IRIS Photos

IRIS News and Notes, September 2002

Digital Projects and Initiatives Web Site

Contents:

Tower Café opening
Laptop Loan Program and survey
Olin Information Service Point
Robison Fund support for Olin Reference Desk
Cell phone zones
New & Noteworthy Web site
Special Focus: IRIS Research Department
New staff
Borrow Direct update

Well the students are back, nightly temperatures are dipping into the 50's, and according to Ann Landers, it's time to stop wearing white. Fall semester has started. Here's what's new from the past month.

Facilities and Services

Uris: Probably the main event of the past month is the work to create a new café in Uris, called Tower Café, which opens for business on September 4th. From start to finish, this project took a little over 3 weeks to accomplish! We are most appreciative of the collaborative efforts of Library Facilities, Cornell Planning, Design, and Construction, and Campus Life/Cornell Dining in bringing this about. Take a look at the beautiful open space on the 8th level of Uris. In the coming months, we're hoping to add new furniture and comfy seating.

We have also successfully consolidated the Laptop Loan Program in Uris Library. The laptops are for use in Uris, Olin, and Kroch only. Take a look at the Uris Laptop Website designed by Mikki Winberg. It includes a link to an on-line survey to get user feedback and to help us improve the service.

Olin:
You've no doubt noticed that there's a new information service point and counter at the Olin circ desk. During freshman orientation and the first week of classes, lots of incoming students stopped by to ask for help. To distinguish this service point from reference and information, we're utilizing a big "i" sign. I'd appreciate hearing from any of you on the effectiveness of this approach. Special thanks to those in Reference and Access who are working on developing training support materials, in particular Lynn Thitchener, who is creating an FAQ for Access Services staff. Still to come is a new book drop to be installed in the wall to the right of the circulation/information desk that will include a stainless steel slide to guide the books safely into the return cart.

We're still on target for the new Olin Reference Desk, scheduled for installation in mid-October. The manufacture and installation costs for this desk have been supported by a gift from the Robison Fund in memory of Doris B. Robison and Ellis H. Robison, Class of 1918.

As I mentioned in the August Update, we are designating Cell Phone Zones in Olin and Uris. Craig Mains designed the wonderful circular signs designating approved locations. We'll be monitoring the noise levels in the cell phone zone areas—in the two cafés, in the stairwells, near public phones, and the entrances to Olin and Uris. All other areas will be designated cell-phone free, and I hope you will steer any offenders to approved locations.

The New and Noteworthy Collection is now divided into three sections: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Selected New Books. The decision to divide the collection into these categories stemmed from reader input in last spring's survey. There is also a developing website for the Collection, that includes policies, reviews, a suggestion box, and an author/title list.

This Month's Feature Focus: The Research Department
 Over the next few months, we'll be highlighting new programs and departments that have developed with the launch of IRIS. This month, we're featuring the Research Department, a new unit with a portfolio that includes a range of projects, products, and services from externally funded research to internal studies. The work of the department will demonstrate how research methods and processes can be used to complement, support, and enhance library products and services. For example, Research is currently coordinating two internal projects: an evaluation of reference implications of the new service Google Answers, and a study to explore and develop recommendations for convenient business hours at the library. Information about both of these projects can be found by clicking here or on the "What's New" image to view the Research Department's Web site. This first version of the site, which will evolve and expand over time, includes introductory information about the mission, staff, projects, and products of the department.

New Staff, New Assignments

There is a bumper crop of new staff in IRIS. Kimberly LaMorte is the IRIS Administrative Assistant in 213 Olin; there are 3 new reference assistants-Tina Hein, Gaby Gessner, and Clay Chiment; 2 new Olin senior circulation assistants-Duane Edwards and Emily Conway; and in Music, there are 2 new staff members-Eric Feinstein (evening supervisor) and Lenora Schneller (daytime supervisor). At the Fine Arts Library, Brandt Stickley became the night supervisor, and beginning September 1st, Martha Walker assumed a two-year position as Fine Arts Librarian.

Other
 As Pat Schafer reported on CU-Lib, the library will inaugurate on September 9 a rapid book request and delivery system called Borrow Direct. This program will allow Cornell faculty, staff, and students to request books directly via the Library Catalog from the libraries of Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Yale. The combined circulating collection of these libraries and Cornell's represents 40 million volumes! The goal is to have requested items available for pickup at the library within 4 working days of the date a request is placed. There will be a sneak preview for interested Cornell staff on Friday, September 6, in 106 from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Comments? Suggestions? Ideas for upcoming issues of IRIS News and Notes? If so, drop me a line.

Anne