Check us out... online

Did you know that we have more than just books? Many still believe that libraries only have books. Yes, even today in our wondrous world of technology people still think this is true. In fact, we have over 35,000 full-text journals available through our library in electronic form that is convenient, searchable and much easier to work with in your research. The American Library Association is also trying to raise awareness with their recent posting of The E’s of Libraries.

Come in and check it out for yourselves! We have over 90 computers on our 4^th floor. including 10 iMac’s, and a gaming room with PCs and iMacs. We also have laptops and iPads that you can check out and use inside the library.

Are you required to do a presentation? Do you want to practice beforehand? We can also help with that. There are 2 presentation rooms that are specially set up for this purpose. Walk-ins are welcome on a first come–first serve basis if the room is available, and students in select professor-approved classes can reserve these rooms online for up to four hours per day. See our practice room reservations page for more information.

And, if you need help with that research paper you’ve been postponing until the last possible moment, our reference librarians are always happy to help.

Check out our hours and then come check us out!

Welcome Back, Scholar

Welcome back to UB! Amidst all this back-to-school madness there is an oasis: Langsdale Library. We welcome your visit. We can assist you with research and help you find articles and books that you may need. Better yet, you can enjoy not only quiet study space (not to mention more communal and collaborative spaces, if you prefer), but upgraded facilities: fabulous and user-friendly KIC scanners on the first and second floor and a new laptop bar on the third floor, making charging your hardware easier than ever. We have DVDs you can check out for a seven-day loan period, a select number of textbooks on reserve for in-library use, and laptops available for a four-hour loan. New this year are iPads and iPad minis--you can check them out for 14 days so that you and your technology can stay on the move. All you need is your Bee Card to enjoy most of the benefits that Langsdale Library can give you. So if you haven’t gotten your ID yet, be sure to pick yours up today prior to stopping by the Library.

Guard Your Gadgets

Photo by Sean McEntee (flicker)

Try as I might, it’s difficult to write a post such as this and not sound alarmist (and let me assure you, absolutely, I am not trying to be alarmist). Having said that, let’s get into the alarmist stuff:

Gadgets get stolen all the time, not just at UB, not just in the library, but all over this comfy little place I like to call planet earth. It is unfortunate, but that’s just the way it is. These devices, especially tablets, laptops and smart phones, are small and normally carry a large price tag, which means that they are going to catch the eyes of thieves. 

So we would like to remind everyone to please protect your property. (I know, I know. At this point in the post your eyes are probably rolling uncontrollably in your head while you think, “How many times do I have to hear this.” And if you're thinking that, we'd like to say, “Sorry, but this is really important and it just keeps happening. We’d like to create a safe and secure environment, but the world is the world, and here’s our warning.”) Please, do not leave bags or laptops unattended. If not in your pocket, keep smart phones within sight. Tablets too. Also, don’t coat your phone in 14kt. gold. That just adds fuel to the fire. (I’m just kidding. Nobody does that.) But the main advice is simple, be aware of your surroundings. 

Public Safety has some more advice on their website, here. And you can register your device with Public Safety, here (this ensures that in the event your device is lost or stolen, then recovered, PS can return it to you).

New technology at Langsdale



Printing Press circa 1811; Deutsches Museum Munich, Germany


Technology has become a part of our everyday lives. With the growing desire for faster and easier technology, the staff at Langsdale is always striving to keep up with the latest technologies.

Here are a few of the newest technologies available at Langsdale:

Slingbox: The library has found a novel use for something really designed for personal use, called Slingbox. The service is supposed to let you stream to your PC or Mac what is currently playing on your TV at home. We use it to let you watch one of our Reserve DVDs from home!

My Account: You can monitor what you’ve borrowed from the library, as well as get information on books you’re waiting to receive.

E-reserves in Sakai: Get all your class e-reserves without leaving Sakai.

Research Help: Have a question about an upcoming paper? No problem, students can chat with a librarian from anywhere on campus or from home.

Borrowing Laptops: You can now borrow a Lenovo laptop or netbook for a few hours. Instead of lugging around your laptop, you can simply check-out a laptop and find a space where you’re comfortable and return when finished.

New technologies coming to Langsdale:

Mobile Printing: You’ll soon be able to print from your smartphones! If you’ve typed notes or need to print out directions, you’ll be able to print and go.

Smartphone Apps: Soon you might have the option of searching the catalog, renewing your books, checking computer availability, reserving a group study room, or even accessing your course reserves from an application on your cell phone!

A note about theft prevention

‘Tis the season for sticky fingers: just a reminder to keep an eagle eye on your personal belongings when visiting Langsdale-- or any place on campus, for that matter. Laptops and other pricey items are particularly vulnerable to theft during this time of year. If you need to take leave of your study spot, please bring your valuables with you.