Library News

Members of the library staff were talking togther and wondered how we could engage our users in a conversation about the library. We decided that one simple step would be to set up a flip chart, ask a question, and let people respond. We had no idea what would happen, but we thought we’d give it a try.

So we asked the question, “If you could change one thing about the library building, what would it be?”

The answers we received are summarized below. One of my favorite parts of this was the way the pages became a discussion of sorts. The numbers following some of the suggestions represent the people who said, “Yes!” or “Word!” in response to an initial suggestion. In other cases, comments elicited responses like, “Already done” or “Can already do this.”

We do take these suggestions seriously and, while we can’t implement them all (as much as we’d like to move the library to Bermuda), we will take them into account as the library begins planning for future services and possible building renovations.

And because we want this to be a continuing conversation, feel free to comment on this list through the comment feature on this blog. We look forward to hearing from you.

• Coffee Bar (9)
• Or at least some coffee makers
• Other caffeinated beverages
• Better organize the music scores
• Wider selection of music
• More variety: world, metal, gypsy
• More movies
• Better lighting (6)
• More environmentally-friendly lighting
• More natural lighting (windows)
• Being able to log into Library account with username and password instead of Library Barcode #
• MS Office on 1st floor PCs (4)
• MS Word on all PCs (2)
• New furniture (13)
• Updated and modern
• More cozy
• New chairs on 3rd floor (3)
• More outlets for laptops
• Faster elevator (2)
• Extended hours (12)
• Especially during finals week and end of term (3)
• Open 24 hours (2)
• Open earlier on Saturday, at 8 or 9am
• Open earlier on Sunday, at 7am (2)
• More group and individual study rooms to cut down on the noise (8)
• With dry erase boards
• Soundproofed (2)
• More carrels
• More small computer rooms
• Color printer (2)
• Less sedate and depressing beige
• Air fresheners on 3rd and 4th floor (2)
• Another computer lab that is always open
• Move it to Bermuda or Tahiti or Russia
• Snacks or café (2)
• Printers on 3rd and 4th floor
• Access to more scientific journals
• Access to online sources while studying abroad or off-campus.
• Better air quality (2)
• Bring back Ceramics Monthly
• Student shredders
• Cots for overnight study
• Tall chairs around all the 1st floor computers