The library has created these OAKS tutorials to show you how to use the basic features of OAKS. Click the ‘Playlist’ link in the upper left corner for a list of the tutorials available.
Author Archives: IT Lab Manager
OAKS scheduled downtime
OAKS will be unavailable to all users the day of Friday, May 9th for a system upgrade to version 10.3. This upgrade will bring increased functionality to several of the tools you use the most such as Discussions and Dropbox.
It’s important to note that it may be unavailable for the entire day, so please plan accordingly.
Addlestone Library Improvements this summer
The Addlestone Library is making some exciting improvements over this summer and we want you to know we are working to make this process as minimally disruptive to our patrons as possible.
- The second and third floors of the library will be closed starting May 3rd.
- The first floor of the library will be open as usual.
- The librarians and student computing support technicians will be available to help with your research and technology questions.
- The Center for Student Learning will be open.
- The café will be closed.
You will be able to get the books and articles you need through PASCAL and Interlibrary Loan. Please refer to this guide for information on using PASCAL and Interlibrary Loan. Or, feel free to ask at the information desk for assistance.
Stay up-to-date with the improvements by visiting the Addlestone Improvement Blog.
What are the improvements, you ask?
- 200 new seats
- 3 new study rooms
- 1 new lecture room
- New Starbucks Café
- More power for mobile devices
- Expansion of Special Collections
- South Carolina Historical Society Collection coming in Dec. 2014
Microsoft OneNote for the Mac
Microsoft has released an OSX version of OneNote and it is free to download. Many students use the Windows version, which has also been made freely available.
For more details about the features of OneNote for OSX, watch the video below or visit their website.
The Microsoft Office blog also has a good features list for OneNote for OSX.
Faster Login Times
Over spring break, Student Computing Support re-imaged the computers in the Addlestone Library to implement changes that speed up how long it takes to log into the computers in the computer lab. As a result you won’t spend as long waiting to get started on your work when you come here to study and do your assignments.
OAKS and Chrome compatibility issues
There is a known compatibility issue with OAKS and Google Chrome versions 32 and 33 (beta). With Google Chrome versions 32 and 33 (beta), pop-up windows are not working properly within OAKS. These pop-up windows are used frequently throughout the system. The common behavior is that a window will display “Loading….”, but then times out to a blank window. If you experience these issues, we recommend that you try another web browser such as Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer. Desire2Learn is looking into the issue, however, they do not currently have a time frame for a resolution.
Addlestone Library renovations begin March 2014
The College of Charleston is proud to announce that beginning in March 2014 the Addlestone Library will undergo a major renovation project to increase study spaces for our students and shelving for our collections.
The major construction phase of the renovation will take place during the summer, with completion in time for the start of the Fall 2014 semester. During the renovation, the 2nd and 3rd floors of the library will be closed to Faculty, Staff, Students, and community patrons while the new mobile shelving is installed. The vast majority of our collection (CofC Stacks and Periodicals) will also be unavailable during the renovation. The 1st floor will be open throughout the summer and all of its services will be uninterrupted.
For more details and updates, please visit the Addlestone Library renovation page.
Attention holiday shoppers
Since the holiday season is upon us, Information Technology (IT) would like to remind shoppers that not all consumer devices function well, or at all, on an enterprise network such as CofC. We hope that this information will help minimize any instances where devices are purchased but are not compatible with the CofC enterprise network. Android and iOS phones and tablets are supported and work properly on the College network.
Specific devices that IT knows will NOT function as they do at home, or at all, on the College wired and wireless networks are:
Apple TV, Chromecast, and ROKU streaming media devices
Base level Kindle readers
Wireless printers (client mode)
Wireless backup and network storage devices (client mode)
The items listed below are NOT permitted on the College network. (These devices actually have the ability to degrade network performance and cause instability and/or interference in the wireless and wired networks.)
Wireless Routers
Network Routers
Network Switches
Network Hubs
Wireless Printers (Ad hoc mode)
Wireless Projectors (Ad hoc mode)
Wireless backup and network storage devices (Ad hoc mode)
If you have questions about specific devices contact the Helpdesk at helpdesk@cofc.edu for more information.
Fall semester course evaluations
Don’t forget to fill out your course evaluations for this semester. You can do so by logging into MyCharleston under the Academic Services tab, or by going to https://coursereview.cofc.edu. Log in using your MyCharleston username/password and give us feedback about your courses.
Evaluations are available through midnight of Dec 11th.
Annual library user survey
The Addlestone library is conducting its annual user survey from November 5th until November 22nd and we encourage your participation. Please let us know what you think about the library and its services by completing this brief survey.
While this survey is conducted once a year, you can always offer suggestions through the library’s suggestion box. Your feedback will help us shape the future of the library and its service to the college community.
Thank you in advance for your help.