At A Distance-UA Libraries Info. for Distance Users

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The University of Alabama Libraries' Catalog will be unavailable Sunday, February 4 from 8 am to 10 am while general maintenance is being performed.

posted by Maryellen Allen @ 7:49 AM 0 comments

Why Can't I Get In??!!!

Yep- that's the question I get the most about remote access. And let me just say that I'm as annoyed as you are...maybe even more because I know that it's usually not as simple as "I can't get in". There are several different and unrelated reasons that people have trouble. Anyway, I've put together a checklist for ya' to troubleshoot the problem. These are the most frequent reasons why people "Can't get in":
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1. Are you trying to access the materials directly from the Libraries site (from the databases pages), or are you using a link in WebCT? If it's the latter (WebCT), then it will probably never work since you usually cannot cut and paste links from a library database into another web page. If you are trying to access materials linked through WebCT, please contact the Distance Learning Librarian (mallen@ua.edu) with the information about the item you’re attempting to locate, the course name, and your instructor’s name. We will make sure you get the material and will contact your instructor to provide them with working links to the resource(s).

2. If you are attempting access the materials directly from a library database, make sure you're using your MyBama user name and password when prompted. This is the same user name and password you would use to access your Bama mail account.

3. Are you trying to access library materials from a work location or from behind a firewall? If so, you will need to disable the firewall in order to gain access. Most workplaces will not disable a firewall for you, so you may need to access your materials from home or another location.

4. Has your instructor made sure that the articles are indeed available online? Sometimes instructors will assume that the entire run of a journal is available when only certain years/issues are accessible in full-text. If none of the above reasons apply, please contact the Distance Learning Librarian (mallen@ua.edu) to confirm that the article(s) you’re looking for is/are available.

5. If all else fails, contact your academic department to make sure you are currently enrolled and in the Banner system.

I hope this helps!!

posted by Maryellen Allen @ 8:54 AM 0 comments

Welcome to Spring Semester!

We're very happy to greet returning students and welcome new ones. The Libraries have some new services that distance learners can take advantage of, including:

• Increased support for Instant Messenger Service: If you would like to chat with the distance learning librarian through your IM client, simply send an email to mallenATua.edu including the name of your IM client and your handle. We will add you to our "friends" list.


• Web 2.0: Do you have a MySpace or Facebook page? Why not add the libraries as a friend? You will have access to information updates and an easy interface for sending in your questions! For MySpace users, go to http://www.myspace.com/bamalibrarian. For Facebook, search for mallen@bama.ua.edu , View profile and then click "Add to Friends".


• Live Online Research Orientation Sessions: Using real-time desktop conferencing, sign up to attend this virtual workshop right from the comfort of your own computer! Participants will learn best practices for conducting online research, locating journal and magazine articles, locating books and setting up an Interlibrary Loan account. Watch this space for announcements on specific workshop times.


• At A Distance Newsletter: Published once per semester, the At A Distance Newsletter gives distance users helpful information about the Libraries. If you are not currently receiving this newsletter, contact the distance learning librarian (mallen@ua.edu) and request to subscribe.

Hope your semester is off to a great start!!

posted by Maryellen Allen @ 8:14 AM 0 comments