Feedback Forum
Responses to previous Suggestions & Questions submitted by library users
| Suggestion: Why can't the computers in the library have open office. I can't afford Microsoft word and use open office at home because it's free. But Word won't read open office so I can't do work in the library with text documents. Response: Thank you for your suggestion. OpenOffice and other open-source software like Google Docs are useful tools for many individuals. In the future, open-source software may become more widely used in academic institutions and business settings. However, the current and most widely accepted standard (especially in the business world) remains Microsoft's Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) National and local businesses often look to fill positions with individuals who have experience with the specific programs used in the field and proficiency with Microsoft Office products remains in high demand. As such, Genesee supports Microsoft Office products on campus workstations. Also, the college bookstore offers students versions of Microsoft Office at special discounted rates. However, you can work on text documents in the library that you began at home using OpenOffice without purchasing Microsoft Word. You can do this by saving your work to a program called Notepad that comes pre-loaded on all Windows PCs. To open a Notepad file, click on Start, then click on All Programs, then click on Accessories, then select Notepad. From your home computer, highlight all of the text in the OpenOffice document you are working on copy it into a Notepad file using Copy and Paste. Then save the Notepad file to a disk or thumb drive. You will then be able to open the Notepad document from the library PCs. Then simply Copy and Paste the contents of the Notepad (.txt) file into a Microsoft Word file. You will lose some formatting (font type, size, margins, etc.) but this process will allow you to complete work here that you started on your home PC. If you need any assistance with the process described above, please contact the Information Desk and we will be happy to help. -Andrew M. Kloc, Systems & Electronic Services Librarian |
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| Suggestion: Keep the library classroom a bit colder when there is a class in there; it's the perfect temperature to fall asleep in and it makes it difficult to stay awake. I'm not asking to pump the a/c, but at least keep it colder in there if the door is going to be shut. Response: We know that the classroom temperature can vary widely during certain times of the year. We've adjusted the airflow and A/C system several times, and we do monitor it. We have several fans in place, so feel free to ask the librarian to turn on one or more of them if you are getting uncomfortably warm. Also, although it seems counterintuitive, keeping the door SHUT actually IMPROVES the airflow in the room. (Really! I didn't believe it either, but we tested it, and it's a fact.) Thanks for the input - we'll keep working on it. -Nina Warren, Director of Library Services
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| Suggestion: There should be more writing contests & art contests. Response: Thank you very much for your suggestion! The library hosts many art exhibits that feature the work of GCC students, but they are not juried shows or contests. We are very reluctant to become art judges. Each year the Library runs a student poetry contest and the essay contest for the A Tale for Three Counties reading program. Both of these are Spring events and we're interested in something for the Fall semester. Do you happen to have anything in mind? We would gladly consider a suggestion. However, with our small staff and limited time available to conduct library programs, we are only considering one additional contest at this time. If you are serious about a considerable increase in the number of contests, perhaps we could help you find other offices or departments that would sponsor new activities. We would be pleased to work with you in this endeavor. -Anita Whitehead, Reference Services Librarian |
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| Suggestion: You should really consider sanitizing the computer workstations (especially the keyboards) throughout the entire day. With the flu and cold season under way there are MANY germs on this area. The keyboards are always greasy and so disturbing! Response: Thank you for your suggestion! GCC puts a high priority on the health and wellness of the entire Genesee community, and the library is no exception. Your suggestion to sanitize the computer workstations throughout the day raises several important points. First, please be aware that there is no easy way to sanitize a PC. Disinfectant sprays cannot be used as the direct moisture can do serious damage to PC components. In fact, the only way to effectively clean a PC is to wipe every component (mouse, keyboard, monitor) down with a soap-and-water moist microfiber cloth. While we do strive to clean all our PCs before each semester and several times during the course of each semester, this is not a task that could practically be performed on a daily basis because all of the computers are in constant, heavy use. As such, we recommend all public computer users take precautions to prevent the spread of germs. First and foremost, take special care to wash your hands before and after using any public computer workstation. At the very least, carry and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of infection. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), handwashing is the “single most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs.” Also, do not eat or drink while using any public computer workstations (library rules also prohibit this.) Physicians currently believe many germs also enter the body from eating or drinking in unsanitary conditions. We share your concerns regarding the health of all library users and staff, and appreciate your comments. We believe following these guidelines can help reduce your exposure to harmful germs and bacteria. We will also conduct a full cleaning of all library computer workstations over the next several weeks. -Andrew M. Kloc, Systems & Electronic Services Librarian |
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| Suggestion: There are signs all over saying no using cell phones in the library. I think the best way to enforce this is to have some one walk around once in a while because every time I come to the library someone is talking on their cell phone, sometimes even using foul language. There has to be a better way to control this, especially since students are just not considerate of other people. Response: Enforcing the cell phone ban is one of the hardest things reference librarians have to do. We want to be friendly and approachable so that students ask for our help. Instead we end up policing people talking on cell phones. Requests to stop using a cell are often met with disbelief or hostility. Or the user comes up with some ingenious excuse like "It's a job interview" or "It's my mother calling me." We hoped that numerous signs would decrease the use of cell phones. Looks like we need to be more proactive. Feel free to let the reference desk know when you notice cell phone abuse in the library. If you feel uncomfortable coming to the desk, just open a Chat with us and mention the problem and your location. Thanks for taking the time to report this issue. We will try harder! -Anita Whitehead, Reference Services Librarian |
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| Suggestion: Could the library please ban the use of ipod's and mp3 players? I have came to the library to study for tests three times in the last three weeks only to have to move from my spots because students are playing their personal music players way too loud. Thank you. Response: Thank you very much for your suggestion. For many students, the ideal study location is calm and silent, whereas for others, having background music is their idea of the perfect arrangement. iPods and MP3 players should not be a problem when they are used considerately. We strive to create an atmosphere in the library that encourages respect - respect of yourself, each other and this place. This means keeping all noise levels down and the librarians do walk through the library routinely when we feel that general sound levels are getting too high. There are sections within the library that are more quiet than others, such as the study rooms (though groups do have priority use of these rooms), the media room - if no one is using it to watch a video/DVD - and the carrels along the walls of the Circulating book collection. If you find yourself near students who are being too loud, either through talking or with an iPod/MP3 player, please let the librarian(s) on duty know so that we can ask the offending students to lower their sound level. It can be hard to tell what is too loud from where they sit at the Information Desk. We hope you will continue to use the library and help us to create a pleasant experience for everyone. -Nicki Lerczak, Head of Reference & Instruction |
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| Suggestion: Can you please stay open later? Maybe by ½ an hour or even let the printers stay on a bit later. Response Update: We do offer extended hours (until 11:00PM) the week before final exams each semester, but we currently don’t have the level of demand or resources to enable a regular later closing time. However, requests from students for earlier hours were great enough and we were able to respond with existing staff, so we are now open at 7:30 a.m. Monday - Friday during semesters. Over many semesters we have learned that printers must be turned off at least 15 minutes before closing to provide the best experience for all library users. This enables the students to finish any remaining computer work after printing and to pack up, without the stress of having to beat the clock. An agreeable end to a productive day! -Your library staff |
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| Suggestion: As long as certain History professors at Genesee require us to use Chicago Based Citation Format, is there any way you can get some links and materials for this? I went online but keep finding as many different versions of Chicago as there are squirrels in this town. It would be really helpful, please and thank you. Response Update: Of course, please stop at the Information Desk in the library for assistance. Thanks for your input -- -Nina Warren, Librarian - Systems & Electronic Resources |
Suggestion: Can you put dividers between the computers? I hate it when I know someone is reading what I'm writing. Response: For right now, though, you may want to use one of the 4 study rooms, the computer in the legal area (when Paralegal students are not using it,) or aim for an end seat and angle your monitor to the side. -Your library staff |
| Suggestion: It would be helpful for the librarians to 'round' the computer stations and enforce the noise compliance. As I sit here today; I am subjected to conversations that included personal information, as well as insults about instructors from 2 tables over. The guy sitting next to me is using his cell phone. I advocate for myself; but am met with resistance. Thanks for letting me vent!! Response: We hear you. Noise in the library is our number one complaint. And while you can understand the need for students to talk quietly while collaborating on a course assignment, it is quite another thing to have to listen to rude behavior, which is what you are describing. The reference librarians are well aware of this problem and I know they do their best to maintain order and do the “rounds” you refer to. If you do not see this happening, please feel free to approach the librarian on duty and request s/he talk with the offenders. We also have the option of calling a public safety officer if we need further assistance. Your comment has been forwarded to Nicki Lerczak, our head of reference, so she can share this with the reference staff. Thank you for taking the time to contact us about your concern. -Judy Sikora, Library Director |
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| Suggestion: Place holes in sides of study carrels or mounts in order to put laptop lock cables on. Response: Of course, no means of securing a portable device can prevent all theft or vandalism. We continue to urge all patrons to exercise caution and to keep an eye on all the materials and devices you bring into the library. -Nina Warren, Librarian - Systems & Electronic Resources Update: Security base plates have been installed in 10 study carrels along the West wall of the library. |
Suggestion: Power strips for computers at desks. That would be great! Response:
We're considering how to best provide appropriate power outlets at the center oak reading tables. We know they are a nice place to work! As a related reminder, laptop users are advised to utilize surge control devices appropriate for their equipment when plugging in to any college outlet. -Nina Warren, Librarian - Systems & Electronic Resources |
| Suggestion: Please buy Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. There is too much testosterone amongst college students for this not to be in your collection. Response: [This suggestion was signed by the student who submitted it, and he was notified when the book was ordered.] -Cindy Francis, Collection Development Librarian Update: Fight Club has arrived, and is part of our circulating collection. |
Suggestion: Response: Our periodical collection attempts to support the variety of courses that are taught here at Genesee. We used to subscribe to Literature Film Quarterly and Film Quarterly, but we decided not to renew them back in 2002 due to a lack of use. We still subscribe to Film Comment. As a reminder, if you look at a magazine or journal from the library’s periodical lounge, I urge you not to reshelve it yourself, but rather to place it in one of the racks for us to reshelve it. We use these important reshelving/use statistics when renewing periodical subscriptions. Thanks! -Nicki Lerczak, Head of Reference & Instruction Services |
| Comment: I truly enjoyed the book signing and discussions of A Northern Light. It was a wonderful experience. Response: -Tracy Paradis, PT Reference Librarian, Tale for Three Counties Project
Team member |
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Suggestion: Response: -Your library staff |
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| Question: Question: Do you have books on Bruno Giordano? Response: To access the LRC, start from the library webpage:
Hope this helps your search for Bruno Giordano info. I checked books by him and most are out-of-print. We may be able to get them thru Interlibrary Loan. Please stop by at the information desk and the librarian can assist you. -Cindy Francis, Collection Development Librarian |
Suggestion: I am becoming annoyed at seeing students sprawled out on the couch w/jackets on top like it is a bed. I like the couch because of back problems. It’s more comfortable to read. I can understand someone sitting upright and falling asleep. But this is no accident. I am also annoyed when I watch the staff just walk by with that sort of “Aw, how cute” look. Is this going to stop? I need a comfortable place to study. Response: Might we also suggest the individual chairs which are extremely supportive and are very comfortable. They are placed throughout the library giving you an option of a more private retreat. As far as staff reactions to sleeping students let us just say this,
you can’t judge a book by its cover! -Your library staff |
Suggestion: Response: As of early December 2005, the Earth Club set up a recycle box for cans/bottles right outside the library’s entry/exit door. The monies earned through redeeming the nickel deposits (and lessening our institution’s waste stream) will support numerous Earth Club initiatives such as the upcoming Eco-movie series, revitalizing the College’s own Nature Trail, and developing a fun-filled Earth Day Eco-Fest in April with Cool Kids. Please deposit your (emptied) beverage containers into this box and other bin boxes located at various sites around the College and also in College Village’s recreation room. The Earth Club is responsible for emptying these receptacles and keeping them properly maintained. If you see something amiss, please contact Donna Rae (x 6616) or Mike Garrett (x 6844). Thank you! -Your library staff |
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Suggestion: Response: Computers with Word: We are currently re-evaluating installing Microsoft Office on the computers at table closest to the Information Desk, and we'll count you as a "Yes" vote. In the past, we have not had it there to provide library database and internet researchers a place where they could more readily get on a computer and do their work. (Patrons working on Office tend to stay longer, and so the turnover is slower at each workstation, meaning fewer students are served by each computer.) Also, please see our response to an earlier suggestion below re: more computers, and asking a librarian for assistance with finding an available computer. -Your library staff Update: Microsoft Office has been added to 9 additional computers at the table nearest the Info Desk. |
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| Suggestion: I think the privacy screens are a good idea. I think every computer in the library should have one. Response: -Nina Warren, Systems & Electronic Services Librarian |
Suggestion: It's really cold in the library. Response: -Judy Sikora, Library Director |
| Suggestion: Perhaps you could have more computers for research - often the only 2 dozen or so are all taken. It's a pain to go to a computer lab to do research and then walk to the library to find your book(s). Also, we can't utilize the wonderful library staff then. Response: Always ask at the Information Desk if you need to do research or writing, and can't find a free computer. Students needing to research or write have top priority at library computers, and the librarians will be happy to help you find a seat. But, we can't help if we don't know you're waiting. Please contact me with any other ideas you may have about improving computer access. -Nina Warren, Systems & Electronic Services Librarian |
Suggestion: Response: On a positive note, in response to requests such as yours, the library did extend its hours until 11:00 p.m. during exam period at the end of the spring 2005 semester. While attendance during these extended hours is less than during our daytime and early evening hours, this service meets a special need and we plan to continue extended hours during each exam time. -Judy Sikora, Library Director |
| Question: When did the library turn into a café? Today two women behind me have cookies and breakfast sandwich’s and coffee and are talking not so quietly. At another table nearby two people are talking as if it was normal to do so. I always thought libraries were places for quiet reading and study not food, drinks and conversations. Response: We recognize the needs of our students have changed, too. Multi-tasking is a given and studying and eating seems to be a winning combination. So in our efforts to accommodate our students we have relayed our food and drink restrictions to allow snack foods and covered drinks in the library. That being said, it is still a library for the purpose of quiet study. Although students collaborate in the library, it is expected to be done in a manner not disruptive to others. Should any discussion be lengthy or lively we have four study rooms available for that purpose. As for food and drinks, snacks are expected to be unobtrusive without a hint of aroma detected; for example, buttered popcorn - not allowed. Meals are unacceptable; if silverware is needed or copious amounts of napkins, it’s time to hit the cafeteria. All drinks are to be covered. All trash must be thrown away. Unfortunately we are unable to monitor the behavior of all our patrons but we do ask when you feel someone is in violation of the library’s policy to inform either the reference librarian or the clerks at the circulation desk. We will discreetly handle the infraction without infringing on your privacy. There are many places to go within the college to chat and eat but the library is the only refuge for quiet study. Your concerns are our concerns and we too want to maintain the peaceful environment of the library. -Your library staff |
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| Suggestion: Response: Although we love our large open space, the library has little usable wall or display space which has not already been claimed. If you have creative ideas, please stop by and share then with me. -Judy Sikora, Library Director |
Question: Response: -Cindy Francis, Collection Development Librarian |
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