Suggestions Archive

Talking in the library

Dear T

Thank you for the heads-up. Library staff will keep an eye on the area and ask folk to quieten down if the noise is too great.

HCB
13.10.11

Library catalogue timeouts

Dear Mac

The Library's online catalogue uses a timeout feature to clear any sessions that have not been used for 10 minutes. This helps to reduce the load on the server and reduces the chance of someone leaving their account logged in on a public computer. A warning occurs two minutes before the due time giving the user the opportunity to reload the session or to start a new one. If a session times out it is very easy to restart a new session. Timeout functionality is fairly standard and a number of databases we subscribe to utilise it.

However we are aware that a number of users get frustrated with it and are investigating whether increasing the timeout is feasible. Though an opt in / opt out solution would be fantastic the settings are set at the webserver level and the timeout applies to all users irrespective of what type of computer they are using or where they are.

HB
27.5.11

Noise from Robertson library study rooms

The six Group Study Rooms in the Robertson Library were tested upon completion and found to be reasonably well sound proofed, between them, and from outside. If the sliding door to a Group Study Room is not completely closed, then the gap will indeed allow sound to escape. These rooms were deliberately placed adjacent to stack areas as much as possible, so the books would absorb any sound leakage. The vast majority of study space in the Robertson Library is well away from the Group Study Rooms.

If noise is an issue in the future - do check to see if the door is firmly closed - if it isn't, you can close it. If it is closed, and there is ongoing disturbance, then either ask the students concerned to tone it down, or do approach a Library staff member, who can assess the situation and take any action required. If all else fails, see if there is another area in the Library that is available to study quietly in.

MH
6.4.11

Education material relocated to Robertson library

Dear D,

I'm very sorry for the inconvenience you have experienced. The Bill Robertson Library originally contained a large proportion of resources for education. With the recent refurbishment/enlarging of the Robertson Library, all education material was relocated to the one site. It was felt that having all related hard copy resources in one place would lessen confusion about what was held where, as this has been an issue commented on by Library users in the past.

Library staff are currently looking at the feasibility of extending the call-slipping facility - particularly to assist academic staff. Call-slip requests will enable 'available' books to be selected from the catalogue by Library users and picked up at the branch of the patron's choice. This should help reduce walking time between the various branches of the Library.

HCB
1.04.11

Noise from library gates

Dear R,
Thank you for your enquiry. The Library security gates are designed to set off an alarm if a book leaves the Library building without having been checked out. The alarm alerts both Library staff and Library patrons to the problem, so needs to be reasonably loud to ensure action is taken.

Although Library desk staff cannot detect a humming sound at the entrance doors, the issue has been reported to the Library's head custodian and a check will be carried out on the doors.

It may be advisable to study in a quieter area located away from the entrance. The inevitable traffic around the Library entrance can also be relatively noisy at times and distracting.

HCB
24.03.11

Noise in the library

Dear Muppet,

Please don't hesitate to approach a Library staff member if you are concerned about levels of noise, food consumption etc. Sometimes folk using the Library are unaware of the impact their behaviour is having on others and just need a quiet word.

Library staff are also keeping an eye out for dirty keyboards, so please do report any grubby equipment to a staff member at any service point. There are guidelines on the consumption of food and drink and these are posted around all Library branches.

HCB
07.03.11

Windows in the Robertson library

Thank you for your suggestion. Yes, the Library staff have raised this issue too, and it has been referred to the ventilation designer for attention.

Regards
MH
7.3.2011

Noise from library staff

Dear El,
This message will certainly be passed on to the staff. Sometimes a reminder is needed to keep voices down.

Many thanks for letting us know.

HCB
02.03.11

Seating and power points in the Central library

Dear Central Library's Management,
I know it's near to exam and many students are now all trying to grab seats in the C.L to do their studying or rushing for their last few assignments. But, I just feel that it is unfair when students are occupying the seat and not being there physically. Leaving their laptop and bags to secure their seat while they are away for more than 1/2 hours. I understand that students need to grab their lunch but, if you reserve the place and not being there for an hour or two, it's unfair to those students who might just need that seat for that few hours too. I think the management should not allowed students to reserve seats if they dont intend to come back within a certain acceptable time especially seats with power socket around the area.

This aside, another thing is the central library should have more power sockets in the library area. I know the power socket thingy is not going to be able to change over night. But, at least, do something about students reserving seats for hours while not being there physically.

Cheers...

Dear NAB,

Many thanks for your feedback.

As exams approach and students use the Central Library for studying, Library staff monitor seating and employ "parking tickets" to prevent the booking of seats. Extra tables and chairs will shortly be added to the study areas to enable more access to seats.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to approach Library staff at any desk for assistance in securing a seat if the place has been reserved with belongings etc. We are glad to help.

With regard to power sockets - more of these should be in place by 2011, as there is a recognised need for a greater number.

HCB
23.09.10

Searching the library catalogue

I think the "Basic Search" on the online catalogue doesn't work as well as it should. If you type an author's last name a space and then their initial, you should get all the books books by that person. But you do not: try searching for "Punnett R" within "Author". You get nothing by Reginald Crundall Punnett, even though the library has 7 books by him. Nor do you get an error (you get books by someone else). I know there are other ways of searching that will work (e.g., not using Basic search). But the above method used to work and it is a standard way to search. And there is no "tip" below to tell you not to do this (which would help).

I realize this is a catalogue issue, but, really, catalogues should work intuitively for the users. Nor should they give bizarre semi-results. Even an error message would be preferable to what comes up currently.
Hamish

Dear Hamish,

Many thanks for your feedback.

You have raised an important usability issue with the catalogue. Following your feedback that the Basic Author (keyword search) is not functioning correctly with surname first name, and vice versa, the search function has been suppressed while further testing is carried out. The aim being to make this search option work more intuitively.

In the meantime, you will get the functionality you require from the Author Search in the tabs at the top of the catalogue search screen.

Thanks for helping us make the catalogue more user-friendly.

Regards,

HCB
10.09.10

Central Library internet

What is wrong with the internet at the main library at the moment? It is slower than by broadband at home or at other libraries such as Richardson. How can this University expect to compete on a world wide scale when the internet is the speed of dial up
Sam

Hello,

Thank you for the feedback on the Network speeds experienced around the various Libraries. The speeds should be as fast, if not faster, than those you have at home but there has been a recent issue with the renewal of the UO wireless certificates some weeks ago, which means the current versions of the Vista/Windows 7/Nokia UO-STUDENT setup instructions aren't making these machines work properly.

If your machine is running one of the platforms mentioned, the solution for Vista/Win7 is to untick "validate server certificate." Please see the helpdesk at the ISB to assist if you cannot find this setting. This should rectify the speed/connection issues. Unfortunately this does not work for Nokia phones but is being looked at.

Please note, this fix applies only to Vista or Win7 machines. Macintoshes have not been affected.

Hope this helps,

Murray ITS
13.09.10

E-Books

We appear to have an increasing number of e-book titles listed, great! However, in many cases these are actually not available as we also have a hard copy available. This is becoming somewhat frustrating to me in particular, as my anticipation of being able to access these titles on line is becoming increasingly thwarted. I was wondering if we might only list e-books when these are available for access to users of the library, rather than when they are published as e-books?
David

Hi David,

Many thanks for the feedback. The scenario you are describing relates to EBL (Ebook Library) ebooks. The Library has a profile set up with EBL to import records into the Library catalogue for new eBooks as they are published. We do not initially own this content. Instead it is available for the free 5 minute browse, and then users can request further access. The Library's collection development staff assess all requests and decide on whether to purchase the eBook in perpetuity, or grant a short term loan which costs a percentage of the book's cost. As you describe, if we already hold the title in print, it is available and has not been heavily used, we often refer the requestor to the print holding. Because of the popularity, and therefore cost of EBL titles we try to focus on purchasing unique content. However, we do purchase an electronic copy when print is already available in the case of heavily used items (for example, reserve texts) and in other instances where there is a need for electronic. We understand that electronic access has many advantages and try to be as flexible as possible. When you request an eBook please let us know that electronic is preferred and we will try our best.

Thanks again,

The Collection Development team.
23.08.10

Reading room door

I'd like to recommend that a door closer piston be installed on the door to the Reading Room on the 2nd floor (near the lifts/toilets). The door is often slammed closed on the entry/exit of most students into the room and this can be rather noisy and jarring for those reading/studying nearby esp. since it is just next to the Quiet Study Area. Thank you.
SR

Dear SR,

A request has been placed with Property Services to have an automatic door closer installed on the slamming door. Hopefully the problem will be resolved soon.

HCB
16.08.10

Noise

Upstairs near the door to the second floor reading room, next to the music books, there is an awful electronic noise sporadically coming from the ceiling. The noise is intermittent, and seems to be made by one of the lights, but is almost unbearably annoying, distracting, and headache-inducing. The noise varies in intensity, but when sitting at one of the study desks when it's at full swing, it is impossible to focus on anything else. As it is sporadic, hopefully it won't be missed by staff, as it is really unbearable. Please, please, please have it fixed!!!
Sore Head.

Dear Sore Head,

You're right. It is very annoying and seems to get louder the longer you listen to it.

The Library Custodians will do some early morning investigation which could include ladders, climbing and swearing. Hopefully it's easily remedied and the buzzing will stop.

HCB
27.07.10

Food in the ERA

Ban eating in the library computing area. I'm sick of touching the filthy sticky keys and seeing people's crumbs and wrappers. This is supposed to be a place of learning. The girl next to me is eating a bar and getting goo all over his fingers and wiping it on her pants. And chewing with her mouth open. I can't concentrate, and yet I am expected to meet the academic standards of this place. Why don't you make this a place where people can get on with their work without having to put up with selfish dirty people not two meters from their ears and noses.

I'm seriously considering taking this matter higher to someone in the clock tower because I believe that I have a right to use computers that aren't filthy to the point where I nearly gag and to be able to carry a train of thought without hearing someone chew in my ear.
Cableguy

Dear Cableguy,

The Library has guidelines on eating and drinking which include what is acceptable and what isn't acceptable (eg. noisy, smelly and greasy food is not to be consumed in the Library).

Please do not hesitate to approach Library staff for assistance if you find the consumption of food distracting and distasteful. The noisy eater will be asked to finish eating outside the Library.

HCB
22.06.10

Library windows

Shut the central library hydrulic windows on 1st floor one above ground, and it is freezing, and they seem to constantly open and close with no amends, so it would be good if they just stayed close unless it were an exceptionally hot day, which is hard to come by, and maybe open them when the library is closed to let air circulate, cheers
Disgruntled thrid year

Dear Disgruntled,

The Library Head Custodian will contact an engineer to discuss window opening and closing patterns. It's quite a complicated automated set-up, but we will see what can be altered to make life more comfortable.

HCB
11.06.10

Noise in the ERA

Dear Angry

We are sorry that you are experiencing this noise problem.

The central library computer area tends to be a place where people meet up, and there is only a mesh wall between the computer area and the Link so it can be a bit noisy. If you prefer a quieter computer environment, there are 29 other computer areas on campus for you to choose from.

Although our Student IT Advisors have been asked to avoid speaking loudly near student computers, sometimes it can be difficult to gauge how loudly they are speaking. I will ask them to watch their speaking volume and remind them of the need to shift away from the computer area when having conversations.

Regards
S.D.
ITS
17.05.10

Problems with the wireless in the library

Do something about the wireless at the library; at times such as during mid-day it is so slow it's literally unusable.
James

Hello James,
Thank you for the information re: wireless at the library.
ITS always attempt to provide the best service possible for internet connectivity and I am not aware of any slowness in activity around lunchtimes. I have checked with the staff who work both the HelpDesk and the SITA area (the people in the yellow jackets) and neither are aware, or have noted, the problem you described. Are you talking about the Information Services Building (ISB) or another Library with wireless?
Without more detail I have to assume it may be an isolated case so you may care to bring your laptop to the HelpDesk/SITA area just inside the ISB Library main entrance to be checked.
Murray
26.04.10

More Books

Need more books for the library.
Keep up the good work!
Pewpew

Many thanks for the positive message.
HCB
1.04.10

Double-sided printing in Central Library

I think there should be a printer designated with double-sided printing for environmental and cost-effective reasons. Also, this would mean less paper to carry around! There is one in the Commerce building, so I don't think this would be to difficult to organise. While it may not be ideal for printing assignments, it would be very useful for students to print lecture notes and articles!
Cat

In the past the Library did not offer double-sided printing because a combination of factors meant that no-one saw a cost-saving in pursuing it. a) Installing the duplexing unit in a printer cost extra money, b) the saving to the student would have been less than 1c per 2 pages printed and c) the print management system would have had to have been reconfigured to calculate the double-siding rate. The Library is no longer the provider of student printing in the Library, and it is possible that with the introduction of new technology as older printers are replaced, double-sided printing will become available to students, much as double-sided copying is standard now. Your suggestion has been passed on to ITS, who have taken over the provision of printing in the University Libraries from the start of 2010.

Cheers
QJ
4.3.10

Elf Library Subscription

Has Otago considered signing up to the Elf library service? (http://www.libraryelf.com/). I see that some other NZ university libraries have signed up, as well as many public libraries.

This service allows users to monitor books on loan and to receive due-date reminders for all their books, from multiple libraries. I have an account for the Dunedin Public Library, but it would be useful to be able to add the University library.

Users can sign up for a basic service for free and I think that libraries can sign up for free. But if the library pays a subscription, then users can receive extra services at no cost to themselves. Even if Otago were to sign up without paying a subscription, it would be good!
Greg

Dear Greg,
It's a good idea. We have had it suggested before, but we've always felt that there is a significant security issue with usernames and passwords. For us to be able to use this service we'd need to store University usernames and passwords on the LibraryElf servers.

At this stage it doesn't appear that LibraryElf uses any sort of security on their site (or at least on their signup page) making it easy for usernames and passwords to be intercepted by hackers. Perhaps this isn't such an issue for other libraries where their username and password only lets them in to the Library system, but for Otago it lets you into a range of other services such as PIMs and payroll information. So at this stage we're not keen to sign up to the service.

We do have courtesy notices and txting available as forms of notification. I know that doesn't help with tracking both University and Public Library books at the same time, but at least reminders are sent out before the item is due.

SR.
30.11.09

Parking Tickets for Abandoned Seats in the Central Library

I request URGENT ACTION for the end of year 2009 study period. It is so unfair that people miss out on seats at the library because others selfishly leave their things behind. I request a ban on this activity. I request that signs go up saying that it is prohibited to leave items on desks for any more than popping to the loo or down to grab a coffee. If EVERYONE always packed up their gear when leaving for any time more substantial than this, I swear there would always be a seat available. Today, I went down to the library lugging all my books to settle in for a study session. (I hadn't raced in there in the morning and reserved a seat as I actually consider others). When I got there, to no surprise it was busy. I have no problems with all the people that were there working away. However to my horror there was not a single spare seat. NOT ONE. Every spare desk had someone's items on it. I stood there, stressing about how much work I have to do, nearly crying due to how unfair I felt it was.
I had a strong temptation to pack someone's itmes up. However what would they do when they came back? I couldn't do it. So I walked home absolutely gutted. Can OUSA or the library please do something about this? Please? Signs prohibiting people from doing this would be a great start... how about hiring a few people for a few weeks to be sort of 'desk parking wardens'? Watching and checking that anyone who leaves their gear is not going to be gone anymore than ten or fifteen minutes? Then if they find someone's things and they have clearly been absent a while, pack it up and leave a note for them to collect it at the front desk or OUSA or something? Then people may actually start giving a toss about others. Its so selfish and unfair. The library should be for everyone. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO HELP THOSE OF US WITH A KIND CONSCIENCE.
Thank you for your time.
Anon

Dear Anon,
Library staff do appreciate your frustration. We will shortly be implementing a 'parking ticket' system which will hopefully see the regular movement of material which has been used to book seats.
HCB
12.10.09

Paper Recycling Receptacles in the Cental Library

How about having paper recycling receptacles in the libraries?
Mike

Dear Mike,
The Library is looking into this idea, as well as recycling receptacles for other types of waste materials. One of the problems encountered in the past when the Library did have paper recycling bins, was that different waste matters ended up in the bins. This is why they were ultimately withdrawn. Nevertheless, new ideas are being explored as to the management of this problem.
Thanks for the suggestion.
HCB
8.10.09

Borrow Direct Items on the Hold Shelf

I now twice forgot to pick up a book I requested from Victoria within the 6 day time frame, which of course is totally my fault. The message "the request has expired" is unhelpful as it is then impossible to still pick up the book. May I suggest you e-mail a 24 hour warning before expiry instead.
Cheers,
B

Dear B,
Borrow Direct was set up between 4 university libraries using a module within the library system (Voyager) as the means to request and deliver materials belonging to each site. Otago does send out courtesy emails warning of impending due dates to all users of Otago materials - i.e. we send courtesy emails to Vic., AUT, and Waikato patrons who have borrowed OU items via Borrow Direct.
Unfortunately, not all of the other Borrow Direct sites look to have enabled courtesy emails within their matrices for offsite folk borrowing their material. Victoria looks to be one of them. We'll contact the other sites to see if they can set up courtesy emails for Borrow Direct users from other libraries so that we all aim for consistency in communications. Thanks for letting us know.
HCB
8.9.09

Electronic Access to Textbooks

I really think that the library should utilize technology and start having internet access to text books just like Google Books. It would save a lot of the space for new books and also people can access these books more easily. This should especially be the case for course reserve books which are on high demand. Thank you.
Amr

Dear Amr,

Many thanks for your comments. You bring up some of the key advantages of eBooks. To take advantage of the increased accessibility tocontent and the storage and handling savings, the Library has been growing its eBook collection considerably and we now provide access to over 300,000 eBooks. Our latest major purchases were four collections of Springer titles - the Business and Economics, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Science, and Medicine packages. And just this week we have increased out EBL (Electronic Book Library) holdings considerably. All of our eBook content is available through the Library catalogue, with most also available through the Ejournal/Ebook portal.

In regards to textbooks, many publishers have been reluctant to release their textbooks in electronic format, but this is changing. Accordingly, the Library is increasing its eReserve collection and buying electronic copies of high use material where possible.

PH
4.9.09

"Requested Item Available" Notices

It would be really, really nice if when you email me telling me the "The following item(s) may be picked up from the Lending Desk before the date listed below." that the items are actually there, so I don't have to go to the library more than once in a day.
Ben

Dear Ben,
Looks like human error took place. Usually the Library's system automatically creates a notification message of a hold item when the item is checked in on the system. It sounds as though something went wrong between check-in and physical location of the item on the Hold Shelf. Hopefully it won't happen again.
HCB
1.9.09

New Online Catalogue

The new online catalogue is a catastrophe.

I've been trying to access it from home over the last few days and (a) sometimes it takes about five minutes just to reach the start page and (b) on other occasions it reaches the start page but then after an initial search refuses to respond to further enquiries.

Could you please revert to the old system, which worked just fine, and/or sack whoever it was that "improved" the system?
Greg

Dear Greg,
Since we brought up the new version of the catalogue we have had some problems with performance and more specifically the speed of the pages coming up. We have put in a couple of fixes, and though this has improved performance we recognise that we still have some issues. We are currently looking at what we can remove from the pages to make the serving of the pages quicker. Also the LCoNZ libraries (Otago, Victoria, AUT, Wintec, Waikato) have met and additional changes are to me made and then monitored.
HJB
28.8.09

Positive Feedback

Feedback should include both the good and the bad and I know the Otago University library network has had its share of bad. But seriously I think you guys are doing a great job, listening to students, putting up with our tiresome antics and being complacent to the plain needy/demanding who have no respect for others. On top of this you actually take our reasonable ideas onboard, combine with your ideas and continually improve the library as a whole.
The services offered by the library team is incredible. It never ceases to impress me how prompt and helpful you all are. Your ability to communicate is excellent, above most other library networks I have seen, both person to person and via the internet and other modes (except for maybe Wellington City Public Libraries so yes I do think there is small room for improvement but I am not complaining). The patience and understanding of students displayed by the whole network is your true gem.
I think you all should give yourselves a pat on the back for doing such an amazing job and I thank you for it.
Para

Dear Para,
Many thanks for your very positive feedback. Library staff will endeavour to continue providing the best services we can. Feedback from those that use the services is invaluable - so please keep suggestions for improvements coming.
HCB
25.8.09

Funds Top Up Machines outside of Central Library

Have an ID card top-up machine which is not inside central library! Not everyone works in central - can there be one in commerce? Or online banking?
BM

Dear BM,
The entire funds system contract is due for renegotiation/upgrade at the end of this year. The intention at this stage with the new contract is to have more add-funds machines outside the Library, including at least one 24-hour location. Online banking options will depend on what the potential vendors offer. Until then it is too expensive to add an extra machine that may only have a short life-span on our current contract.
QJ
14.8.09

Self-Issue Machines

I was disappointed to see that the book issueing machine no longer makes those space invader noises :-( Waaaa.
Library Fan

Dear Library Fan,
We have some new self-checkout machines coming to the Central Library soon, so they may make the desired bliddle-iddle-ip noises. Perhaps you could make your own in the interim?

HCB
29.7.09

Still Freezing Cold in Library

The library is too cold and I need to use the computers so it isn't feasible for me to go to the top floor. I also have a hidden disability which makes it very painful for me to climb stairs. I believe the building is underheated and that something should be done about it. Miserable

Dear Miserable,
Your concern has been passed on to the Library's custodial staff. Staff of the University's Property Services are currently investigating a suitable heating mechanism such as an air curtain which would help to prevent the cold air that tends to rush into the Library building from the Link external doors.

HCB
21.7.09

Freezing Cold in Library

I'm finding the library way too cold, I'm well-layered and my hands are purple and my fingers are white. Libraries should be nice and cosy, this place is too chilly.

Dear Miserable,
Usually the top floor of the Central Library is warmer than the 2 lower floors, so you may find studying up there more comfortable. The heaters are all going and there are some warm spots along the Albany Street side of the building.

HCB
3.7.09

Opening Hours Mid-Semester Break

Hi this morning i walked all the way to the library in the rain only to find that it not open, this is an hour round trip for me so i'm seriously unhappy. I've got assignments and exams this coming week and although we don't have the same timetable as most of the students physio is part of the university. I pay my fees just like everyone else and believe I have the right to access the same resources. Opening the library at 1pm is ridiculous, and i wasn't the only student down there this morning trying to get in and do some work that thought so. If the uni insists on keeping lazy hours when some of the students are on holiday perhaps the curteous thing to do would be to send an email to the rest of us and let us know so that I dont have to waste any more of my time. Thanks.
Soaked

Dear Soaked,
I'm very sorry you were so inconvenienced. In general, patrons are notified to changes in Library hours by means of notices on entrance doors, and the Library website (go to 'Library Hours' and select the branch you generally use).

The inter-semester period is generally a quieter time with much less demand on library services, so hours are reduced to cater to this. The Central Library regularly advertises Library hours via its bookmarks, however it looks like the message is not getting through satisfactorily. We'll take on board your frustration and, in future, try to improve our methods of communication.

HCB
1.7.09

Toilets and trash

Hi there,
There is a lot of rubbish after/during the weekend. And the girls bathrooms become terribly dirty and smelly (unclean!!!!) Are there cleaners in the weekend?? Can we please get more on in exam time?? Rubbish bins on the west side of the 2nd floor would be great too, to contain the trash...
Thanks,
Patty O'Dore

Hi Patty,
We do conduct several daily cleans of the toilets, both in the main Library as well as the Link area, and although I do not want this to sound like excuses, we have to contend with a number of issues related to the toilets overall condition, the sheer volume of use in these areas is staggering, both students and general visitors to these areas can number in the 'thousands per day'. and this is only compounded during exam time.

Also, sadly (and inexplicably??), there is the issue or culture? by some, of 'intentional' disruption, to make as much mess as possible for whatever the reason, this happens far more than you would imagine.

As I said, these are not excuses but they do add to the overall pressure put on the cleaning contractors who have the job of keeping these facilities up to the best standards they can under the financial/time restraints, and daily circumstances that they encounter. I would like to point out that in the time I have been employed in the library, I have been impressed with the standards that have been achieved and maintained during the busy periods of the library areas, albeit not to the standards you would expect, say at your own home or flat.

I will however, pass on both your concerns and this reply, to both the cleaning contractor of these toilets and the University Property Services Division, who have overall responsibility with the building maintenance.

DD
11.6.09

Food and Noise in the Central Library

Suggestion - Can you do something about all the rude pigs who open their food with noisey wrappers, make a mess and piss off people who are trying to work? Oh yeah, if they want to talk, they should do it quietly, not shout at the person at the other table.
Annoyed

Dear Annoyed,

The Library is situated beside the Link so food does find its way into the Library building. Please do not hesitate to ask a Library staff member if greasy, messy food is being eaten, and the staff member will direct the consumers to eat it outside.

Talking is an issue as well. Again, please do not hesitate to approach Library staff for help, as they can intervene on your behalf. Excessive noise will most likely be irritating others as well as yourself.

HCB
03.06.09

Quiet Study Areas with LAN Ports

Suggestion - Is it possible to get some more quite study areas where there is a LAN port? You would assume that a modern library would provide this, yet it fails to amaze me often I am disrupted by people discussing how drunk they were last night, who is dating who and how X had an affair with Y.
Thanks,
T

Dear T,

The University Library and ITS consult the annual student opinion surveys to assess the services being provided, or some that could be better provided for. The emphasis in recent years has been on extending and improving the wireless access for students as a result of the huge uptake of laptops by students. Due to laptop battery backup being limited, there has been a significant investment made by the University to install additional power points in the Central and Science Libraries. The Medical Library is also to be provided with additional power points. In planning for the relocated Dental Library, and the refurbished Law Library, provision has indeed been made to not only provide ample power points, but also a significant number of LAN ports. The Hocken Collections reading rooms have some student LAN ports, and planning is underway to extensively refurbish and modernise the Robertson Library in 2010.

As for other students disturbing one and gossiping about "how drunk they were last night, who is dating who and how X had an affair with Y" - students haven't changed, exactly the same thing occurred 25 years ago when some of the current library staff were students. If you are studying in an area of the library where it is obvious others are also trying to study, be brave and ask the culprits to take a break and go somewhere like the Link, or Hunter Centre, to socialise (gossip).

MH
21.05.09

New Books Display Online - Dust Jacket Beside Entry

Suggestion - I love the "New Books" page on the website, and I was wondering if there's any way to have a picture of the front cover of the book displayed beside the entry for it - It would be an easy way to recognise new books, and would provide visual appeal.
Interested in the new stuff

Dear Interested,

The Library is currently investigating products which will provide a new "look and feel" and enhanced functionality in searching the Library catalogue and resource portals. The provision of book jackets is part of the functionality being explored.

We can’t provide you with a timeframe for this but it is great to have feedback indicating that book jackets would be valued.

Thanks,
PH
21.05.09

Block Social Network Sites

Suggestion - Block social networking sites (facebook, bebo etc.) and youtube on library computers (not the university wireless).
POL

Dear POL,

While it is certainly tempting to block social networking sites such as MySpace, Bebo and Facebook as well as other popular sites such as YouTube and Trademe,  in a university setting the line between recreation and academic endeavour is very blurry. There are a number of university papers using Facebook and YouTube as part of their course for example.  One might say "that's fine - only allow it for those papers" but that doesn't allow for the individual student to view an item on YouTube that turns out to be a great reference for their essay but the lecturer hadn't thought of previously requesting access for their students.  As far as Facebook goes, a number of students use this site and other social networking sites to form study groups and actually create a social network relating to a project or area of study, again something we do not want to discourage. Granted we suspect that the majority of students using these sites are doing so for recreational rather than academic purposes however we that do not want to restrict access to these services and deny actual academic use.

It is worth noting that ITS does monitor Internet bandwidth usage and identifies students who are using excessive bandwidth.  ITS will contact these students and a discussion will be had regarding their non course related activity.

EP
6.5.09

More Books

Suggestion - I think we need more books.
PK

Hi PK,

You're absolutely right. Strangely enough, we have just the facilities for them.

HCB
4.5.09

Med Library - Power Outletes

Suggestion - There are very few power outlets in the Med library for people to hook up their laptops. Some people bring their own extension cord so as to connect more than one laptop. Would it be possible to have a permanent one attached to the wall. If that isn't possible, can there be a few of them at the lending desk which people can borrow and return before leaving (Just like books)?

Dear *****,

Thanks for your comment. We are only too aware of the shortage of power points in the Medical Library! Additional power points were scheduled to be installed in Medical Library over the summer break. That work was not undertaken at that time, but is now scheduled for the inter-semester break late next month.

We are reluctant to have multi-boxes or extension cords as they create a trip hazard. Please ask the staff at the desk where power points are located throughout the Medical Library at present: they can be found on the pillars.

There is a 'laptop area' immediately outside the seminar room on the main (1st) floor of the Medical Library with several power points available. There is another cluster of power points available at a pillar near the photocopiers on the main floor.

RG
1.5.09

Bathroom Hygiene - Central Library

Suggestion - hey, the bathrooms in the lib are really gross, perhaps they could be cleaned more often. esp coming up 2 exam time.
                thanks, First Floor Girl

Hi, "First Floor Girl", we do conduct several daily cleans of the toilets, both in the main Library as well as the Link area and although I do not want this to sound like excuses, we have to contend with a number of issues related to the toilets overall condition. The sheer volume of use in these areas is staggering, both students and general visitors to these areas can number in the ‘thousands per day’. Also there is the issue of ‘intentional’ disruption by some, to make as much mess as possible for whatever the reason. Further there is, unfortunately, some out there who do not know how to correctly use the type of toilet facilities that we provide.

As I said, these are not excuses but they do add to the overall pressure put on the cleaning contractors who have the job of keeping these facilities up to the best standards they can under the circumstances. I would like to point out that in the two years I have been employed in the library, I have been impressed with the standards that have been achieved during the busy periods of the library areas. I will however, pass on both your concerns and this reply, to both the cleaning contractor of these toilets and the University Property Services Division, who have overall responsibility with the building maintenance.

DD.
29.4.09

White Boards In Study Rooms - Medical Library

Suggestion - Could the new group study rooms in the 2nd level of the medical library please have whiteboards installed? They are very helpful learning tools and every other group study room has one.

Whiteboards were ordered for the new group study rooms on Level 2 of the Medical Library as part of the construction arrangements (they were built over last summer), but have not yet arrived and/or been installed by staff from the University's Property Services Department.

RG
23.4.09

Music To Close By

Suggestion - That music (can be soft and pleasant) is played from 10.45pm onwards to encourage people to leave the library - will also help desk staff to clear.

Your suggestion has been taken on board. Unfortunately the source and the sound of the closing alarm cannot be altered as the Library requires it to alert users to evacuate if there is a fire. If you find the noise too abrasive at closing time, then it might pay to leave the Library just before the alarm goes off for the first time at a quarter to the closing hour.

HCB
1.4.09

Opening Hours

Please extend the library hours till 12 midnight for weekdays. 11pm closing is too early.

The Library currently closes at 11pm as there has not been the demand (in terms of people actually present in the building) to remain open until midnight. However during exam time we open early at 8am so as to give students an extra pocket of time to study.

HCB
1.4.09