Library PC and WiFi Access Points Upgrade: Work taking place in the Library the week of Mon 9th December

We are planning some improvements to our library PCs and Wi-Fi access points. For the PCs, increased memory and processing power will result in faster loading times and the ability to better handle our diverse range of programmes. They will also be sustainably built, take up less space and have an ergonomic design. New Wi-Fi access points will be mounted on our ceilings to improve the reliability and strength of our Wi-Fi signal.

The PCs in our main computer area will be replaced on Monday 9 to Tuesday 10 December. Work will be carried out to each desk in turn, so there will always be some PCs available for use in this area. Additional PCs can be found in our our Information Skills Training Room.

During this period we will also be replacing the 2 Quick Search PCs in our library entrance area and the 4 adjacent to our journal and statistics shelving.

Also on the week of 9 December, work will be carried out in the library to add new access points to our ceilings to improve the Wi-Fi signal. The work is scheduled to take place from Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th. Disruption should be kept to a minimum as the noisy work will take place outside of library opening hours.

 

Lighting Testing and PC Upgrade: Work taking place in the Library on Thurs 5 December

Our lighting is being tested on Thursday 5 December from approximately 4.30pm onwards. The work will involve switching off sections of lights for 2-3 minutes at a time. These areas will remain illuminated by emergency lighting at all times, so disruption will be minimal.

The PCs in our Information Skills Training Room will be replaced on 5 December with upgraded models. The room will be inaccessible during the period of work. Alternative PCs can be found in our main computer area (behind our Self Issue machines).

 

Library PC and WiFi Router Upgrade (December 2019)

We are planning some improvements to our library PCs and Wi-Fi routers. For the PCs, increased memory and processing power will result in faster loading times and the ability to better handle our diverse range of programmes. They will also be sustainably built, take up less space and have an ergonomic design. New Wi-Fi routers will be mounted on our ceilings to improve the reliability and strength of our Wi-Fi signal.

The work will be taking place in December, full details are as follows:

The PCs in the Information Skills Training Room will be replaced on 5 December. The room will be inaccessible during the period of work. Alternative PCs can be found in our main computer area (behind our Self Issue machines).

The PCs in our main computer area will be replaced (except for the Bloomberg and Eikon PC in our Data Area) on Monday 9 to Tuesday 10 December. Work will be carried out to each desk in turn, so there will always be some PCs available for use in this area. Additional PCs can be found in our our Information Skills Training Room.

Also on the week of 9 December, work will be carried out in the library to add new routers to our ceilings to improve the Wi-Fi signal. The work is scheduled to take place from Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th. Disruption should be kept to a minimum as the noisy work will take place outside of library opening hours.

 

Uninstall of Write N Cite

Java logo in orangeDue to changes in Java’s licensing, the RefWorks plugin Write ‘n’ Cite has to be uninstalled from reader computers in the Bodleian Libraries. This takes effect from Tuesday 16th April 2019 and means that Write ‘n’ Cite will not be available to use on reader computers in the Bodleian Libraries, including the SSL. Please note, this does not affect personal computers; you will still be able to use the Write ‘n’ Cite plugin on your own device.

Write ‘n’ Cite is the plugin used for Word that allows you to input citations directly into your text in your preffered style. You will still be able to access your RefWorks library of citations on library computers but you will not be able to automatically add them to Word documents without the plugin.

If you have any questions about this, please contact reference-management@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Library PC upgrade: 25th to 26th June

Main Library PC AreaOn Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 June, all the Social Science Library computers will be upgraded to the Windows 10 Operating System.

Some computers will be temporarily unavailable during the upgrade period. Readers will be able to use computers in the Information Skills Training Room while those in the main Library PC area are upgraded.

All software currently available on library computers will continue to be available after the upgrade.

Possible internet downtime in the SSL 29 March

On Thursday morning 29 March we will be upgrading some of the equipment that generates the WiFi signal in the SSL. As part of the upgrade the internet will go down for a short period in different sections of the library. The work should not take long and full signal will be re-established by 10.00.

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. Wired internet will still be available on our library PCs and through ethernet cables which can be borrowed at the issue desk.

Planned Network Downtime

Sick computerThere will be no access to the University’s Network in the Social Science Library on Monday 12th December. This is due to migrating the Bodleian Libraries to  a Network back bone.

The down time is scheduled for:

  • Monday 12 December from 09:30 until 10:45 GMT

During this time there will be no access to library PCs, quick search PCs, the Bodleian Wifi Network, the Eduroam Wifi Network and the PCAS service.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Updates to Reader PCs from Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 December

Sick computerFrom Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 December, IT Services will be upgrading the Library’s PCs to add a range of new software, including Microsoft Office 2013. A maximum of 25 PCs will be upgraded at any one time during this period; at least 30 PCs will remain available for use at all times.

The installation process takes approximately 1 hour per PC, during which time an “out of use” message will appear on the PC’s monitor. There may be a very small effect on the network performance during this time. IT staff will work sequentially through our PCs but please be prepared to use an alternative PC on request.