April 2009 Archives

I am a student within the sciences and was wondering what has to happen in order for a new journal to be added either electronically or within the library. Global Biogeochemical sciences is a great journal and yet we do not have access to it. Thanks!

From: a graduate student

Ronke Lawal, Collection Librarian for Engineering and Science, replies...

Thank you for your suggestion. Materials in any format may be requested by submitting the Purchase Suggestion Form located on the VCU Libraries Web site. We take requests from our community very seriously. Many factors must be considered in the decision to subscribe to a journal, including relevance to the curriculum, reputation, accessibility, and cost. Because of budget limitations, we are not able to subscribe to all resources that faculty and students request. However, your request will definitely be considered. Once again, thank you for your interest in VCU Libraries.

Is anything being done to keep the basement computer lab quiet? Obviously the signage and computer desktops aren't doing their job. Why was the desk taken out of the computer lab? It seemed like when there were monitors in the lab, it was at least somewhat quiet. Every time I come down here to work, there are people on their cell phones, listening to music, and talking loudly. It is absolutely ridiculous that I have to listen to music on my iPod to block out THEIR noise while I work. Just last week there was almost a fight because one student told another to please whisper or take her conversation elsewhere- how are students supposed to respond to this?! It would be great if others would realize that this is an academic institution and not a restaurant or meeting place- people are trying to get work done!!! What is the library's response to this? I know I could rent a laptop and go to the fourth floor, but the computer lab is more convenient, especially late night.

From: a graduate student

Jim Bostick, Director of User Services for VCU Technology Services replies...

It is disappointing that you are having these problems. Please know that you or any student can go to the Security Guard to request their assistance with disruptive students in this lab or anywhere in the library.

The lab in the basement of Cabell Library is managed by Technology Services. Over that last several years, with budgets contracting, but needs for technology support increasing, we made the decision that the money used to monitor the labs would be better used increasing support for classroom technology and the Help Desk. This move had the side effect of enabling us to put a small number of additional computers in this already cramped lab once the monitor's station was removed.

In the long run, we are working with the VCU Libraries on their project to create a much improved and expanded Learning Commons space on the 2nd floor. Once completed, the B8 lab will be merged with current library computers and new computers in renovated space on the 2nd floor that will provide much improved student computing spaces.

Hello to all! I would like to make a suggestion on computer availability at JBCL. I do use the statistics page to watch for available computers throughout the day, which I have to admit that it is a very cool solution! Therefore using Twitter or text messaging type of system to get update on availability of computers will be useful. For instance, users can text "JBCL FLOOR 1" and send it to a number so they can get info at that moment.So nobody has to be cussing around because there is no available computer to work on paper/homework,etc.

From: an undergraduate student

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

We are glad that you are enjoying and using the Computer Availability system. The system is powered by LabStats, a commercial software product, and it is run by our colleagues in VCU Technology Services. At present, LabStats does not have text message or RSS functionality. Your suggestion is a very good one, and we have shared it with Technology Services. We will certainly keep this in mind for the future.

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

Thank you for taking the time to send your comments and suggestions. Your observations about library space and print journals and magazines housed on the first floor of Cabell Library are well taken. In fact, the online format is the default for all journals and magazines received by VCU Libraries. Generally, whenever the electronic format is available for a title and the cost is not prohibitive, the online format is selected. Print titles are scrutinized on a regular basis for the availability of an electronic format. As these are discovered, titles are converted from print to the online form. Currently, there are still many publishers that do not provide their journals in an online format.

In time, more and more publishers may decide to issue their journals and magazines electronically. We will continue to migrate journals and magazines to the online form as this change takes place. Again, thank you for your interest in VCU Libraries.