BarnardRefDesk

Dear JSTOR Participant,

We are excited to announce that the new JSTOR platform will be launched on Friday, April 4. The behind-the-scenes process for switching from the existing JSTOR to the new platform will begin around 7:00 a.m. EST. We will be making changes throughout the day, but the vast majority of users should experience no interruption or downtime. If you do have any difficulties, though, please contact support@jstor.org.

A document describing features of the new platform is included in the JSTOR Sandbox. The Sandbox also has links to tutorials and training materials focused on the new JSTOR interface. In addition, a list of newly scheduled webinars appears at the end of this announcement, with links to online registration.

We would like to thank all of you for your comments over the past few months and your patience more recently as we performed additional testing. As always, your comments have proven to be invaluable. We look forward to your ongoing feedback as we continue adding enhancements and
new content.

Sincerely,

JSTOR User Services





Webinars
The following training webinars are led by JSTOR User Services staff. A phone and a computer with online access are required. To register, follow a link in the list below.

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT

Using the JSTOR Interface
Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT

Using the JSTOR Interface
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT

Highlights of the New JSTOR Interface
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

Labels: databases, jstor

"The new platform will provide more tools and capabilities for JSTOR users and enhanced navigation and ease of use. The new system will also provide a more flexible foundation for future development, allowing us to more easily add new features and a greater array of scholarly content."

New Features

• A new look and feel
• A single, improved format of PDF files, to simplify printing and expand accessibility
• Personalized account functionality, called "MyJSTOR"
  
• You can store your user information and your saved citations
• You can select one-time acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions for PDF access
• More efficient navigation throughout the site
• Ability to search within result sets
• Thumbnail views of article pages: see full articles at a glance
• Limit by discipline on basic search form
• Select Recent Search
• Additional new features and information on training and support
  

Training
Register for a webinar

Additional training materials:
Recorded Webinar
Using the JSTOR Interface (PowerPoint)
New JSTOR Features (PowerPoint)
Search Tutorial (wmv)
MyJSTOR Tutorial (wmv)

So, prepare yourself, if you get a chance!

Labels: databases, jstor

Quoting an email from JSTOR--

JSTOR: Trusted archives for scholarship

Dear JSTOR Participant:

We are happy to let you know that work on a new JSTOR platform is nearing completion. The interface has been updated with a new look, and more tools and capabilities for users have been integrated into the system. The new platform will also provide a more flexible foundation for future development, allowing us to add features and a greater array of scholarly content. Several projects are already underway that will introduce monographs, manuscripts, and pamphlets into the archive.

The new platform will replace the current JSTOR site. We currently anticipate a launch in mid-March. In preparation, we invite you to explore a preview of the new site. Through this preview you can become acquainted with the new JSTOR interface, sample the functionality, and let us know what you think.

The preview can be accessed by going to the JSTOR sandbox at http://sandbox.jstor.org.

In the sandbox you will also find:

• information about new features
• tips for sending us your comments
• information on support and plans for training, including webinars, tutorials, handouts, and prepared screen shots
  

A primary goal of the new platform is to enhance the user experience and to better address and support the research objectives of JSTOR users. Development has been informed by user feedback, interviews, focus groups, usability studies, and beta testing with students, researchers, librarians, and publishers. As we prepare for the launch, we will continue to monitor closely the messages and feedback we receive from you.

Labels: databases, jstor