Home → University Services → Library → Responses to Feedback → Responses to Suggestions to 18 February 2008

Responses to Suggestions to 18 February 2008

All orders for new library material will be forwarded to the Acquisitions Librarian for action. Please check NEWCAT over the next few weeks.

UoN104646
I do not understand your logic and cannot find anything

Thank you for your feedback, please come to the Information Desk and we can provide you with some more help.

UoN104635
I don't mind the updated website - it's not too different from before and it's fairly easy to navigate. However, I do think that the font could be a little larger. There are quite a few students, on all campuses, who are vision impaired as well as many of us 'oldies' whose eyes are failing at a rapid rate.

Thanks for your feedback! We are still doing some fine tuning on the new pages. I agree that the font is too small on some screens, and some work has already been done in that area.

UoN104624
RE : Availability of microfilm readers in Library.

Background. There are now only three readers in the Library, one "old" and two "new". About last August, one new one went down, and it took thirteen weeks to get it fixed. Your staff told me all sorts of stories, but it seems that it took about eight weeks to get a meaningful request to the maintenance men, and then about five for them to come and then fix it.

Situation now. The old machine is down. It has been down on and off for most of the summer break. But somehow it gets fixed occasionally. But, my beef, one new one has been down since December 12.
This is a replay of the thirteen weeks from last year. It is now eight weeks and counting.

Users. Your staff might tell you that no one uses the machines in the summer break. Do no accept that. There is a large core of people who use them daily, regardless of term times. Your staff at the short-term loans desk are not aware of the users who walk in and see a machine is occupied, and turn and walk away. I use a machine for ten to twelve hours a week, and know the other users. Not once this year have I done a full two-hour session without someone asking me when I will finish. I put out a booking sheet and half the time slots are occupied, and that does not afford info on those who use them (or it) without booking.
In short, the machines are used all the time, by people who are not students and those who are.

Again, situation now. If the other new machine went down now, you would be providing nil service. But if it does not, many people are turned away each week, and many others do not come in because they use my booking sheet, and see that there is only one machine and it is booked at the popular morning times they want.

Maintenance. It is beyond me to imagine why maintenance jobs take so long. For donkey's years the whole idea of entering into a maintenance contract was to get machines fixed quickly. That means later in that day, or next morning. If, for some extraordinary reason, such as incompetence, a particular part had to come a long distance, from Tokyo say, one extra day could be allowed. Why anyone would enter into a maintenance contract with any lesser conditions is beyond me. How anyone can use Sydney travel time as an excuse leaves me in despair.

I would like. Both faulty machines should be fixed by stumps on Monday next, that is, Feb 11.
A new maintenance contract should be written within a week. The credentials of the persons who sanctioned the current arrangement should be questioned. The persons who are responsible for ensuring maintenance should also come under scrutiny. A message should be posted near the machines letting users know that something is at last happening.

And while I am at it, the ghastly new machines should be replaced. ( I hear that this is perhaps happening. I fear it is on the same timetable as the maintenance.)

I have asked for an personal response. If you are simply going to say " thank you… blah blah ….under consideration" , forget it. If you want to argue, forget it. You cannot defend the indefensble - thirteen weeks to get a machine fixed.

Microform Reader Printer Update
The Auchmuty Library has experienced problems with the Microform Reader Printers over the summer and we apologise to Library Users for the inconvenience. At the present time two reader /printers are now working and it is anticipated another new machine will be installed this week. The Library is also exploring machine maintenance options.

UoN104556
Thank you for your prompt response to my question. I will never cease being amazed at how the Internet has changed the communication style and opportunities between individuals and cultures.

Thank you for your feedback.