In late 2014, Libraries’ Administration appointed the Space Steering Committee and charged it with providing leadership for the development and implementation of the Master Plan at University Park. This includes:
Now that the Libraries has a full complement of ADs, the committee is moving ahead with the next phases of space planning. Members are: Kimlyn Patishnock (chair), Karen Estlund, Anne Langley, Joe Salem, Dace Freivalds, Henry Pisciotta, Rick Riccardo (OPP) and Ron Servello.
Communication Plan
At the top of our priority list is increased and better communication. We plan to do this through frequent space planning updates in Library News, on the web, and via email; at various forums; and via attendance at departmental meetings. All Libraries’ faculty and staff are an integral part of the process and we welcome your feedback – in person, email to UL-SPACE-PLANNING@LISTS.PSU.EDU or via phone call. We are also updating the Libraries’ Space Planning website to better showcase space planning activities and initiatives.
University Park Libraries Master Plan Update
The University Park Libraries Master Plan (PDF download) finalized in October 2013 has not been gathering dust. Current projects include:
1. Collaboration Commons. The expansion of MacKinnon’s Cafe and the Ground Floor West Pattee renovation is now called the Collaboration Commons. This project will double the size of the Knowledge Commons, and will help address the high demand for group study and work space. The schematic design for the Collaboration Commons has been completed, with fundraising to occur during 2015/16.
2. Conservation Lab. The University recently acquired property at 2185 Sandy Drive which will be used to house the Conservation Lab and also provide storage for some Special Collections materials. A comprehensive plan for this space is in development.
3. College Heights Building. This building, purchased by the University in 2015, will be used to house the Penn State Press. Design for this space is underway.
4. Knowledge Commons Phase 7. Phase 7 of the Knowledge Commons will create a new central atrium space in the location of the current outdoor courtyard that links Central and West Pattee, break out spaces, specialized study and workspaces for digital scholarship, comfortable seating, flexible spaces to accommodate collaboration and consultation, and more. A program plan for this space will be drafted during 2015/16.
See more, including a video of the proposed Collaboration Commons, on the Facilities Project Page.
Next Steps
The Space Steering Committee has targeted some key areas for additional information gathering. This information will help with the complex decisions needed to complete an overall plan for the locations of key services and groups within the Pattee/Paterno building and also to help determine the scope of individual remodeling projects. The information gathering, to be done by working groups appointed by the Steering Committee, will address the following key areas:
1. Cataloging and Metadata Services, Acquisitions and Bindery Space (Sponsors: Karen Estlund, Anne Langley)
2. Consolidation of Special Collections (Sponsor: Henry Pisciotta)
3. Digital Scholarship (Sponsors: Karen Estlund, Anne Langley)
4. Learning Center (Sponsors: Joe Salem, Kimlyn Patishnock, Rick Riccardo)
5. Music & Media Center (Sponsors: Henry Pisciotta, Dace Freivalds)
6. Spaces for Inclusion and Diversity (Sponsors: Dace Freivalds and Rick Riccardo)
The working groups will be charged by the end of December 2015. Depending on the group, final reports and recommendations will be due during the 1st or 2nd Quarter 2016. Additional working groups that will address other key areas of the Libraries will be appointed at a later date.
What can You Do?
Stay involved. Take this opportunity to consider how our user and collection spaces can work together to meet the needs and expectations of our users. Ask questions, give us feedback, share ideas. And stay tuned … much more is going to happen!
Tell us what you think:
UL-SPACE-PLANNING@LISTS.PSU.EDU
by Dace Freivalds, head, Information Technology
As of December 3, 2015, two factor authentication (2FA) will be enabled for WebAccess, impacting the more than 2,300 websites behind WebAccess across the University. 2FA is a critical service and will address some of the security challenges the University has recently faced. WebAccess (aka “thumbprint” login window) is the University’s login authentication system for such services as ESSIC, Benefits open enrollment, Angel, and many more services. At the Libraries, WebAccess is used for authentication into databases, UCS, My Library Account, “I Want It”, ILL requests, ABLE and many other services.
What Does This Mean for You?
If You Have Already Enrolled in 2FA:
Beginning December 3, 2015, students, faculty and staff who are already enrolled in 2FA will be required to use two factor authentication when logging in to WebAccess. They will use their Penn State Access ID and password to login on WebAccess, and then will be prompted for the device (or devices) they registered for 2FA. These individuals received an email from the IT Service Desk on Nov. 19 announcing the 2FA implementation date.
I-Tech will be available throughout Dec. 3 and 4 to help if you encounter any problems with 2FA. Drop in and we’ll offer assistance.
If You Have Not Yet Enrolled in 2FA:
You do not have to do anything at this point. You will continue to login to WebAccess the way you do today even after Dec. 3, i.e., you will not be required to use the second level authentication.
However, you will need to enroll in 2FA within the next few months since it will become mandatory for all Penn State faculty and staff in late spring 2016. We encourage you to wait until after Dec. 3 to enroll since we will be offering a number of training/drop-in sessions during December, January and February to help you get enrolled and demonstrate how to to use 2FA once you have enrolled. We will also schedule a number of Adobe Connect sessions for campus library faculty and staff.
What Will I Need to Do When I Enroll?
When you enroll in 2FA you will need to register a device for the second level authentication. A smartphone is the best choice for 2FA authentication since it provides the greatest level of security and allows you to use the Duo Mobile app. The app allows you to receive push notifications for easy, one-tap authentication and can also generate passcodes for login (even without cellular connectivity). We will encourage faculty and staff to use the push notification, but other options are available. You will also be able to use a mobile phone, a tablet, a landline or a token for 2FA. We will be providing more details on these options during the training sessions, in Library News and via email after Dec. 3.
I Already Have a Token for IBIS. That Means I’m All Set, Right?
Some of you already have tokens for use with IBIS, eLion, ISIS, etc. The token you are currently using for these services will not work with 2FA. You will need to continue to use your current token for these services and use another device for WebAccess authentication as well as any other system that has been integrated with 2FA.
We are working with Libraries’ administration to develop a process for requesting 2FA tokens. We will have more information on this Dec. 3.
Does 2FA Change How Users Authenticate at Their Workstations?
2FA will not change access and/or authentication protocols at public workstations in library buildings, library staff computers at service desks, desktop or laptop workstations in Library employee offices, or desktop access via cable modem off campus (e.g., from an employee’s home computer)? Logging in to a workstation does not require WebAccess, so no 2FA will be needed. However, once a user is logged in to a laptop, computer, etc. then he/she will need to use 2FA for resources that are behind 2FA.
More Information?
Karen Estlund, associate dean for Technology and Digital Strategies, will address 2FA at the Dec. 1, 2015 Tech Update.
Please email questions to Dace Freivalds, head of I-Tech, at dace@psu.edu. We will use the questions, and our responses, to populate a Libraries’ specific FAQ.
Please join us in welcoming the following new hires:
Full-time:
11/23/15: James Searfoss, information resources and services support specialist, Earth and Mineral Sciences Library
Upcoming Holiday:
Thanksgiving Day: The Thanksgiving holiday will be on Thursday, November 26. The University is also closed on Friday, November 27, and this day is considered an Official Campus Closure.
Human Resources Guideline HRG10, “Handling ‘Weather Day’ Absences or Official University Closedowns Due to Weather Conditions,” provides the needed guidance for staff and technical-service employees. Therefore, in general, the following will apply:
by Ryan Johnson, technology training coordinator
EDUROAM is a federation that allows account holders from member schools to connect to the Wi-Fi network at other member institutions using their home institution’s credentials. The availability of the EDUROAM wireless will allow visitors to Penn State from many other schools around the world to connect to our wireless network. Additionally, Penn Staters can test their set-up by connecting to EDUROAM here before traveling to other schools where the wireless is available.
Since the EDUROAM wireless does have some restrictions, it is not recommended that Penn Staters use EDUROAM as their primary network when at a Penn State location. The PSU wireless should be used as usual.
To log on, enter your username in the format abc123@psu.edu, where abc123 is your Access ID, and enter the same password you use for the PSU WIRELESS. Please note that while abc123@psu.edu looks like an email address, it is not. It is your Access ID combined with information to let the host institution know what school you are from. Unless your email address happens to share this exact format it will not work for connecting to EDUROAM.
The EDUROAM profile will allow users to connect to the EDUROAM wireless which is available all over the world at public institutions using their PSU credentials. Such institutions include but are not limited to:
• Other Universities
• Libraries
• Public Buildings
• Railway Stations
• Airports
Tuesday, December 1, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Tech Update, Foster Auditorium. Watch online via MediaSite Live
Agenda:
Zoe Chao, user experience librarian and Web Implementation Management Team (WIMT) member, conducted a “card sorting” game with students in the Weltmann Service Lobby last week. Various library services were written on the cards, and students were asked to pick out cards they considered as services, group the cards and label the groups.
photos by Wilson Hutton
This is just one of the many usability studies that WIMT is undertaking in advance of the Libraries’ website migration from Adobe CQ to Drupal. The site will be more contemporary, modern and simplified, and all changes will be based on analytics and usability studies as well as recommendations from the Penn State Office of Strategic Communications.
View the Nov. 13 Content Strategy Forum here: http://live.libraries.psu.edu/Mediasite/Play/e2fa34be26ca48c9876d9a85c5c7699e1d?catalog=8376d4b2-4dd1-457e-a3bf-e4cf9163feda
Tues., Dec. 1, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Tech Update, Foster Auditorium. Agenda:
Wed., December 2, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Identity Theft, Protecting Yourself, Mann Assembly Room, Paterno Library. Identity theft can compromise your personal and financial records and disrupt your life, and it can take years to restore your good name and financial reputation. In this workshop, Penn State’s Financial Literacy Manager, Daad Rizk will help you learn how to protect yourself and what to do if identity theft happens to you.
Farming in Peru — Dan Tobin
Thurs., Dec. 3, noon: New Markets, Old Ways: Value Chains and Native Potatoes in the Peruvian Highlands, presented by Dan Tobin, Foster Aud. and MediaSite Live. In the Peruvian highlands, smallholding farmers conserve thousands of varieties of native potatoes using traditional methods and indigenous knowledge. This seminar will present a case study that investigated how new market opportunities influence production.
Tues., Dec. 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Penn State Press Annual Book Sale, Kern Building Lobby. 30% off all titles! Also open to the public. See blog post for details.
Dr. Marcus Whitehurst
Thurs., Dec 10, 2-3 p.m.: Dean’s Diversity Forum, presented by Marcus A. Whitehurst, vice provost for Educational Equity, Foster Auditorium and Media Site Live. Whitehurst, who has nearly 20 years of experience in educational leadership, was appointed Penn State’s vice provost for Educational Equity on Sept. 1, after holding the position in an interim capacity for more than a year. The vice provost for the Office of Educational Equity oversees 13 units with 75 staff members, in addition to working collaboratively with a number of offices both within and outside the University. That includes overseeing the Office of Disability Services, the Equal Opportunity Planning Committee, the Multicultural Resource Center, the Office of Veterans Programs, and a number of student support services and programs.
Sun., Dec. 13 through Tues., Dec. 15, 3–8 p.m.: DeStress Fest. Volunteers needed for some shifts. Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040b4cada929a13-destress
Mon., Dec. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Cookies Around the World, Mann Assembly Room. Do you have a favorite cookie recipe to share? Would you like to sample some traditional cookies made by your colleagues? Join the Diversity Committee for this tasty pre-holiday event with a global theme. It will be held over lunch, so bring your lunch too. Sign up information coming after Thanksgiving: stay tuned!
Save the date:
Discovery Day will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 this year. If you would like to be a part of this year’s committee please contact Ann Snowman, ams32@psu.edu
Take 30% off at the Penn State Press Holiday Book Sale! This one-day-only sale takes place Tuesday, December 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Kern Building lobby and is open to the university community and the general public.
The sale will feature our newest titles, including “Among the Bone Eaters,” “Elephant House” (right), “My Degeneration,” “Graphic Passion: Matisse and the Book Arts” (below), “From Giotto to Botticelli,” “The Impossible Craft: Literary Biography” and “Posters for Peace,” as well as classic PSU Press books.
Don’t forget to check out the $5 book table! Can’t make it? Purchase books through the Press’s website, using the code HS2015, for 25% off. We offer free shipping to on-campus addresses; regular shipping charges apply everywhere else. For information on any of Penn State Press’s titles, visit http://www.psupress.org or call 865-1327. —
Laura Reed-Morrisson, managing editor, Penn State University Press
by Ryan Johnson
It’s important to target your audience when writing for the web. By knowing who you are writing for, you can write at a level that will be meaningful for them.
Here are some tips for writing for the web:
For more extensive information on how to write for the web, please watch this Lynda.com tutorial: http://www.lynda.com/Web-Content-Strategy-tutorials/Writing-Web/180104-2.html?org=psu.edu
In addition, this YouTube playlist has shorter modules that introduce the basics for writing for the web: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAABFB40F4906E8A9
by Andrea Pritt, Penn State Mont Alto
From part-time student worker to full-time staff, Barb Kopshina has a plethora of library experience. As a student at Penn State DuBois Barb worked in the campus library and upon transferring to University Park she joined the Interlibrary Loan team for a year and a half. Following her time in the ILL department Barb worked for the library affiliated company, Brodart before rejoining the University Libraries in 2006. Barb worked at the Dickinson School of Law Library at University Park until 2010 and ultimately transferred back to the library where it all began: DuBois.
Barb currently lives in her hometown of Sykesville, Pa, just 15 minutes south of DuBois, on the Walker Century Farm. This 60 acre farm has been in Barb’s family since her relative, Christian Walker, originally purchased it back in 1855. Along with a whole host of vegetables, the family farm is home to chickens, cats, and dogs. And as a lover of animals, Barb has four Siamese cats of her own, three males and one female, ranging from six to 12 years old.
Barb’s four Siamese cats
Outside of being my fellow co-author of the “Getting to Know You” series and sitting on various University Libraries committees Barb really enjoys genealogy research. She has traced her family history back to the 1700’s and actually has the original German Army discharge papers of her fourth great grandfather, Christian Walker, from 1845. Acting as Secretary for the Rumbarger Cemetery Preservation Society she volunteers to help restore the cemetery. The Rumbarger Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in DuBois and requires long-term preservation and maintenance.