Library Suggestion Blog

Please thoroughly clean Cabell Library's basement where the computers are. The keyboards are sticky, the tables are dirty, and the floor needs to be swept, mopped and waxed. I have to use the computers in Cabell because I don't have a laptop at the moment and it would be nice to use them in a clean environment. Thank you!

From: an undergraduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development replies...

Thank you for bringing the condition in the B-8 lab to our attention. The Libraries has submitted a work order to Facilities for the housekeeping contract company to clean the floor. Your concern about the tables and keyboards has been sent to VCU's Technology Services staff who the operate the B-8 computer lab.

David Brobst, Technology Services, adds...
Technology Services contracts for professional cleaning services five times per semester for the keyboards, mice, monitors, and work surfaces in the B-8 computer lab. In addition, the Tech Squad wipes down keyboards at least once each day, more often than that the during the busier times of the semester. Technology Services also makes disinfecting wipes available for students who want to clean any part of their work area in the lab.

VCU Libraries and Technology Services thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with us.

Posted by mespencer at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed that people are playing music aloud in Cabell library. While I understand that the first floor is not for quiet study, I do think that playing music abuses the study environment. I would like to suggest that security make an occasional round around the library and please tell people to use headphones. It is very distracting. Thank you.
From: a graduate student

Mary Ellen Spencer, Head, Research and Instructional Services replies...

As you point out, the first floor of Cabell Library has areas that by their nature are not quiet: the lobby, Starbucks, and the busy circulation and reference desks. Even in these areas, users should be mindful that they are in a library and that students and faculty are enganged in academic work nearby. Users in areas away from the entrance to Cabell Library should not experience disruptive noise from other users.

You are right to note that Cabell Library has designated areas for various types of learning activities. We recognize the need for library spaces that promote both collaborative group work as well as quiet study. Whenever possible, a security guard will walk all floors of the library to monitor activity and to maintain the noise guidelines for each area. We strongly encourage you to report disruptions on any floor to library staff or security guards.

VCU Libraries has made many changes to improve the study environment in Cabell Library, and we welcome suggestions as to how we can continue to do so. I hope I've responded to your comment in a helpful way. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your concerns.

Posted by mespencer at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Why in the world is it so hot in the Cabell library?? I understand that cold weather is upon us, but today it was about 50 degrees outside and about 85 inside. I shed all the clothes I could without risking a nudity in public citation and I was still sweating. I heard others around me complaining about this as well. Why?

From: an undergraduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development replies...

Thank you for taking the time to post your question to the Library Suggestion Blog. The HVAC system in Cabell Library is the original system installed circa 1975, and it is particularly difficult to maintain comfortable temperatures in fall and spring when the outside temperature swings frequently from balmy to chilly and vice versa . The system is designed to provide either heat or cooling and doesn't operate ideally during transition seasons. Last week we had complaints about it being too chilly in Cabell Library, because the outside temperatures had dropped, but the HVAC system had not been switched yet to the heating mode (which is typically done mid-October).

Please know that VCU Physical Plant has been contacted to see what can be done to lower the temperatures. Thanks again for your comments and patience.

Posted by mespencer at 7:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am currently trying to study on the first floor of Tompkins Mcall Library and I am being overwhelmed with what smells like car exhaust fumes. Other people are complaining of headaches and I think this is VERY unhealthy unless you can explain other wise. I am not trying to commit suicide with car exhaust...just trying to study. This is unacceptable as I have smelt this before. Explain please.

From: a faculty member

Jodi Koste, Archivist, Tompkins-McCaw Library, replies....

Thank you for your expression of concern about the periodic exhaust smell that permeates the first floor of the Tompkins-McCaw Library. Library staff have also been affected by this exhaust fume odor. We have been working with VCU Facilities Management to resolve this issue. Our building is adjacent to the VCU Health System's visitor parking deck and some of the fumes may originate in that facility. Please do report any reoccurrence of this smell to our Service Desk.

Posted by at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am a senior at VCU and I have noticed that the housekeeping needs a boost. I see the staff empy trash cans periodically throughout the day, but the library is extremely dusty and the ventillation system needs to be thoroughly cleaned..probably every few months. With the relatively warm climate here in Richmond and the thousands of people who pass through the library daily, I think more steps needs to be taken to keep the allergens down and the germs down. One of my main concerns regarding keeping the germs down is for staff to clean the keyboards and mouses on the computers more often! I hardly ever see anyone clean them, and I get tired of going coming to a computer just to be grossed out and having to either move or use my handsanitzer + napkin combo to clean them off before I can even use the computer. Another concern is the noise level, especially in the B-8 computer lab. If I'm not mistaken, there are signs in the room that ask patron's to be quiet and considerate of others, yet almost every time I have been down there, there are at least 3 to 5 people talking loudly on their cell phones or talking loudly to each other. That is very annoying and distracting. Even though JBCL needs some improvements, I applaud the library staff who do their job well to ensure that things run smoothly here at VCU.

From: an undergraduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development, replies...

Thank you for commenting on the physical conditions in Cabell Library, which have been passed on to managers in Facilities Management. VCU contracts with private firms to provide housekeeping services, and unfortunately due to budget reductions in previous years, the level of service and performance standard were cut back. For example, carpet cleaning is now done annually vs. bi-annually. Also, the contract company’s performance relative to the contracted service level is evaluated about six times per month by VCU Facilities inspectors. The company is penalized only if they score lower than 75 points (based on 100 points). We share your concern about housekeeping standards, but because of budget constraints, there is little that can be done other than ensuring that the housekeeping firm performs to the level of the contract.

Regarding the HVAC system, we have been assured by Facilities Management that filters are inspected daily and changed as needed. Again, due to budget constraints there is not regular cleaning of ductwork.

The VCU housekeeping contract does not provide for cleaning of keyboards or the work surfaces around the public computers. During inter-sessions library staff do clean all keyboards thoroughly. However, because of your and other students’ comments, we recently assigned one of our hourly workers the task of inspecting all Cabell Library keyboards daily and cleaning the ones that most need attention. We hope this will make a difference for you and your fellow students.

Lastly, we encourage students to alert library staff if you see overflowing trashcans, spills, or any other housekeeping situation that requires immediate attention. We will be glad to contact Housekeeping and report the problem. Thank you again for your comments and suggestions.

Posted by mespencer at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After spending alot of time in the library and in other schools libraries throughout my academic career i have noticed that there are many student who are forced to sit on the floor, in the middle of aisles, even in the stairways to study. This is appauling [sic], this does not provide an effective study environment when people have to sit on the floor because there are not enough desks or tables. Furthermore there is plently of area to put in more tables and desks on all floors. If the university as a whole wants to be known for academic excellence or even giving the opportunity for an individual to demonstrate academic excellence then something should be done. I have been to other univerisities that are bigger then VCU and this is not a problem I know that there are many other libraries on campus but this library desperately needs to be updated and action needs to be taken to step it up if you want people to succeed.

From: a graduate student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, responds...

Thank you very much for taking the time to send your comments. Your points about limited library space are well taken. Cabell Library offers the least square footage per student of any public university in Virginia. This is exacerbated by the fact that most universities free up some of their on campus space by storing lesser used portions of their collection in remote storage. VCU Libraries has neither the total square footage needed for its population nor remote storage for collections to help free up its on-campus buildings.

This situation has developed over time. Cabell Library was built in 1975, and because of the growth of library collections and the allocation of some of its space to University priorities, it now provides 40% less space for students than it did in 1975, for a student population that has doubled in size since that time. VCU's library buildings had an original planned capacity of 1 million volumes maximum, but now house nearly 2 million volumes, almost 200% of the planned capacity. These basic figures translate into a building that is very crowded, and where noise control and access to seating and to computers is a recurring issue.

The University Librarian is communicating these problems to university decision makers. The Provost understands the issues and to help in the short term funded over $300,000 for new furnishings last year which increased the quality and number of seats in the building.

Despite the difficult budget climate, we are very hopeful that library space needs, both at Cabell and Tompkins-McCaw Library, will be considered in upcoming fund raising and legislative funding cycles. Discussions about a new library building on the Monroe Park Campus focus almost exclusively on student space, technology-rich spaces, and inspiring, pleasant environments in which to study, interact, and learn. In the new building we will further address the needs of graduate students and faculty for whom there is such limited space within Cabell.

Currently, we are working hard to create a new vision for Cabell's second floor that will change the working environment significantly and help bridge the period until a new building can be funded and constructed. In the meantime, however, the crowding in Cabell, and the occasions where seating is not available are likely to continue, especially because we continue to break records for use - entries into Cabell now top 12,000 people per day at the height of the semester.

Posted by mespencer at 1:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Please clean up the computer lab in the basement of Cabell library! The floors need to be waxed, the tables need to be wiped down, the keyboards need to be cleaned, and etc. I come here almost every other day and it's ridiculous how the floor has more trash on it than outside. This makes me feel really uncomfortable and not want to come to the library.

From: an undergraduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development responds...

Thank your for pointing out the conditions you have observed the B-8 computer lab. Staff with the VCU Libraries and Technology Services have had recent discussions about housekeeping services in Cabell Library, and B-8 was brought up as a particular problem area. We have been assured that the B-8 lab will be cleaned at night - floors will be swept and trash removed. There has been confusion about Housekeeping's responsibility for maintaining the B-8 lab. Until recently, the lab was locked after hours, and the night cleaning crew did not have access to clean the floors and remove trash.

Posted by mespencer at 1:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have noticed that the library is very dirty. There [is dirt] in the study rooms and the trash cans are over filled most of the time. Is it that no one in the library administration has noticed it or is that it is not a priority?
From: graduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development responds...

Thank you for expressing your concern the condition of Cabell Library. The library's administration is very aware that housekeeping services are not keeping pace with the increased traffic in the building. We are discussing the situation with those in VCU's Physical Plant Division responsible for monitoring compliance with the current housekeeping contract's cleaning frequency schedule to see can be done to increase the frequency of cleaning.

Posted by mespencer at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I would like to see Honors students have access to the Graduate Study room. Some times the library gets very crowded and I have been unable to get a quiet study space. Also it is usually difficult to get access to a computer on the fourth floor. However I have noticed that the Graduate study room never seems to be full and there are always available computers. Thanks.
From: an undergraduate student

Mary Ellen Spencer, Head of Research and Instructional Services, responds...
Thank you for sending us the suggestion that VCU Libraries grant access to the John Mapp Graduate Study and Reading Room to VCU students enrolled in the Honors College. We understand your concerns about quiet study space in the library. As we explored your request, we considered a variety of issues.

First, the Graduate Study and Reading Room was funded by private donations specifically designated for a graduate student facility. These donations made it possible for the VCU Libraries to offer an important service that is typical in most academic research libraries.

VCU’s Honors College offers designated study space in the residence hall, available to all Honors students regardless of their place of residence. The housing facility on West Grace Street includes a lounge, a computer lab, individual study rooms, and a "living area" on each floor for group study and meetings -- all reserved for the use of the Honors College.

In the short time it's been open, VCU Libraries' has observed moderate to heavy use of the Graduate Study and Reading Room. We anticipate that, as word-of-mouth about this room grows, demand for the space will grow as well.

This past year, Cabell Library rezoned areas of the library to increase the amount of quiet study space. We recognize, however, that study space in the library is inadequate, and we are sympathetic to your frustration. Cabell Library was built in 1975 with a planned capacity for one million books and a student population roughly half the size of the current study body. The need to add shelving for what is now a two million volume collection reduced space, as did the need to add furnishings to deploy almost 200 public computer workstations. Today, the library provides 40% less space for students than it did in 1975. The long term solution to this overcrowding is a significant addition to Cabell Library. The University Librarian is working closely with University leadership to share this information and communicate these needs. (Learn more about building use and statistics from this November, 2007 blog entry.)

In the shorter term, please continue to make use of the Quiet Floor (4th) and the Quiet Study Zone (2nd). If others in these areas fail to observe the quiet space guidelines, please talk to a member of the library's staff or to a security guard at their station at the entrance to the building. If you need a computer, you may want to check out our new Laptop Loan program, available in Media and Reserves on the third floor. These laptops are available to use throughout Cabell Library for up to four-hours.

Thank you again for taking the time to send us your suggestion.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 2:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We desperately need more group study space. Study groups are beginning to spill out into other floors of the building and they make an awful lot of noise. I prefer to study alone and I prefer to do it in the library. I'm sure you can appreciate how incredibly annoying and distracting it is to have a ton of chattering study groups in the Sotto Voce/Quiet areas.
From: an undergraduate student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, replies...
Thank you so much for your comments. We are indeed short of group study spaces, and in fact are short on all varieties of study spaces for our students. We share your concern and have created the floor themes to try to segregate group study - and its noise - to lower floors of Cabell. We’ve also hired two full-time and several part-time guards to help enforce these policies, stationing the second guard on duty on the 3rd and 4th floors.

Nevertheless, the building was built in 1975, and because of the growth of library collections and the allocation of some of its space to University priorities, it now provides 40% less space for students than it did in 1975, for a student population that has doubled in size since that time. VCU's library buildings had an original planned capacity of 1 million volumes maximum, but now house nearly 2 million volumes, almost 200% of the planned capacity. These basic figures translate into a building that is very crowded, and where noise control is a recurring issue. Needs are frequently shared with appropriate campus decision makers by the University Librarian, Student Senate members, and others. We are very hopeful that library space needs, both at Cabell and Tompkins-McCaw Library, will be considered in upcoming fund raising and legislative funding cycles. Discussions about spaces for an addition to Cabell Library focus almost exclusively on student space for both group and individual study, technology-rich spaces, and inspiring, pleasant environments in which to study, interact, and learn.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am disgusted by the state of the first floor bathrooms. They are deplorable. First, there is no toilet paper, no paper towels, and even worse, no soap. The paper towels are spread across the floor, and there was even a beer can in there. The bathrooms reek of feces, and as unsanitary as it is, womans personal products were strewn across the floor and the containers that hold them were on the floor. The group study rooms are horrible as well. The state of the library has been going down for a while. If we are open late, we should be cleaning late. I have been to other academic libraries, and there is no comparison.
From: an undergraduate student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, replies....
Thank you for taking the time to send this comment. We are also dismayed that Housekeeping is not able to keep up with the level of use in the building. Our Facilities Manager has been communicating with Housekeeping to resolve the problems. I shared observations of my own with him just a few days ago. I have also shared your comments with him; your concerns will be anonymously passed along to Housekeeping so they know just how troubling this situation is to students trying to complete their semester studies. The building does see extremely heavy use - sometimes as many as 11,000 people enter the building during the course of a single day. However, that is no excuse for the dirty and messy conditions, which need to be addressed.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are only a few private group study rooms in the library and when people wait inside them for hours "waiting" for their group, groups that are actually there lose out on the rooms, defeating the purpose. To make the rooms more accessible for everyone there should be mandatory rules of giving up the room to a group that is physically present when your group is not there after like 10 minutes. Just enforce the rules and update them to deal with the problem of room squatters.
From: undergraduate student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, replies....
Thank you for sending us this comment. We realize many students work in groups and that we don't have enough group rooms to accommodate them all. You have probably seen the signs posted beside the rooms, which state that they are for use by groups. We also have a more detailed policy on our Web site. Note that the full policy states that use of the rooms is meant to be limited to two hours, to allow more groups access to the spaces, and that no provision is offered for an individual to hold a room for an expected group. It also provides for use by individuals who may need a more private study area for some particular activity which requires it.

Staff may sometimes give an individual the benefit of the doubt and grant them just a few minutes for their group to arrive. However, library staff and security guards are available to you when you observe that group rooms are being used inappropriately. Don't hesitate to share your need for a room at the Ask Us desk or Circulation desk, or with library guards. Any of these staff will see that the policy of the
rooms is enforced.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The library has made huge improvements over the last 10 years, and I thoroughly enjoy working in the medical library! The librarians are very friendly and helpful, and the computer facilities are vastly improved. My only suggestion is to ask for better control over the noise level in the central library area where the computers are. Many students use this as basically a social gathering area, or even if they are studying they are speaking in normal voice tone. It is extremely disruptive to those of us actually trying to work, and need to use the central area because of computer needs. Afterall, this is a library, and it should be maintained as a safe-haven for quiet work/study space. The addition of the headphones have helped, but they are not available on all the computers, and only cut out the noise to a certain extent. If the librarians could actually enforce a low noise level, and ask students to respect those around them--they can go to a different building or to a study room if they need to be loud, it would hugely benefit those of us who take the library seriously as professional work/study-space. This would better fulfill your mission as maintaining "highest quality service..." as a library. thanks so much for your attention to this important matter.
From: a faculty member

Jodi Koste, Archivist, Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences, responds....
Thanks for your comments about the Tompkins-McCaw Library. We are pleased that you have noticed the improvements and enjoy working here. Over the years we have made changes to the physical appearance of the library as well as modifications to our services to accommodate the wide range of users who come to the Tompkins-McCaw Library. The first floor can be very busy with activity and have a higher volume of noise than in the past because it is the area where students collaborate, study in groups, or just take a few minutes to have lunch and talk with their friends. We recognize that many other users seek a quiet place to do their research work or studying. For those users we offer our second floor Quiet Study Room (2-001) which provides a haven for those needing a noise-free zone. Two computers are available in this area to access library resources. Generally you will find that the basement and second floors have low levels of noise and should provide you with the atmosphere you seek to conduct your library work. Additional computers are available in both areas. Please feel free to stop by our Service Desk to discuss this issue or to get additional information on quiet areas at the Tompkins-McCaw Library.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I think the library should have either text messaging or IM to report people anonymously that are disruptive in the library. Especially on the fourth floor. It is often noisier than the first floor. The security guards only make occasional appearances. Just trying to Study!
From: Raquel, undergraduate student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, responds…
Thank you for taking the time to send this suggestion. You are not the first person to mention that a greater security presence is needed upstairs.

VCU Libraries has been working with the VCU Police and recently adjusted the security schedule. Whenever possible, a guard will be up on the third and fourth floors monitoring activity and maintaining sotto voce and quiet study guidelines. We expect the disturbances to be much fewer for the remainder of term and through the extended exam hours.

I'm happy to hear that you enjoy studying in the building. I can assure you that we also want it to be a place conducive to intellectual pursuits. Thank you again for contacting us.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In case you haven't noticed most classes have an online requirement as well as an in-class requirement. There aren't enough outlets on the third floor, or any floor for that matter. When the library is full it's hard to find a seat, let alone a seat near an electrical outlet. Maybe you all can consider putting power strips/power surge protectors at all the outlets because there are more desks than outlets and everyone and their mother brings laptops to study with. Oh and the third floor doesn't have enough tables. Those cubbies are a pain in the butt with laptops, books, coffee, ipods, etc.
From: a concerned undergraduate student

John Duke, Senior Associate University Librarian, responds...
Thank you for your concerns, which we share. We certainly agree that there are not enough electrical outlets in Cabell Library. The library was built before the age of personal computers and laptops. Consequently, the building is seriously under-powered for today’s connected environment. The library is at its maximum capacity for all the electrical demands being placed upon it. When we stress the system too far, the circuit breakers trip and power is lost for whole areas of the building.

The ideal solution would be to bring more power into the building with another electrical circuit. However, this is extraordinarily expensive, costing many tens of thousands of dollars. Our budget and the University’s budget simply cannot afford this expenditure right now. We will probably have to wait until there is an addition to Cabell Library to address the electrical problem completely.

We have tried to locate some of our tables, study carrels, and chairs near electrical outlets to make it more convenient to plug in laptops. Using extension cords and power strips is problematic because of potential power outages. However, we will continue to be alert to where we might make it more convenient to plug in laptops.

Last year we made a major commitment to upgrade the furniture in Cabell Library. Although much progress was made, we did not have enough money to fill all of the needs. As funding becomes available, we will try to purchase additional furniture, but our user space is in serious competition with our constantly growing collections.

We suggest that you look for seating along the outside walls. These areas are often underutilized and many of them have nearby electrical outlets. We also will continue to look into ways we can expand the number of electrical outlets. In the meantime, we ask that you not string your power cords across public walkways. We know this is tempting, but it is dangerous for anyone walking through and potentially harmful to your computer if someone were to trip on the cord.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I go to Cabell library almost everyday because it's a great place to study and do computer work since I don't have a laptop. Cabell Library has days where there are no computers in use, so I use the basement (B-8 computer lab). I have been going for one month and in that time period NO ONE has made an attempt to keep it clean. The computer lab is VERY DISGUSTING. There are used tissues, spilled drinks, balled up papers, hair, boogers, and I mean the WORKS. Whatever you can think of you'll probably find it in Cabell's basement computer lab. Someone needs to come down here and THOROUGHLY clean this place. Wipe down the desks, sanitize the keyboards, and even wax the floors because a computer lab should never look like that.
From: an undergraduate student

Patricia Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, responds...
Thank you very much for contacting us with this information about the Cabell basement computer lab. I have forwarded your concerns to Technology Services who own and operate that lab, and also to a housekeeping staff representative.

As I am sure you have observed this fall, all of Cabell Library is being very heavily used. Many days this semester there have been door entry counts of over 10,000 people per day. The 1st through 4th floors have also been problematic to keep clean and library administration has regularly contacted housekeeping asking for additional assistance.

Cabell Library was designed and built to serve the academic community when the student count was approximately half of what it is today. In addition, our space is further crowded by the fact that the library collections have almost doubled in that same period of time. This translates into a very dense concentration of users within the study and lab spaces and produces a very high volume of trash and mess.

I really sympathize with your frustration that the lab in the basement has been an unpleasant place to work. I appreciate your taking the time to share your concerns with us. We will continue to work with
housekeeping on the need to keep up with the cleaning needs in the building. Please don't hesitate to contact us again as you observe problems.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As of today, 240 VCU students, staff, and faculty have joined the Facebook group called "People who get assaulted by the doors at the Cabell Library" where you can read account after account of people's difficulties with the library's front doors. Is 240 complaints enough to bring about action? How many people use these doors each day? One library staffer quoted the figure of 10,000 visits in one recent day through the Cabell turnstiles. Is that accurate? I suggest a heat curtain like department stores use to replace the inner doors--or at least automatic opening doors like Tuckahoe Library in Henrico that require no physical strength to open. The library doors at the most used at VCU so make them the BEST doors at VCU! Don't embarrass the weak armed among us with these doors any longer.
From: an undergraduate student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, responds....
Thank you for the comments about the Cabell Library entry doors. We are also concerned that this is an issue for VCU library patrons.

The Cabell doors are 30+ years old and this does create challenges to keeping them maintained and operating at optimal levels. However, there is additionally a forced air issue related to the overall design of the vestibule. It creates air vacuums at times which tend to pull the doors shut harder than they would normally close.

We can offer these actions that we have learned are underway by VCU's Facilities Management department: A new operator arm was installed on the handicapped entrance facing Hibbs the first week of October. It should now be operating correctly. The handicapped door facing the Student Commons is slated for replacement with a better model in three to six weeks. In addition, Facilities Management is aware of the issues with the other entry doors and is performing an assessment of them. They will be investigating what solutions might be possible to remedy the problems.

I hope this information helps. This concern was also addressed on October 3, 2007.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 4:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have a concern regarding the Cabell library entrance doors. I have a problem opening the doors, either pushing or pulling, because they offer severe resistance. In fact, I either have to slam my body against them or use two hands to attempt to start opening. And it's not just opening that's the problem, but when they close they swing back so quickly that if I'm wearing a bookbag, it literally slaps me from behind as I'm trying to walk through. I'm not sure if the doors are just heavy, if the magnets are unrelenting or that I'm unnecessarily weak but I know others are having problems with the doors too. It's quite aggravating really. Thank you for your time.
From: undergraduate student

Walter Sampson, Assistant Librarian for Policy Development, responds....
I am sorry that you are having problems opening Cabell Library entrance doors. The doors are 30-35 years old and may not work as smoothly as they once had in the past. Inquiries will be made to the University's Facilities Management department to see if they can make adjustments accordingly.

Again, we apologize for the inconvenience these doors caused you and other library users.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

1. Fee for printing is unreasonable. Some of the library should be like CBIL and medical students should be able to log on and print. 2. Hospital access should be available from the library (ie Cerner). I can't think of a year other than 3rd year when research is more critical and simultaneous access to a patient's info, the internet, and journals is more essential. 3. Study rooms need to be updated, they are not heated/cooled adequately. Tables and chairs need to be updated. 4. Obviously the hours as others have mentioned.
From: a graduate student

Cate Canevari, Associate Director, Research and Education, Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences responds....
Dear Ms. Pelkofski,

Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns; we appreciate your feedback! Our responses to the points you raise are inserted below.

“1. Fee for printing is unreasonable. Some of the library should be like CBIL and medical students should be able to log on and print.”
The VCU Libraries uses the VCU Technology Services Pay4Print service, which is the service available in a number of other campus buildings including Sanger Hall, the Business Building, and the University Commons. The School of Medicine offers free printing just to SOM students, whereas VCU Libraries computers are open to students, faculty, and staff from both campuses as well as members of the general public. Using the Pay4Print allows us to provide reliable and consistent printer services across campuses to our library users. To reduce the cost of printing, you might consider saving articles to portable media, BlackBoard, or email. Another option would be to create a RefWorks account to keep track of citation information including the GetIt@VCU link that will take you directly to online journal articles available through the library. The following links offer additional tips for printing using Pay4Print, as well as locations where Pay4Print is available on campus:
http://www.ts.vcu.edu/faq/labs/labs.html
http://www.library.vcu.edu/services/pay4print/faq.html

“2. Hospital access should be available from the library (ie Cerner). I can't think of a year other than 3rd year when research is more critical and simultaneous access to a patient's info, the internet, and journals is more essential.”
The Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences is not able to offer access to CERNER due to HIPAA and computer security issues. The VCU Health System restricts access to CERNER and other hospital systems.

“3. Study rooms need to be updated, they are not heated/cooled adequately. Tables and chairs need to be updated.“
We are working on restoring adequate heating and cooling to the 2nd floor study rooms. A major chill water pipe which helped to moderate the temperatures in the study rooms had to be replaced. The process has been long and complex, but it is almost complete and we hope temperatures will soon be comfortable again. Should you be uncomfortable in the future while using the rooms, please alert our Service Desk Staff and we will have the room thermostat adjusted.

The furnishings in the 2nd floor study rooms are less than 2 years old. We welcome your specific suggestions on how the furnishings can be improved.

“4. Obviously the hours as others have mentioned.”
The Tompkins-McCaw Library Director, Jean Shipman, has responded to feedback and welcomes students to meet with her to discuss their needs in person. These meetings will be held in the 1st Floor Tompkins-McCaw Library Conference Room right behind the Skull & Beans coffee service:
3:00 pm -- Friday, Sept. 14th
12:15 pm -- Monday, Sept. 17th

In the meantime, please note that the Hunton Student Center Learning Center is open until 10pm, and access to electronic library resources are available there. In addition to the Learning Center, there are study cubicles available throughout the Hunton Student Center.

I do hope that you will be able to attend one of the meetings with Jean to discuss your concerns in more detail as we do need your assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Library will need more computers on the First, Second and Fourth Floors, so that students and guests will not have to stand and wait for access.There are many places in the State of Virginia and the Federal Government that throw away computers annually.
From: A Friend of the Library

John Duke, Senior Associate University Librarian, replies...
You are right -- Cabell Library is indeed busy and crowded! In addition to competition for computers, other resources are at a premium, including study space and shelves for books. The library was built for a much smaller student body and a much smaller collection, and we simply have grown beyond our ability to satisfy the demand. Working within the limits of our existing space is a daily and serious challenge for us.

Using surplus computers is an interesting idea, but one that we have chosen not to pursue. The initial cost of the hardware is not our primary barrier, although that of course is always an issue. Electrical expansion is a major blocker, as the building is now operating close to capacity. Bringing in another power line to upgrade our electrical infrastructure would be very costly and beyond our current budget.

We are also facing overall space constraints. Thanks to Student Technology Fees, last year we added more network ports in the second floor group study area and in the third floor group study rooms, as well as additional computers on the first and second floors. We also hope to see improved wireless coverage this Fall as part of work that VCUnet has committed to. However, trying to squeeze more computers into our current space, in addition to providing the electrical and network connections that would be needed, is becoming harder and harder to do. If funds become available in the future and the electrical grid will support it, we will look at modestly expanding the number of computers if we can do it without disrupting other important operations.

In addition to the logistical problem of adding more machines, it would not be wise for us to use surplus machines from other agencies as you suggest. Those agencies are surplussing their computers for a very good reason -- they are no longer able to keep up with the increasing demands of graphical and database intensive network computing. We find that our oldest computers -- those more than three years old -- give users the most problems and require the most effort on our part to keep operating. Our first priority this year will be to replace as many of these as we can with our equipment allocation. After that project is complete, we will look at expanding laptop ports and computers.

Eventually, we will have expanded library space on the Monroe Park Campus, and filling that space with appropriate, advanced technologies will be among our highest priorities. We all hope that day comes soon!

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The 1st floor bathrooms have a problem which is fairly disturbing. When the doors shut after use, they slam loudly, because of installation defects. The existing silencer bumpers in place are not ever going to help much, because the hardware at the top of doors are the real culprits. They are not hydraulically controlled to allow gentle closing, and there is an air vacuum which is created which sucks the doors into the frame (hard) upon each and every closing thanks to this faulty hardware. The ladies room is louder than men's but both are disruptive, considering how much use these doors get on a continual basis at all hours of the day or night. Please invest some money into revamping these door configurations.
From: a VCU Faculty member

Walter Sampson, Assistant Librarian for Policy Development, responds....
VCU Libraries has requested that VCU Physical Plant investigate and repair the 1st floor bathroom doors per your
request. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The bathrooms in the library on the first floors don't ever have toilet paper and are always dirty. I pay a lot of money for tuition and believe that the facilities should at least have toilet paper.
From: Tracey, undergraduate student

Jodi Koste, Head, Resources and Operations, and Archivist replies...
Thanks for expressing your concern about the condition of the restrooms on the first floor of the Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences. Housekeeping services are provided by a private outside contractor. According to the terms of our contract the restrooms are to be cleaned daily and checked mid-day to see if they require spot cleaning or supplies. We are aware that there are periodic lapses in this service and continually work with the proper University authorities to address the situation.

If you find the restrooms in an unsatisfactory condition, please help us by reporting this information to the library staff. We will take immediate steps to resolve the problems.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Comments regarding JBC:
1) The wireless in the library has been out since last semester. As I understand it, those responsible for this have been aware of this problem, still are aware of this problem, and have not yet fixed the problem. What is the problem then??? This has to be the only major university in Virginia, and possible the East Coast, that is not able to offer it's students wireless in the library.

Thanks, Ken
From: Kenneth, undergraduate student

Jimmy Ghaphery, head of Library Information Systems replies to the first part of Ken’s comments...
Thanks for the suggestions. We will investigate the network connections on the first floor of Cabell Library. In addition we have installed 10 new network ports on the 3rd floor in the group study rooms. We do have plans for more expansion of network ports but do face a number of limitations with regard to the physical infrastructure of the building.

Wireless access in Cabell Library has been inconsistent this year. We have been working with VCU Technology Services to improve this since September 2005 and have seen some improvements on other floors, but the 1st floor is currently very bad and I do not expect dramatic improvements this semester. VCU Technology Services has advised that we seek outside expertise on this problem and we have contracted with a national firm to do a thorough site survey of both libraries in order to receive guidance on how to provide a more reliable wireless experience.

The wireless network is and will be managed by VCU Technology Services. For assistance with wireless connectivity contact the VCU Technology Services Help Desk at 828-2227 or e-mail to help@vcu.edu.

Curtis Lyons, Interim Associate University Librarian for Public Services, replies to the remainder of Ken’s comments...
Library patrons prefer diverse study environments. We have tried to designate each of the 2nd through 4th floors differently to encourage all patrons to find the environment that is best for them.

The 2nd floor is for group study; patrons there can expect a certain amount of noise as groups work together. The 3rd floor is for people studying in very small groups and conversations should be kept fairly quiet. The 4th floor is the quiet floor and conversation of any kind is discouraged as the entire floor is reserved for individual research and study.

Anyone who feels that there is a level of noise above what any one study environment should have should contact a library employee or security guard. Cell phones are prohibited on all floors except in certain designated locations. For more information, visit the James Branch Cabell Library Quiet Building Guidelines.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Having a 2 or 3 person minimum in the group study rooms on the first floor. It seems that 80% of the rooms are occupied by only 1 person constantly.
From: Paul, undergraduate student

Mary Ellen Spencer, Interim Deputy Associate University Librarian for Public Services replies....
You're right to observe that the demand for group study rooms in Cabell Library continues to be high. In fact, the Libraries received a suggestion very similar to yours last spring. (For more information, see the May 6, 2005 Suggestion Blog entry on Group Study Rooms.)

The entire library regulation governing use of group study rooms is posted outside the rooms and is also available on the VCU Libraries' Web site at: http://www.library.vcu.edu/services/studyroom.html. In response to the suggestion we received last spring, the Libraries created new signs that are posted inside each room. The text reads: "Group Study Rooms are for groups of two or more users to work together without disturbing others. Please keep noise to a minimum and limit use to two hours."

We do not prohibit an individual from using a study room as long as no group needs it. If your study group cannot find an open room, and if an individual is using a room, you may politely ask the person to move to another area so that your group can use the space. If you prefer to have a member of the library staff ask for you, just stop by the closest service desk. We'll be happy to help you.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 8:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How is anyone supposed to get anything done on the first floor with all that noise? I understand that Cabell Library has quiet floors, which are great, but the first floor is a little more convenient if one needs to review for a test or get a little homework done, not to mention the fact that it also serves as a home to Java 911 and the periodicals. I do not mind if people want to carry on a conversation with a friend or study in a group, but the noise level, especially to the far left of the first floor near the group study rooms, is just ridiculous. Groups of students will use the group study rooms to do anything but group studying. It's more like watching movies (loudly) on friend's laptops, testing different cell phone ring tones, gossiping, and talking and laughing with anything but inside voices. I mean for goodness sake, isn't that the purpose for which the commons serves? If students are not going to study, then why go to the library at all? Conversations on the first floor are to be expected, but often it gets way out of hand. The library should have someone stationed in that area, to the left and back, during peak hours because the noise level is simply intolerable for students who really did come to the library to use it correctly.
From: Derick, undergraduate student

Curtis Lyons, Interim Associate University Librarian for Public Services, replies...
We strongly encourage our patrons to report disruptions in any part of the library to library staff or security guards. In many cases, we find that the offending patrons don't even realize how loud they are being and react well to a gentle reminder from a guard.

Similarly, we encourage patrons to report mis-use of our group study rooms. They are in high demand and we do not want them taken up by individuals who could be studying in other areas or by groups who are not studying. You can find our study room policies here: http://www.library.vcu.edu/services/studyroom.html.

I regret that we are simply not funded to the levels necessary to monitor all of the potential noisy areas in the library. Our security guards, present from late afternoon to closing, are instructed to walk the library and help provide a strong study environment for students. We will confirm that this is happening.

We have taken many steps in the last two years to improve the study environment in Cabell Library and welcome suggestions as to how we can continue to do so.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 9:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Why don't we have recycling bins such as the ones in the commons?
From: Andi, undergraduate

David Morrison, Facilities Coordinator replies...
We think this is a great suggestion, Andi. To help implement this we will check with VCU Recycling. Hopefully we will have a recycling bin for plastic bottles on the first floor of Cabell and the first floor of Tompkins-McCaw soon. Thanks for the idea.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 9:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is freezing in this place (Cabell Library).
Please do something about the lack of heat on the first floor of the library.

I apologize for the delay in answering your inquiring about being cold in Cabell Library on January 23, 2006. The National Weather Service in Wakefield, VA reported the high temperature for Richmond, VA on January 23 at 48 degrees, average high for the entire month was 55.4, which is 10-11 degrees higher than the past 30 years average. Why am I telling you more about penguins than you want to know - one more statistic please, from January 17 to 23, the temperature ranged from 45 to 68 degrees and from January 23 to 29 it was 45 to 64 degrees. These variable temperature changes each day make it difficult for the VCU Physical Plant to regulate its heating system to maintain consistent and constant comfortable temperature through the entire building with these unseasonable higher temperatures during this time period. Weather forecasters call for more seasonable temperatures for the next 7 days starting February 7, 2006, with high temperatures in the middle forties. We believe you will find Cabell Library building at a more comfortable temperature while you are conducting research work in the building's public areas.

Walter Sampson
Assistant Librarian for Policy Development

Posted by at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I know that the first floor of TML is not intended to be a quiet floor. However, the noise level is frequently beyond what I think is appropriate for a library. People feel free to hold extensive conversations in loud voices (sometimes related to studying and sometimes not) and talk on cell phones, and the staffs' voices at the circulation desk are often very loud as well. I have been a frequent user of this library for 3 years, and the noise level has become a much bigger problem during this school year than it was in previous years. Is there anything that can be done?
From: Lyons

Dear Mr Hardy,

Thank you very much for your comments. We all have noticed that the noise level on the first floor tends to be high at times. This is due to a combination of factors, the coffee place, allowing library users
to eat food in the library which encourages group congregation and other things. We have also noticed that the number of library users has increased a lot this school year. So more people, more noise. The
library has really tried hard to be user friendly, hence allowing food and the coffee place, but these gestures unfortunately come at a price and one of them is the noise.

As far as staff being loud at the desk, I am really sorry to hear that and would like to ensure you that we will try as much as possible to control our noise level. I would also like to remind you that we do
have a quiet study room up on the second floor plus we have nine study rooms above
Special Collections that you can use. Lastly, please do not hesitate to let a staff member
know whenever you are in the library and the noise level is too high for your comfort.

Irene Lubker
Research Librarian, User Services
Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences

Posted by at 7:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)