Library News

You can now send questions to the reference desk by text message. Here’s how it works:
* Address your text message to 246246
* Start off the message with “send hathelp”
* Add your message
The librarian at the reference desk will receive an IM with your text message. Our response back to you will still be sent to your phone like any other text.
This service should work with most major carriers, but if you try it and find it doesn’t work for you, please send us an email and let us know who your cell carrier is. That way we can update our information about the service. We’d also like to hear from you if you experience any problems using this service.
Please remember that your cell phone carrier may charge you for each text message sent and received. The library is not responsible for these charges.

Over the summer, WITS was able to upgrade all 34 public access computers in the Hatfield Library. The new Gateway E-4610 computers are a major upgrade from the computers previously available.
The computers offer users the entire Adobe Suite — including Acrobat, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver — as well as Microsoft Office products and Open Office productsl.
The library is also running all of the printing from the new workstations through the campus WebPrint program.

The library has a new color scanner, located in the microfilm area. The scanner is free for use by the Willamette community, and has instructions posted near it. Scanned items can be saved in PDF, JPEG or TIFF formats or edited in PhotoStudio.
For assistance with the scanner, please check at the Circulation Desk.

The library has added a “Digital Imaging WorkStation” in the microfilm area. Microfilm reader #2 now has a PC connected to it so patrons can scan from microfilm or microfiche directly to Adobe Acrobat, creating PDF files or TIFF images.
When users log onto the computer, it will map their H: drive, and they can either save the files or print them off to the network public printer.
Ask at the Circulation Desk if you have any questions about this new digital option.

The first floor library printers were upgraded this week with two new HP LaserJet 4250dtn printers. The new printers offer the ability to handle large print jobs at a faster rate than the older ones, printing up to 45 pages per minute.
Most importantly the new printers offer the ability to print double-sided. In fact, the printers will default to double-sided, helping the library cut down on wasted paper.

The projector in the library classroom was upgraded over the winter break. The new Mitsubishi projector is practically noiseless, and it produces sharp images that display in great detail while the classroom lights are on. In tandem with the new computers added last fall, teaching library instruction will be much more effective.

The Hatfield Library upgraded its computers during the winter break. There are now 12 public PCs on the first floor and 21 on the second floor with the same software and tools found in the computer labs on campus. Willamette Integrated Technology Services (WITS) staff installed software on the new computers, and will provide ongoing help with maintenance. Available applications include word processing, spreadheets, and internet browsing. Access to these public PCs is limited to Willamette students, staff, and faculty.

The Library Classroom, located on the 2nd floor, has been given a much-needed facelift. Among the changes: fifteen new desks and upgraded computers. The classroom is used for library instruction and training, and is an invaluable tool for research-oriented classes. Students are shown strategies for searching, and are taught how to locate and identify scholarly materials. Faculty interested in library-related instruction and training for their students are encouraged to contact their liaison librarian.