Comments
Please use this page to make a comment or suggestion about library services. We will post your suggestion as well as a response.
Comments from Previous Years
1 I recommend you ban cell phones getting signals inside library. Like many others I travel here to study; as library is supposed to be known as a silent place "universally" I understand taking short emergency calls or consultations lasting for a minute or two. Unfortunately, some use this place as their private office, going on forever on the phone with apparently casual conversations despite being warned multiple times! Very selfish ! Getting into rooms does not prevent noise on the first floor.
Thank you for mentioning your concerns. However, it is a violation of federal law to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with authorized signals such as cell phones, police radar, GPS, and Wi-Fi. Even if it were not illegal, Administration wouldn’t consider blocking signals for a number of reasons; many patrons are practicing clinicians who may need to be contacted in emergency situations; during recent active shooter events, cell phones were used to update authorities on suspect locations; during evening hours when a lone employee may be working and needs a portable communication device; etc.
I agree with you that as a general rule, libraries are typically quiet spaces. However, libraries and how library space is utilized has changed significantly in the last several years. For our patrons who want the more traditional quiet study areas, the third floor of the Library is dedicated as the quiet floor. There are signs posted by the elevators asking patrons to remain quiet and refrain from using cell phones in the area.
For patrons who prefer to remain on more active floors, Access Services stocks earplugs. In instances when patrons are on their phones and “going on forever” or are extremely loud, you may ask an Access Services member to address the situation or you may take it upon yourself and ask them nicely to step outside to finish their conversation.
Answered by Kimberly Loper, Executive Director of the Calder Memorial Library and Associate Dean for Health Information Services
2 On the days when people have meeting at the little front desk on the first floor, the people working there get VERY LOUD. Today, there were two meetings going on and they could be heard all the way up on the 2nd floor. If they cannot be moved to another location, then could someone please tell them to keep the noise down. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. We are in the process of finding an alternate location for these consulatations. In the interim, we have reminded people to keep their speaking voices lowered.
Answered by Kimberly Loper, Executive Director of the Calder Memorial Library and Associate Dean for Health Information Services
3 When will the second floor renovation be done?
Thank you for your question. The 1st phase (flooring) of the remodel project is partly done. Unfortunately the schedule was pushed back a few weeks because of hurricane Irma. Deselection of books and removal of shelving is complete. The bid/quote process for flooring installation was completed on November 30th. A P/O for flooring was submitted on December 1st. Once the carpet tile is removed, the floor will need to be sanded to remove old glue and then the floor will be leveled. Because the 2nd floor is open to the 1st floor, Administration is currently working with Facilities to obtain quotes for dust containment and we hope to have all quotes and to complete the flooring phase by the end of December 2017.
The 2nd phase (classroom buildout) has several more stages. The tentative project schedule for phase 2 is:
Documents/Engineering start 12/04/2018
Bidding start 1/15/2018
Permits start 2/05/2018
Construction start 3/19/2018
Completion end 6/18/2018
We realize construction can be difficult and disruptive. Thank you for your patience while we make these much-needed improvements to your library.
Answered by Kimberly Loper, Executive Director of the Calder Memorial Library and Associate Dean for Health Information Services
4 I think it should just be quieter. There's too many med students gossiping about on most days.
Answered by Gediminas (Geddy) Paulaitis, Vice Chair, Biomedical Communications