Suggestion Box

Submitted 4-8-2008, 7:31 AM
Library: All
Topic: Online catalog - Request

Suggestion

I was trying to request a book that is checked out but there was no 'request' button. Why wasn't it there?

Response

Sometimes books in our collections are checked out in order to be lent to other libraries (via Interlibrary Loan). When that happens, the book is off site (potentially in another country) and is not able to be recalled by our local users. So the 'request' button isn't displayed, because the item isn't able to be requested at that time. If you ever have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to contact the circulation desk at any of our libraries. The Hayden Library circulation desk is available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week at 480-965-3605.

Submitted 4-3-2008, 9:15 PM
Library: All
Topic: Procedures

Suggestion

I get a lot of notices from ILL and holds, and I think that paperless statements would not only be better for the environment, but I'd probably get it a lot faster. Is ASU doing anything along these lines?

Response

We have great news: the libraries just recently moved to having paperless statements be our default, and will be sending notices to our users' ASU email accounts. To ensure that we have your correct email address, please log into your library account by going to the library web site at www.asu.edu/lib and choosing "My Library Account" from the accounts pull down menu. There will be an add/modify email button in the middle of the screen.

Submitted 3-7-2008, 10:25 AM
Library: Hayden
Topic: Customer Service

Suggestion

I am an undergraduate graduating this semester after four years. I would like to tell you how great the ADA staff are in helping me with all my computer problems. They have helped me with extremely important library work such as finding databases for my research, using interlibrary loan, recalling books online, helping me find libarary books, movies, magazines and much more. They have helped me with numerous items related to myasu and interactive services especially helping me fix my email problems. I have had tons of email experiences. They have helped me expand Myspace. They have helped with tons of problems I did not understand with Kurzweil 3000. They have helped me with printing difficulties on Blackboard and certain websites. Just yesterday I was browsing the internet and I opened a screen which had no way of exiting using the mouse, but she knew to hold alt + F4 to exit when nothing else would work. The staff here are alway nice, caring, and socialable. They put forth all their knowledge and experience from working in ADA and their knowledge and experiences outside their ADA work. They perform above and beyond their job titles. They have reached out for me. I am really happy to have worked with Jodie, Marcia, Chris and his brother Jon for the last two years. I really feel that they deserve something special.

Response

Thank you for taking the time to share with us your positive experience with our ADA staff. We think they're terrific too.

Submitted 2-18-2008, 10:45 AM
Library: Noble
Topic: Computers

Suggestion

the computers on the second floor by the conference rooms are way too restricted. Not only could i not get to wikipedia but i was also just denied to go to the "chat with the librarian" feature to get it cleared. sorry about the complaint but it is kind of ridiculous.

Response

The computers by the book shelves on the second and third floors of the Noble Library have indeed been restricted to access only to the library online catalog and research databases. This decision was made after many complaints from students and faculty about being unable to access those computers when they needed to quickly look up a call number of article citation to locate an item in the shelf area.

We recognize that this causes these computers to be severely limited in utility for work beyond the quick look up functionality. We do, however, offer ten additional computers on the second floor in the quiet study room, and over forty computers on the first floor of Noble that have full functionality, with no restrictions placed on them.

Submitted 2-01-2008, 3:41PM
Library: Hayden
Topic: Circulation

Suggestion

It would be great if the library would allow check outs of headphones for online classes. It is frustrating to know you have them but not be able to check them out.

Response

It's true that the library has a few headphones for students to use when watching videos placed on course reserve. Unfortunately at the current time we don't have enough to circulate for other purposes, but we're going to explore the possiblity of adding some for general use. Thanks for sending us the suggestion!

Submitted 1-31-2008, 6:47M
Library: All
Topic: Policies

Suggestion

Reduce the recall period. Two weeks is too long, especially for frequently-used books, and especially during the academic year. One week is more than sufficient--if a patron really thinks they need it for longer than that, they can use the copier.

Response

Thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback on our recall policy. We frequently evaluate policies such as this to ensure we are meeting the needs of our users. We hear both sides of this issue, with some people saying that two weeks is too long, but others thinks it's not quite long enough. Currently we have a significant number of users who have opted not to select their library notifications by email, and as a result we need to keep the two week timeframe to allow for delivery of printed notifications. We will continue to monitor the situation and may adjust this time period in the future.

Submitted 1-16-2008
Library: Music Library
Topic: Environment

Suggestion

The lighting in east side of the music library is very dim, it would be nice to have it briter, espeically the area around the tv's.

Response

Thank you for getting in touch with us about the lighting in the east section of the Music Library. At the present time the East Wing is being repainted and we have selected colors that should be more light reflective. In addition, we are investigating possible lighting solutions with the hope of resolving this problem in the future.

Submitted 1-14-2008
Library: Tempe campus libraries
Topic: Collection

Suggestion

Could we please get an additional book drop on campus, preferably located near a street so that students living off-campus could return books without having to park far away and then lug them all the way to Hayden? I find this consistently irritating as I have numerous heavy books that I struggle to carry with me throughout the day until I can finally make my way over to Hayden.

Library Response

Thank you for taking time to contact us. We do agree that a drive-up bookdrop would be helpful but since there isn’t one at this time, books that have been checked out at Hayden Library (or any ASU libraries) may be returned to any of the other libraries (Hayden, Science, Architecture, Music or Law) on the Tempe campus or the other ASU campus libraries (West, Downtown and Polytechnic). In fact the Downtown Phoenix campus has a drive up book return located outside the south entrance of the University Center building  on Polk Street that is available to return materials all day and all night.

On the Tempe campus, there are a couple of book drops that are closer to parking than Hayden. The Law Library (on the corner of McAlister and Orange) has an exterior book drop outside its front doors which can be used when the library is closed. When the library is open, they must be returned at the circulation desk. While there is no general parking immediately in front of the library, there is disabled parking in Lot 41 - northwest of the Law Library, and it is just across the street from the Rural Road parking structure, and is east of the metered parking by the bookstore.

The Architecture Library is located on the 1st floor of the north wing of the College of Architecture, by the intersection of University and Forest Mall. The bookdrop is on the wall just outside of the library doors on the 1st floor of the north wing of the College of Architecture. The building is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

Also, as always, our ADA Staff is glad to be of assistance to our students with disabilities. If help is needed in returning your books, please call (480) 965-0573 to arrange for assistance.

Submitted 1-14-2008 -1-15-2008
Library: Music
Topic: Collection

Suggestion/Comment

Several students have emailed their concerns regarding the LP collection in the Music Library:

I am DMA music student and I just wanted to tell you that I was suprised when I realized that SLP's in music library were removed.I personaly use them a lot in the library because I do not have gramophon at home. I do not check them out of library, however I really fell great loss by not having opportunituy to listen to the recordings whenever I need. Could you plase reconsider your decision upon this metter.

I have heard that the library was going to get rid of all LPs. I hope that this is not the case. There is a great deal of trombone literature that has only been recorded on LP - taking this away would take away an important resource.

Would you please keep the LP's in the music library. They are in good use. Most do not check them out however because we do not own record players. They are a valuable resource that can be listened to in the music library. Thank you very much

Thank you very much for your concerns about the Music Library’s LP collection. The library is not getting rid of its vinyl records, rather, a large number of them are being transferred to the ASU Libraries Remote Storage Facility to help free up much needed shelf space in the musical scores area. The records that have been removed have not been checked out in over five years. Very soon, the library will be shifting its collected editions, historical sets, and monuments of music (scores) to the shelves where the LPs once resided.

Please note that the LPs that have been placed in storage are still available for use. When searching the online catalog, all transferred LPs will have the location “STORAGE STACKS” indicated before the call number. To request an LP from storage, click on the “Place Request” button on the search results screen. At the present time, the amount of time to deliver a “Storage LP” to the Music Library will be 1-2 business days. We anticipate that this will take less time in the very near future. Over time the library will be purchasing CDs to duplicate its LP holdings. In addition to its CD holdings, the ASU libraries provide content to the standard classical repertoire via such sound databases as Naxos Music Library (over 285,000 tracks) and Classical Music Library (over 50,000 recordings). Please rest assured that the LPs are not being discarded - they are simply being relocated.

Submitted 11-27-2007, 8:24AM
Library: All
Topic: Promotional Materials

Suggestion/Comment

I just picked up the new bookmark at the reference desk. I did not know that Midnight was spelled mignight. You might want to check spellcheck.

Library Response

Thank you so much for alerting us to this error! Our faces are quite red! We are pulling the bookmarks with the spelling error and are printing corrected ones immediately.

Submitted 11-27-2007, 8:24AM
Library: All
Topic: Library Personnel

Suggestion Comment

At one of the libraries, a particular employee seems to always be there. Me and my friends always comment on it, and I think ASU is awful for taking advantage of him. Aren't there laws about how long someone can work?

Library Response

Thank you very much for expressing concerns about our dedicated library employees. Employees of the ASU Libraries typically work a 40 hour work week. We assure you that employees are neither required nor asked to work around the clock. We appreciate your concern.

Submitted 10-27-2007, 10:24AM
Library: All
Topic: Web Site

Suggestion/Comment

There should be an obvious link on the main page to a page of online dictionaries and encyclopedias in various languages.

Library Response

Thank you very much for your suggestion. We are continually trying to improve our site, so we appreciate your comments. Please keep in mind that due to the sheer number of resources we offer, we are not able to highlight each and every one. We will, however, continue to work toward increased personalization which will eventually create direct connections to the resources that matter most to you.

Submitted 11-4-2007, 12:43PM
Library: Hayden
Topic: Computing

Suggestion/Comment

During peak usage hours, say 11:00 to 3:00-ish it is nearly impossible to get on a computer to check the catalog. Would it be possible to have a 'catalog only' computer on each floor of the stacks?

Library Response

Thank you very much for your feedback about our computing availability. We will explore the options to see how we can streamline the process of call number look ups. In the meantime we do have three "Express Computers" available located adjacent to the Circulation/Check-Out desk that are configured to turn over more quickly than our regular computers.

Submitted 11-4-2007, 12:38PM
Library: Hayden
Topic: Facilities

Suggestion/Comment

Please fix the elevator call buttons on the third floor of hayden

Library Response

We know that the elevators in Hayden have had reliability problems this fall, and we regret any inconvenience they have caused our library users. The good news is that campus facilities is planning to overhaul the elevators in the spring semester, and one of the items to be addressed is ensuring the call buttons are lit when pressed so we know that the elevator has been called. We also look forward to increased reliability and response time when the overhaul is complete. We appreciate everyone's patience while we await these improvements.

Submitted 10-1-2007, 6:00PM
Library: Hayden
Topic: Customer Service

Suggestion/Comment

Well this would just be repeating myself time and over again,If the administration has no intention of adding the sun card readers to the vending machines,could they atleast bring the change machines back?

Library Response

We do understand the value of having Sun Card readers on the vending machines and apologize for the delay in getting them installed. They were requested last spring, but have not yet been installed. We have submitted two additional inquiries since the beginning of the semester asking about them, and are waiting a response from the Sun Card office. We are hopeful that they will be installed soon.

Submitted 9-13-2007, 1:22PM
Library: Hayden
Topic: Customer Service

Suggestion/Comment

I was visiting the periodicals area downstairs in Hayden library last Friday and I was shocked to find that I couldn't get anyone to help me at the counter. Why? The only individual working in that area was back in the office and looked like they may have been sleeping. Fortunately I was able to find what I needed without further assistance. However, I am completely stunned that a member of the library staff would be sleeping at their desk in plain view of a public counter leaving no one to help customers. I don't think I have to say that this gives a very unprofessional appearance.

Library Response

We are very sorry that you didn't receive the help you needed at the library. We have checked in with the supervisor of the area and she reported that she was in the area but engrossed in her work with her head down. We have set out a bell on the counter in the periodicals area for people to ring for help when the staff is away from the desk. We hope that will aid you and others to obtain the assistance you need.

Submitted 9-13-2007, 1:22PM
Library: Architecture
Topic: Customer Service

Suggestion/Comment

Would it be possible to have the guys at the Architecture library NOT do work while they're at the desk? It doesn't make me want to go and ask for help. I stood there for a good two minutes, waiting for staff person to do something before they grudgingly looked at me and said "Yes?" Please, be a little professional.

Library Response

We are truly very sorry that you did not receive good service at the AED Library -- and, that you had to wait to be recognized to ask your question.

Our number one rule is to provide service to our students and researchers in a prompt and friendly manner. And, again, please accept our apologies that you did not receive that level of service.

Unfortunately, we frequently have no choice but to bring work to the Circulation desk, given our staffing and work levels. However, we will remind everyone working at the desk to make certain that our students and researchers receive an absolute first priority over any work that we might bring to the Circulation desk.

We very much look forward to seeing you again in the AED Library.

Submitted 9-4-2007, 6:45PM
Library: All
Topic: Library Web Site

Suggestion/Comment

Add an ILL button/link to the homepage, so that we can quickly check on our requests and download received articles.

Library Response

Thank you for taking the time to send in this suggestion regarding the library web site. We've forwarded it to our web developers for their consideration. In the meantime, there is a shortcut to Interlibrary Loan. On the left hand side of the screen click on the little "plus sign / +" next to Services to expand that menu. You will then see an "Interlibrary Loan" quick link:

Submitted 8-10-2007, 9:13AM
Library: All
Topic: Online catalog

Suggestion/Comment

If not viewed from the very top of the page it is unclear if the location box is a header for the item below or a footer for the item above.

Libary Response

Thank you for your comment. We are currently working on the catalog display results screens. We are planning on adding book covers and additional graphic elements which will make this display easier to read. Please continue to check back to see our improvements.

Submitted 7-20-2007, 2:08PM
Library: All
Topic: Computers

Suggestion/Comment

I would like to suggest an upgrade to Internet explorer 7 on library computers.

Library Response

Thank you very much for your suggestion. We checked with our systems department about this, and unfortunately IE7 is not compatible with several of our core resources. As a result, we will not be upgrading at this time. But we will continue to evaluate new browsers and upgrade to them when we can.

Submitted 7-17-2007, 2:07PM
Library: Hayden
Topic: Environment

Suggestion/Comment

Cafe plays their music so loud everyone in the group study area can hear it. This is supposed to be a library not a disco! I spoke with a person working at the circulation desk and nothing happened. I and the other people studying pay thousands of dollars a year to attend ASU, and Hayden library, like any other library, should provide us with a quiet distraction free area to study in.

By the time you address this issue it will already be too late for me and the others who have had to suffer with the loud music but I implore you to take action to ensure this does not happen again!

Library Response

Thank you for letting us know about the volume of the music from the café. We do monitor the music level, and we work with the café staff to adjust it when necessary. We have passed this feedback on to the staff in the cafe and expect that they will moderate the volume of the music.

We would like to suggest that there are other study locations within Hayden Library that may be more suitable for quiet study. The Group Study Area, located on the entrance level of the Hayden Library is not a quiet zone. We offer many other quiet study spaces where you should be able to expect a much more tranquil studying atmosphere. These quiet study locations are found on the Lower Level, as well as Levels 1, 2 and 3. Look for the "Yellow" or "Red" traffic light signs for areas that are specifically zoned for "Quiet" or "Silent" study. (You can find them all on the Study Zone Map).

Submitted 7-2-2007, 6:36PM
Library: All
Topic: Copiers

Suggestion/Comment

The new policy that just took effect on Copy Cards today is very inefficent and downright annoying! I didn't have proper change to print my copies (until later). I think it's ridiculous that I was expected to spend a $1 flat ; even though I only needed and wanted to spend the 44 cents for my printouts.

Library Response

Thank you very much for your feedback. We understand that the transition to our new copy system will take some time to adjust to. The copiers in all of our libraries now only accept copy cards, and it is true that there is a $1 minimum deposit on the card. However, any remaining balance will be able to be used on a future visit to our libraries.