UNews - Encore

Library enters world of new media

trevor.kenney — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:01:47 +0000

This fall, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library is offering multimedia services that provide students and library patrons with the resources they need in order to produce professional-quality multimedia projects.

Three high-end computers equipped with production software are available in the library with trained Peer-Assisted Technology Support Students (PATSS) on hand to provide assistance with creating graphics, videos, podcasts, websites and much more. The library is providing these services for individuals of all skill levels as tools for improving the overall quality of personal and school-related projects.

"There is an increasing demand for equipment and software packages to enable students to complete multimedia projects for classes," says Allan Gergel, Library Information Systems supervisor. "The library wanted to help out, as we often get these types of requests from students, and we have the facilities and expertise available to provide this service."

The new multimedia stations are located behind the PATSS service desk just inside the entrance to the library, in the space formerly occupied by the reference section. The available equipment includes two PC computers and one iMac computer; two large Wacom drawing tablets; one large-format Epson scanner (scans 11"x17"); and one Midi controller.

The machines will be equipped with Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection, which includes Photoshop®; Illustrator®; InDesign®; Acrobat® X Pro; several Flash® programs; Dreamweaver®; Fireworks®; Contribute®; Encore; Media Encoder; and more. The iMac also features Avid Protools.

There are also a number of free and open source applications installed on each machine. The applications are listed on the library website: www.uleth.ca/lib/communities/index.php/multimedia/ in a section called "Free and Open Source Software". This is a collection of free software that the library recommends for students who cannot afford to buy software elsewhere.

The web page also contains a number of links to free resources that may be used in students' multimedia projects, including images, music, videos and sound effects. Links to useful tutorials are also provided, to save the user from spending countless hours of frustration. These tutorials are available in the Multimedia Creation Resources Section.

And of course, the PATSS are trained on how to use the applications on the computers, and are therefore able to provide useful assistance to library patrons using the stations.

Please let your students know that these stations are available – or come by the library and try them out yourself!

Encore system creates more user-friendly searches

trevor.kenney — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:24:14 +0000

By NICOLE EVA-RICE

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library has acquired a new library catalogue that promises to open a whole new world to users.

Encore is a new search interface that brings together results from books, articles and local digital collections in one location. Previously, the library catalogue searched only for books, while journal articles needed to be searched in the databases. This one-stop search box makes the process much more user-friendly.

While not every database can be searched through Encore, it does bring up many relevant articles based on the keywords used from the main interdisciplinary databases held by the library. This 'one box' way of searching reflects the preferences of many of today's users, who are used to the simplicity of sites like Google and Amazon.

A nice feature of Encore is the many refinement options (such as year and subject) provided to the searcher, based on their initial results, that narrow down their search field. Users can also add their own tags to create meaningful categorizations, allowing people to denote items appropriate for projects, classes or otherwise. These tags are then also searchable. For example, an instructor can label certain books with a specific class name and then tell students to search by that class name to bring up the relevant list of assigned books.

"We are excited to present this innovative new feature to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community," says Wendy Merkley, associate ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ librarian, Information Systems & Technical Services. "Many libraries are moving toward these next-generation catalogues and most patrons find them much more user-friendly and intuitive than the old-style library catalogues."

Those who prefer the old system need not fear; a link to it can be found on the Encore results page, entitled classic catalogue.

The library welcomes comments and suggestions about the new system. To provide feedback, contact library staff via the Comments and Replies link from the self-serve menu on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library home page (www.uleth.ca/lib).

This story first appeared in the September issue of the Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Fine Arts summer camps available

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:29:44 +0000

Instead of spending the summer wishing you had something fun and exciting for your children to do, why not give them the opportunity to create a sculpture, paint a picture, make up a play, or act on stage? The U of L Faculty of Fine Arts Drama and Art Camps are the perfect outlet for their summer fun. There are seven weeklong camps to choose from, which run weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Act 1
Drama for ages 7 to 10

Use your body, voice and imagination to create a world of original characters and stories in this action-packed camp. Participants must be able to read. The camp concludes with a performance on Friday afternoon for parents and friends.
Camps: July 4-8, July 18-22, Aug. 2-4* and Aug. 8-12

Encore
Drama for ages 11 to 15

Acting, comedy, costumes, make-up, improvisation and more! These camps are perfect for older participants looking for a dramatic challenge.
Camps: July 11-15, July 25-29 and Aug. 15-19

ArtVentures
or ages 7 to 10

Explore drawing, painting, mask making, printmaking, sculpture and more – something new and interesting every day. No experience necessary! The camp concludes with an exhibition of the creative exploits of participants.
Camps: July 4-8, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29 and Aug 2-5*

Artist's Studio
for ages 11 to 15

Specifically designed for students interested in investigating a variety of art experiences including painting, sculpture, printmaking and more. Aug 8-12 and Aug. 15-19

The registration fee for each camp includes all materials and supplies, a unique camp T-shirt and lunch each day.

*Camps from Aug. 3-6 are 4-day camps (Tuesday through Friday). All the rest of the camps are Monday through Friday.

For more information about the drama and art camps call Fine Arts Camps Director Katherine Wasiak at 403-329-2227. To register for a camp, call U of L Sport and Recreation Services at 403-329-2706.

This story first appeared in the Legend. To view the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

UNews - Encore

Library enters world of new media

Related Topics

Encore system creates more user-friendly searches

Related Topics

Fine Arts summer camps available

Related Topics