Feedback

1 I have noticed that on a few occasions that the temperature of the library is a little too warm (especially on the weekends). It makes it very hard to concentrate on the work I need to do. I have also noticed that despite the wipes available to use for wiping down the surfaces, no one (except myself) is using them. I know it's hard to get the rest of the student body to be cleaner. Is there any way we can get the cleaning staff to wipe the tables and surfaces more often? Sticky spots, crumbs and dried slobber are not very sanitary. Thanks :)
Comment from James Musick on May 05 2013

James,

Thank you for your input regarding the library spaces. The library works closely with our campus facilities department to ensure that we provide an environment that is welcoming and conducive to study.

To supplement the services provided by our facilities department, the Access Services staff of the library has developed an additional table cleaning schedule to ensure that tables are cleaned more frequently.

Regarding the library temperature, the University has established a heating and cooling cycle that regulates the temperature for each campus building. Campus facilities has assured us that the library can contact them to alert them to problems with the temperature and they will adjust the temperature within a reasonable range.

The library consistently monitors our processes and provides feedback to our facilities department so please don’t hesitate to notify our service desk staff (on the 2nd floor) if you notice any problems with the temperature or cleanliness of the building so that we can remediate the problem.

Lisa Smith
Deputy Director
Lewis Library

Answered by Lisa Smith, Deputy Director

2 There is no 'Librarian Chat' resource on the Library homepage. Other schools have that option. It is helpful .
Comment from Stephen on May 01 2013

Stephen,

Thank you for interest in library messaging services. The Reference Department has conducted an Instant Messaging pilot program in the past and has recently reviewed institutional  text & chat software products. We continue to review the products based on price and functionality. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact us via our askalibrarian@unthsc.edu email account, our phone line 817-735-2070 or by dropping by the Reference Office in room 222.    

Answered by ,

3 The laptops which were included in the 2012 technology package have no optical drives, but several of our textbooks include supplemental DVDs/CDs. I understand that DVDs/CDs are being phased out in terms of data transfer and storage, but currently they are still in fairly heavy use. I also understand that I can checkout one of your loaner laptops, however external optical drives are fairly cheap ($30-40 on the low-end), a lot less bulky and allow for data transfer onto our computers (program downloads). Therefore, I would like to suggest the investment in a few usb external optical drives to be available for check-out at the library desk. Thank you for your consideration.
Comment from Jason on Mar 06 2013

Thank you for this excellent suggestion!  We are in the process of ordering one of these portable drives as a test.  If it works well, we will consider the potential demand and order at least one more of the devices so that we have a few available for check out.  

Thanks again for the suggestion.  I appreciate that you took the time to help us improve library services.

Dan Burgard

Answered by Daniel E. Burgard, Library Director

4 The third floor, although a "collaborative" floor, should still be a non-cell phone usage floor. Having a LOUD, LONG conversation on your phone while others RIGHT next to you are studying should not be allowed. It is still a library, and should be treated that way. Maybe a new sign stating this "consideration of fellow students" should be posted. Thank you.
Comment from Briana on Jan 27 2013

I do agree that people could probably always be more considerate of others when it comes to loud cell phone conversations, even in the Collaboration Commons.  We will have an internal library discussion on the topic and likely end up engaging in a education campaign on this topic.  I suspect that we will put up signs encouraging people to be more discrete in their cell phone usage.  I will update this answer when we decide on a specific course of action.

Answered by Daniel E. Burgard, Library Director