Accessing PowerScan for Microfiche Reader

 Hello all,

 Patrons have had some trouble lately accessing the PowerScan 3500 application that runs the microfiche reader in ROI. I believe that ERIT is going to do a few things to make the app more obvious, but in the mean time you will want to inform patrons looking to use the microfiche reader that they'll need to find the PowerScan app within the Windows start menu

To access the start menu after you've logged-in to the computer, either click the windows icon on the far left side of the task bar, or press the windows key on the keyboard (the one between the Fn and Alt key on the left side).

 It should bring up a menu that looks like the one pictured below:

From there, either type "PowerScan 3500" in the search bar, or click the All button and scroll down until you find the program's listing.

When you launch the app, you'll likely receive an error message that mentions an invalid license. Click the OK button, and the app should launch normally after a few seconds.

Microfilm reels that are not in the basement

Several Microfilm titles have reels that are not available in the basement.  The Newspaper guide has a notation by each title:

• Carolinian (Not available at this time, being copied)
• Greensboro Daily News (Ask at reference desk for dates between 1924-1970)
  These reels are in the front reference office, undergoing testing or have been determined that they are infected with Vinegar Syndrome.  Check with Michael if possible or check the spreadsheet on the Q drive at REF/Microforms/Vinegar Syndrome Microfilm.xls.

Renovation affecting microfilm cabinets

And another renovation related heads up - some of the microfilm cabinets have been moved - so the basement map is no longer accurate. Cabinets 2, 3, 4 have been moved to the ends of rows, and 1, 5,6 are off to one side. It's not too hard to figure out, but I'm going to put signs up for patrons to come to Ref. if they have trouble locating needed film.

Microform Indexes

The microform indexes are in the process of being integrated into the main reference stacks. Currently they are in cataloging for a label change and will be shelved  as soon as they are returned.

Michael

Greensboro Patriot Microfilm

The Greensboro Patriot, (a newspaper) film # 2160, has been sent out to digitize. The date range is 1829-1922. They are due back in March 2011.

 

Vinegar Syndrome

If you find any microfilm that smells like vinegar or has curled edges, do not use it and do not return it to the microfilm cabinets. Bring the film to me or leave it on my desk.

Vinegar Syndrome is a breakdown of acetate film that was used from 1923 into the 1970's. It will eventuality lead to the total destruction of the film.

The library is currently in the process of assessing the problem, but in the mean time, please let me know of any films you find with this problem.

Michael

Microcard Copy Request Forms

We now have forms available for microcard copy requests. They are on the small clipboard behind the business cards at the lower reference desk.

ILL Microfilm/fiche

Gaylor just told me that if someone is using a microfilm or microfiche that's been borrowed through Interlibrary Loan (it will have a bright yellow paper band around it) the microform has to go back to ILL or the Access Services desk when the patron leaves. In other words, we're not supposed to hold it at the Ref. desk for the patron. :)

Microcards - copying and downloading

The small microfilm reader/scanner formerly in Reference is no longer available to patrons; it has been removed from public access.

For anyone who isn't familiar with the microcard format, it's is somewhat like microfiche, but it's an opaque white card, for which the machines in the Ref. area won't work. The old scanner in Ref. did work for reading and downloading. We moved that machine to a non-public area, but if this move causes too many problems, that decision can be reversed. Let Mary know of any difficulties for patrons who need to use the microcards. Below are current procedures.

Any patron needing to view microcards can still use the microcard readers on 3rd floor Main, beside the microcard cabinets.

UNCG patrons needing scanned copies of microcard content can request those copies through Desktop Delivery. Requests will be processed by our 24/5 staff during evening hours.
If these patrons need copies immediately, please have them contact Joe Williams of Access Services or Michael from Reference -- we will set them up with the reader/scanner and show them how to scan what they need. These patrons will need a usb flash drive to store their scanned files.

Non-affiliated patrons needing scanned copies of microcard content should also contact Joe or Michael - we will log them into the reader/scanner and show them how to scan what they need. These patrons will also need a usb flash drive to save their files.

Thanks! Mary

Sticky Notes in GovDocs

Leave the sticky notes on microform/government documents if you see them. Daniel is working on a cleaning project.

Error Mesage on Microform Reader with PC

If anyone gets an error message that says "error acquiring image." Leave the reader running while rebooting the PC. It will then acquire the image.

Michael