Archives
Electronic Highways
UBLib: Refreshed
The new academic year represents a new beginning. Accordingly, it was fitting that we, in the University Libraries, unveiled our new, more robust BISON catalog (http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F as described in the Sept. 14 column) in time for the beginning of the fall semester. We also went live with our redesigned University Libraries' UBLib Web site (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/). The Web site has a clean, uncluttered look that enhances the virtual library experience. Returning students, staff and faculty will notice the improved "look and feel." Those new to campus will find they can effectively navigate the site from their first click.
Whether a veteran UBLib user or a newbie, you'll find the Web site offers a number of wonderful library resources and services that you can access on campus or from your home computer. In addition to featuring the BISON catalog, which is the primary tool for identifying our Libraries' book holdings and subscriptions, the Web site contains a wealth of information, including the following "Quick Links":
Best Basic Resources (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/
e-resources/quickstart.html): The 30 Web-based sources (out of hundreds we subscribe to on behalf of our users) that will give those with non-specialist research topics a great jump-start.Resources by Subject (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/
e-resources/subject.html): Check out the fantastic librarian-selected resources that transcend what Google can offer. We have sources listed by academic discipline, as well as subject guides on topical areas.Databases by Title (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/
e-resources/databases.html): Scroll through this extensive listing of research tools and you'll agree it's not your father's (or mother's) library any more.Electronic Journals (http://ll3md4hy6n.search
.serialssolutions.com/): Thousands of scholarly electronic journals that you can identify by title or broad subject area.Interlibrary Loan (http://ulilliad.lib.
buffalo.edu/illiad/): If we don't own the book or journal article and you are currently affiliated with the university, we'll find it for you from another library through our ILLiad system.Course Reserve (http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F/?func=
scan-list&local_base=UBRSV): If you are a currently enrolled UB student and your professors have books and articles in mind for you and your classmates to read, it's a breeze to identify them. And, in the case of articles, you can read them full-text on your screen. Our photocopiers have never been lonelier.
If you need help on the library research front, you will find it on the UBLib Web site. There is a Help (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/
libraries/help/index.html) tab on the upper right side of the site that leads you to a wide-ranging searchable and browsable listing of help topics specific to the resources of the UB Libraries and the university. The Help page also leads you to Research Tips (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/asl
/tutorials/research.html), an online guide to doing research using the UBLib Web site and the Libraries. And if you want to touch base with an actual information professional (a.k.a. a librarian), check out the blue Chat (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/help/refchat.html), Email (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/ref/ask.html) and Telephone (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/help/contact.html) tabs at the lower left side of the site. Of course, we always like to see you in person at our reference/information desks. You'll find the times our desks are staffed on the Hours (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/
libraries/hours/index.html) page under "Library Information."
—Gemma DeVinney, University Libraries