I'm melting! I'm freezing!

In this scorching weather, we are lucky to have air conditioning in the Library. But people sometimes ask us if we should try to save money by not cooling it so much in the summer. Surprisingly, the answer is no.

This building uses an ice-cooling method called a "chiller." At night, when the energy cost is low, the system freezes water stored under the building. Then in the daytime, the fans circulate air over the ice to chill it, then move it around the building. So it is actually an economical and somewhat "green" system already (because it does not increase demand during peak use hours).

Now, if you would like it less air-conditioned in here because you feel cold, that's something else again! The computer is supposed to keep the temperature moderate and stable, but that doesn't always happen.

Paula

Extended hours for ECP

We'd like to welcome students participating in our Extended Campus Program, who are here in Richmond for their on-campus study period.

Please note that we have added hours this week to help our ECP-ers get their work done! The Library will be open until 10 pm on 14-18 June, and 21-22 June.

For a full view of Library hours in the current term, click HERE.

Paula

The end of SFX and MetaLib

Among the changes happening to our electronic resources this summer is the end of our subscription to SFX and MetaLib. The SFX program operates mostly behind the scenes ... it's a "links resolver" that enables our e-journals to function. MetaLib is a "metasearching" utility that allows people to search more than one of our resources at the same time ... you can search several of our databases at once, for example. MetaLib was popular with many of our users and some will be upset that it has terminated.

The good news is that we have a new links resolver in place, and a temporary e-journals A-Z list. You can get to the list by clicking HERE. This utility still needs some work, so you might get some odd results for a while. Also in the good news column is a new metasearching utility, coming soon. Stay tuned for further information.

Paula

It's time to update your Library card

Did you know your library card expires June 30 each year? In order to continue using your library card, all you need to do is stop by the Circulation desk so we may update your information.

We update this time each year to ensure we maintain your current contact information, fines are paid, and overdue/lost books are returned. Fines MUST be paid before updating your account. We accept cash or checks only.

Also, be sure we have your current email address. The Library uses this information solely for the courtesy reminder notices of upcoming due dates. We do not share or sell any of your contact information.

Rachel

Summer hours now in effect

I arrived at the Library this morning at 8:20 and found myself locked out. Duh!! Summer hours begin today ... I should have known that!

The doors will be unlocked at 8:30 am, not 8:00. During the summer we are lightly staffed, since many of our wonderful student workers have summer internships or training programs taking place outside Richmond. Full-time staff also take their vacations during the summer, so that we will be absent when user traffic is low.

So do yourself a favor and become familiar with the summer hours! Here are the DETAILS.

Please note that the schedule changes again on 23 Aug for a brief period of late summer hours.

Paula