Library News

LibX upgrade, now compatible with Firefox 8

Firefox seems to be on an update tear these days. We’re glad to report that Northeastern’s browser plugin, LibX, which lets you drag and drop searches, right-click to log in to an e-journal, and find citations in our collections, is now compatible with Firefox version 8. If you’ve already upgraded, Firefox 8 probably warned you that it deleted LibX. Of course you want to get it back! So go to our LibX page to reinstall the latest edition. If you haven’t upgraded to Firefox 8, if you do so starting today, your upgrade should automatically include the new LibX edition for Northeastern. If you don’t know what Northeastern’s LibX browser plugin is, or what it can do, see our earlier post with information and examples.

Snell gets a permanent upgrade!

In addition to the already available group study rooms located throughout Snell, four new media:scape tables were recently installed on the first floor for all members of the University to use. These high-tech tables are an efficient, modern approach to increase effective group interaction by allowing all students to engage in the project and freely share their ideas. So how exactly do these media:scape tables work? Each station is equipped with one or two monitors which students can use to display their laptop screens by simply plugging it into a central outlet. With a stylish layout of tables and chairs, students can both relax and communicate with one another while their group work is projected on the large monitor. Through these new media:scape tables, information is now easier to convey and display to group mates all while students are sitting in one of the comfortable ergonomic seats. What is so unique about the new media:scape tables is that they are a direct result of what Northeastern students requested! Last fall, Snell sampled a table for about three months to observe how often students used it, if at all. The feedback that Snell Library received was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that the media:scape tables would definitely be a worthwhile investment. These new media:scape tables offer students an innovative, learning environment, which is what the Library aspires to create. Currently, the Library and University is eager to explore more ways to utilize its study space and equipment, but these permanent stations have definitely put us on the right path to do so. If you’ve used one of our tables, let us know about your experience by filling out our data collection survey! Click here to fill it out. For more information about the media:scape stations, please visit here!

Library Hours for Thanksgiving Break

Snell Library has special hours over Thanksgiving break. Please note the changes in the Library’s regular schedule due to the holiday. Wednesday, November 23rd: 7:45am – 5pm Thursday, November 24th – Saturday, November 26th: CLOSED Sunday, November 27th: 12pm – 12am Regular 24/7 Library hours will resume Monday, November 28th. Thank you for cooperating with the Library’s scheduling changes.

New Resource: ASTM Standards and Engineering Digital Library (SEDL)

The ASTM Standards and Engineering Digital Library (SEDL) is a vast online downloadable collection of industry-leading standards and technical engineering information which is now available at Northeastern University Libraries. It covers a broad range of engineering disciplines, including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, environmental, geological, health and safety, industrial, materials science, mechanical, nuclear, petroleum, soil science, and solar engineering. The SEDL includes all current ASTM standards! Get on-demand access to these, as well as technical papers, chapters, and books. SEDL content includes:
  • 13,000+ ASTM standards
  • 1,400+ books
  • 15,000+ journal articles
  • 47,000+ total papers, chapters, and articles
Users can access ASTM’s 13,000 standards in more than 130 industry areas as well as more than 40-year collections of special technical publications (STPs), manuals, monographs, data series, and journals. Content is updated twice weekly. STPs cover ferrous and non-ferrous metals, materials testing, building codes, construction, geoenvironmental, geotechnical, paints and coatings, petroleum products and lubricants, plastics, rubber, textiles, water, safety, consumer-product testing, and packaging and labeling. Examples of full text manuals/monographs/data series: Business Performance Excellence through Total Quality Management – 2nd Edition Pekar Jack. 2009. Intensive Quenching Systems: Engineering and Design  – Kobasko N., Aronov M., Powell J., Totten G. 2010 Standard Specification for Total Knee Prosthesis. 2010 Manual on Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis– 8th Edition  Neubauer, Dean 2010 Moisture Control in Buildings: The Key Factor in Mold Prevention—2nd Edition Trechsel Heinz, Bomberg Mark.  2009. Help is available from the link at the left of each screen. An additional link to Search Tips is also included on some search screens.