Category Archives: Computers

New! Computer System Installed for Digital Microfilm Reader

Posted on by

The digital microfilm reader at the Vere Harmsworth now has a new computer system in place and is once again available for the use of readers.

The new computer system provides improved usability and is connected to the internet, so you will now be able to save microform images to the cloud or send them via email.

To assist you in using the new set-up we have created guides on how to set up the digital microfilm reader and how to use the software. Library staff will also be happy to help if you have any questions or would like additional guidance.

To use the microfilm reader with the new computer, a Bodleian log-in is required, as with our regular PCs. Please see the Bodleian website or speak to a member of library staff if you do not know your username or password.

Thank you for your patience while the new computer was installed. We hope you will enjoy using the new microfilm reader software.The new computer, displaying a log-in screen, next to the digital microfilm reader.

 To find out more about using the Vere Harmsworth Library collections please contact the Vere Harmsworth Library (vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).

Update: Microfilm Reader Service

Posted on by

The Vere Harmsworth digital Microfilm Reader will be unavailable for this week (week beginning 26th August, 2024) whilst we move the Reader to a new computer system.

Moving to a new computer system will improve usability of the reader, and allow for more regular security and software updates.

Changing over to a new computer will require set up and re-installation of the new software. We advise readers to allow for some time for library staff to become familiar with the new system.

Readers may like to consider using the digital microfilm reader in the Old Bodleian if they wish to consult microfilm/fiche/card material from offsite storage.

If readers wish to consult microfilm/fiche material from the Vere Harmsworth Collections, please contact the Subject Librarian (bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk) in the first instance.

Many thanks for your patience whilst we work to improve our services.

 To find out more about using the Vere Harmsworth Library collections please contact the Vere Harmsworth Library (vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).

University network upgrade: change to scheduled downtime

Posted on by

OUCS have announced a change to the schedule of planned downtime for the network upgrade work this summer. There will now be no downtime on Tuesday 3rd July; instead the downtime that was planned for then will take place on Thursday 9th July. Again the downtime may last up to 11.30am.

This will affect all networked library services, including SOLO, PCAS, reader PCs and the wireless network.

University network upgrade this summer: effect on library services

Posted on by

Over the coming weeks, the University Computing Service is undertaking work to upgrade the University network. This will necessitate periods of scheduled downtime.

Networked library services may be unavailable, in some cases until 11.30am on:

SOLO, reader and staff workstations, wireless and Ethernet connections, and PCAS may be unavailable during the mornings. There may also be delays to the book service.

Local work affecting the Vere Harmsworth Library will be carried out on Tuesday 7 August. The networked services listed above may be unavailable in the Vere Harmsworth Library until 11am on this date. Again, this may cause delays to the book service on that morning.

We apologize for the inconvenience that this necessary work may cause.

Resetting library passwords

Posted on by

It is now possible to reset your own library password, to use to log on to library PCs, the Bodleian Libraries wireless service, and (for non-Oxford University members from tomorrow onwards), SOLO to place stack requests and check your record etc. You can do this via an online form at https://register.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/rescue. There is an online guide available to walk you through the process at: http://libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/library-password, but staff will still be able to reset passwords for you if you have problems with this method.

Microfilm scanner/PC out of action

Posted on by

The PC that is linked to the microfilm scanner is broken and has been taken away to be fixed.  We hope to have it back in full working order in a few days, but while it is gone, it will not be possible to scan from microfilms or print via the PC.   You can still use the microfilm scanner as a reader, and if you do need to print, you can do so from the microfilm reader next to the cabinets, at a cost of 25p per page. 

Updated library PCs: FAQs

Posted on by

Our library PCs have now all been updated to the new settings, whereby readers need to log in and out individually.   Here are a few instructions which might help with the new system:

The screen is black. What do I do?
Touch any key or move the mouse to wake up the PC from standby.

How do I logon?
Login with your library barcode number (on your Library / University card) and password.
Use only lowercase letters.

What if I don’t know my password?
By default your password is your date of birth.

Example login:
Barcode: 2701290
Password: 20jul1969 (lowercase letters)

If that doesn’t work or you changed your password in the past but can not longer recall it, contact a member of library staff who will be able to reset your password for you.

If you need to access the internet or the libraries’ electronic resources urgently, you can also use a Sun Ray (networked terminal).  In the VHL this is the OLIS terminal on the first floor (north side, by the windows).
   
How do I change my password?
Go to OLIS, sign into your OLIS patron record (Patron Functions) and choose Change Password. You can also do this on a Sun Ray terminal in the library. Ask library staff for help with this if needed.

“Your account has been disabled” – what does that mean?
If you used your library barcode as the password, you will get this error message. You need to change your password in OLIS on a Sun Ray terminal or ask staff to reset it for you.

“The system could not log you on. Make sure your User name and domain are correct….” – what does that mean?
Make sure that the Domain box on the login screen is set to ‘library-public’ and try again.  If you are still having problems logging on, ask a member of library staff to reset your password.

Can I save files?
Yes, you can save files, either to your memory stick or temporarily to the desktop. Note that all changes and files saved to the desktop will be deleted at the end of each session. To keep files securely, save them to a memory stick or email them to yourself.

I’ve saved my files to the desktop – where are they?
Files are saved by default to the top left of the desktop (for the duration of each session).

How long can I be away from the Library PC without being logged out?
If you don’t use the Library PC for 10 minutes you will receive a pop-up warning and after a further 10 minutes, you will be logged out automatically. Make sure you save your work to a memory stick if you think you may be away for that time.

Why can’t I share my username/password?
1.    You must not share your username and password with anyone else. This contravenes IT regulations and you will be held responsible for any misuse of your account.
2.    You can only be logged into one PC at a time. If you share your account with another person and they login, then they will close your session. You will lose any work.

Logout at the end of your session!
If you do not logout after you are finished, then the next person using the machine will have access to anything you have saved, or could misuse your account.

Ask library staff for help if needed!