Introducing the PF Library

  • Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
  • Start date
In summary: Editing is all done while viewing an item. Each box has an "edit" link to the right of it. The three boxes in the middle right are self explanatory. The left side bar has the "add content" link to the right of the "edit" links. When you click that, you are taken to a page where you can add a new library item.
  • #36
Ed Aboud said:
How come it says that I don't have sufficient privelliges to make an article?

Looks like you do have permission. Were you logged in? Went to "add content"?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #37
I have a few questions.
Will the library link work when quoted?
I don't like to paraphrase an explanation that I found. Can I cut and paste and not get into "trouble" with the original authors?
Can I just say, "see wiki entry" and add a link?
jal
 
  • #38
What about objects with multiple definitions? I've already seen "square" used in the sense of a second power auto-linked to the geometrical definition.

What happens if someone writes an alternate definition talking about algebra? Will only one ever be auto-linked, will this cause a problem, will we not be able to add it?
 
  • #39
Maybe something like...
square (geometry)
square (algebra)
..with links to alternate uses.
EDIT: (Oh, I understand the issue under discussion now... maybe it should point to a disambiguation(?) page.)

Interesting... my original word was lowercase... but it appears Capitalized in the post.
 
Last edited:
  • #40
robphy said:
Interesting... my original word was lowercase... but it appears Capitalized in the post.

working on this
 
  • #41
One Question:

Do you get to edit other peoples articles for mistakes that they might have done (like wikipedia) or will you need to leave comments asking them to correct mistakes?
 
  • #42
Air said:
One Question:

Do you get to edit other peoples articles for mistakes that they might have done (like wikipedia) or will you need to leave comments asking them to correct mistakes?

For the time being only staff, HH, and SAs can edit. So either report it or comment.
 
  • #43
Greg Bernhardt said:
So either report it or comment.

Where do library reports go? Is it the same system as for post reports, or do they go to HH/SA?

Edit: scratch that question.. I can see you're working on it now.
 
  • #44
Greg Bernhardt said:
For the time being only staff, HH, and SAs can edit. So either report it or comment.

So can we just send you a PM with a change if we want to change anything?
 
  • #45
Crazy Tosser said:
So can we just send you a PM with a change if we want to change anything?
Yeah, send Greg a PM if you need something changed :biggrin:

Edit: Just encase you've started writing the PM's already, I was only joking. I think it would be best to use the 'report' button and explain what changes you would like to make. However, please note that the reporting system is not operational as yet.

Edit: Looks like the report feature is now operational :approve:
 
Last edited:
  • #46
Crazy Tosser said:
So can we just send you a PM with a change if we want to change anything?

I think it would be best to use the "report" feature.. just like one would use the report feature to ask a mentor to edit a post on the forum. This way, there are several people that can do it if one person is too busy.
 
  • #47
Crazy Tosser said:
So can we just send you a PM with a change if we want to change anything?

Just report the item and enter in what you want changed.
 
  • #48
Improved browsing function is now complete. If is no longer required to select all three drop downs. You can now browse by topic, topic/sub topic or topic/sub topic/ sub topic.
 
  • #50
Some words are simply not suitable for auto linking.

The word "square", for example, comes up far more often in its non-rectangular sense, as in …
HallsofIvy said:
… Only square matrices are invertible.)
where the auto linking even gives it a capital S although it was not typed like that!

And does any user of this forum really need a library entry whose entire wording is "A square is a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles"? Or an entry for "triangle"?
 
  • #51
tiny-tim said:
Some words are simply not suitable for auto linking.

The word "square", for example, comes up far more often in its non-rectangular sense, as in …

where the auto linking even gives it a capital S although it was not typed like that!

And does any user of this forum really need a library entry whose entire wording is "A square is a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles"? Or an entry for "triangle"?

True, those were kinda test entries, I will likely delete them.
 
  • #52
Greg Bernhardt said:
True, those were kinda test entries, I will likely delete them.

Similarly, on a recent thread, I saw "surreal numbers" linked to "real numbers".

This may be unavoidable when there is no article for (in this case) the surreals. But if there was an article there, would the algorithm know to link only the longest match?
 
  • #53
CRGreathouse said:
This may be unavoidable when there is no article for (in this case) the surreals. But if there was an article there, would the algorithm know to link only the longest match?

Ok noted for future fixes, thanks
 
  • #54
When I browse subtopics, it would be nice if my Search choices would remain intact. For example, I select "Physics", then select "Classical Optics", then select "Diffraction". Perhaps I would next like to look at other subtopics under Classical Optics, but I must reselect "Physics" and "Classical Optics" all over again before selecting my next subtopic. If "Physics" and "Classical Optics" stayed as the active selection, I could do this more quickly.

Thanks for putting this together!
 
  • #55
Redbelly98 said:
When I browse subtopics, it would be nice if my Search choices would remain intact. For example, I select "Physics", then select "Classical Optics", then select "Diffraction". Perhaps I would next like to look at other subtopics under Classical Optics, but I must reselect "Physics" and "Classical Optics" all over again before selecting my next subtopic. If "Physics" and "Classical Optics" stayed as the active selection, I could do this more quickly.

Thanks for putting this together!

Good idea, noted!
 
  • #56
It might just be me, I'm kind of a neat freak, but I think that the article writers should be able to turn off information sections (i.e. Definition/Summary, Equations, Scientists, etc.) which don't apply so there aren't empty sections. Some things just aren't going to be "In the News."
 
  • #57
Helical said:
It might just be me, I'm kind of a neat freak, but I think that the article writers should be able to turn off information sections (i.e. Definition/Summary, Equations, Scientists, etc.) which don't apply so there aren't empty sections. Some things just aren't going to be "In the News."

"In the News" will be changed into something else shortly.
 
  • #58
so far the few entries in the library I've read are not exactly likely to bring me back for more reading.

to me they just display symbols without insight, not the kind of thing i think anyone needs except maybe as a way for the posters to spend their excess energy.

of course maybe wiki looked like this too at first. hopefully all the enthusiasm here will translate gradually into higher quality treatments.
 
Last edited:
  • #59
I think once people get used to the features and the bugs are ironed out the quality of the entries will increase. Of course you're free to add to any entries yourself mathwonk :biggrin:
 
  • #60
Kurdt said:
I think once people get used to the features and the bugs are ironed out the quality of the entries will increase.

Just to spite you, I'm going to define all 26 letters of the alphabet.

"Q: The rational numbers, or a constant or variable. In number theory, an unknown prime number."

j/k :rofl:
 
  • #61
Seeing as not everyone is able to edit, how can we report something needing editing?

see here
'Equations' box, 2nd one down, has a typo.

b.
 
  • #62
benabean said:
Seeing as not everyone is able to edit, how can we report something needing editing?

see here
'Equations' box, 2nd one down, has a typo.

b.

Hit the "report item" button on the menu on the left hand side of the screen (although there's no need to do it for this one, since I've just edited it! :smile:)
 
  • #63
cristo said:
Hit the "report item" button on the menu on the left hand side of the screen (although there's no need to do it for this one, since I've just edited it! :smile:)

thanks for that!
keep up the good work.:smile:

b.
 
  • #64
A great idea - though members might want to consider not recreating entries needlessly that are explained well in wikipedia. It's not hard to find endless arrays of physical and mathematical concepts explained there.
 
  • #65
Eric Belcastro said:
A great idea - though members might want to consider not recreating entries needlessly that are explained well in wikipedia. It's not hard to find endless arrays of physical and mathematical concepts explained there.
I would hope with the system that we have in place that our entries will be far more reliable than Wikipedia. Not that I am suggesting that either the PF library or Wikipedia should be used as a primary study reference.
 
  • #66
A possible addition to the right hand side menu could be 'recommended texts and books / further reading' for each entry.?

b.
 
  • #67
benabean said:
A possible addition to the right hand side menu could be 'recommended texts and books / further reading' for each entry.?

b.

Sort of what the "see also" section is for
 
  • #68
Greg Bernhardt said:
Sort of what the "see also" section is for

Ahh I would've taken the see also section to contain links to other Library entries,
ie 'Magnetism' would have a link to the library entry to 'electricity' for instance.

After a while there maybe a substantial list to other see also's, which wouldn't be good for organization of links.
 
  • #69
Perhaps those who are not members can submit "recommended edits" then those who have access can approve. I would like to edit some of the entries but alas do not have the ability to do so.
 
  • #70
Quadratic Equation
 
<h2>1. What is the PF Library?</h2><p>The PF Library is a collection of resources and materials related to the field of physics and its subfields. It includes books, journals, articles, and other materials that can be used for research and learning purposes.</p><h2>2. Who can access the PF Library?</h2><p>The PF Library is open to anyone who has a valid library card or is a member of an institution that has a partnership with the library. Some resources may require a subscription or payment, but many materials are available for free.</p><h2>3. What types of materials are available in the PF Library?</h2><p>The PF Library has a wide range of materials, including textbooks, research papers, conference proceedings, and multimedia resources such as videos and simulations. There are also resources specifically for students and educators, such as study guides and lesson plans.</p><h2>4. How can I search for specific materials in the PF Library?</h2><p>The PF Library has a search engine that allows users to search for materials by keyword, author, title, or subject. There are also advanced search options that allow for more specific searches. Users can also browse through different categories and subcategories to find relevant materials.</p><h2>5. Can I borrow materials from the PF Library?</h2><p>Yes, many materials in the PF Library can be borrowed for a certain period of time. However, some materials may only be available for in-library use or may require a special request. It is best to check with the library staff for specific borrowing policies and procedures.</p>

1. What is the PF Library?

The PF Library is a collection of resources and materials related to the field of physics and its subfields. It includes books, journals, articles, and other materials that can be used for research and learning purposes.

2. Who can access the PF Library?

The PF Library is open to anyone who has a valid library card or is a member of an institution that has a partnership with the library. Some resources may require a subscription or payment, but many materials are available for free.

3. What types of materials are available in the PF Library?

The PF Library has a wide range of materials, including textbooks, research papers, conference proceedings, and multimedia resources such as videos and simulations. There are also resources specifically for students and educators, such as study guides and lesson plans.

4. How can I search for specific materials in the PF Library?

The PF Library has a search engine that allows users to search for materials by keyword, author, title, or subject. There are also advanced search options that allow for more specific searches. Users can also browse through different categories and subcategories to find relevant materials.

5. Can I borrow materials from the PF Library?

Yes, many materials in the PF Library can be borrowed for a certain period of time. However, some materials may only be available for in-library use or may require a special request. It is best to check with the library staff for specific borrowing policies and procedures.

Similar threads

  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
7
Views
161K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
1
Views
265
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
2
Views
955
Back
Top