There is now a dedicated library cleaner and we have more recycling bins. We have introduced roving staff with environmental and noise control as part of their duties and finally, we have created explicit social spaces, including a cafe, on the ground floor.

And it doesn’t stop there! In 2012 we will:

Strengthen the role of roving staff and continue the refurbishment to the upper floors.

“The library should be open longer”

We have extended opening hours to midnight and Sunday mornings and in 2012 we will open for 24 hours during the exam period.

“There are not enough computers in the library”

We have replaced all the old student PCs, increased the number of computers, including laptops for loan

and distributed computers across all floors of the library. In 2012 we will continue to increase the number of laptops for loan and plan to make them self service.

“Passwords are complicated, especially Athens”

We have introduced a single log in and password for all systems, including NILE.

“The photocopiers and printers are often not working”

All library photocopiers/printers have been replaced.

“There are not enough books”

The budget for books has been increased and we have reviewed numbers of key texts. Student-led purchasing of e-books directly from the catalogue has been introduced and we have increased the number of e-books (no restrictions on how many can look at the same time). We have also worked with academic staff to remove out of date books.

And it doesn’t end there! In 2012 we will:

Improve access to resources through the new Aspire reading list system.

“We want mobile access to University information and NILE”

 No problem! We provided the New University app iNorthampton.

PC’s/laptops will automatically be taken through the NAC process when first connected in all student halls – please ensure guidelines are followed to install any required security and/or anti-virus updates. If there are any difficulties or issues getting through the NAC process, please try to attend one of the NAC clinics listed below, where staff will be happy to help. NAC clinics are being run at both Park Campus (Grendon G159) and Avenue Campus (Maidwell MB9) on the following days: Monday 10 October 6-9pm, Tuesday 11 October 6-9pm.

Further information about Phishing and keeping safe online

1. Students: Year One: all new students will receive an email post-enrolment explaining how they create their University log-in. This is via the log-in web page http://www.northampton.ac.uk/unilogin (They will no longer need Athens or any other passwords). Library staff will be available during induction to deal with student queries about their log-in.
2. Staff: staff who have not yet created their University log-in should go to: https://user.northampton.ac.uk/IDM/jsps/login/Login.jsf and log-in with their existing details. You must complete the security questions and create a new password for the ID Management system to work properly. Problems with your login? Please contact the Staff helpdesk – x3333
3. Refworks and Box of Broadcasts (BoB) – University log-in. RefWorks users will need to transfer reference folders from their old Athens accounts to their new University log-in account, please see: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/20394/postgraduate-research-students/1017/refworks BoB – we are currently in touch with BoB suppliers to confirm how saved lists, clips etc. can be migrated between Athens and the new University log-in. More information to follow.
4. Alerting Services Software e.g. ZETOC. If staff have set up a journal table of contents or search alerts on publisher’s or database sites, these will be left behind in the transition to single-sign on. You will need to re-create your alerts when you set up your new University log-in accounts.

Student email addresses (reminder); most students communicate with the University by email before they even enrol. They are asked to confirm their preferred email address during their enrolment. This email address will be used for all student communications from the University. If students need to change their email address it can only be done by the Student Administration Team for their School. If students do not have their own email or prefer to use the University Windows Live email, they can set up an account at: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/200222/new-students/554/student-email/2

Learning Commons – the new Park Library ground floor Learning Commons is now open. It has an extended cafe area, improved study spaces, plasma screens, and touch-down kiosks (quick email). The nature of the area means staff may wish to use it to meet and collaborate with student groups in bookable areas.

Further information about Phishing and keeping safe online.