Infrastructure and Services

Online Catalogue

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.


Self Rental Stations

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.


Computer Workstations

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.


Plasma Display

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.


Kiosk

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.


Mobile Computers

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.