From the Libraries Suggestion Boxes

Computers in the Library

• Dedicate some CPUs to ONLY search for things in the library catalog. I shouldn't have to go to the CPU lab to look up books in the library Catalog then come back to the library. A lot of people are using the CPUs for things they could be doing in deserted CPU labs! E-mail & typing papers amongst other things.

  September 2007

  Since the library catalog is on the Internet, there is no way to technically limit searching on some computers to searching the catalog only. Too many of the catalog records have URLs, linking to e-books or tables of contents or to online journals. In order to search the catalog, the computers have to link to the entire Internet.

  To designate a group of workstations for catalog-searching only would present a challenge. The number of workstations is currently very close to the library building's maximum capacity for space and electrical power, so every computer is used frequently each day. To impose a limitation on the use of some of them could possibly decrease their use, when their use needs to be maximized. As you know, many students who take a place at a library computer do a wide variety of tasks, including searching the catalog, at one seating.

  This suggestion will remain under consideration as any future repurposing of the library's seating and computer areas is discussed. At this time, because the library needs to maximize computer use, the library cannot designate computers for catalog searching only.

Fines & Book Bills

• Put fines on My UCF! Put fines on My UCF! Put fines on My UCF!

  September 2007

  The UCF Libraries implemented a new library system and catalog in July 2006, joining the other 10 State University Libraries. This system, ALEPH, does not have an interface with My UCF, so the information about fines, and the ability to pay fines using My UCF is not present. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Group Study Rooms

• Sound proof walls (Study rooms).

  September 2007

  Group study rooms are, unfortunately, not soundproof. The walls of the study rooms extend only to the drop-down ceiling, not up to the decking, meaning that sound travels easily over the walls. And, unfortunately, the walls themselves are not insulated. When the group study rooms were built, classes and programs did not routinely emphasize group assignments and collaborative work and study. The library asks that students using the rooms remember that others are studying and working nearby, and try to keep the volume at the level of regular conversation. If you are disturbed by overly loud use of a study room, please report it to the Circulation Services Desk.

• Open up more Study Rooms. It is an inconvenience to wait an hour on Tuesday night at 8:30 for a room when there are rooms not in use.

  September 2007

  Sometimes it is necessary to use a group study room for library work or storage. Services and collections have expanded with enrollment growth, and the need for space in the main library building (opened in 1968 and renovated and expanded in 1987) is a challenge. The library is trying to make as many study rooms available as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience to you and your study group.

Quiet Study

• The free phone on the 3rd Floor always rings. Can't we get rid of this?

  September 2007

  A work order has been filed to have the ring tones on the free phones on 2d and 3rd floor quieted. This would allow someone standing close by to hear the phone and answer it, while reducing the noise for those trying to study and read. The free phones are provided by UCF Student Government.

Requests for Library Books, Videos, Newspapers, Periodicals

• I would like to kindly suggest subscribing to a Greek newspaper. I will be more than happy to suggest specific titles.

  September 2007

  Thank you for submitting a suggestion to purchase Greek newspapers to the UCF Libraries. Typically, the library evaluates suggestions based on the curriculum and research, as well as demonstrated need for the suggested material, and then prioritizes subscriptions to purchase. Unfortunately, the library is not adding any new subscriptions this year due to budget cuts. When the budget improves, the library will go back to receiving suggestions like yours and evaluating and acquiring titles.

Video & DVD Collection

• Film BFA majors should be allowed to physically browse the DVD collection as it is absolutely pertinent to be exposed to view and inspirational material. Many of my fellow students fervently agree.

  September 2007

  As you might guess, there are several concerns: security of the collection, space, and cost. DVDs are easy to lose or steal. Although the cost of a DVD is often minimal when you or I purchase one in the store, the library cost of acquiring and processing the DVD is much greater, even for theatrical releases. Sometimes a faculty member requests a special, limited edition of the DVD, making it difficult to replace. The library has a number of DVDs in the collection that are very expensive: documentaries that support classes, foreign language material, etc. The Film faculty have played a great role in developing the collection and are also very concerned about protecting it.

  To display the boxes or the covers in a rack for browsing requires extra maintenance by library staff and cost for shelving or plastic cases, or whatever supplies are needed for the display, as well as space.

  So, that leaves electronic browsing. Perhaps not as satisfying. But it does provide you with a list that can be seen anywhere, at any time. To browse the DVDs in the main library collection in Orlando:

  1. Start at the Libraries home page, http://library.ucf.edu.
  2. Under FIND, click on Books/Catalog.
  3. To the right of the Basic Search: box, click on Advanced Search.
  4. In the first search box, type feature films, and in the drop down box to its right, click on the arrow and then on Subject Heading. That should eliminate films of things like chemistry experiments or how to manage a strategic plan. The library has a lot of instructional videos that instructors have requested, and I am assuming you would not want those included on the list.
  5. Then, in the section "Limit your search further by" click on the arrow to the right of the drop down box next to Location and select Main Library, Orlando.
  6. Click on the arrow to the right of the Format box and indicate Video (DVD). The list is alphabetical so Video will be way down the list.
  7. Then click on the button that simply says Search.
  8. That will get you a list of the feature films behind the Media Desk in the main library. If you go to Sort by: on the far right at the top of the list, they can be arranged alphabetically or chronologically.

  I did not mention that you could add language or a time frame to the search, but you will notice that, along with other features. This can be done remotely, from home or classroom, and you can see if the film is checked out or not.