TGIF Tips – Oct. 17, 2008 – Issue 3 (previous issue)

Things are really moving along with the new Ask a Librarian software!  More and more staff are adding their library names behind their initials, which helps those staffing the desk to know which libraries are currently logged in.  The ability to see which staff have patrons is at the top of our enhancement list with InstantService, and we are talking with them to have this eventually implemented.  Until that feature is here, please keep in mind that the “available” status does not change when you have a patron.  Since the new software won’t display incoming-patron alerts when you’re in a chat, other librarians are likely picking up those silent patrons while you are working.   

Changing Font Size in the Agent Console

Do you find the size of the text inside the agent console difficult to read?  You can easily change the font size to your liking - just use the following shortcuts to make the text inside the console appear larger or smaller:

Ctrl + “+”(plus sign on number pad) — Increase Font Size

Ctrl + “-” (minus sign on number pad) — Decrease Font Size

Troubleshooting Wiki

Did you know we have a great troubleshooting resource for those staffing Ask a Librarian?  Our wiki will give you hardware/software requirements, troubleshooting tips, and reminders on how to use ScreenShare, refer to another library’s email for follow-up, and more.  Just log in to the Ask a Librarian toolbox at http://info.askalibrarian.org/toolbox/login.asp, click on the “Technical Support” link on the left, and click on Troubleshooting.  New tips and how-tos are added often, so be sure to check back regularly for helpful updates.

Ready, Set, Explore!

Are you ready to join your colleagues across the state to practice using the new Ask a Librarian software and sharpen your skills?  Explore the software in the safety of a monitored practice environment with two open practice sessions.  (You do not need to register for these, and you can enter & leave anytime.)  The monitored practice sessions will be on these dates: 

Thurs., Oct. 23, 9-11 am

Tues., Oct. 28, 9-11 am

To join the statewide practice as a librarian, please log in to the toolbox at http://info.askalibrarian.org/toolbox/login.asp, log in with your personal info, check the local desk option only (not academic or collaborative) & select “Training Room” from the local desk’s pull-down menu options.  Feel free to pick up any patrons that come into the training room.  To join as a pretend patron, please log in to the toolbox (link above), click on the “Practice/Training” link on the left, and click “Practice as a Patron”.  (You will not be asked for a patron name or question.)  I will be in the training room, too, in case you have any questions, need a practice partner, or would like assistance. 

New Online Training

No training?  No problem.  For those unable to attend previous training sessions, we’ve added two new online training sessions on the new software.  These 2 hour sessions are designed for those already covering (or previously trained on) Ask a Librarian.  The online sessions will take place on Thursday, October 23, from 2-4 pm and on Friday, October 24, from 9:30-11:30 am.  Space is limited, so please visit http://www.tblc.org/ws_classes.php and sign up as soon as possible.