Western Libraries' Comments Page

Suggestion: I was just reading Western's email about the flu update and would like to make a suggestion about the computer areas in the library to promote the health of computer users. I have realized that mouse and keyboard are areas especially susceptible to the cultivation of germs and harmful bacteria. I know I don't remember to wash my hands every time after using a public computer, and neither do a lot of other people. What if some form of hand sanitizer was available around these areas, like clipped to the side of a cubicle? If not actual hand sanitizer (I realize it would cost money to keep refilling), then posters in the cubicles would be nice. I think it would be a better reminder for people and it might help cut the spread of germs that cause the cold or the flu.

Our Response: Thank you for your comments. Hand sanitizer is already available in the area around the reference computers and we'll have wipes there as well. We'll also be getting some posters from the campus regarding good hygiene which we'll put up in a few areas of the library.

Chris Cox
Dean of Libraries

H1N1 Flu Information

Suggestion: I was just sitting in the current periodicals section of the library reading a current edition of one of our many periodicals, when I overheard a conversation between three people (presumable library staff and a consultant) about possible renovations/changes that the library is considering. I did not want to interrupt the conversation, but I would like to comment on what I heard.
While I agree that the current periodical section is not a hip hangout, I am leery of what one of the gentlemen suggested as a "bookstore" feel with a news ticker/screen. We have a multitude of areas both on campus and very nearby that have this same feel (from coffee shops to bookstores). That is not what a library is about. I love going into that area to read the current periodicals. They cannot be taken out of the library, but if a news ticker is running or people feel that it's fine to talk loudly, that quiet reading space is gone. People will then have to take the periodicals elsewhere in the library. Why not just have a space for reading periodicals in peace?
I don't know what else the library has planned, but I hope the library staff is considering student opinion as they make changes. What the staff believes students want may not reflect students' actual wants and needs. Thanks for taking the time to read my comment and for working to improve the Western library.

Our Response: The following is a response from Chris Cox, Dean of Libraries.

Thanks so much for your comment concerning the periodicals reading room. The library is always interested in student feedback. In fact, the ideas we were batting around were the result from comments on the “14 Days to Have Your Say” blog last year, where students asked for more leisure reading and informal spaces. We also just recently asked an Anthropology class to conduct focus groups where they offered their ideas about future renovations of library space. The ideas that were pitched are just one way to go, and truthfully there is no way we’ll ever satisfy all students in any of the decisions we make concerning library space. However, our ultimate goal is to offer a variety of study spaces so students like you can find that quiet space to curl up with a periodical as well as a more interactive, collaborative space when you need it to compete a group project.

Chris Cox
Dean of Libraries
Western Washington University

Suggestion: I don't understand why we're printing paper receipts with every last library transaction. This is an extravagant waste of paper and plastic (for the spindles.) With immediate, unlimited digital access to library records, we need to learn to end our reliance on paper reminders. The UW library system, at least in my experience, does not print receipts for book checkouts, so it must be logistically feasible. I also know that there is nothing about the library software which requires printing.

Perhaps we could start by not printing receipts for laptop checkouts. If an individual checks out a laptop, then they necessarily are able to use the internet to find out when their laptop is due.

My suggestion is that we stop printing receipts for laptops entirely, and gradually start making paper receipts available only on request.

Our Response: Thanks for these helpful suggestions. I checked with the Head of Circulation and she informed me that we spend very little money annually for receipt tape for all desks. She also added that the receipt policy allows us to ensure all patrons receive notification of when their materials are due.

Suggestion: Why is it that people who walk upright and are able to read books can't fathom the principle that libraries exist for certain purposes: they provide resource materials either for in-library use, or for checkout; they provide computers for writing or research; and not least, they provide a quiet and comfortable environment for study or reading. What some bipeds have great difficulty understanding is that, in considering the library a most suitable place for, say, screaming, or playing volleyball or football, they ruin the library for its intended purpose. Perhaps this is the mainstream culture, i.e., the general idea that one can do all kinds of things, and the devil with anyone else's rights or comfort. The wonder is that these people don't go the whole hog and evacuate their bowels in the main lobby. God knows they do just about anything else!

Our Response: Well I agree with you in your hopes that our library users don't go "whole hog" and start using the main lobby as a restroom! As I read your post, I can't help but think of some of the other ways students use the library. For example, we encourage group study and collaboration through shared computer stations, laptop checkout, and group study rooms. We are trying to promote quiet zones in some parts of the library because we recognize that there are other areas that aren't really very quiet. The main floor of the library is one such area: the skybridge is very popular for group-work; there is a great deal of computer and printer noise; there is non-stop traffic; and there is a great deal of reference and circulation activity. In short, it is a very busy place!

The library is committed to involving students in the decisions we make pertaining to library space. Some of the ways we do this include focus groups, interactive blogs, and class projects. To quote Chris Cox, Dean of Libraries, "our ultimate goal is to offer a variety of study spaces so students can find that quiet space to curl up with a periodical as well as a more interactive, collaborative space when needed to complete a group project."

Suggestion: I really appreciate the concept behind having to check out a key for the group study rooms. But EVERY group room being locked up seems a little unnecessary as well as a waste of space. It makes sense to have a floor or two always available for groups (especially those that reserve them) but every floor?! And the fact that you have to have all of your group members there (or at least two) to even get a room seems a little harsh. There is a serious lack of good study space on campus and the library is where most people go. The skybridge is also great for groups but sometimes a little more privacy is needed. I think these recently adopted group room rules are too strict and it ends up being a big hassle to even get one. Again, I agree with having some of the rooms key check-out required but not all of them. Also, maybe there can be some way to check out a key even if your group hasn't showed up yet & then one of the joining group members can verify that it's actually a group when they arrive. Thank you for understanding, I know everyone is just trying to find a good place to study but the new method is slightly nonsensical.

Our Response: Thank you for your comments. This new program is in response to a challenging situation where individuals were using the group study rooms while actual groups were going elsewhere (sometimes to quiet areas) instead of asking the single user to move. This occurred frequently when the rooms were kept unlocked all the time.

We are still working out the bugs and will definitely keep your comments in mind, but so far the program has proven successful since the rooms are now being used for their intended purpose. Related to key checkout policies, again we feel it is necessary to require at least two group members to avoid the issues with students using the group areas for individual study.