More computers!!

I wish the Library would…have more computers!

As you’re probably aware, the Evans Library & Learning Commons has close to 60(!) computers that are available for your use on the first and second floors.
What you might not be aware of is the 5 laptops that are available to check-out at the Circulation Desk. You might not also be aware of the 25 computers that are available during “Open Hours” in L-207 (schedule to your left). Please remember also that anytime you need a computer for academic use you can inquire at the Reference Desk and a Librarian will help you locate one.
While we understand that this might not meet all the computing needs of all our users, we feel that the number of computers we currently have best fits our current space. Thanks!

Computer Log-ins

I wish the Library would…change the “ID number” field to a six character limit, to match our student ID#. Then, have that field “auto tab” to the “Last Name” field. This would allow for ease of use and faster access.

This is a great suggestion and it makes a lot of sense. We are always looking for ways to make our resources easier to use and to allow you quicker access to those resources. The Systems & Electronic Services Librarian has weekly meeting and updates with the IT Department. He will bring this issue up in the next update (which happens on Friday afternoons). To be sure, there will a bit of coding that will need to happen to make this a reality…until then bear with us!

Noise in the Library

Why does the Library…tolerate much noise when the Library is supposed to be a quiet place for study?
I wish the Library would…tell student [sic] to make conversation outside of Library premises; at Student Union Building.
I wish the Library would be a quiet place to study and do research! The staff is very helpful!!


We’re going to answer all these suggestions and comments at once because they all address the same issues – the atmosphere of the Evans Library. While we like to think we make everyone happy all the time, these comments are great reminders to us (and everyone else) that what is a comfortable level of noise for one person might be a loud distraction for another person.
That’s part of the reason we developed the zones in the Library. We do our best to make sure that people understand the expectations of behavior in each colored zone, but we also rely on you to let us know when something’s amiss. Please don’t hesitate to alert a staff member when you think a yellow, red, or even green zone has gone beyond the expectation.
Please also remember the numerous spaces that are in the Evans Library.
There’s the group study rooms, the Information Literacy classroom (L-207) and the Quiet Study Room – all spaces that hopefully provide options for you to find a place that’s comfortable and conducive to studying.
Thanks!

Printing assignments

I wish the Library would…have a “quick print” station that is ONLY for printing assignments. It could already be logged in or have a 5 minute limit.


So do we! We’ve been working to put such a system in place and we hope (fingers crossed) to have it finalized soon. We realize that it often takes longer to log-in the PCs in the Library & Learning Commons than it does to actually print a paper! And when all you need to do is print a paper that is a real problem! Please remember that the Information Literacy Classroom (L-207) is open during peak hours (the schedule is posted to at the Circulation Desk and Reference Desk as well as online) for students looking to do academic work (and we consider printing papers to be just that). Thanks for writing and stay tuned!

Computer Usage

I wish the Library would…allow anyone to login into the computers. For instance, I’m starting college next semester and I had to fill out and complete online papers. I had no internet access at my house and I was not able to do what I needed to do.


Yikes! This one is our fault.

While we have specific policies in place in terms of who can access our computers, and how they are able to do so (students at FM need their FM ID card, community residents need to fill out an application for a community borrower’s card at the Circulation Desk, etc.), we never want any of our users to feel like they can’t accomplish what they need to in the Evans Library – as long as it follows our policies and is legalJ.
Hopefully by this time you’ve obtained your student ID card and can access our computers. But for those in similar situations in the future, please speak with a Reference Librarian. We’re sure that we can help you find a solution to your problem – or at least try really hard!

Library Hours

I wish the Library would…adjust their hours of operation to incorporate weekends or nights; especially some of the labs. Understandable it is unrealistic to staff the lab 24/7; however opening and closing at different times or for a few hours on Sunday would give a greater opportunity for students to learn, especially those that may also be juggling full-time jobs and children with school. Thank you for your time.


Thanks for your comments. You’ll be glad to know that starting Sunday, February 7, 2010 the Evans Library & Learning Commons will be open from 4:00pm-8:00pm. We’ve also adjusted our Saturday hours; this semester we’ll be open from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Hopefully this provides more opportunity for you (and others) to take advantage of our services. You’ll also be pleased to know that eTutoring (www.etutoring.org) – which is available 24/7 – will soon be operational. This services will let you ask questions on various academic subjects as well as submit papers to online writing tutors. Be on the lookout this week for more announcements about this new service.

Suggestion Box Comment 1/13/10

I like that the Library…
1) Exists
2) is full of well-educated staff members that are helpful, willing and flexible for all that want to learn. Special thanks to Mike for his well versed knowledge of locating sources and Colleen for her devotion. Thanks to All!
3) has Adam as a computer helper. I used to be afraid of microcomputers until Adam started helping me. He’s the best instructor that ever helped me. He is the best helper in the Library. He knows everything when it comes to computers.


We’re thrilled that you find the Evans Library & Learning Commons staff to be helpful! That’s why we’re here!! And we love helping! You’ve set high expectations and we’re going to do our best to make sure that we continue to meet them.
-The Evans Library Staff