Saving PDFs in Science Direct

It has come to our attention that the database Science Direct isn't working as it should in newer versions of internet browsers. If you are trying to save a PDF in this database and don't see the save icon from within the PDF screen, you can save it by right clicking on the PDF link from the journal article results page and saving it as a target or link.

See this short screencast as an example of how to do this in Internet Explorer: http://screencast.com/t/quBJHsYVyTG

If you have any further problems, please contact us at library@aston.ac.uk

Aston University Library & Information Services welcomes you!

This week and next, Library & Information Services will be running a programme of Library Matters Live sessions for students new to Aston University.  All new students will find their Library Matters Live session listed on their timetable or check the website.  This is an opportunity for you to meet the library staff, find textbooks and reading material for your modules and have a go at using the self service machines, printers and photocopiers.

As well as learning to make the most of Aston University Library & Information Services to support their studies, you will be able to collect your Library Matters Live Goody Bag.  Completed Library Matters Live evaluation forms will also be entered into a prize draw to win:

• iPad donated by Emerald
• £150 Waterstones Voucher
• £100 Bull Ring Voucher

We look forward to meeting all new students, and to supporting your studies!

Welcome to All New International Students

Library & Information Services would like to welcome all new International Students. You are invited to an International Student Library Orientation session on Thursday 22nd September in the Library. Drop in anytime between 10.00 - 17.00 to find out how the Library can support you during your time at Aston. We look forward to meeting you then!

Lost your saved e-shelf items from the old Aston e-Library interface....?

You can retrieve your saved items from the e-shelf in the old interface by sending them to your email address. Instructions on how to do this are available here.

Evidence-based Learning and Teaching

Attention All Teaching Staff. The Teaching Bite this week will focus on literature searching, current awareness and social networking in the field of Learning and Teaching research.

Lunch will be provided from 12.30 in the 2nd floor Meetings Room of the Library and the presentation will begin at 1.00pm lasting for 30 minutes, with time for discussion afterwards.

Please email library@aston.ac.uk if you would like to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Information Specialists Team

We say goodbye to..... Roger Hart

For many returning students there will be a familiar face missing from the Library Reception desk this year, following Library Attendant Roger Hart’s retirement from Aston University at the end of August. Roger says he will really miss meeting the new students this year, but is looking forward to spending more time travelling around the country in his new camper van. We are sad to see him go, and wish him a long and happy retirement.

New Aston e-Library interface now live!

The new-look Aston e-Library is now available with the following new features and improvements:

• Search response time: instantaneous search results
  


• Coverage: the new index includes the great majority of relevant electronic resources
  
  
• Ranking quality: using the new service's proven algorithms and deploying the same evaluation method on all relevant results

See this webpage for a basic guide to the new interface.

Please contact library@aston.ac.uk if you have any queries about the new interface.

Teaching Bites 2011

Attention All Teaching Staff

This September, Library & Information Services will present a number of short, informal seminars on topics relevant to supporting Learning and Teaching across all disciplines. Whether you want to find out how information literacy can be embedded into your modules, or you would like to know how you can jazz up your learning and teaching materials by using some of our Open Educational Resources databases , you will find something for you.

• Lunch will be provided from 12.30pm
• All seminars will start at 1.00pm.
• They will be held in the Library Seminar Room, on the 2nd floor of the Library.
• Presentations will last 20-30 minutes to be followed by discussion/questions.


A full programme is available from the following library web page: http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lis/additional-information-for/staffinfo/teaching-bites-2011/

Please feel free to book online via the web page or email library@aston.ac.uk stating the full list of sessions you wish to attend.

Introducing the Library Catalogue direct to your mobile device

LIS is pleased to announce that from the beginning of this academic year the Library Catalogue will be available in mobile format.

You will be able to access your library record, search for and reserve items in the same way as the standard Catalogue but the format will make it easier to use on your mobile device.

Want to give it a try? Then go to http://m.library.aston.ac.uk/ and let us know what you think.