Suggestion Box Responses
Responses to questions submitted online include the original question; responses without an accompanying question are in response to questions submitted in a paper format.
From a student, April 23, 2008:
It would be very helpful for the school to have a subscription to "Science Direct" (www.sciencedirect.com). It is a very useful source that can't be used to it's full potential without a subscription.
Response:
Thank you for using our online suggestion box to inform us of your concern with Science Direct.
The UNC Libraries have subscribed to Science Direct since the beginning of 2005. It can be accessed from our database page at
library.unco.edu/articlefinder.htm under S for Science Direct or from appropriate subject links. Individual journal titles in Science Direct can be found using the “Periodical Title” search option on The Source webpage at source.unco.edu. Full text in Science Direct is also accessible via links from citations in other UNC databases.I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, February 27, 2008:
Get more sci-fi/fantasy novels by people like Dave Duncan, L.E. Modesitt Jr., Melanie Rawn, and other authors like them. It would allow those of us that enjoy reading just for fun to have a wider selection without having to go to the book store and buy these books.
Response:
Thank you for using our online suggestion box to let us know that you would like to have access to more science fiction/fantasy novels.
While we do not purchase much popular fiction for the general collection, we do circulate such titles from the Current Reading Area on the first floor of Michener Library. Based on your request, we will provide more science fiction/fantasy titles in that area. Thanks again, and please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, January 30, 2008:
With the cold season in full swing and the high use of computers in Michener and other labs across campus the likelihood of passing on some type of cold is highly likely. It would be great if bottles of Purell, or any hand sanitizer, were placed in the labs or near the computers. I believe this would be a low cost and very effective way to help prevent the spread of sickness during the flu season. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=61237
Response:
Thank you for using our suggestion box to let us know of your recommendation that “bottles of Purell, or any hand sanitizer, [be] placed in the labs near the computers” for health reasons.
I asked several other students about this and their response was that “the bottles will be stolen and this needs to be an individual student responsibility.” I agree with them, and we will consequently not be providing this service. Thanks again for your recommendation.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
Response to faculty member, November 1, 2007:
Thank you for using our suggestion box to inform us of your concern with the Libraries’ policy on faculty having to present their UNC identification card every time materials are to be accessed and/or checked out. After discussing this with the Head of Access Services, we will be more lenient in the future. Staff and student assistants will be informed of this. Exceptions, however, may not be made in every case.
Because we need to have safeguards in place for certain situations, we cannot change the overall policy. Thank you, and please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, October 20, 2007:
Why are the library fines for videos so high? A $2.00 fine for 1 day late seems excessive, especially since the video can only be checked out for 3 days. The Greeley Public Library has a better system. They allow a video to be checked out for 1 week unless it's a popular video and then it has a 3 day limit. The fine for late return is TEN CENTS!!! per day!! If the public library has problems with someone not returning items, they don't allow that person to check out further items until their fine is below $5.00. I am going to stick with the public library for my book and video rentals from now on. It is much more user friendly. My parents are former UNC students and they agree that the Michener Library procedure is not as fair as the public library. Thank you for your consideration.
Response:
Thank you very much for using our online suggestion box to inform us of your concern with fines assessed to videos. The discrepancy among the UNC and the Weld Library District is based on use, cost, and funding source. Academic and public libraries are very dissimilar in most policies and practices.
In comparing UNC with other academic libraries in Colorado in terms of fines for videos, Colorado College charges $3.00 per day, the University of Denver $2.50 per day, and the University of Denver Law Library $2.50 per hour. The Auraria Library (serving the University of Colorado at Denver, Metropolitan State University, and the Community College of Denver) does not circulate videos at all. In order to facilitate use of our video collection, we recently reduced the daily fine from a higher amount to the current $2.00 rate.
While this explanation will not alleviate your frustration, I hope there is some solace in the fact that we charge less than other academic libraries in Colorado. Thank you, and please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
Response to students, October 24, 2007:
Thank you for using our suggestion box to inform us of your concern with the noise level on the third floor of the Michener Library. While we do have a number of signs on the third floor landing and located throughout that floor, we are looking at the possibility of adding more. The current signs stipulate that the third floor is a “quiet zone” and that cell phones are not to be used.
You are also correct that library staff do not monitor the third floor noise level. We have found this to be completely ineffective in that as soon as staff leave, students start talking again. We simply do not have enough staff to permanently locate someone on that floor. What has been most effective is students telling other students to be quiet.
I also suggest that you consider using the Government Publications area on the lower level. That space has been renovated and provides quiet study space at virtually all times Michener is open.
If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Again, thank you for informing us of your concern.
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, September 20, 2007:
You should put the library hours on the main page. I shouldn't have to search the entire site to find them.
Response:
Thank you for using our online suggestion box to inform us of your concern with access to library hours on the UNC Libraries website.
Michener Library and Skinner Music Library hours are linked directly from the library home page. Under the column labeled "About the Libraries," there's an entry for "Visitor Information, Hours". We will keep your comment in mind as we make updates to the site.
Thank you again for your suggestion.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
Response to students, July 18, 2007:
Thank you very much for using our suggestion box to inform us that you would like Michener Library to purchase additional classic films for the DVD collection on the second floor. Mr. Gregory Heald (gregory.heald@unco.edu), whose office is on the first floor of Michener Library, is the individual responsible for that collection. Please feel free to contact him via email or in person to discuss any specific titles you have in mind. We are here to serve your needs and those of other students.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, May 4, 2007:
I think that during finals week the library should be open 24 hours, as they are at many other universities. The library closes at 9:00 PM the weekend before finals week, but this still is not enough! Please consider more reasonable hours of operation during finals week and the weekend prior to it. Thank you.
Response:
Thank you very much for using our suggestion box to inform us of your concern that the Michener Library is not open enough hours during the final two weeks of the semester.
Michener Library is open until 9:00 pm on Friday and Sat of the two weekends before finals. In previous years we have been open till 2:00 am both on weekends and during the week, but the building was virtually empty after 9:00. We do not have the financial resources to be open when the building is not being used. We will, however, investigate the possibility of extending hours in the future.
Thanks again for informing us of your concern.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, March 18, 2007:
Suggestion: More signs on the third floor indicating that it is the quiet study floor and to turn off cell phones.
Response:
Thank you for using our online suggestion box to inform us of your concern that more signs are needed on the third floor of Michener Library to inform patrons of quiet study space and to turn off cell phones. We are in the process of obtaining additional signage for tables in the alcoves and open areas.
It will take a few weeks to get the materials from the vendor, but you should see the signs at that time. Thanks again.
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
Response to suggestion, March 11, 2007:
Thank you for using our suggestion box to inform us that you believe that "circulation attendants should be able to rock out to music on duty!"
Everyone who works at a service desk must be able to respond efficiently and effectively to the needs of patrons needing assistance. The use of headphones or ear buds limits the ability to be attentive to patron needs. We consequently cannot change current policy. Thank you again for your suggestion.
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
Response to suggestion, February 27, 2007:
Thank you for using our suggestion box to inform us of your concern with cell phone use in Michener Library. We understand and appreciate your concern with noise in the building, and, in response, provide the following:
1) The alcoves and other spaces on the third floor have been designated as quiet study areas. Signage has been posted to that effect.
2) The government publications area on the lower level is also good for quiet study.
3) Cell phone use is limited to the first floor, and signage has been posted to that effect.Unfortunately, we do not have enough staff to consistently patrol the building to make sure these policies are followed. Please let me know if you would like to discuss your concern further.
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a staff member, February 22, 2007:
There is one large cement block (maybe more) in the front of the library that is deteriorating badly. It would be easy for someone to trip on it (them). If the library or Buildings and Grounds cannot get a new one, what about replacing it with one from an inconspicuous place elsewhere on the patio.
Response:
Thank you for using our online suggestion box to inform us of your concern.
We have been working for a long time with Facilities Management on this issue. In response to our requests, Facilities has replaced some of the plaza blocks. Another request was made recently. While this must be done on their timeline and through their budget, Facilities has been quite cooperative. They do hope to replace more blocks soon.
Gary M. Pitkin
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, October 18, 2006:
I would like to see more books on the ancient near east, such as Babylon, Sumer, Akkad, etc. This would be very helpful because of personal interest and also for research for art history projects. Thanks!
Response:
Thank you very much for using our online suggestion box to inform us that you "would like to see more books on the ancient near east, such as Babylon, Sumer, Akkad, etc. This would be very helpful because of personal interest and also for research for art history projects."
I have informed the individual responsible for collection development of your request, and she will work with the appropriate subject librarians to determine collections enhancements. Thanks again.
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, October 10, 2006:
I would like to see the music library open longer on Saturdays. I have certain religious beliefs and practices that limit my activities on Sunday, and my research endeavors are hampered by the music library's limited 1-5pm hours of operation on Saturday. Is there any way the music library's hours could be parallel to Michener's hours on Saturday?
Thank you.
Response:
Thank you for using our online suggestion box to recommend that the Skinner Music Library extend Saturday hours. Experience has shown that earlier Saturday hours receive virtually no use. At the time we limited Saturday hours in the Music Library, we extended them on Fridays and began opening earlier Monday through Friday. These changes were and are very well received. To open earlier on Saturday would require additional staff, and we simply do not have the financial resources to do so.
The Music Library will soon begin circulating journals, which will hopefully alleviate some of your access concerns. Please let me know if you would like to discuss this issue further.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, September 30, 2006:
I would like to request that the library staff strive to open on time. I waited for almost an hour today (Saturday 9/30) for someone to show up, but no one did, so I left. As a graduate student, I am paying to utilize the libray's services, and I feel that it is imperative the the library be open for the hours posted. If no staff is available, the hours should be changed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Response:
Thank you for using our online suggestion box to inform us of your concern that "the library staff strive to open on time." I apologize for the inconvenience you and others experienced Saturday, September 30, when the Michener Library did not open at 10:00 a.m., the prescribed time for that to happen. The person assigned to that task misread the schedule and was, consequently, quite late.
The situation has been addressed and, I assure you, will not happen again. I am more than happy to discuss this further with you. Again, thank you for letting us know of your experience.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Pitkin
Dean of University Libraries
From a student, September 20, 2006:
To whom this may concern,
I appreciate the atmosphere of the library. The only suggestion that I can make at this time regards the loose tiles of the patio outside of Michner Library. It would be nice if the loose tiles could be affixed to the ground. Thank you for your time, have a pleasant day.
Reponse:
Thank you very much for using our online suggestion box to notify us of your concern with "the loose tiles of the patio outside of Michener Library." We are very concerned with the instability of many of those tiles. Unfortunately, they cannot "be affixed to the ground" because they are over Lindou Auditorium. Permanent adherence would limit access to the auditorium ceiling when and if repairs are needed.
The tiles sit on risers, many of which over the past 35 years have deteriorated. Also, as you are aware, some tiles are chipped and do constitute a hazard. The University has ordered some replacement tiles, which should be installed soon. Some risers will also be repaired. Even with these replacements repairs, there will always be a degree of "wobble" to some of the tiles because of how they are installed.
Thanks again for your suggestion. If you would like to discuss your concern further, or have other issues for discussion, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number and email listed below.
Gary M. Pitkin, Ed.D.
Dean of University Libraries
Voice: (970) 351-2601
Fax: (970) 351-2963
e-mail: gary.pitkin@unco.edu