Registration Problems |
| RACER claims my barcode and PIN are invalid |
Because RACER is available to Ryerson community members
only, you will be asked for your name, Library barcode number and PIN before
accessing the registration form. You will be able to get past this validation
point only if your library card or photo ID has been activated at the Ryerson
Library Circulation desk. |
| I
am unsure of my login word |
Your Login word should be your staff or student
ID number, not
your 13 digit barcode. |
| I
am unsure which e-mail address to use on the registration form |
You must enter a Ryerson e-mail (i.e., jesmith@ryerson.ca )
on your registration form because the Interlibrary Loan department
will communicate with you via this e-mail only. |
| I
am unable to login to RACER after successfully completing the
registration form |
You should normally be able to login to RACER
right after you've completed the registration form but it may be wise
to wait for 5 minutes before logging in. Your login sometimes can take
longer to take effect. If you still cannot login, try later in the day. Do
NOT re-register .
Be sure to use your correct login, password and Library location (Ryerson).
The password is case sensitive. If you still have problems call the
Interlibrary Loan department at 416-979-5314. |
| How do I
create my own search profile? |
Search Profiles are used in RACER to present users with collections
of databases for searching. This updated RACER version * automatically * gives
you by default, several pre-created search profiles of collections.
A logged-in user selects a Search Profile and then carries out searches
against it. Users no longer have to create the profiles on registration. These profiles are "shared" by and available to all users.
The system also gives you the option to
* create your very own search profile * of collections to reflect your special interests. Here are the steps:
• Click Search Profiles in
the left navigation bar.
• Click Create.
• Give your search profile a name (required), and a description (optional).
• Click on the Collections you want to search when you use this search
profile.
• Click on Submit when you're finished.
You may create as many search profiles as you need. They are available
only to you and will not be labeled 'shared'. |
| How
do I revise my user search profile
|
You can always revise your User Search Profile
• Select User on the sidebar
• Select Profile from the top menu
• Follow on-screen instructions and Submit
|
Authentication Problems (Login, Password, Library) |
|
There
is a login error message: "Authentication declined" |
Reasons for this message are varied. Some are listed below.
• You entered your Login, ID or password incorrectly. Your
Login should be your Student Number or Staff number. You may have used
the 13-digit barcode as a Login. Try the barcode. Also, remember passwords
are case sensitive. Try them again or contact the Interlibrary Loan
Dept. at 416-979-5314. Note your Login and password and keep them in
a safe place . Do NOT re-register.
• Your registration hasn't taken effect yet. Do NOT re-register.
Wait a few minutes between registering and logging in.
• You haven't registered yet.
|
| I forgot my login/password |
Your Login word should be your staff or student ID number, not
your 13 digit barcode. If you have forgotten your password,
call or visit the Interlibrary Loan Dept. at 416-979-5314, Ryerson Library,
350 Victoria Street, 2nd flr.
|
| There is a login error message: Your account has expired
|
Your interlibrary loan privileges have expired.
Please contact the Interlibrary Loan Department at 416-979-5000, ext 6264
to update your record. Do NOT re-register. |
|
There is a login error message: Your account is currently "suspended
" |
Your interlibrary loan privileges have been temporarily suspended. Do
NOT re-register. Please contact the Interlibrary Loan Department
to clear your status.
|
Searching |
| Which collections should
I choose for searching? |
Choose any collections you like for the subject or geographic
areas you want. You may choose more than one collection in a group, but
selecting all collections will slow down your search.
Wherever possible, include Ryerson when searching when searching. |
| In the advanced search mode, which tabs should
I select? |
The most frequently used tabs for searching
are author, title, ISBN and ISSN. Other tabs may not yield comprehensive
search results because of the differences in configuration of individual
library catalogues.
|
| I did not find the item while searching RACER.
|
You may still submit a request by completing
a blank form.
. Select Create Request on the left navigation
bar.
. Complete appropriate blank form and Submit. |
| My searching problem is not listed here.
|
Please call the Reference Desk at 416-979-5055, Select 3, or call
the Interlibrary Loan department at 416-979-5314.
A RACER help button linking to a VDX help pages is also available
on most RACER screens.
|
Blank Interlibrary Loan Form |
| I need to submit a request via a blank interlibrary
loan form |
. Select Blank Request Form on
the left navigation bar.
. Complete appropriate blank form and Submit. |
Systems |
|
What
are the system requirements for using RACER? |
CPU: Intel Pentium 100 or better
|
|
Which
web browsers support RACER 2.7? |
RACER 2.7 works best in Internet Explorer
. To ensure full functionality of the RACER site use Internet
Explorer 5.5 or 6.0
. Mac users should access the site via Netscape 6.2.2
. Using Mozilla or Netscape may decrease functionality of the RACER
site for PC users. |
|
RACER and VDX : What do they mean?
|
• RACER (Rapid Access to Collections by Electronic Requesting)
• VDX (Virtual Document eXchange)
The RACER (Rapid Access to Collections by Electronic Requesting) system
currently used by the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL)
uses software called VDX (Virtual Document EXchange) Version 2.2.7,
produced by Fretwell Downing, Inc.
|
|
How
do I clear my cache and refresh my screens?
|
Whatever browser you use, it is a good idea to clear the cache and
refresh "every time" or "every visit".
Netscape :
• Go to Preferences, Advanced, then Cache
• Clear the memory cache, the disk cache, and compare the
document in cache to document on network "every time".
Internet Explorer :
• Go to Tools, Internet Options, General.
• Hit the Delete Files button.
• Go into Settings, and choose to Check for
newer versions of stored pages on "every visit" to a page. |
Improvements expected in RACER upgrade |
|
What are the major changes in the upgrade? |
RACER version 2.2.7 was upgraded to version 2.7 in late August 2004. Some of the
noticeable system and interface changes are outlined below:
• Enhanced interface with sidebar navigation for easy access
to available features
• 'Create Request' link prominently displayed on the left
hand navigation bar
• Standard search features, such as "save searches", "search
results de-duplication", and the ability to email search results. These
are common on many similar products.
• The first time you login, you will automatically have
available library catalogues for searching. You will no longer need
to set up a User Search Profile but you will still have the option
to set up your own customized profile.
• Ability to select predetermined subject groups of catalogues,
e.g. to search groups of libraries that include those of universities
with medical schools.
• Brief general description of each library catalogue that
is available for searching.
• Disabilities conformance
• With the new upgrade we may experience technical difficulties from time to time. Technical support is working to eliminate these obstacles
|
| Where can I find more detailed help online? |
Click on the HELP button under My Account in the left navigation
bar. You will find a table of contents, as well as help screens that are
context sensitive, i.e., related to the section of RACER you are currently
using. |
|
My problem is not listed here
|
Please call Interlibrary Loan department at 416-979-5314.
|
Thanks to S Bosnell,Trent University for
assistance with this page.
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