Keeping the dustjackets on our books

This isn't really a hassle, more of a disappointment. Have we ever discussed keeping the dustjackets on our hardcover books and covering them with the clear plastic, like the bestsellers do? It sounds like a more labor-intensive process, but the dust jackets add so much to the book's appearance. I think it would make our shelves a lot more appealing? What does everyone else think?
Yvonne

Study rooms in all locations

Issues on Saturdays with lack of keys… If I lock the doors in the 24-hr area, I then have to leave the desk to unlock it, but the desk is within sight almost the whole time… If the others need un/locking, I’m away for much longer and could be inconveniencing another patron who doesn’t care that I’m helping someone else, I’m not where they need me…

I have an idea that could reduce the amount of time that the Circ Desk is abandoned and prevent squatting (and thus, potential fights when the rooms are all in use)… We should see about removing the locks from the doors and make the rooms completely open… It will prevent groups from locking their stuff in, but it will accomplish the goal of keeping the rooms available for those who actually need them and are ready to use them… Of course, the most obvious solution would be to check out keys- but that’s just crazy talk! snk

Extracted from the Librarians Meeting 02-05-2007

Here is an update on each issue raised since 10/19/06

Fax machine: A fax machine in Circ. would require a new phone line at added expense. Jonathan asked Dorothy to follow up with TR about where the discussion that have been taking place in Circ. is. Do we need a fax machine at Circ and in the Ref office, can we just have one at Circ?

E-Reserves: Persistent URLs could be used for E-Reserves, but this will be pursued after EZproxy is started and stable. We should plan on investigating this and, if we implement, do it for Fall term (or before.)

Rock, paper, Scissors: Every public printer in the building will be have a stapler, scotch tape, staple remover, hole punch and scissors placed next to it. This includes the printers in the computer labs. Janet will be asked to start and maintain this project and to keep track of costs.

Microfilm readers etc.: The cost of repairing or replacing the reader/printer on the first floor is still being researched by Dorothy. The stand-alone workstations on the third and fourth floors continue to shut down “on their own”. Bill has worked with IT to resolve this and has been unsuccessful. When these are replaced he will attempt to make sure this problem is resolved.

Study Rooms: This has been superseded. We are trying a "first comes, first served" model of study room use. It seems to be working so far, but exam time will be the test.

Bathroooms: We did not discuss this.

More Signage: More signage is needed especially on the quiet study floors. The suggestion was made to have call number signage in the elevators so users know which floor they need to find books. Also many students don’t know we have a fourth floor. When they see the closed doors they assume it is an attic or offices. More discussion is needed as to how to make the entrances to this floor more welcoming. Jonathan plans to move on this during Spring term.

Patron IDs: See Dorothy's comment, it is not "necessary to have a copy of the driver's license....just looking at it to make sure the person was who they said they were [is] fine. "

No Hassles (off campus access): We are very close to implementing E-Zproxy and expect to start testing later this week or next week if necessary.

Phone Transfers: We decided not to pursue this. FYI, there is a new phone at the Ref Desk which shows the callers number.

I was asked to re-post this.

RE: First floor microfilm reader / printer
90% of the time the film does not load as it should; it gets "hung up" on the right side take-up reel. Sometimes staff can jam our fingers into that area but usually we can't get it to load. We've been told that the machine is no longer covered by a service contract and that it is expensive to have a tech come out.
Also, anytime you want to print, you first need to go upstairs to the Circ Desk to get the by-pass key. If I were a student I would consider this a hassle. Can we revisit these two issues? Why have the machine if it doesn't work? Pat G.