December 2005 Archives

As the number of laptop users has signficantly increased over the years, the library needs to adapt accordingly. I believe there is a serious paucity of available electrical outlets on the 3rd and 4th floors. In order to accomodate our technological society, the library should adapt accordingly. Most important would be the increase in electrical outlets, but if possible I would like to see available ethernet ports (similar to first floor tables).
Thanks and hope to see some changes soon.

Jimmy Ghaphery, Head of Library information Systems, replies...

Dear Mystery Undergraduate Poster,

Your observations on the differences between Cabell Library 1st floor and the rest of the building are both astute and welcome. The 1st floor of Cabell Library was renovated during the 2001-2002 school year. You may enjoy the photo gallery on our old renovation page for a look at that project.

Despite the renovations, the lack of electrical and network outlets throughout the building is part of a larger challenge with the Cabell Library facility. More on that challenge can be found in this blog response

Of the two issues you raise, electrical expansion is the hardest as we are running at full capacity and an electrical infrastructure upgrade would be very costly. Thanks to Student Technology Fees, we do plan to add more network ports in the 2nd floor group study area and in the 3rd floor group study rooms this spring. We also intend to invest in upgrades to the wireless capabilities in Cabell. In addition to the tables on the 1st floor, there are also electrical outlets and network ports in the coffee bar and in the 1st floor group study rooms.

Keep those batteries charged in the meantime!

Best,

Jimmy Ghaphery

I am on the 4th floor trying to study. People have been up here talking
all night (talking on cellphones, talking at the computers) The signs
say "Quiet Please!" but the noise level reflects the commons.
Does anyone enforce the rules?

Walter Sampson, Assistant Librarian for Policy Development, replies..

I am sorry your studies were interrupted on the 4th floor, Cabell Library by disruptive patrons. First, if in the future, if you should have a similar incident immediately report the problem to the security staff located by the main entrance on the first floor. And, report it to Library staff at the circulation desk also located on the 1st floor.

VCU Libraries contracts for security personnel from the VCU Police. Security staff duties include enforcing Use of Library Building regulations and Quiet Guidelines, which you can read on our web site.

Again, it is unfortunate your studies were disrupted. Let me know if I can provide you additional information about VCU Libraries procedures that intend to promote an environment for students to conduct research and study.

What happened to the snack machine at TML?
From: anon

Jean Shipman, director of Tompkins-McCaw Library replies...
Thanks for inquiring about the Tompkins-McCaw Library (TML) snack machine's removal. This snack machine, according to Aramark, who operates vending machines on campus, was not generating enough revenue to remain in TML. We are talking with them about other options and hope to have a resolution soon.

The library's only copy of The W Effect: Bush's War on Women is listed as "Lost".
Any way that title could be added on 'books to buy' list?
From: Jessica

Karen Cary, head of Collection Management, replies...

Thank you for letting us know that The W Effect: Bush's War on Women is lost. A replacement copy has been ordered; the title should be available early in the spring semester. Keep checking the library's catalog and when you see that the order has been submitted, you will also be able to place a hold on this title so that you will be notified once it has arrived into the collection.

If you have additional questions, please contact me at 828-1112, or by email at kfcary@vcu.edu.