February 2009 Archives

I am a senior at VCU and I have noticed that the housekeeping needs a boost. I see the staff empy trash cans periodically throughout the day, but the library is extremely dusty and the ventillation system needs to be thoroughly cleaned..probably every few months. With the relatively warm climate here in Richmond and the thousands of people who pass through the library daily, I think more steps needs to be taken to keep the allergens down and the germs down. One of my main concerns regarding keeping the germs down is for staff to clean the keyboards and mouses on the computers more often! I hardly ever see anyone clean them, and I get tired of going coming to a computer just to be grossed out and having to either move or use my handsanitzer + napkin combo to clean them off before I can even use the computer. Another concern is the noise level, especially in the B-8 computer lab. If I'm not mistaken, there are signs in the room that ask patron's to be quiet and considerate of others, yet almost every time I have been down there, there are at least 3 to 5 people talking loudly on their cell phones or talking loudly to each other. That is very annoying and distracting. Even though JBCL needs some improvements, I applaud the library staff who do their job well to ensure that things run smoothly here at VCU.

From: an undergraduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development, replies...

Thank you for commenting on the physical conditions in Cabell Library, which have been passed on to managers in Facilities Management. VCU contracts with private firms to provide housekeeping services, and unfortunately due to budget reductions in previous years, the level of service and performance standard were cut back. For example, carpet cleaning is now done annually vs. bi-annually. Also, the contract company’s performance relative to the contracted service level is evaluated about six times per month by VCU Facilities inspectors. The company is penalized only if they score lower than 75 points (based on 100 points). We share your concern about housekeeping standards, but because of budget constraints, there is little that can be done other than ensuring that the housekeeping firm performs to the level of the contract.

Regarding the HVAC system, we have been assured by Facilities Management that filters are inspected daily and changed as needed. Again, due to budget constraints there is not regular cleaning of ductwork.

The VCU housekeeping contract does not provide for cleaning of keyboards or the work surfaces around the public computers. During inter-sessions library staff do clean all keyboards thoroughly. However, because of your and other students’ comments, we recently assigned one of our hourly workers the task of inspecting all Cabell Library keyboards daily and cleaning the ones that most need attention. We hope this will make a difference for you and your fellow students.

Lastly, we encourage students to alert library staff if you see overflowing trashcans, spills, or any other housekeeping situation that requires immediate attention. We will be glad to contact Housekeeping and report the problem. Thank you again for your comments and suggestions.

How wonderful it would be if VCU Libraries extended its audience to the world in regards to VCU's digital collections? As a graduate of VCU, 2006 and 2008, I intend to stay connected to VCU and its Libraries. One of my favorite parts of VCU Libraries is its digital collection of historic Richmond images. Recently, Oregon State University provided an example of its digital archives on Flickr (www.flickr.com). Flickr is a website with photo storage, sharing and organization, making photo management an easy, natural and collaborative process. Get comments, notes, and tags on your photos, post to any blog, share and more! (quote Flickr) Please consider adding VCU and Richmond, VA's rich history to Flickr to broaden your audience!

From: a Friend of the Library

Alex Lorch, Acting Head of Special Collections and Archives, replies...

Thank you for the comment regarding our digital collections archive and your suggestion to use Flickr to broaden our digital collections' audience.

Indeed, your comment is very timely. VCU Libraries has been working over the past two years to add a number of its fine collections to its digital library. Earlier this month we were pleased to announce the launch of the VCU Libraries Digital Collections most recent addition: images of the Jackson Ward Historic District.

The Jackson Ward neighborhood and its buildings hosted a thriving African American community from the post-Civil War period through the early 20th century. However, efforts at urban renewal and other projects since the 1950s brought the wrecking ball to many of these architecturally and historically significant buildings. We hope to add several other Richmond and VCU-related collections in the next year.

As I'm sure you are aware, our digital library is available world-wide to anyone with an Internet connection. Very recently, however, Special Collections and Archives has decided to identify some collections to post to the Flickr site on a trial basis. As staffing permits, we will begin to upload some of these materials into Flickr in the next several months.

Thanks, again, for your interest in the VCU Libraries and for your commitment to us as a Friend of the Library. Please let me know if I may assist you with future questions or comments.

An item in your digital collection, Rarely Seen Richmond, is mislabeled: photo is of Confederate Soldiers & Sailors monument (as printed on the postcard) on Libby Hill, but instead it's labeled "Lee Monument."

From: a library patron

Alex Lorch, Acting Head of Special Collections and Archives, replies...

Thank you for visiting the VCU Libraries Digital Library Collections and for your comment about the mislabeled postcard in the Rarely Seen Richmond Collection. We will correct the information as soon as possible.

A few weeks ago I filed a request for National Enquirer to enter the library's permanent collection of periodicals. My request was denied on the basis that it is a rag and has no academic merit. I strongly disagree with this verdict and am wondering if there's any way I could petition this further. I can't help but feel that National Enquirer is an enriching publication, no less worthy than say, Vogue or Harper's Bazaar. National Enquirer provides unparalleled insight into a dimension of culture most of us are totally unaware of. I firmly believe that it would be welcomed by students interested in American studies, mass communication/media, and beyond.

From: an undergraduate student

Karen Cary, Head of Collection Management, responds...

We appreciate your interest in the collections at VCU Libraries, including your request for the National Enquirer. The guiding principle of collection management is to develop collections that support the University's academic programs. Collection management librarians choose materials that best serve two primary University functions: instruction and research.

We develop collections to reinforce and enhance the quality of instruction across the curriculum. University faculty rely upon VCU Libraries' collections to prepare course materials and student assignments. Likewise, students use these resources for course-related study and to complete assigned projects.

Because research is also vital to the University's mission, VCU Libraries provides faculty and students with collections resources that promote the intellectual inquiry and experimentation that form the research process. The role of VCU Libraries is to obtain the information essential to our researchers' investigations.

Unfortunately, budgetary constrictions limit our ability to purchase all resource materials useful to students and scholars of every discipline. In the case of the National Enquirer or any other resource requested by a member of the VCU community, there is a way for you to further petition your request. You may contact me at kcary@vcu.edu or by phone at (804) 828-8773. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your request.