New at the U!

Great things happened in the McWherter Library over the semester break to enhance student and faculty access to information.  Below are a couple of highlights including FAQs and links for you to learn more:

The McWherter Library Learning Commons - a place for individual and collaborative study

• Research and technical assistance
• 24x7 access to computers and reference materials located in the 1st floor Commons area
• Computers on floors 3 & 4 available during regular Library hours
• White boards in study rooms
• Open parking in the Engineering lot for Learning Commons and Library patrons for the hours 10:00 pm - 6:00 am
• Enhanced exterior lighting; interior monitoring cameras, on site security guard

• Web of Science - all three citation indexes (Science, Social Science, & Humanities)
• Current Contents Connect - all nine editions (from business to science to humanities)
• Essential Science Indicators
• Proceedings
• Journal Citation Reports

Frequently Asked Questions:

Just what is the Learning Commons ?  Think of the Learning Commons as an improved blend between information resources and information technology.  Read more at http://exlibris.memphis.edu/learningcommons/index.html

What are the hours of operation?   The first floor Commons will basically be open 24x7, except during semester breaks.  The expanded Commons (workstations on floors 3 & 4 and group study rooms with white boards) will be open during regular Library hours, which can be found at http://exlibris.memphis.edu/about/hours/index.html

Where do I park?   At 10:00 pm the Engineering parking lot off Zach Curlin will be open for free parking.  You may park there until 6:00 am the following morning. Parking is on a first-come, first served basis.  You do need to take precautions to move your car before 6:00 am in order to avoid citations or towing.

Can I feel safe walking from the Engineering parking lot to the Library during the late night and wee morning hours?  You are always encouraged to walk with others during the wee hours; however, additional lighting has been added to the north passageway between the Engineering lot and the Library and an emergency phone has been installed in the parking lot. You may also request a Tiger Patrol escort anytime after 6:00 pm.

Must I show an ID to use the Commons?   Yes. After the Library has closed and only the 1st floor Commons area is open, patrons must show their UoM ID to enter the Commons.

How was the Learning Commons paid for?   The Learning Commons was primarily paid for by student Technology Access Fees.  Expenses to pay for communication devices and security guard staffing and other incidentals not appropriate for TAF funding were paid out of the university's operating budget.

Hasn't the Library previously had Web of Knowledge?  What's new here?   Until now, the University Libraries only had a hard copy subscription to some of the titles included in ISI's Citation Indexes.  We recently were able to dedicate funding to purchase the electronic multiyear, multidisciplinary version which was delivered with complementary databases such as HighlyCited and ScienceWatch . 

How do I learn more about the databases offered through Web of Knowledge?   All you wish to know can be accessed through the Library's All Database A-Z list ( All Databases A-Z ). You may always contact a reference librarian in the Learning Commons, call 678-2208, or through the Ask-a-Librarian service ( As-A-Librarian )

How do I get access?   The Library has scheduled four training sessions in the Library and they are also more than willing to work with faculty to customize a training session for your class, college or department.  Contact Kay Cunningham at lkcnnngh@memphis.edu , 678-4345 for dates and times.

Are there any special IT requirements to access Web of Knowledge?   Yes.  If you use IE6+ on campus, you must modify your security settings before you try to save files or export them to Refworks in Web of Knowledge.  Open IE, go to Tools/Internet Options; choose the Security Tab; choose Custom Level; scroll down to Downloads section.  Select ENABLE under "automatic prompting for file downloads."  Save these settings. If you forget to change the settings beforehand, and you get to the point where you receive an error message, shut down the browser and start over.  Having the error message in the browser's memory blocks your ability to make the change. Your home settings may or may not have to be changed.

Is there anything more under development at the McWherter Library?   Yes.  Einstein Bros. Bagels T will be coming soon to the space where the McWherter TigerLAN lab used to be, providing a cyber café establishment in the middle of campus.  New furnishings have been ordered for the first floor Commons which will provide improved individual and collaborative work space.  A ribbon cutting will be scheduled when all phases of these exciting projects are in place.