Library Computers

When there is a problem with any library computer (other than office computers), please let Pat Z. <pziebart@gsu.edu> know about it. (Or Aviva if Pat isn't around.) It's somewhat confusing to come in at 7:30 AM to see an out-of-order sign without knowing why the sign was hung or to be clueless that there was a major problem which potentially impacts students being able to do their work.  Just a quick email or phone call will be very helpful.

So, what should you do when problems arise?

If there's a whole system issue with the network, multiple computers, or the Pharos system between the hours of 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM Monday-Friday, call the HELP Desk right away. 404-413-HELP (404-413-4357) AND please send Pat an email about the problem. (Or when IIT sends you an email with a ticket number, please forward that to Pat.)

If there's a smaller problem that doesn't require immediate attention, you may email the HELP desk to initiate a service ticket. AND please copy Pat on that email. IIT will then reply all and Pat will be in the loop.

 If there is a small problem with a single student computer and you feel confident trouble-shooting, you are welcome to do so. (Remember that checking the power sources and doing a cold reboot can "cure" lots of problems.) If your efforts fix the machine--Hurray! No need to send Pat an email unless it's a recurring problem you think should be watched. If your trouble-shooting doesn't work, PLEASE send an email to Pat about what's going on with any computer where you hang an out-of-order sign.. Be sure to say whether or not you have sent a help request to IT so we don't spawn duplicate tickets.

When there is any news about computer systems here at Dunwoody library, Pat (and others on the full-time staff) will make every effort to communicate that to everyone via email and/or this blog.

To sum up: we need to communicate about the computers to keep them functional for the students who depend on them so much. Carmel used to be our go-to for this.  Now Pat is the point person for communication on computer needs. Aviva is the back-up when Pat isn't around. Thanks very much for your cooperation.
 

Splitters Available

We now have two splitters available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. The splitter will allow two users to share a computer/laptop and watch a video/movie together.

Help for Student Laptops

Today a student came in with his laptop in recovery mode just as he needed to finish and print a paper.  Of course, it's a painful lesson in copying work to flash drives or mailing it to yourself to not lose any data, but I also wish I knew more and could have helped him.  (Carmel was out with a sick baby, so I couldn't appeal to our cyber expert.) He had already been to the lab in E building, but they couldn't help him and sent him to us. This brings up two things for us to remember:

1. Do not touch a student computer because in doing so, you may incur liability for your actions.  This is also official OIT policy in the labs, though they are often able to talk students through to a solution.
2. OIT has a service called techSPOT which offers direct support for student laptops.  The trouble for us is that it's only available on Clarkston and Newton campuses and only Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM. URL http://www.gpc.edu/oit/jagspot/techspot

Since I didn't remember the hours of techSPOT for the student who was panicked and in a hurry, I gave him the Service Desk number (678-891-3460) and told him he might need to go to Clarkston. Thankfully, it's Wednesday, and hopefully he could get the help he needed.

OPAC/Kiosk Computer

The computer that is just inside the entry is supposed to have access to GILFind, GIL Classic, and "Get My Login," however the only functional link is for GILFind. A ticket was submitted to get it fixed last week, but OIT needs to completely reimage the computer--if not completely replace it. Therefore, for a few days you'll need to help new students find their login info on the Ref Desk computers.  Sorry about the inconvenience.

Diebold Error

A very common printing error is triggered when students need to authorize the J-Card policy in the SIS system.  We have placed signs (see below) near printers upstairs and downstairs to help students trouble-shoot this problem.  Most likely we will still need to assist the student with his or her immediate needs, since the policy takes 24 hours to apply.