When it comes to making your academic life easier, trust a librarian.
That was the theme of the May 3 Lunch ‘n Learn where Nancy Pressman Levy, Audrey Betsy Wright and Phil Menos shared tips on how to make the most of the Library’s many online services.
Introducing the Library’s Proxy Service
The Library provides access to more than 750 scholarly databases and more than 10,000 online journals, but many of these are restricted to members of the University community. Phil Menos described how the Library’s upgraded proxy service provides advanced authentication while making sure that you will be able to gain access to these services when you are at home, or traveling, or just across the street at Starbucks.
To learn more about the details of the service, click on “Connect from off-campus” at the Library home page. Or simply log in. You will now be able to link to most Library services directly from home and even bookmark your favorite Library services. The full Power Point presentation may be viewed here.
Chat live with a librarian
Imagine having an live, online chat with a librarian. Audrey Betsy Wright talked about how the University Library has packaged its typical reference services in a new a very useful format. Simply add libchatpul to your buddy list. The new service, which works with your AOL, Yahoo, MSN, or ICQ instant messenger account, is available on Sunday from 7-11 pm, Monday through Wednesday from 3:00 to 11:00 p.m., and on Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Useful links at the Library
Nancy Pressman Levy opened by saying that the recently renovated Library web site was the result of much user feedback. The goal was to make their home page clearer and more functional. The revamped Library web site has several links that you may find useful. E.g., you can renew your books online. The online reference shelf contains a carefully honed of web resources for research including an advanced set of search engines.
Three more useful web sites for research
Google Scholar searches will find full text articles, with particularly good coverage for technical and scientific coverage. To search Princeton’s electronic holdings, select “Scholar Preferences” and then check “Princeton University Library.” If you are on campus or connected via the Library proxy server or VPN, you will be able to access subscribed material normally available to the University community.
Check out bartleby.com for a fabulous online collection of reference works and for online newspapers from around the world link to abyznewslinks.com.
Posted by Lorene Lavora
