Library
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library”
Albert Einstein
Merged Desks
The library moved one step closer to having one point of service for patrons by merging the circulation and reference desks. The new location places the merged desk in the core section of the library which provides easy access to services for patrons and visual access to library spaces for staff. The merge of both desks is a pilot and part of the library’s continuing effort to repurpose spaces to meet changing user needs. The prototype for the new service desk was presented in the Transition to a New Work Station at the Priddy Library, a capstone project developed by Sofia Castro, a student of Industrial Organizational Psychology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The proposal envisions a circular service point for circulation and consultation services.
Interns
Three students from University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) i-School and one student from Rutgers University interned to get first-hand experience with library practices and services.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Services and Resources
The Health & Life Sciences Librarian developed and delivered an in-class, hands-on session on using Esri’s ArcGIS online, Story Maps and ArcGIS Desktop. UMBC and UMD faculty and students showed great enthusiasm in learning to use these tools, which can help them not only in their coursework, but also in their future careers. ArcGIS Desktop software was installed on all of the public computers in the Priddy Library.
Technology
Bookeye 4 Scanner
The Library obtained one of these high-quality scanners, which allows students, faculty and staff to efficiently scan documents, articles and much more, all while reducing the amount of paper used on campus!
Mobile Media:Scape
After a positive trial in April 2014, the library added two Mobile Media:Scape to its variety of technology. The Media:Scape’s PUCK connects up students to four devices for them to share their screens increasing collaboration. The Knapp Foundation awarded the library a grant to purchase this technology.
iPad Air 2
Availability of iPads was increased to include 20 new iPad Air 2.