Over the next four weeks (13 August – 8 September) the library is conducting its fifth Library Client Satisfaction Survey. The survey covers resources, services, facilities and staff. To complete the survey and enter the weekly prize draw for an iPod Nano, click here. Alternatively, there are paper forms available for completion in each of the UQ branch libraries.

We value your opinions and want to make the University of Queensland library work as well as possible for everyone. Please help us improve library services to you.

BSL lockers for postgraduate students and students with special needs can now be booked online through the Facilities Bookings System. The lockers may be held for a day. Bookings can be made up to one week in advance and students are permitted to make two bookings per week. Keys for the lockers need to be collected from the loans desk within 15 minutes of the booking time or else the booking will lapse.

This Friday (3rd August) is Jeans for Genes Day, the major fundraiser of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI). The CMRI is an independent organisation committed to unlocking the mysteries of disease - they investigate conditions such as birth defects, cancer and epilepsy.

The Biological Sciences Library is supporting this worthwhile cause and has merchandise available for purchase from the Welcome Desk on Level 1. So drop by and purchase a badge ($5) or sticky notes ($2) or simply make a donation. If you do, you’ll be helping today’s scientist for tomorrow’s children.

Are you an undergraduate student studying at UQ? If so, here’s your chance to win a $500 cash prize!

The UQ Library Excellence Award is presented each year to up to three UQ undergrads who demonstrate excellence in the use of the Library to enhance their studies. The prize is an acknowledgment of how Library resources are used to support teaching and learning.

How to apply
* Submit a 500-700 word essay to the University Librarian, UQ St Lucia, demonstrating how Library resources were used to produce an excellent assessment outcome.
* Provide two statements of support from academic staff with your essay, indicating excellent use of Library services and collections.

Selection Criteria
*Sophistication, originality and/or unusual depth or breadth in the use of Library resources, databases, primary resources and materials in all media.
*Evidence of significant personal learning and the development of a habit of research and inquiry that shows the likelihood of persisting in future.
*Exceptional ability to locate, select, evaluate and synthesise library resources and to use them in the creation of a project in any media that shows originality and/or has the potential to lead to original research.

Judging Panel
* University Librarian
* Chair, Library Committee of the Academic Board
* UQ Student Union Representative

Closing Date
October 1, 2007. The award/s will be announced on November 16, 2007.
(Note: Staff employed by The University of Queensland are ineligible to apply for this award.)
*For more information, please contact Ms Heather Todd at: h.todd@library.uq.edu.au

A big thank you to everyone who attended our morning tea this morning. As a result of your generousity, we managed to raise over $450 for the Australian Cancer Council. Well done And a big thank you also to the pikelet elves who worked so hard for this event.

Do you want to eat some scrummy food and feel good about yourself at the same time? If so, swing by the Biological Sciences Library after 10.00am tomorrow (24th May) and help us raise money for the Australian Cancer Council.

The pikelet elves are busy as I type….and I can definitely vouch for the quality of their products! Just remember to bring a gold coin donation. See you there.

No big plans this weekend? Here’s something to consider…

As part of the Parents, Partners and Friends event this weekend, we’ll be holding tours of the Biological Sciences Library (BSL) from 11am to 12.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

But don’t all libraries look the same? Think again!

BSL re-opened in December 06 after a major refurbishment and not only looks different than before, but has many new additions. So come on in and check out the various library resources and facilities available to UQ students.

Alas, I can’t tell you what’s hot in the world of fashion. Before today, I thought tartan mini-skirts actually looked good on a 35 yr old. Apparently not. Who knew!

Luckily, I can tell you what’s currently hot in BSL. Group rooms!

The library has six group rooms (two large and four small) that can be used by staff and students. Part of the reason for their popularity is the uber cool plasma screens available in each room. Just connect your laptop into the port and power outlets (situated on the tables in each room) and information can be easily seen by everyone in the room. See the pic below for a demo [thanks to the students who kindly agreed to be interrupted for this photo op ]

Due to the popularity of these rooms, you will need to book ahead. Note: the group rooms can only be booked for two hours at a time. Bookings can be made in person at the Welcome Desk on Level 1 or by phoning 3346 4384 (64384). In the near future, an online booking system will be available.

So, to recap. What’s hot? Group rooms (and comments on this blog )

Well, I’m not sure where the time went, but apparently we had a ten day holiday break over the Christmas/New Year period. It seems like yesterday I was looking forward to a nice, long (and relaxing) break. Oh, well! And the point of this entry? Yes, the library is open again. For our current opening hours, please click here.

In the lead up to the end of year break, we’ve had many people coming into the library. One of the most common questions that I’ve been asked lately relates to the printers/photocopiers.

The library has printers/copiers located on all four levels of the library - a colour copier/printer will soon be available on level 2. As long as you’re using a networked computer, you will be able to print out documents from any of these machines. To save yourself an unnecessary walk though, please take note of the particular computer you’re working on! Each computer workstation has its own unique number - this is located on the monitor.

It’s also handy to know that the automatic card dispensing machine is on level 1. It’s located in the High Use section. This machine is where you can purchase new copy cards or else add more money to existing cards.