Library Suggestion Blog

Thank you for offering the in-library laptops for use. It is very helpful, and I hope this pilot project continues.
From: a graduate student

Jodi Koste, Archivist, Tompkins-McCaw Library, responds....
Thanks for your comment on our Student Laptop Loan Pilot. This is a joint venture between the VCU Libraries and VCU Technology Services. You are confirming our assumptions about the need for loaner laptops. The pilot will continue for some months still and we welcome any other feedback you might have. We hope you will continue to take advance of the service and thanks again for the positive feedback.

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

More laptops are needed, and more batteries are also needed, so that they are always fully charged because even the fully charged batteries rarely last the full 4 hours. If a graduate student wants to check one out there should be a longer time allotment as there is on the MCV campus and the cord should be provided. The students at the MRS need to be friendlier and dresses more professionally as this is a job, thus midriffs and undergarments should not be exposed. A university should be training young people for their future and in turn their future employment.
From: a graduate student

Nell Chenault, Access Librarian & Head, Media & Reserve Services, responds....
The Student Laptop Loan Pilot is an introductory period for evaluating the service for possible future expansion. Your comments are appreciated and helpful feedback. Battery life and recharging are two
of the service elements which are being studied in Cabell Library. Despite previous testing, the first month of the pilot showed battery power being depleted faster than replacement batteries can be fully charged. Additional batteries have been ordered by Technology Services. We hope this will reduce the shortage of laptops with fully charged batteries in the evening. If you are one of the few “power” laptop users who exhaust the battery prior the end of your 4 hour loan, the MRS staff will be happy to exchange your battery during the loan period whenever a charged battery is available.

Both Cabell and Tompkins-McCaw Libraries loan laptops for one 4-hour loan and one 4-hour renewal per day. Cabell Library’s laptop program is dependent on batteries due to limited outlets and power capacity in the building. In light of this, the pilot is designed to test the level of battery capacity needed to provide loans without power cords.

I am sorry if your service from the Media and Reserve Services has not been friendly and professional. I will be reviewing your concerns with our new service desk supervisor. We employ numerous student assistants and strive to develop their customer service skills through training and the example of exemplary service by the full time staff. Please contact myself or the library administration if you have further concerns in this area.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 2:45 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)

Comments regarding JBC:
Please install Flash Player 9 on the library computers. A lot of sites now require this -- for example www.buschgardens.com . Thanks, Brian
From: a graduate student

Jimmy Ghaphery, head of Library Information Systems, replies...
Brian,

Thanks for the suggestion. We strive to keep all of the plugins as current as possible for our public computers across all four of our locations. We will let you know as soon as we are able to update Flash to the most current version.

Our apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi, I am prospective student of VCU and just moved to Richmond. I wonder if I can have access to VCU libraries because I don't fit in any of your user profiles. Thanks, Mita.
From: a prospective student

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

Thank you for your inquiry regarding access to VCU Libraries. While you are not able to check materials out, as a member of the general public you are welcome to visit the VCU Libraries and access the collections within the library for your research purposes. Please note that access to computers is based upon a first come, first serve basis, and priority is given to current VCU students, staff and faculty. We will soon be switching to our Fall schedule. For your convenience, library hours and directions to both library locations are available from our Web site at:
http://www.library.vcu.edu/about/hours.html.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I would like to suggest adding Adobe Acrobat professional to the library computers. I am specifically using the computers in Hunton Hall. Two particular very useful functions which the simpler Adobe reader software that is currently installed does not have are: a) PDF maker which allows the conversion of Word and Powerpoint documents to pdf's which is very useful considering many of our notes are provided to us from professors in one of these formats, yet these files types are prohibitively large to transport and print and b)Acrobat Pro has the ability to edit (highlight, markup) pdf's, and since all scientific literature is in this format and these articles are the core of all research activity this seems to be a relatively vital feature. Thanks.
From: a graduate student

Shannon Jones, Education Services Outreach Librarian for Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences, responds....
Thank you for the suggestion to add the Adobe Acrobat Professional software to computers in the Student Learning Center at the Hunton Student Center. While the VCU Libraries would like to install the software on all of its public computers across both libraries, financially we are not able to do so at this time. We will be adding Acrobat Professional to the two front computers in the Learning Center later this summer in response to your suggestion.

As a user of the VCU Libraries, I want to alert you to a few services that you may find helpful in this instance. First, the computers in the Learning Center and at Tompkins-McCaw Library have the Open Office software installed, which you may use to create PDF documents.

Second, the VCU Libraries currently offer its users access to Adobe Acrobat Professional at Tompkins-McCaw Library on the MCV Campus and at Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus. Acrobat Professional is available in the Instructional Media Workshop (IMW) at Tompkins-McCaw Library and in the Media and Reserves area at James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus.

I hope you find this information helpful.

The VCU Libraries appreciates your suggestions and comments.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Is it possible to put a block on Myspace and Facebook in the library. I am sick and tired of people "playing" on the computers when some students actually want to do work. About half of the students in the library are not doing anything constructive with the computers and it is really making me mad. A lot of times, I come to check my email before class to see if I need any thing for the class I am going to, and some bum is looking at pictures. I am fed up with this because these computers are for academics.
From: Kent Kulick, undergraduate student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, responds....
Thank you for taking the time to let us know of your frustration. It is unfortunate that the library does not have the infrastructure capacity to provide adequate computers for all needs. While it may appear that some uses of our computers are for personal and not academic use, the library refrains from making judgments about use wherever possible. The tools and communications utilized by our users to accomplish their tasks can take many paths. We also hope for the library to be a place of intellectual discourse and productive social interaction, in addition to providing access to resources. The downside is that on some occasions people like yourself may not find a computer readily available. The upside is that the library remains a key location on campus for gathering and the sharing of ideas. It may be useful to check machines in the Technology Services lab in Cabell’s basement. Additionally, in response to requests from our community, we have created stand-up express stations in Cabell. These should become accessible more frequently for the type of quick pre-class use you describe. We do apologize for the frustrations you are experiencing. Were it possible, we would provide many more machines to satisfy the various interests and uses by our constituents.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Why have the computers for the public changed? [This is] the only place in the city of Richmond that has unlimited time on the computers and doesn’t block different sites. It takes 3-4 hours to do my reports, plus to check my emails. This is cruel and unusual punishment to take [away] the only tool to do work and makes it hard for people who are not in a status phase where they can afford a $2,500 computer. I'm just wondering how other people feel who can't express themselves dealing with this same situation coming here and finding this had occurred since this past Wednesday before the holidays. Please allow this message to penetrate your thoughts and also to give an overview of the sudden changes dealing with this computer system. I thank you for your time.
From: barongodley

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, replies.....
Thank you for your comments about the Cabell Library stand-up computers. I can understand your frustration with the inability to access a computer. VCU students, faculty and staff doing research encounter this problem very often. Unfortunately, we are at electrical capacity for computers in this building and cannot add more. Because of this, researchers are frequently in need of computers and cannot find them, even for very brief library catalog look-ups or for library staff members to help them locate a needed article or form. With all of these issues in mind, and with a history of requests from researchers for express-use computers, we determined that some machines around the building needed to be devoted to short-term use, and we converted a few to the tall stand-up tables to provide for this.

Your need to use library computers for several hours to prepare reports does bring up an important point. Use of library computers for VCU community academic purposes must take priority over other uses because of the computer shortage, and is included in library regulations on our web site: http://www.library.vcu.edu/admin/regulations/computer_resources.html.
When computers are available, however, Reference Desk staff can log guests onto a computer for research purposes. For more extensive use of computers or for non-academic purposes, Richmond Public Library may provide a broader level of access to machines. In addition, in the near future all VCU library computers will require logging in. The remaining machines that don’t require this right now will be changed, according to VCU policy. Strict log-on policies for all VCU network computers have been mandated for computer security reasons.

I hope that this helps explain the reasons for the changes made to library computers last week.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is a follow-up to others' concerns about the dearth of computers. There are a few ways you might streamline computer usage until a better solution is reached:

The library has a fantastic collection, but these little corrections could save us all a lot of headaches. Thanks.
From: frustrated library user, graduate student

Jimmy Ghaphery, head of Library Information Systems, replies...
Dear Frustrated Library User,

These are all very perceptive comments.

We have thought about the catalog only stations but are challenged by the fact that the VCU Libraries Catalog itself is accessible through a web browser, and often needs to connect to external web sites for e-books. We have been experimenting with a standing terminal on the 2nd floor to provide space for quick searches, and are looking at expanding that idea.

The re-boot time really has increased with the new security measures from the University. We have found that it is especially slow on our oldest hardware which is slated to be replaced this year so we should see some improvement. At the same time we are committed to meeting the VCU security standards in order to provide a safe computing environment.

Availability information on the first page is something that is indeed lacking with our current catalog, and we have been looking at ways to bring that information up a level, but there are some system constraints. Your observation about returning to the list of items is also apt but not currently possible. Both of these features are items that we will bring forward to the vendor of our catalog system and to the user group.

Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I would like to suggest to the VCU Library that you should get more computers for students and guests on all four floors [of Cabell]. [Several] web sites supply computers, for free. There aren't enough computers to go around. Sincerely yours, a guest.
From: Friend of the Library

Donna E. Coghill, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, responds...
The availability of computers, particularly in Cabell Library, is a valid point, and one that was recently addressed on this suggestion blog. You should review the response written by John Duke, Senior Associate University Librarian. Please read this post for the most recent information on computers at VCU Libraries. Thank you for letting us know of your concern.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 9:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Dear VCU libraries: Please provide more public computers for use in the libraries. There seems to be not enough.
From: Tri Duy Atran, graduate student

Donna E. Coghill, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, responds...
This is a very valid point, and one that was recently addressed on this suggestion blog. You should review the response written by John Duke, Senior Associate University Librarian.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 12:16 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)

I would like to suggest the re-installment of at least one of the older-model microfilm readers. As of recently, there were three newer machines (with scanning capabilities) and the one older machine. That machine was recently replaced with a newer model, exactly like the surrounding three. The older machine was great because you could print directly from it rather than leaning over to one of the computers, go through all of the "scan to PDF" rigamarole, and then walk over to the printer to retrieve the document. It even cost less to print from the old machine (8 cents per page as opposed to 11 cents on the newer ones). The old machine also had the reel number counting feature which the newer machines don't have. The number counter was great because it let you know where you stopped on the reel so that you could pick up where you left off next time. On the newer machines, you have to fast forward blindly until you get there, often stopping at the wrong place many times before arriving at the right spot. I am an alumni (class of 2001) and have been utilizing the readers on the third floor regularly for the past 3 years. The VCU library has been a wonderful place to research my particular interests (jazz history and African-American culture during the 1950s-1960s). My experiences as a researcher are, of course, based most soundly on the sources themselves, but are also greatly affected by the access to those sources, an accessibility that has been hampered, not improved, by the obsoletion of the old microfilm readers. Thanks for your time!
From: Ben Anderson, Alumni

Nell Chenault, Access Librarian and Head, Media & Reserve Services replies…
We are pleased that you utilize VCU Libraries’ microform resources for continued scholarship, and we welcome your constructive comments about our equipment resources. Our recent microform station upgrades came as a response to user concerns with the operation and poor quality prints of the old reader / printers and research options offered with scanning. While the new microform scanners have lost the simplicity of a quick print, the user gains quality, flexibility and efficiency in other areas.

We are glad to let you know that VCU will be reducing printing costs for the Fall 2006 semester. These new fees will bring the price below the former microform printing price, a value we are sure the VCU community can appreciate.

In addition to printing on-site, users now have the option to save the document – a feature that is popular with VCU users for image clarity and as a way to avoid printing prices altogether. Users may choose to email the document to themselves or a colleague or save to disk, jump drive or VCU’s Blackboard Content System. File type options include pdf or any image format such as jpg or gif. The text recognition feature of pdf’s allows word search of your document. There is also an improvement in reading and viewing with zoom or high resolution images.

The new stations also offer operational advantages including easier film carrier loading, no paper jams and elimination of toner replacement. As an advantage during heavy use periods, these new stations rarely breakdown. The smooth transport system reduces scratches and tears, thereby extending the life and quality of our microfilm collection.

We are investigating the loss of the counter feature for repeat microfilm users. The film revolution counter is no longer offered by Konica Minolta; they suggested a sprocket counter. We will look into adding this feature in the future.

If you are having difficulties with utilizing any of the features on these new stations, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance from the Media and Reserve Services staff.

Posted by Donna E. Coghill at 12:12 PM | 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 Knott, 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)

As part two of my earlier suggestion and request: the University of Virginia libraries allow citizen taxpayers and non-taxpayers to use the libraries without requiring a user fee. As a tax payer and health care professional it strikes me that free library use for professionals is part of the mission of the University and the Library. To serve my patients more effectively, the resources of the library would be extremely helpful to those of us in practice. Do other higher education libraries require a fee?
From: John Peter James

Barbara Wright, Reference Services Librarian, replies...
Your desire to have current information to provide the best care for our wounded veterans, your patients, is commendable, and your desire to access the wealth of VCU Libraries' resources is understandable.

VCU Libraries is indeed fortunate to provide the facilities, resources, and services that advance the health care and outreach missions of Virginia Commonwealth University. While invaluable, VCU Libraries' facilities, resources, and services are restricted by our license agreements to those affiliated with VCU. Individuals who are not affiliated with the University community (guests, visitors, members of the general public) may use the collections and services within the VCU Libraries' facilities.

The support of the VCU Friends of the Library helps build VCU Libraries resources and collections to provide for the ever-expanding needs of VCU's teaching and research missions. VCU Friends of the Library members enjoy the privilege of borrowing resources of VCU Libraries by virtue of their FOL membership.

VCU Libraries provides Interlibrary Loan services through which VCU-owned resources are shared with other libraries. Requests for the Interlibrary Loan of VCU resources must come directly from libraries, not from individuals. The Medical Library of the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center should be able to assist you with Interlibrary Loan services.

Posted by at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As the number of laptop users has signficantly increased over the years,
the library needs to adapt accordingly. I believe there is a serious
paucity of available electrical outlets on the 3rd and 4th floors. In
order to accomodate our technological society, the library should adapt
accordingly. Most important would be the increase in electrical outlets,
but if possible I would like to see available ethernet ports (similar to
first floor tables).
Thanks and hope to see some changes soon.

Jimmy Ghaphery, Head of Library information Systems, replies...

Dear Mystery Undergraduate Poster,

Your observations on the differences between Cabell Library 1st floor and the rest of the building are both astute and welcome. The 1st floor of Cabell Library was renovated during the 2001-2002 school year. You may enjoy the photo gallery on our old renovation page for a look at that project.

Despite the renovations, the lack of electrical and network outlets throughout the building is part of a larger challenge with the Cabell Library facility. More on that challenge can be found in this blog response

Of the two issues you raise, electrical expansion is the hardest as we are running at full capacity and an electrical infrastructure upgrade would be very costly. Thanks to Student Technology Fees, we do plan to add more network ports in the 2nd floor group study area and in the 3rd floor group study rooms this spring. We also intend to invest in upgrades to the wireless capabilities in Cabell. In addition to the tables on the 1st floor, there are also electrical outlets and network ports in the coffee bar and in the 1st floor group study rooms.

Keep those batteries charged in the meantime!

best,

Jimmy Ghaphery

Posted by at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The form for faculty to place items on reserve is only available as a
PDF. Why not make it type-enabled? This would make it easier for faculty
to include all the necessary information, be more legible, and allow us
to deliver it to the library via email.

Nell Chenault, Access Librarian and Head, Media and Reserve Services , replies..

Improvement of the course reserve forms is one of our goals for 2005/2006. This issue was shared by your fellow faculty during our Course Reserves Faculty Focus Group last Spring.
The reserves team plans to move from pdf request forms to electronic forms. We hope to incorporate many features to ease filling out and submittal including populating the faculty contact information from just the faculty VCU eID and pulling bibliographic information from the VCU Libraries catalogs. Course renewal for a subsequent semester could be submitted electronically with minimal input by the faculty member.

In the interim, we will move one step closer to our goal by implementing your suggestion. Our current pdf forms will be modied to be "type enabled" with electronic submittal. Look for the new forms soon.

Posted by at 7:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

First, overall I believe that the library is doing a fine job. I began
as an undergrad at VCU in 2000 and can recognize the significant changes
since then.

However, I do have one recent problem with the library. I
have had difficulty finding an option on the open office suite to print
multiple powerpoint slides per page. Instead I end up wasting so much
paper to print one slide per page. I have been through the help
directory as well. Is there a way to print three or 6 slides per page?
If not this would be an unusual and damaging flaw to the program. Thank
You for your time.
From: Ben C.

Jimmy Ghaphery of Library Information Systems replies...

It is possible to save some paper and money by printing multiple slides per page! It is however a less than intuitive. You want to print "Handouts".
To print only the handouts:

• File-->Print....
  
• Options (Button on the Print Dialog Box)
  
• Contents: (select only Handouts and be sure to unselect Drawing)
  

• Change View to Handout: View-->Master-->Handout
  
• Change default number: (Format-->Modify Layout)
  
• Follow previous instructions to Print (File-->Print: Options Button)

  Posted by at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)