The media collection of the McLuhan Documentation Center Library
can be accessed over the Internet using our Online Public Access Catalogue
(OPAC).
We are using the library system from
PICA
and are part of the north german library union (Common Library Network -
GBV)
to allow for browsing large scientific collections online.
All registered users can check their rental status (number of rented books, return
dates, etc.). Every interested reader can search our collection online
and check the availability of all media items.
The McLuhan Documentation Center is the first library in
Schleswig-Holstein equipped with RFID-based self-booking stations
provided by
NEDAP.
Every book is equipped with an RFID label
and users can borrow and return books automatically by using
the rental station provided. Since the entrance is secured with
a gate supporting video surveillance, our library is open 24 hours
per day on 7 days per week. Of course, you can always ask for help
at our library
service
desk during the opening hours.
The McLuhan Center also offers a comprehensive IT infrastructure.
10 workstations (Windows/Macintosh) offer free Internet Access.
The workstations are equipped with an extensive collection of media
production software tools, like Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Apple Final Cut,
Adobe Premiere, Autodesk 3DsMax), and many more.
The whole library is equipped with wireless LAN, such that own laptops
can be used as well.
A plasma display can be used to view videos from our DVD collection.
The preview station supports automatic streaming of video trailers
from a video database server by just scanning the jewel box at the
attached RFID reader. The actual media disc is not needed for this
service, which allows to view media at any time. With the attached
DVB-T receiver users can watch all about 20 TV channels on the plasma.
A relaxing atmosphere is guaranteed with our nice collection of designer
lounge chairs. Headphones are available as well.
The kiosk system informs users about new entries in the collection.
A virtual librarian offers help functions and guides beginners on
how to use the services of our library. The kiosk has a touch screen
and a keyboard for convenient access to the library database and the
Internet.
PDAs can be borrowed during the normal open hours.
We are equipped with Dell Axim v50 PDAs including RFID scanner, WLAN,
Bluetooth, Infrared, Wireless Headphones and GByte Memory Cards.
The PDAs can be used to browse the Internet.
Our infrastructure allows for scanning books yourself directly at the
shelf to support smart browsing (see
research section for more details).
For more information about our services, please
contact our librarian.