Checking Out a Laptop?

Hi all,

I am currently at the center and a patron recently approached the desk asking to loan out a laptop, my automated response was, "of course, would you also like to loan out a power-cord for the laptop?" Hannah kindly informed me that the laptop cords are no longer an optional part, they are now a part of the laptop loan and it is mandatory for the patron to receive both the laptop and the power-cord. I was unaware of this new policy and so I thought it might be helpful to share with you, in case you were also uninformed.

NB

UDeploy and Software Not Found in the SMDC

After reading Nadine's post about Mathematica, I visited the UDeploy site and under Scientific and Research Software included download links for some of the software we list as unavailable at the Student Multimedia Design Center. 

Today, a patron asked if we had SPSS available , and my instinct was to say "Sorry, we do not but Smith, McDowell and Purnell do," a la our cheat sheet on the receipt printers at each of the desk PCs. However, it struck me that maybe he could visit UDeploy and download the software himself.

It turns out that some of theses resources are not accessible to students for their own computers but can be downloaded on a UD-owned computer for student use.  For instance, SPSS would still be available to students in Smith, McDowell and Purnell but could also be downloaded on a UD-owned computer, such as one of ours.  As usual, to download, the student would have to ask someone at the desk to log them in.

Are there any issues that could arise from this, such as limited amounts of licenses? 

Mathematica

Students have been coming to the library to use Mathematica.  They can access it from UD Deploy.  
Follow the directions on the page and they will also have to register with the program, too.

The program should be in Smith and Sharp as well.
Ask a supervisor if you have any questions.

3D Object Manipulation

An interesting video on using 3D models inside of 2D photographs.  The video was produced as part of research being presented at SIGGRAPH, the biggest annual conference on advances in computer graphics. 

Tips for Organizing Video Files

People using the Student Multimedia Design Center will soon be starting new video projects and many will shoot enough video that specific clips become hard to manage. Get Organized: How to Manage Video Files (PC Magazine) offers good file naming advice for keeping clips in chronological order with names that also help one locate content.  It's worth reading before starting new projects.

The article also addresses digitization of older video and storage options.  Videographers should read the article to ensure that they're covered on these three points:

• centralizing video files (that is, getting them off one's smartphone and video camera),
• naming files intelligently and tagging them so one knows what they contain, and
• backing up and archiving final edited files.

New 3D Printing Shop in Newark

If you are interested in 3D prototyping/design but don't have the $1000+ dollars to spend on various models of 3D printers, there is now an alternative in Newark! A workshop/retail store has opened that offers 3D printing on MakerBot and Lulzbot printers.

The store, Sovereign Air LLC, is located on Main St. behind Bike Line and next to the Ski Bum. Check out the Newark Post article HERE.

DELCAT Discovery

DELCAT Discovery has arrived, and UD Library homepage has a new look, too.  Read more about this:
 
       DELCAT Discovery
       Redesigned University of Delaware Library homepage