Archival Edition: July 2004

Print Services Upgraded

After years of dependable service, our public area printer has been retired, replaced by a newer Hewlett Packard model with a faster page output. The newer black & white laserjet printer comes equipped with 2 paper trays that boast a combined two ream capacity. Managed by the Pharos print management system, the Poynter library maintains it's own independent printing capacity both to maintain a low cost to students as well as to facilitate a fast response to any problems as they arise.

Public area printing needs have increased in the past year, mainly due to the introduction of Microsoft Office XP software that allows students to work on their papers easily from within the library. The replacement printer has been followed by a minimal price increase for computer-based printing, rising from seven to nine cents per page. While the increase is not directly related to the replaced printer it does mitigate the costs for toner and paper supplies, as well as continued maintenance for the system. Microfiche and copy machine prices have risen as well due to a cooperative effort between USF Libraries.

Public Use Computers are now Time Regulated

Our Non-USF affiliated computer area which is available to the public consisting of three computers, has been recently restricted to 30 minute time periods. Users of this service sign in at the reference desk to be assigned to a computer on a first-come, first-served basis. The implementation of the more structured approach has been extremely effective in managing tensions over access to the machines, in contrast to a walk-in system. The feedback to this approach has been positive- many have commented that they have more access to the machines due to a
shorter waiting period.

The library also offers machines for USF-affiliated groups as well, so that these users will have access to a machine designated for their research needs. There have been questions concerning the fact that we do not provide MS-Office applications on these machines. The reason for this is two-fold. The 30 minute regulation is not conducive to extensive word processing. Also, USF has a site license agreement to use MS-Office products that extends to Students, Staff and faculty only. Librarians are encouraged to recommend the public library as an access point for these services to those who do not fit into those catagories.

Web Site Survey

Recently the systems department invited web users to take part in a study to gauge the effectiveness of the Poynter Library website. This second web-based survey has shown very favorable results in regard to both the design and usability of the site. Some changes will be made to the site to address concerns of those responding to the survey, and include remote user help guides as well as access to additional services from our main page. Thanks to all who gave their opinions, the feedback rate was higher than expected with a total of 205 respondents taking part in the survey, many of whom were located outside of the library.

Special thanks go to Kaya Townsend for her work in tabulating and summarizing the results of the study.

Mail Relay Allows Screening of Email, Virus Protection

Our most recent technology addition has been the introduction of a virus and SPAM filter for library email. Those receiving large quantities of SPAM email will be happy to hear that all incoming messages are being screened for viruses as well as SPAM before they reach user mailboxes. Conducting these services on the server is both faster and more thorough- the virus or SPAM never has the chance to interact with staff computers. The product being used is produced by McAfee, and is covered by a USF-wide license agreement and as such is free of charge to any department at USF. This means savings for us, especially when you factor in that the server and all software was either free or paid with grant money through Florida Center for Library Automation(FCLA). After screening several thousand email messages, the current average of SPAM/virus mail has been found to be roughly one in every six messages.

Currently the filter recognizes corrupted files, SPAM keywords and potential virus payloads, but that's not the only mechanism to fight SPAM in the library. A Linux-based email relay, also with free software and hardware paid by grant through FCLA is hard at work. This relay checks messages against freely available anti-SPAM filters. The anti-SPAM filters in current use are managed by spamhaus.org, and spamcom.com.

One crucial element to email filtering of any kind is provide recourse for those who have legitimate email but have been accidentally been indicated as a SPAMMER. Due to the use of outside filters (spamhaus & spamcop), there is always the chance that someone will be selected as a known source of SPAM when they aren't. An email support desk has been created to allow users to report that their email is not SPAM. The library has an extra account (bwatson@spadmin.usf.edu) located offsite to guarantee that those innocent individuals can reach the systems group.

ADA Access Station Available for Use

Brought to you by funding from ADA access services and configured by Poynter Systems, the ADA Access computer has been upgraded with both newer hardware as well as improved software for student use. A new Dell Pentium 4 computer has been configured with Zoomtext Xtra Level 2, a powerful visual enhancement tool and screen reader. Also installed are Jaws for Windows 2000, Kurtzweil and Dragon speech recognition software to help students with special needs. The system also includes a large 17 inch flat panel display for easy viewing.

We are pleased to offer this sophisticated software running on the most current hardware available. To see it in action, drop by the library reference desk to access the room, POY 137. If you have any questions concerning the system, software, or other services available through the library, please visit our ADA Access web page at http://www.nelson.usf.edu/ADA.