Tompkins County Public Library

Thursday, June 7, 2012

PATRON COMMENTS - May 2012

Comment:  textarea: This calculator is useful and very interesting!  I have some suggestions (sorry, I work on evaluation for a living):  If you asked for usage per month (regardless of how often people visit) you'd probably get more accurate info.   But even as is, it's cool!
Response:  Thank you for your suggestions and your analysis.We are very happy that you like the calculator. This is an opportunity for our patrons to see how much they are saving by using the library.

Comment:  My seven year old daughter would like there to be a shelf in the children’s section with books that kids who belong to our library have written.  The books would be non-circulating but available for patrons to carefully browse.
Response:  Thank you for your wonderful suggestions.  We will pass this idea onto youth services staff to see if this could be a future program.

Comment:  I found the ladies room littered with several sheets of toilet paper early this afternoon.  How Rude!  Although I think it’s amazing a sign would be needed, perhaps one will help.
Response:  We are sorry the room was left in this state.  The public restrooms are cleaned several times a day every day.

Comment:  I think there should be a little room with toys.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.  

Comment:  Could you add a second soap dispenser in the women’s room to the left of the left most sink?
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.  We will consult with facilities.

Comment:  Would like you to consider re-subscribing to hard copy value line.  
Response:   Unfortunately due to a reduced collection budget we had to evaluate the use and expense for all our tools. Value Line is a wonderful tool, but expensive and was only used by a handful of patrons. Also there are many reputable websites that offer financial information. Our reference librarians can help you find the information you need.

Comment:  Please install exterior trash cans.  This would help when you’re closed and minimize pollution.  Thank you.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.  Unfortunately we found that when we had exterior trash cans that they were used by people who would bring their household garbage here.  The interior trash cans eliminated this problem.

PATRON COMMENTS - March & April 2012

Comment:  Please buy Sonoma Rose by Jennifer Chiaverini.  Thank you!
Response:  Your request has been given to the selectors. 


Comment:  Purchase request forms are available at all the public services desks in the library as well as on website and in the sidebar in the online catalog. 
Response:  These requests go directly to the selectors for a quick follow-up on requested titles.


Comment:  Put an umbrella holder near the door so my umbrella won’t wet your floor.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.


Comment:  Four weeks is better than 3 for time out!
Response:  Most items can be renewed for an additional three weeks if no one is on the waiting list.  Only the high demand collection of new books cannot be renewed. 


Comment:  Make library “card” available as a key ring attachment(like the “cards” supermarkets and drug stores use)
Response:  Thank you for your comment.  Currently there is an option to have a key ring library card.  Patrons may choose either the full size card or the key ring card.  Patrons may purchase a new card from the circulation desk for $2.

Comment:  Drive-thru drop-off box would increase library use significantly for parents with young children, since returns in-person is a big production presently.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.  We would love to have a drive-through drop box.  However there is no room to do this safely.  There are return slots outside the front of the library and 15 minute parking spots.

Comment:  Hi, love you, but I haven’t seen any new plays (812) in years, what’s that about?
Response:  Thank you for pointing this out.  This information has been given to the Librarian, who selects titles for this subject area.

Comment:  This library has a great selection about gay & lesbian teens, but only 2 novels about trans teens, and no non-fiction specific to trans teens.  Please provide more resources for transgender youth!
Response:  Thank you for bringing this need to our attention.  Librarians are looking for titles to fill this gap in the youth services collection.


Comment:  A lot of movies are unplayable. Could you ask people to send a little note to let you know what’s bad?
Response:  Thank you for your comment.  We do encourage patrons to let us know when a DVD or audiobook is not working properly.  The library has a machine, which cleans and does minor repairs on disks.

Comment:  Please mark the MP3 cases more clearly – they look just like books on disc.
Response:  Thank you for your comment.  This is a good suggestion, which we will talk to technical services where the items are processed.

Comment:  Offer writing class for kids (that includes 10 year olds).  Last year you did a free 5 session course with local authors – it was great!  Have a sign up for email notification for kids programming on website.  Put it and other sign-ups for email list on homepage.  You have one but it’s hard to find and I don’t know if it includes kids programs.
Response:  We appreciate your suggestions for promoting and registering students for our programs.  We will be investigating the email notifications.


Comment:  I am disappointed. There was not one audio cassette tape in the library. With my new –old vehicle, I require these cassettes. I would have had a more enjoyable car trip.   Literally half the children’s books on tape/cd shelf is empty.
Response:  Thank you for your comments.  We are sorry you were disappointed.  Our collection of audio cassettes was eliminated because the cassettes were worn from heavy use and replacements were no longer available in that format.