Saturday, August 27, 2011

Catalyst: The JHU Libraries new catalog interface



The JHU Libraries are proud to launch Catalyst, a new interface for the JHU catalog, designed to make searching simpler and smarter.

There is a search box for the new interface on SAIS Library's homepage, so you use Catalyst now.

Highlights include:
  • Simplicity: A clean, uncluttered first screen with a simple keyword search box that searches all fields (title, author, subject, call numbers, etc).
  • Relevance-ranked results: Your search results are returned with the most relevant items at the top of the list. Or sort by year (newest to oldest), author, or title.
  • Intuitive searching: Refine your search using suggested limits that ensure accuracy without requiring knowledge of the Library of Congress subject headings.
  • Search results screens show you the terms you used to get to that result and allow you to easily remove specific criteria.
  • Date slider: Refine results to a particular span of years with the date slider feature.
  • Ebook access: Electronic books and other non-print materials are much easier to find in Catalyst.
  • Account management: Renew materials, request materials, update personal information, access saved searches, or add titles to a “bookmarked” list.
  • Cite this: Get citation suggestions in MLA or APA style for your results.
  • Text/e-mail options: Email or text book information so you can find your book in the stacks or have it in your saved texts/emails for later use.
  • Bookmarking searches: You can create a search and bookmark (using your browser's bookmarking feature). When you click on the bookmark again, it will re-run the search, updating the results set. Easy!
Catalyst is an open source project and was developed at Johns Hopkins by programmers and librarians from across the university and in collaboration with several other major research libraries. Please try it out and let us know what you think!

To watch a slightly larger version of this video, click here.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Welcome, new students!

Here are six things you should know about SAIS Library:

  1. Mason Library is on the top 3 floors of the Nitze building (1740 Mass), with the entrance on floor 6. We're happy to orient you when you visit.
  2. You can access electronic reserves (aka: your course readings) via Blackboard.
  3. You can also access JHU resources from home. More details... it's easy.
  4. Use these instructions to set up printing from your laptop.
  5. Your blue "J-card" (JHU ID card) will serve as your library card. You should always know your JHED login ID ("lid") and password. They have multiple uses.
  6. SAIS Librarians can help with any questions you might have. We're available Mon - Fri, 9-5, but feel free to call us at 202-663-5901 or just Ask A Librarian.
Fall 2011 Library hours.

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