SUGGESTION BOX

 

February, 2006

 

1.  Children are walking (skateboarding also) on the concrete wall by the ramp. Perhaps some blocking device or preventative would work to prevent a skull fracture.

We try to police this activity to the extent possible, and skateboarding on library property is expressly forbidden.  We’ll consider taking corrective measures such as blocking devices if frequency of such activities warrants it.  Thanks for your concern.

2.  Please purchase:  DVDs: Leave It to Beaver, The Cave, Deuce Bigalow, Invisible Children, Muppet Treasure Island, Jeff Corwin Experience, Blue Planet, Life of Birds, Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters; books: Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Gardening, Weekend Projects, “Wilde” series by Janelle Denison, “Files of Madison Finn” series, Super Metroid Game Secrets, “Charmed” series; Alphabet flash cards.

These are being considered for purchase.  Thanks for the suggestions!

3. Because the computers are now tracking cards and websites, please address privacy concerns.  At the end of a user’s time, what becomes of the history?  Is it destroyed or sent to storage?

The computers are automatically shut down at the end of each work day and all information regarding each individual’s computer use is automatically deleted.   Although the library has various policies in place which protect the confidentiality of our patrons, the drafting of a general privacy policy is in process.

4.  Please put up flyers on the computers to say that to get on the computer you need your library card.

Thanks for the suggestion.  At present each computer has a screensaver that says this.  We will post some flyers in high-visibility locations, though, as you suggest!

5.  Your new computer system really stinks.  It’s a pain in the butt to log on and even more important there are many files on the Internet that cannot be downloaded in an hour.  Whoever came up with this idea deserves to be fired.  From an irate resident and voter.

The PC Reservation System was installed in order to improve the public’s access to the library’s computer resources, to make access more equitable for all patrons, and to make the library’s management of patron access more effective.  Please be aware that with this system you can use a computer up to 90 minutes at one time, as long as nobody else is waiting to use a computer.  You can do this twice per day, allowing for a maximum of 3 hours of use per person.  During busy times, we feel that one hour is sufficient and fair, given that other patrons need to use a computer.    Please also be aware that with the library’s high-speed Internet access, files can be downloaded extremely fast, and an hour is generally far more that sufficient.  We will monitor usage patterns for all public computers and make changes in policy as necessary.

6. The Internet policy is ridiculous!! I only come here to check my email on my computer.  It is crucial for my job.  I was on the Internet and I accidentally logged off and I forgot to check something.  So I went to log back on.  I could not get back on because I had used up my reserved time.  I am only on the computers for five minutes a day at most.  Plus I do not have the Internet at home.  I would appreciate someone looking into this, especially when there are only one or two other people on the computers.

The PC Reservation System allows computer users up to two time periods per day to use the computers.  Each session is one hour in length and each session can be increased by 15 minute increments to a half hour, so in effect, a computer user has three hours of time in which to use the computers each day.

7. I was told “Required my physical library card”!!  The Librarian refused to let me use alternate means to prove my identity.  I should be able to prove my identity with a driver’s license or federal forms of identification.  My time is valuable.  I can not spare work hours to speak to you.

Please be aware that your library card is your key to many of the library’s services, and is now required for some of these services, both for your protection and for the protection of library property.  Our new PC Reservation System requires each computer user to have a valid, up-to-date library card which contains an identification number on the back.  This number is needed to log on to a computer.  Please be aware that your library card serves many purposes in the library, and it is essential that you bring it with you if you wish to use library computers or check out library materials. 

8. The new computer reservation system is a welcome addition.

Thanks – we’ve heard many positive comments, especially from patrons who had previously had problems getting access to a computer during busy times.

9.  Perhaps half of the computers can be signed and half have a 15-20 minute limit without I.D. use.

It is likely that such a policy would result in defeating the whole purpose of the new system -- to make access to the computers, and length of time on the computers, equitable for all computer users.

10.  This library rocks! Best library ever!

THANKS – that’s music to our ears!

11.  The Craft days are so enjoyable for my children and myself.  I wish you had more.  Keep up the activities!  Kudos to you!!

Thanks for your kind comments! We have planned drop-in crafts for spring break and throughout the summer for families who like to create things together!

11.  I enjoyed the bulletin board with the genealogy study.  Do you plan on hosting or doing a class about research?  I think it would be great! Also, a great family activity.

We are glad you enjoyed it.  Thanks for the suggestions for a research class.  We will schedule one for the fall.  Also, please be sure to visit the two genealogy  research databases we offer on our website, www.wauclib.org —Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest.

12.  I just wanted to say how much I and my family love this library!  We appreciate the kindness of all the staff and the abundance of materials.  Thanks to all of you.

Thanks for your nice comments – we appreciate it!