campus library and Holy Family-Newtown’s Learning Resource Center recently joined Ask Here PA, a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service that offers live chats with reference librarians from across the nation and around the world. Students and faculty can access Ask Here Pa from a link on the library web page www.holyfamily.libguides.com.

- For desktop and laptop users, the University library catalog is now available through LibX, a free plug-in program that allows users to access a college library catalog from web browsers.

Local engineering firm Tantala Associates LLC., and A.T. Chadwick Co. supervised the renovations.

Streaming Video Now Available for Teaching and Research (7/16/2012)
Holy Family University students and faculty now have access to thousands of streaming video documentaries, newsreels, and performing arts productions through Academic Video Online (http://vasc.alexanderstreet.com.holyfamily.idm.oclc.org ). These videos may be used in the classroom to supplement instruction or as reference sources. Contact a library staff member if you have any questions about this new resource.

Announcing New Services from the Holy Family University Library (6/7/2012)
click here ( http://holyfamily.libguides.com/new ) to find out more about some of the new projects and services we've been working on this summer.



Library Databases? There's an app for that... (4/18/2012)
You can now access many of the library's databases on your Android or iPhone using a new app from EBSCO which gives direct access to the most used resources in medicine and nursing, education, and the humanities. Click on the link below to find out how to discover, download, and authorize the EBSCO databases app through the Holy Family University library services website.

Link: http://web3.holyfamily.edu/library/EBSCO_App.swf


Improved Access to Hoover's Database

Students can now use the same login credentials (see story below) they use for other library resources to access the Hoover's database from home, or access it directly from any library or LRC computer. The Hoover's database provides easy access to financial reports, news, and profiles of top U.S. companies and executives. Login in Hoover's here.

Off-campus? Now access all our online resources with your personal login.

Now you can access our entire collection of online library resources, including ebooks, databases, and online journals, from anywhere on the Internet.

You will also use this login to access the "My Account" feature in the library catalog, which allows you to keep track of materials you have checked out, renew items, and place holds.

Continue using the links found on the Research Databases page or the in new Research Guides.  If you are on campus, you will not be prompted for a username and password. If you are off campus, you will see a login screen.

Your username is the first part of your Holy Family email address - what appears before @holyfamily.edu.

Your initial password will be the number on your Holy Family ID card. 

If you have further questions about your login, check this help sheet or call us at 267-341-3316/267-341-4010.