Yes, Virginia, there is help- and it's available online...

Since computers have become an indispensable part of library research, it's naturally frustrating when they don't work the way we think they should. If you're in one of the University Libraries, you can always ask a reference librarian for assistance, but what about when you're logged in from your home or office? Although most commercial databases and Internet sites offer reasonable guidance via help screens, there are often occasions when you're baffled, miffed or worse. Is your computer conspiring against you, or is it simply something that you don't understand? Alas, we can't rule out all conspiracy theories, but a committee of UB librarians has compiled a Web page intended to minimize your befuddlement. The University Libraries Online Help Center (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/help) offers tips, techniques and answers to frequently asked questions that will help smooth the way.

There's general information about the Libraries, and you'll also find practical guides explaining how to search the UB Libraries Catalog effectively, including a set of search examples for those who don't want to read narrative descriptions of all the ways to search the catalog. (These guides can be easily printed out and distributed as class handouts.)

In addition, there's documentation you can use if you encounter the "Application Not Found" bugaboo when you try to connect to the UB Libraries Catalog or some other terminal-type resource from within Netscape. This problem usually means that your computer isn't configured for a Telnet connection. You can solve it simply by following the step-by-step instructions available at http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/help/telnet

Other guides are available to facilitate your use of the BISON II system and the Internet in general. The former includes advanced searching tips for the major databases, a subject list indicating which databases are most appropriate for finding information on selected disciplines, and instructions on how to download and print out your search results from the SUN stations in the Libraries. There are even directions on how to personalize Libraries Web forms so you don't have to retype data that remains constant when you're filling out, say, your 10th or 12th or 50th Interlibrary Loan request form. The Internet guides link to a tutorial, some basic documentation, and several style manuals for citing electronic sources of information.

The University Libraries Online Help Center is rounded out with useful links to basic UNIX documentation and a couple of guides covering how to create and enhance your own homepage.

For help with connecting to the World Wide Web, contact the CIT Help Desk at 645-3542.

-Nancy Schiller and Will Hepfer, University Libraries