Daily Archives: June 22, 2020

Virtual Peer-to-Peer Consultations

By: Claire Salvati

The Search Bar offers a suite of peer-to-peer undergraduate student services. Peer Research Consultants, Writing Tutors, and Tech Tutors support research, writing, and technology needs
through in-person (Fall & Spring) and virtual consultations. The services are a collaboration between the University Libraries, Penn State Learning, and Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology.

We will be launching virtual drop-in consultations and tutoring sessions during the Summer Session II. For more information about how to connect with our services, please visit the Search Bar Services page or https://libraries.psu.edu/services/search-bar-services.

Customer Service Tip: How to be a hero to your customers

By: Jeff Toister (submitted by Carmen Gass)

Heroism is a misunderstood concept.

Countless customer service employees have told me they can’t be a hero. According to them, their job doesn’t allow it.

“I’m a cashier/receptionist/call center rep/etc.,” they say. “There’s hardly ever an opportunity to be a hero to customers. Most of my interactions are routine.”

Customer experience expert and keynote speaker, Adam Toporek, believes all customer service employees can be heroes. He’s the author of Be Your Customer’s Hero, a book that shows anyone how they can be a hero to their customers. Read more here.

Tech Tip: Restart your computer weekly

By: Ryan Johnson

restart computer screenshot

Something I tell all new hires ­– and try to remind all employees when I can – is to restart your machine on a weekly basis.  My general rule is to restart my machine when I’m done working for the week so I have a “fresh” machine when I log in on Monday.

Some of the benefits of restarting your machine include:

  1. Flushes RAM – RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is your computer’s main type of memory. It’s also known as volatile memory because it is constantly in flux. RAM handles short-term tasks and data. Therefore, when you restart your computer, you flush out all the random, unimportant, and temporary data bogging down your device.
  2. Speeds up Performance – Reboots are known to keep computers running quickly. By flushing the RAM, your computer can run a lot faster without all those temporary files piled onto your PC’s memory.
  3. Stops Memory Leaks – These occur when a program doesn’t close properly. Many programs borrow your computer’s RAM while open then return it when you close the program out. However, outdated, overused or glitch programs may end up forgetting to return that memory, resulting in memory leaks. Rebooting can help prevent memory leaks from occurring.
  4. Fixes Internet Connection – Sometimes computers lose their connection to the Internet and will need to be reset. The first plan of action is to restart your computer. Restarting will reset the connection.  However, please note that if restarting your computer doesn’t solve your connectivity issues, you may have to reboot your router or require further servicing.
  5. Bug Fixes – Computers that go without reboots for extended periods are prone to an assortment of irksome bugs and glitches. These annoyances include programs running at a slower pace than usual, unexpected system freeze-ups. Rebooting your computer will prevent the systems’ processors from becoming overloaded and provide them with ample time to recharge.
  6. Saves Time – Rebooting your computer is one of the quickest ways you can fix an error with your machine. By following our guide for when to restart, you can avoid sacrificing time out of your work day. You will also be saving time that could be potentially wasted on future device sluggishness or potential bugs.

 

Other Recommendations

  • Lock your computer every time you step away from your desk (for security reasons).
  • Sign out every time you are done working for the day. (Remember to save all your files before you do this).
  • Do not turn your computer off (It will allow your computer to get software updates and patches while you’re away).

Events: June 22

Summer 2020
Academic calendar information for all campuses is available online.

UPDATE: In light of the University’s March 11 announcement regarding measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic, nonessential events and meetings scheduled at University Libraries locations throughout the spring semester have been canceled, rescheduled or will be offered virtually. 

Earth Archives exhibition posterEXHIBITION: Earth Archives: Stories of Human Impact. To coincide with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Earth Archives explores the intersection of the environment, human activity, and the documentary record. Highlights of the virtual exhibition include representations of varied print, manuscript, and art works that invites the viewer to consider a range of environmental-related topics and will serve as a growing, centralized resource.

 

buttons from INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY: Highlights From the Ken Lawrence Collection

EXHIBITION: International Solidarity: Highlights from the Ken Lawrence Collection. A virtual look at the visual culture of political protest in the late 20th-century, to provoke thought about international solidarity in our own time, including human and civil rights, immigration, and independence movements.

Please submit event information — and all Library News submissions — to Public Relations and Marketing via its Staff Site request form and selecting the “Library News blog article” button.