Comment: I like the new monitor at the reference desk.
Response: Good!
Comment: Telephone system frustrates me.
Response: Please give more details so we can help.
Comment: I profoundly object to the changes that you have made to the parking on Green Street. It is extremely disrespectful and inconvenient.
Response: The parking situation is out of our control; it is a temporary situation due to the completion of the Cayuga Green project. Please be patient.
Comment: How about a large plastic model of a human skeleton for educational purposes?
Response: Sounds intriguing but probably more appropriate in a museum than in a library. We have many sources, print and digital, that would be excellent for learning about the human body.
Comment: I am happy that the you have finally added a globe!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: You guys are the best—I love that you embrace new technology, especially the downloadable books.
Response: Thanks!
Comment: You deserve a raise—you gave me location information for three series.
Response: O.K. we’ll take the raise!
Comment: How about a donation box in the library to collect books for the Friend of the Library booksale?
Response: The Friends have considered this and are not able to commit to picking up materials on a regular basis.
Comment: Youth website is fabulous! I’m a librarian in Alabama and I’m finding your site to be a great example—love the way its organized.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Patron very happy to see more poetry books.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Patron very complimentary toward Tamara for her selection of DVDs.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Please enforce your rules about noise in the library, especially cell phone usage.
Response: We will remind Security Services to be more vigilant. Thank you.
Comment: Unhappy about security guard enforcing rules
Response: We expect our patrons to follow our rules; the security guard is there to ensure that the rules are being followed.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Patron Comments - June 2008
Comment: Patron upset that Glen Gould videos have been weeded
Review: Will review with the selector
Comment: There should not be a fee for holds and ILLs.
Review: The 50 cent fee only partially offsets the handling of these items.
Comment: Parents with young children would like Internet access in Youth Services
Review: Will review
Comment: Meeting room in the rear of the library is being used as cell phone booth.
Review: Will review with Security
Comment: Cell phone rules are not be enforced.
Review: Will review with Security
Comment: New entrance makes it difficult for people with strollers—have complained about this before
Review: This complaint has been forward to Tompkins County Facilities which owns and maintains the building and is working with the door contractor to adjust the railing.
Comment: Your front entrance needs to be cleaned up and spruced up—perhaps flowers?
Review: We agree and have forwarded this request to Tompkins County Facilities.
Comment: My poster on the community bulletin board has remained up for several days—a good thing!
Review: We’re happy, too!
Comment: Would like to be able to add more than $20 on my print card
Review: In our experience, many users either lose or leave print cards behind, with money encoded on them. It is an easy task to encode more money so we keep the amount that is to be encoded low to reduce the risk of loss.
Comment: Parents of an IC student here for graduation used microfilm of Ithaca Journal and saved to a flashdrive—very pleased!
Review: Good!
Comment: 93 year old made an appointment to learn how to e-mail and reports that she is really looking forward to learning how to do it!
Review: Great!
Comment: Wanted to check out but did not have my library card and was prevented from doing so. Isn’t there a way to look me up by name?
Review: Requiring a picture ID or a library card protects both you and the library from unauthorized use of your library account.
Comment: Where is the globe that I keep requesting?
Review: Globe is here.
Comment: The Circulation clerks should just check out people, they do not need to chat up patrons.
Review: Some people need special attention. We do try to balance your need for speedy check-out with our goal of delivering pleasant customer service.
Review: Will review with the selector
Comment: There should not be a fee for holds and ILLs.
Review: The 50 cent fee only partially offsets the handling of these items.
Comment: Parents with young children would like Internet access in Youth Services
Review: Will review
Comment: Meeting room in the rear of the library is being used as cell phone booth.
Review: Will review with Security
Comment: Cell phone rules are not be enforced.
Review: Will review with Security
Comment: New entrance makes it difficult for people with strollers—have complained about this before
Review: This complaint has been forward to Tompkins County Facilities which owns and maintains the building and is working with the door contractor to adjust the railing.
Comment: Your front entrance needs to be cleaned up and spruced up—perhaps flowers?
Review: We agree and have forwarded this request to Tompkins County Facilities.
Comment: My poster on the community bulletin board has remained up for several days—a good thing!
Review: We’re happy, too!
Comment: Would like to be able to add more than $20 on my print card
Review: In our experience, many users either lose or leave print cards behind, with money encoded on them. It is an easy task to encode more money so we keep the amount that is to be encoded low to reduce the risk of loss.
Comment: Parents of an IC student here for graduation used microfilm of Ithaca Journal and saved to a flashdrive—very pleased!
Review: Good!
Comment: 93 year old made an appointment to learn how to e-mail and reports that she is really looking forward to learning how to do it!
Review: Great!
Comment: Wanted to check out but did not have my library card and was prevented from doing so. Isn’t there a way to look me up by name?
Review: Requiring a picture ID or a library card protects both you and the library from unauthorized use of your library account.
Comment: Where is the globe that I keep requesting?
Review: Globe is here.
Comment: The Circulation clerks should just check out people, they do not need to chat up patrons.
Review: Some people need special attention. We do try to balance your need for speedy check-out with our goal of delivering pleasant customer service.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Patron Comments - May 2008
Comment: Can you send a mass e-mail out to all patrons when there will be an unusual change, such as a change in hours etc?
Review: We are investigating ways to communicate public information via e-mail messages to those who want them.
Comment: TCPL is the best thing about Tompkins County.
Review: Thank you!
Comment: How well do you protect the personal information that you collect about us?
Review: Please see our Policy on Patron Privacy on our website
http://www.tcpl.org/policies/PatronPrivacyPolicyrev8-28-07.pdf .
Comment: The fliers that I posted on the community bulletin board have disappeared.
Review: Unfortunately there is no way to monitor or control our community bulletin board.
Comment: Beautiful library!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: We have a really great library.
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Thank you again, you made my life so much easier!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: It is always such a joy to come in here remembering this as Woolworths; now it is great place to be!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Self check machine couldn’t read the FLLS barcode.
Review: We know that there was a shipment of bar codes which are too small to be read at the self-check; we may need to replace them.
Comment: Self check isn’t recognizing my library card.
Review: Our staff was able to give you a new card at no charge, which should work.
Comment: This library always has what I need!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Good detective work—book was mishelved but you found it!
Review: We’re glad we could find it
Comment: Thank you for such helpfulness and good customer service.
Review: You are welcome!
Comment: The non-fiction shelves look great—very orderly.
Review: Our pages do a great job.
Comment: The new door configuration to come in the library are very difficult for my four wheel scooter and I will most likely stop using the library.
Review: We are working with Tompkins County Facilities to remedy this problem.
Comment: This is the best library I have ever had the pleasure of frequenting—keep up the good work!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Dislike patrons who sit together at the computer.
Review: As long as patrons are quiet, we do allow them to sit together at a computer station.
Comment: Compliments for Cassie who did an outstanding job at helping a customer find what he wanted.
Review: Cassie will be pleased to know that you appreciated her service.
Comment: Compliments on website—well put together, especially for magazine databases.
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Librarian from Long Island said that our collection is really up to date.
Review: Thank you!
Review: We are investigating ways to communicate public information via e-mail messages to those who want them.
Comment: TCPL is the best thing about Tompkins County.
Review: Thank you!
Comment: How well do you protect the personal information that you collect about us?
Review: Please see our Policy on Patron Privacy on our website
http://www.tcpl.org/policies/PatronPrivacyPolicyrev8-28-07.pdf .
Comment: The fliers that I posted on the community bulletin board have disappeared.
Review: Unfortunately there is no way to monitor or control our community bulletin board.
Comment: Beautiful library!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: We have a really great library.
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Thank you again, you made my life so much easier!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: It is always such a joy to come in here remembering this as Woolworths; now it is great place to be!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Self check machine couldn’t read the FLLS barcode.
Review: We know that there was a shipment of bar codes which are too small to be read at the self-check; we may need to replace them.
Comment: Self check isn’t recognizing my library card.
Review: Our staff was able to give you a new card at no charge, which should work.
Comment: This library always has what I need!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Good detective work—book was mishelved but you found it!
Review: We’re glad we could find it
Comment: Thank you for such helpfulness and good customer service.
Review: You are welcome!
Comment: The non-fiction shelves look great—very orderly.
Review: Our pages do a great job.
Comment: The new door configuration to come in the library are very difficult for my four wheel scooter and I will most likely stop using the library.
Review: We are working with Tompkins County Facilities to remedy this problem.
Comment: This is the best library I have ever had the pleasure of frequenting—keep up the good work!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Dislike patrons who sit together at the computer.
Review: As long as patrons are quiet, we do allow them to sit together at a computer station.
Comment: Compliments for Cassie who did an outstanding job at helping a customer find what he wanted.
Review: Cassie will be pleased to know that you appreciated her service.
Comment: Compliments on website—well put together, especially for magazine databases.
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Librarian from Long Island said that our collection is really up to date.
Review: Thank you!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Patron Comments - April 2008
Comment: Tibetan monk gave librarian a bead bracelet for helping him many times over the past few months.
Review: What a lovely gesture! Thank you!
Comment: Self Check wouldn’t work with FLLS bar code.
Review: We are aware of this problem.
Comment: CD’s don’t scan very well on the self check unit (bar codes too small? Too much plastic glare?
Review: We are aware of this problem and are working toward a solution.
Comment: Why have self checks out if it won’t check out a certain type of item?
Review: The self check should be capable of checking out every type of material that we own. However, there are limits to this type of technology. Our goal is to try to reduce all barriers to using the self check.
Comment: Study rooms shouldn’t be used for storage.
Review: We are temporarily using one study room as a staging area for new computer installations. It will be back in service as soon as we complete this job. Unfortunately there is no other space in the library for a job of this size to take place.
Comment: Love the geodesic dome
Review: Thanks!
Comment: Love the playaways!
Review: Thanks!
Comment: Automatic front doors are opening and closing when no one is near them. Very weird!
Review: Tompkins County Facilities has reported the problem and it will be corrected.
Comment: Renewal periods should take into account the length of the item.
Review: Ideally yes, but practically speaking, the software can only control the number of renewals and which items can be renewed.
Comment: Complaint received about the limited time for Internet access
Review: A one hour limit allows us to balance the supply of computers with the public demand for them. Users are limited to one hour per day for public Internet Access, which means that most people have a very short wait before a computer is available.
Comment: Patron happy about finding what they need in the Youth Services Department
Review: We are glad that you found what you wanted.
Comment: Patron thankful for good customer service in the Youth Services Department
Review: Thank you!
Review: What a lovely gesture! Thank you!
Comment: Self Check wouldn’t work with FLLS bar code.
Review: We are aware of this problem.
Comment: CD’s don’t scan very well on the self check unit (bar codes too small? Too much plastic glare?
Review: We are aware of this problem and are working toward a solution.
Comment: Why have self checks out if it won’t check out a certain type of item?
Review: The self check should be capable of checking out every type of material that we own. However, there are limits to this type of technology. Our goal is to try to reduce all barriers to using the self check.
Comment: Study rooms shouldn’t be used for storage.
Review: We are temporarily using one study room as a staging area for new computer installations. It will be back in service as soon as we complete this job. Unfortunately there is no other space in the library for a job of this size to take place.
Comment: Love the geodesic dome
Review: Thanks!
Comment: Love the playaways!
Review: Thanks!
Comment: Automatic front doors are opening and closing when no one is near them. Very weird!
Review: Tompkins County Facilities has reported the problem and it will be corrected.
Comment: Renewal periods should take into account the length of the item.
Review: Ideally yes, but practically speaking, the software can only control the number of renewals and which items can be renewed.
Comment: Complaint received about the limited time for Internet access
Review: A one hour limit allows us to balance the supply of computers with the public demand for them. Users are limited to one hour per day for public Internet Access, which means that most people have a very short wait before a computer is available.
Comment: Patron happy about finding what they need in the Youth Services Department
Review: We are glad that you found what you wanted.
Comment: Patron thankful for good customer service in the Youth Services Department
Review: Thank you!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Patron Comments - December 2007
Comment: Let patron update their own addresses on line, thus avoiding the dreaded “address check block” which prevents us from using the self check machines
Review: We are currently reviewing the Patron Address Check Block and hoping to make changes within the parameters allowed by the software.
Comment: Thank you for fixing the men’s hand dryer
Review: You are welcome.
Comment: Thank you for the renovations of the front doors
Review: You are welcome!
Comment: Complaint about a patron who hoards the daily New York Times
Review: We are following up with this individual
Comment: Complaint about having to pay for holds
Review: A hold fee was originally established to offset the cost of mailing hold notices and to limit the number of holds that patrons could place on items. It is now used to offset the staff handing holds. If the item is in the library, we will place it on the pick up shelf at no cost; just call the reference department at 272-4556.
Comment: Love the library!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: I am grateful for the library!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: I love the world language collection—I find materials I can’t find elsewhere.
Review: We are proud of our work in developing this collection.
Comment: Children’s books displays are really great!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Complaint about overflowing book drops during the holidays
Review: We agree that this should not have happened. We are now keeping all book drops open at all times to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
Review: We are currently reviewing the Patron Address Check Block and hoping to make changes within the parameters allowed by the software.
Comment: Thank you for fixing the men’s hand dryer
Review: You are welcome.
Comment: Thank you for the renovations of the front doors
Review: You are welcome!
Comment: Complaint about a patron who hoards the daily New York Times
Review: We are following up with this individual
Comment: Complaint about having to pay for holds
Review: A hold fee was originally established to offset the cost of mailing hold notices and to limit the number of holds that patrons could place on items. It is now used to offset the staff handing holds. If the item is in the library, we will place it on the pick up shelf at no cost; just call the reference department at 272-4556.
Comment: Love the library!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: I am grateful for the library!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: I love the world language collection—I find materials I can’t find elsewhere.
Review: We are proud of our work in developing this collection.
Comment: Children’s books displays are really great!
Review: Thank you!
Comment: Complaint about overflowing book drops during the holidays
Review: We agree that this should not have happened. We are now keeping all book drops open at all times to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Patron Comments - Summer through Fall 2007
Comment: I really miss the wall clock in the Reading Room
Response: It is back!
Comment: Larry was excellent when I needed an image projector for a youth community program
Response: We’re glad that he could help!
Comment: Books should be held longer than one week, and it should include a Saturday—often when I come to get a book it is no longer being held for me.
Response: Books on hold are kept for one week before they are pulled for use by another patron. We can e-mail you when your hold is ready; surface mail notifications will take a day or two to arrive. There is often a grace period over the weekend, but just in case, you can call the library and ask for an extension.
Comment: The clerks here are awesome! Good job!
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Will you be getting the Playaways? No tapes or cds to worry about!
Response: Yes, we do offer Playaways through the Finger Lakes Library System.
Comment: Thanks for getting more CDs from the Teaching Company—Keep it up!
Response: Thank you! These are expensive items and we are glad that you like them.
Comment: Please make the covered area outside of the door a non-smoking area—we don’t want to walk through a wall of smoke to enter the library.
Response: That area IS a no smoking zone; our security guard regularly patrols this and enforces the rules. Let us know when you see it happening and we will respond.
Comment: Stop telling us to get out of the library a half hour before you close
Response: Well, actually we start our announcements twenty minutes before closing, to give people enough notice to wrap up their research, or book selection, and check out in a timely manner.
Comment: It’s great to come in here and see so many of you smiling!
Response: Thank you! We are proud of our customer service attitude.
Comment: I appreciate your children’s book recommendations
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Please bring back the easy reading display in children’s services , we found it very helpful
Response: The display table has been temporarily moved. We’ll see if we can find a way to bring back the easy reading display table.
Comment: Internet time should be unlimited
Response: In a perfect world we would not need to limit your time because there would be enough computers for everyone. However, we live in a time when resources are in short supply and thus, we have to limit your time to one hour per day.
Comment: I love what has been updated in the teen area with video and audio set apart, thanks!
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: I think the library should be open every day from 9 a.m. and stay open until 11 p.m.
Response: We appreciate your comments; unfortunately, we do not have the resources to be able to more than 59 hours per week (and that includes Sundays).
Comment: Every time I come here the self check machine is not working—I think you should use tax dollars to buy books, not gadgets which lessen interaction with a human being.
Response: Our self check machines are quite reliable, and if they are in need of service, 3M arrives within 24 hours. Many people prefer the privacy and speed of the self-check workstations, but we continue to offer personalized service at the Circulation Desk.
Comment: What a joy! This has been a delightful experience at the adult reference desk!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: What does it mean “Other Library” in the computer catalog? Very confusing!
Response: Our library’s holdings are joined together with those libraries in the Finger Lakes Library System in the Polaris computer catalog. You can then see not only what we own, but what other libraries own. If we own the item, the call number is included on the result list. If the item is only owned by other libraries in the FLLS, it is necessary to select the “call number and availability” button and then select other libraries to see which libraries own that item,
Comment: Press release on Playaways was misleading—why can’t you have a collection at TCPL instead of having to place a hold on them from FLLS?
Response: All of the Playaways are at other FLLS libraries and can be requested by our patrons. At this point, we do not have funding to purchase our own collection.
Comment: Some of the In Flight Language CDs are missing the pamphlets that go with them.
Response: We do try to ensure that all of the pieces are present before we check these out. We will follow up and see if we can replace these.
Comment: I like your smile
Response: This comment was for a Circulation Clerk—thank you!
Comment: Wonderful Library
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I like getting the e-mail notices
Response: Thank you, we like this feature, too!
Comment: Bookdrops were overflowing and free standing book drops were locked on August 16
Response: We apologize; we’ll be more diligent in the future.
Comment: Thank you for your help
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Great library! Since moving here, I use the library a lot!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great cookbooks and cooking magazine collection
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Fiction area too hard to use with the Mart Cart
Response: Even though the aisles meet ADA requirements, it can be tricky to maneuver through this space. If you would like help, please ask at the Reference Desk.
Comment: Fifty cents for a library hold? I won’t use this library again!
Response: A hold fee was originally established to offset the cost of mailing hold notices and to limit the number of holds that patrons could place on items. It is now used to offset the staff handling holds. If the item is in the library, we will place it on the pick-up shelf at no cost; just call the reference department at 272-4556.
Comment: Patron loved MasterFile Select for detailed paper on the history of race-prefers us over the college library
Response: We are happy to help the many college students who use the library.
Comment: It’s hard to find call number in Power Pac—not very user friendly
Response: That has been fixed in a recent upgrade.
Comment: Powerpac is too complicated and takes too much time
Response: Polaris takes user comments very seriously and continuously strives to provide us with upgrades that make it easier to use. Please ask our reference librarians for help—they can show you to make your searching faster and easier. We offer one-on-one tutorials on using Powerpac. Please call or stop at the reference desk to make an appointment. 272-4556
Comment: Request to re-evaluate limit on Internet computers during slow times
Response: There really are no “slow times”. Allowing everyone the same amount of time every day is the most fair way to allocate limited resources.
Comment: I learned something new by stopping at the reference desk—thank you
Response: You are welcome
Comment: Thank you so much for making the extra effort to get the microfilm we first thought couldn’t be found
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Internet Training—very cool that we offer this service
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Glad I asked for help with Powerpac
Response: We are glad to help.
Comment: You’re awesome, you were able to confirm a telephone number for police investigation
Response: Thank you!
Comment: You have been wonderful with local history information
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I’m visiting and I think you have a fabulous library
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I’m psyched—the e-Bay workshop was a wonderful program
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Rosetta Stone for English—it was wonderful!
Response: Thank you
Comment: This is a magnificent library!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great library!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Fantastic doll exhibit
Response: We liked it, too!
Comment: Patron was ecstatic that we offer Rosetta Stone
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Library has been a solace many days
Response: Yes, that is a good description of what some people need from a library.
Comment: You made my day—you found a book I was looking for
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Very appreciative of having Internet time extended so she wouldn’t lose her project
Response: We are glad to help.
Comment: Using Novelist and checking our holdings—why doesn’t the library own these titles?
Response: Novelist is a huge database and it would be impossible for a library of our size to own every title listed. However, if you want something that we don’t own, please ask our reference librarians—they will find a way to get the title you want.
Comment: HVAC sound is deafening
Response: The HVAC system does indeed have a hum, due to the fact that is moving air in and out of the building. After occupying this building for seven years, we have not noticed any increase in the volume of the “hum” so we are not sure what you are referring to.
Comment: Upset patron because there is no parking unless you can afford to park in the parking lot
Response: Parking in the garage is free for the first hour during business hours, free evenings and weekends.
Comment: “You guys are great!”
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Patron happy that we are holding copies of The Great Courses series on CD
Response: Thank you!
Comment: You are always so good-natured
Response: Another circulation desk compliment—thank you!
Comment: Great Service
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great shirt (UAW logos)
Response: Thank you!
Comment: It’s really nice to be able to call the reference desk and have a book placed on the pick-up shelf
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Called circulation and left a message and never got a reply
Response: That should not have happened. We apologize.
Comment: Patron not happy about short loan period for interlibrary loan item
Response: The interlibrary loan period is controlled by the lending library. We are unable to adjust it.
Comment: Youth Services always helpful and knowledgeable about books
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Wonderful collection of Youth Services books
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Young Adult shelving is too close to juvenile books—needs more separation
Response: Good idea, but we don’t have the space at this time to do that
Comment: More areas for unruly toddlers
Response: We would prefer that unruly toddlers be taken care of by their parents and helped to understand how to act in the library
Comment: Concern about the water cascading down the outside of the west façade
Response: Tompkins County, which owns the building, is aware of this problem.
Comment: Wonderful library (from a NYC visitor)
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Your Youth Services collection that spans kindergarten through young adult is impressive
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Librarian from NYC complimented our remote access set up to databases, “very nicely arranged”.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: This library is amazing!
Response: Thanks!
Comment: You got the book I wanted—Chi Walking
Response: We are glad to have filled your request.
Comment: Patron likes the children’s room
Response: We like it, too!
Comment: Patron upset about having to re-register—“it’s supposed to be lifetime membership”
Response: If you do not use your library card in a three year period, it is purged from our system. This is national library standard and helps us keep our database up to date.
Comment: Patron doesn’t like the feel of the library—spatially not comfortable and books too far away.
Response: We are sorry that you are disappointed. It is big library with lots of books—and practically speaking, some of them are going to be “far away”.
Comment: Staff grumpy
Response: We are sorry. We do try not to be.
Comment: Too long of a wait to get new books
Response: We are working on this.
Comment: Likes having the Rosetta Stone workstation in rear of library, more private
Response: Thank you.
Comment: Thank you for your help, you’re an angel
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Wonderful system of getting Interlibrary loans
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Would like a regional cookbook section
Response: Could you be more specific about what you had in mind? Do you want cookbooks reflecting a Finger Lakes cuisine? Or those which are locally published by service organizations, etc.
Comment: Very pleased with the new microfilm scanner—can burn to cds
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I could have never found this book without you!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great ambiance in the library—love the Internet and can always get on, no lines/
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Please update the bus schedules
Response: We are working with TCAT to get updated bus schedules on a regular basis
* Some of these comments date from earlier months and were recovered during a file re-organization project.
Response: It is back!
Comment: Larry was excellent when I needed an image projector for a youth community program
Response: We’re glad that he could help!
Comment: Books should be held longer than one week, and it should include a Saturday—often when I come to get a book it is no longer being held for me.
Response: Books on hold are kept for one week before they are pulled for use by another patron. We can e-mail you when your hold is ready; surface mail notifications will take a day or two to arrive. There is often a grace period over the weekend, but just in case, you can call the library and ask for an extension.
Comment: The clerks here are awesome! Good job!
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Will you be getting the Playaways? No tapes or cds to worry about!
Response: Yes, we do offer Playaways through the Finger Lakes Library System.
Comment: Thanks for getting more CDs from the Teaching Company—Keep it up!
Response: Thank you! These are expensive items and we are glad that you like them.
Comment: Please make the covered area outside of the door a non-smoking area—we don’t want to walk through a wall of smoke to enter the library.
Response: That area IS a no smoking zone; our security guard regularly patrols this and enforces the rules. Let us know when you see it happening and we will respond.
Comment: Stop telling us to get out of the library a half hour before you close
Response: Well, actually we start our announcements twenty minutes before closing, to give people enough notice to wrap up their research, or book selection, and check out in a timely manner.
Comment: It’s great to come in here and see so many of you smiling!
Response: Thank you! We are proud of our customer service attitude.
Comment: I appreciate your children’s book recommendations
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Please bring back the easy reading display in children’s services , we found it very helpful
Response: The display table has been temporarily moved. We’ll see if we can find a way to bring back the easy reading display table.
Comment: Internet time should be unlimited
Response: In a perfect world we would not need to limit your time because there would be enough computers for everyone. However, we live in a time when resources are in short supply and thus, we have to limit your time to one hour per day.
Comment: I love what has been updated in the teen area with video and audio set apart, thanks!
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: I think the library should be open every day from 9 a.m. and stay open until 11 p.m.
Response: We appreciate your comments; unfortunately, we do not have the resources to be able to more than 59 hours per week (and that includes Sundays).
Comment: Every time I come here the self check machine is not working—I think you should use tax dollars to buy books, not gadgets which lessen interaction with a human being.
Response: Our self check machines are quite reliable, and if they are in need of service, 3M arrives within 24 hours. Many people prefer the privacy and speed of the self-check workstations, but we continue to offer personalized service at the Circulation Desk.
Comment: What a joy! This has been a delightful experience at the adult reference desk!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: What does it mean “Other Library” in the computer catalog? Very confusing!
Response: Our library’s holdings are joined together with those libraries in the Finger Lakes Library System in the Polaris computer catalog. You can then see not only what we own, but what other libraries own. If we own the item, the call number is included on the result list. If the item is only owned by other libraries in the FLLS, it is necessary to select the “call number and availability” button and then select other libraries to see which libraries own that item,
Comment: Press release on Playaways was misleading—why can’t you have a collection at TCPL instead of having to place a hold on them from FLLS?
Response: All of the Playaways are at other FLLS libraries and can be requested by our patrons. At this point, we do not have funding to purchase our own collection.
Comment: Some of the In Flight Language CDs are missing the pamphlets that go with them.
Response: We do try to ensure that all of the pieces are present before we check these out. We will follow up and see if we can replace these.
Comment: I like your smile
Response: This comment was for a Circulation Clerk—thank you!
Comment: Wonderful Library
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I like getting the e-mail notices
Response: Thank you, we like this feature, too!
Comment: Bookdrops were overflowing and free standing book drops were locked on August 16
Response: We apologize; we’ll be more diligent in the future.
Comment: Thank you for your help
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Great library! Since moving here, I use the library a lot!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great cookbooks and cooking magazine collection
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Fiction area too hard to use with the Mart Cart
Response: Even though the aisles meet ADA requirements, it can be tricky to maneuver through this space. If you would like help, please ask at the Reference Desk.
Comment: Fifty cents for a library hold? I won’t use this library again!
Response: A hold fee was originally established to offset the cost of mailing hold notices and to limit the number of holds that patrons could place on items. It is now used to offset the staff handling holds. If the item is in the library, we will place it on the pick-up shelf at no cost; just call the reference department at 272-4556.
Comment: Patron loved MasterFile Select for detailed paper on the history of race-prefers us over the college library
Response: We are happy to help the many college students who use the library.
Comment: It’s hard to find call number in Power Pac—not very user friendly
Response: That has been fixed in a recent upgrade.
Comment: Powerpac is too complicated and takes too much time
Response: Polaris takes user comments very seriously and continuously strives to provide us with upgrades that make it easier to use. Please ask our reference librarians for help—they can show you to make your searching faster and easier. We offer one-on-one tutorials on using Powerpac. Please call or stop at the reference desk to make an appointment. 272-4556
Comment: Request to re-evaluate limit on Internet computers during slow times
Response: There really are no “slow times”. Allowing everyone the same amount of time every day is the most fair way to allocate limited resources.
Comment: I learned something new by stopping at the reference desk—thank you
Response: You are welcome
Comment: Thank you so much for making the extra effort to get the microfilm we first thought couldn’t be found
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Internet Training—very cool that we offer this service
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Glad I asked for help with Powerpac
Response: We are glad to help.
Comment: You’re awesome, you were able to confirm a telephone number for police investigation
Response: Thank you!
Comment: You have been wonderful with local history information
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I’m visiting and I think you have a fabulous library
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I’m psyched—the e-Bay workshop was a wonderful program
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Rosetta Stone for English—it was wonderful!
Response: Thank you
Comment: This is a magnificent library!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great library!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Fantastic doll exhibit
Response: We liked it, too!
Comment: Patron was ecstatic that we offer Rosetta Stone
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Library has been a solace many days
Response: Yes, that is a good description of what some people need from a library.
Comment: You made my day—you found a book I was looking for
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Very appreciative of having Internet time extended so she wouldn’t lose her project
Response: We are glad to help.
Comment: Using Novelist and checking our holdings—why doesn’t the library own these titles?
Response: Novelist is a huge database and it would be impossible for a library of our size to own every title listed. However, if you want something that we don’t own, please ask our reference librarians—they will find a way to get the title you want.
Comment: HVAC sound is deafening
Response: The HVAC system does indeed have a hum, due to the fact that is moving air in and out of the building. After occupying this building for seven years, we have not noticed any increase in the volume of the “hum” so we are not sure what you are referring to.
Comment: Upset patron because there is no parking unless you can afford to park in the parking lot
Response: Parking in the garage is free for the first hour during business hours, free evenings and weekends.
Comment: “You guys are great!”
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Patron happy that we are holding copies of The Great Courses series on CD
Response: Thank you!
Comment: You are always so good-natured
Response: Another circulation desk compliment—thank you!
Comment: Great Service
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great shirt (UAW logos)
Response: Thank you!
Comment: It’s really nice to be able to call the reference desk and have a book placed on the pick-up shelf
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Called circulation and left a message and never got a reply
Response: That should not have happened. We apologize.
Comment: Patron not happy about short loan period for interlibrary loan item
Response: The interlibrary loan period is controlled by the lending library. We are unable to adjust it.
Comment: Youth Services always helpful and knowledgeable about books
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Wonderful collection of Youth Services books
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Young Adult shelving is too close to juvenile books—needs more separation
Response: Good idea, but we don’t have the space at this time to do that
Comment: More areas for unruly toddlers
Response: We would prefer that unruly toddlers be taken care of by their parents and helped to understand how to act in the library
Comment: Concern about the water cascading down the outside of the west façade
Response: Tompkins County, which owns the building, is aware of this problem.
Comment: Wonderful library (from a NYC visitor)
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Your Youth Services collection that spans kindergarten through young adult is impressive
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Librarian from NYC complimented our remote access set up to databases, “very nicely arranged”.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: This library is amazing!
Response: Thanks!
Comment: You got the book I wanted—Chi Walking
Response: We are glad to have filled your request.
Comment: Patron likes the children’s room
Response: We like it, too!
Comment: Patron upset about having to re-register—“it’s supposed to be lifetime membership”
Response: If you do not use your library card in a three year period, it is purged from our system. This is national library standard and helps us keep our database up to date.
Comment: Patron doesn’t like the feel of the library—spatially not comfortable and books too far away.
Response: We are sorry that you are disappointed. It is big library with lots of books—and practically speaking, some of them are going to be “far away”.
Comment: Staff grumpy
Response: We are sorry. We do try not to be.
Comment: Too long of a wait to get new books
Response: We are working on this.
Comment: Likes having the Rosetta Stone workstation in rear of library, more private
Response: Thank you.
Comment: Thank you for your help, you’re an angel
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Wonderful system of getting Interlibrary loans
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Would like a regional cookbook section
Response: Could you be more specific about what you had in mind? Do you want cookbooks reflecting a Finger Lakes cuisine? Or those which are locally published by service organizations, etc.
Comment: Very pleased with the new microfilm scanner—can burn to cds
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I could have never found this book without you!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Great ambiance in the library—love the Internet and can always get on, no lines/
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Please update the bus schedules
Response: We are working with TCAT to get updated bus schedules on a regular basis
* Some of these comments date from earlier months and were recovered during a file re-organization project.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Patron Comments - April - July 2007
Comment: Would like another chance to vote on a library tax—we need more $$$
Response: The library is working with the county legislature to seek sufficient funding
Comment: Looking forward to Sunday hours again
Response: Thank you, we will re-open on Sunday, September 9
Comment: Date through which reserves are held for me is not obvious on patron account information
Response: Will review
Comment: Library needs a free parking lot—I am disgusted and disappointed that I have to pay for both gas and parking to use the library
Response: One hour free parking is available in the parking garage behind the library. After six p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday, garage and street parking downtown is free. Since you live in Trumansburg, you may enjoy using the Ulysses Philomathic Library during times when there is a parking fee in downtown Ithaca
Comment: You should go back to having people sign up to use the computers—some people don’t understand the concept of waiting their turn
Response: Sign up sheets require personnel to monitor, so we are relying on users to read the sign which states “Line Forms Here”. If someone fails to see the sign, we hope that those who have been waiting longer will explain the system.
Comment: Patrons who don’t rewind their videos should be fined
Response: We agree that it is discourteous, but it is a costly proposition to check each video to see if it rewound, purchase a machine that would rewind tapes, look up the patron who did not rewind and add a fine to their account. We simply don’t have the space or the staff to do this.
Comment: I tried to borrow 4 books that were reviewed three months ago in the New York Times but none were available yet—I think this is long enough for the library to get recommended books
Response: We agree and we are working to shorten this time lag.
Comment: You should make laptop connection cords available for patron use
Response: Laptop users need to bring their own power cord, wireless card, mouse, etc.
Comment: Recommend that the Peach Girl series be moved to the adult section, not kept in the young adult section
Response: Will refer to the Head of Youth Services
Comment: I’m a lifelong supporter of unions and I think the library should negotiate in good faith and settle
Response: Will pass your comments on to the library negotiators
Comment: Pre-overdue notices are a great feature
Response: We agree
Comment: Great library, enjoyed using it
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Wonderful staff and library
Response: Thanks you!
Comment: Libraries and librarians are the apex of civilization
Response: Yes!
Comment: Library staff is friendly—think I’ll skip using the self check workstation next time
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Thanks for letting me use the phone when my car had a flat tire
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: CDs won’t check out on self-check
Response: Will follow up on this problem
Comment: New Finger Lakes bar codes re difficult to scan
Response: Will follow up on this problem
Comment: Never received e-mail for my hold
Response: We suggest that you reconfirm your e-mail address with the circulation staff. On your end, you may also want to designate TCPL as a “safe sender” so our mail is not accidentally sent to your junk mail or caught by a spam filter.
Comment: Thank you for your help this morning
Response: You are welcome
Comment: I like your sense of humor (addressed to a circulation clerk)
Response: Thanks!
Comment: This is a nice place!
Response: We agree!
Comment: I love this library!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Thank you for the Shakespeare DVDs!
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: There is always something wrong with the Self Check workstations
Response: We are working to remove barriers to the successful use of the self check machines.
Comment: Library has been “very useful” over the years It sharpens my self interest in many subjects
Response: Thank you
Comment: I don’t mind paying fines—it’s for a good cause
Response: Fine revenue is used for general library operating expenses.
Comment: This five part DVD was in perfect shape
Response: That’s good news
Comment: Complimented clerk who handled a difficult patron
Response: Thanks for noticing
Comment: We love coming to the library—it’s a huge treat for our family
Response: We’re glad you are here!
Comment: Library is great—what a bargain!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Patron appreciates receiving overdue notices
Response: These are generated automatically—library technology has provided users with better service
Comment: Twenty books is not enough for teachers—it’s so hard to use this facility
Response: We assume that teachers have access to the library materials in their school library and that our library offers supplemental material only
Comment: Sign regarding DVD limits is too small
Response: We’ll review this
Comment: I love the two day grace period
Response: Thank you
Comment: Thank you, we’ve had a great year at the library
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Somebody is doing a great job in relation to the availability of titles
Response: Thank you
Comment: Loan period should be four weeks, not three
Response: Our three week loan period seems reasonable and is comparable to loan periods at other Tompkins County public libraries
Comment: Patron concerned that there may be surveillance cameras in restrooms
Response: We do not have surveillance cameras in the library
Comment: Patron couldn’t find a list of newly released DVDs
Response: A reference librarian can show how to find this list on Polaris. (it’s at the lower left of the catalog screen)
Comment: Lower shelves too difficult to access
Response: Unfortunately, the footprint of the library and available shelving will require some of our books to be shelved on the lower shelves.
Comment: Holiday closings should be on the telephone recording by Monday prior to the holiday weekend
Response: We will try to do this
Response: The library is working with the county legislature to seek sufficient funding
Comment: Looking forward to Sunday hours again
Response: Thank you, we will re-open on Sunday, September 9
Comment: Date through which reserves are held for me is not obvious on patron account information
Response: Will review
Comment: Library needs a free parking lot—I am disgusted and disappointed that I have to pay for both gas and parking to use the library
Response: One hour free parking is available in the parking garage behind the library. After six p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday, garage and street parking downtown is free. Since you live in Trumansburg, you may enjoy using the Ulysses Philomathic Library during times when there is a parking fee in downtown Ithaca
Comment: You should go back to having people sign up to use the computers—some people don’t understand the concept of waiting their turn
Response: Sign up sheets require personnel to monitor, so we are relying on users to read the sign which states “Line Forms Here”. If someone fails to see the sign, we hope that those who have been waiting longer will explain the system.
Comment: Patrons who don’t rewind their videos should be fined
Response: We agree that it is discourteous, but it is a costly proposition to check each video to see if it rewound, purchase a machine that would rewind tapes, look up the patron who did not rewind and add a fine to their account. We simply don’t have the space or the staff to do this.
Comment: I tried to borrow 4 books that were reviewed three months ago in the New York Times but none were available yet—I think this is long enough for the library to get recommended books
Response: We agree and we are working to shorten this time lag.
Comment: You should make laptop connection cords available for patron use
Response: Laptop users need to bring their own power cord, wireless card, mouse, etc.
Comment: Recommend that the Peach Girl series be moved to the adult section, not kept in the young adult section
Response: Will refer to the Head of Youth Services
Comment: I’m a lifelong supporter of unions and I think the library should negotiate in good faith and settle
Response: Will pass your comments on to the library negotiators
Comment: Pre-overdue notices are a great feature
Response: We agree
Comment: Great library, enjoyed using it
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Wonderful staff and library
Response: Thanks you!
Comment: Libraries and librarians are the apex of civilization
Response: Yes!
Comment: Library staff is friendly—think I’ll skip using the self check workstation next time
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Thanks for letting me use the phone when my car had a flat tire
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: CDs won’t check out on self-check
Response: Will follow up on this problem
Comment: New Finger Lakes bar codes re difficult to scan
Response: Will follow up on this problem
Comment: Never received e-mail for my hold
Response: We suggest that you reconfirm your e-mail address with the circulation staff. On your end, you may also want to designate TCPL as a “safe sender” so our mail is not accidentally sent to your junk mail or caught by a spam filter.
Comment: Thank you for your help this morning
Response: You are welcome
Comment: I like your sense of humor (addressed to a circulation clerk)
Response: Thanks!
Comment: This is a nice place!
Response: We agree!
Comment: I love this library!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Thank you for the Shakespeare DVDs!
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: There is always something wrong with the Self Check workstations
Response: We are working to remove barriers to the successful use of the self check machines.
Comment: Library has been “very useful” over the years It sharpens my self interest in many subjects
Response: Thank you
Comment: I don’t mind paying fines—it’s for a good cause
Response: Fine revenue is used for general library operating expenses.
Comment: This five part DVD was in perfect shape
Response: That’s good news
Comment: Complimented clerk who handled a difficult patron
Response: Thanks for noticing
Comment: We love coming to the library—it’s a huge treat for our family
Response: We’re glad you are here!
Comment: Library is great—what a bargain!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Patron appreciates receiving overdue notices
Response: These are generated automatically—library technology has provided users with better service
Comment: Twenty books is not enough for teachers—it’s so hard to use this facility
Response: We assume that teachers have access to the library materials in their school library and that our library offers supplemental material only
Comment: Sign regarding DVD limits is too small
Response: We’ll review this
Comment: I love the two day grace period
Response: Thank you
Comment: Thank you, we’ve had a great year at the library
Response: Thanks!
Comment: Somebody is doing a great job in relation to the availability of titles
Response: Thank you
Comment: Loan period should be four weeks, not three
Response: Our three week loan period seems reasonable and is comparable to loan periods at other Tompkins County public libraries
Comment: Patron concerned that there may be surveillance cameras in restrooms
Response: We do not have surveillance cameras in the library
Comment: Patron couldn’t find a list of newly released DVDs
Response: A reference librarian can show how to find this list on Polaris. (it’s at the lower left of the catalog screen)
Comment: Lower shelves too difficult to access
Response: Unfortunately, the footprint of the library and available shelving will require some of our books to be shelved on the lower shelves.
Comment: Holiday closings should be on the telephone recording by Monday prior to the holiday weekend
Response: We will try to do this
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Patron Comments - May and June 2007
Comment: There should be a water fountain in children’s section.
Response: We think so too. However, the cost is prohibitive to add one at this time.
Comment: You have a great library, but the entrance is quite unattractive and dirty
Response: Thank you. Front entrance has been power washed and is due to be repainted this year.
Comment: It seems awful to close the library on Sundays before the end of the school year. Please reconsider
Response: We would love to be open longer, but only have funding through May.
Comment: You should be allowed to check out 4 DVDs at once
Response: Policy currently under review
Comment: I love the “Absolute Boyfriend: the series” I hope you purchase more. However it might work best in the Young adult paperback section
Response: Thank you for the suggestion
Comment: Would you consider allowing patrons either one very long checkout or one renewal. Response: I don’t think that would disrupt circulation that much and it would allow patrons to check out over very long book and finish reading it. Most items may be renewed for an additional check out period. New books and those with holds may not be renewed.
Additionally, the system does not allow for this option.
Comment: Handicapped bathroom toilets are too low for anyone with leg, knee or spine problems. An easy fix is a toilet riser.
Response: Will investigate
Comment: Audio books on CD by Anna Quindlen skipping
Response: Will inform the audio visual department for cleaning
Comment: Love books read on CD and want to listen to story and follow along in the book. We want the CD to tell us when to turn the pages.
Response: Your request has been submitted to the Youth Services Department
Response: We think so too. However, the cost is prohibitive to add one at this time.
Comment: You have a great library, but the entrance is quite unattractive and dirty
Response: Thank you. Front entrance has been power washed and is due to be repainted this year.
Comment: It seems awful to close the library on Sundays before the end of the school year. Please reconsider
Response: We would love to be open longer, but only have funding through May.
Comment: You should be allowed to check out 4 DVDs at once
Response: Policy currently under review
Comment: I love the “Absolute Boyfriend: the series” I hope you purchase more. However it might work best in the Young adult paperback section
Response: Thank you for the suggestion
Comment: Would you consider allowing patrons either one very long checkout or one renewal. Response: I don’t think that would disrupt circulation that much and it would allow patrons to check out over very long book and finish reading it. Most items may be renewed for an additional check out period. New books and those with holds may not be renewed.
Additionally, the system does not allow for this option.
Comment: Handicapped bathroom toilets are too low for anyone with leg, knee or spine problems. An easy fix is a toilet riser.
Response: Will investigate
Comment: Audio books on CD by Anna Quindlen skipping
Response: Will inform the audio visual department for cleaning
Comment: Love books read on CD and want to listen to story and follow along in the book. We want the CD to tell us when to turn the pages.
Response: Your request has been submitted to the Youth Services Department
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Patron Comments - February through April 2007
Comment: Copiers provide poor quality.
Response: Copier Service company was called to fix the problem.
Comment: Please consider adding Adobe PDF into system.
Response: Adobe Acrobat Reader is available on all public computers.
Comment: Comic book section on a turn table (display rack?)
Response: We do not currently offer comic books due to our tight budget but thanks for your suggestion.
Comment: Objects to sign in public washrooms regarding surveillance.
Response: Continued vandalism in our public restrooms is costly and unsanitary. We are hoping that signage would reduce this problem
Comment: Thanks for listening to my concerns.
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Woman’s washroom need soap and also has ants on the floor.
Response: Thank you. Facilities has been notified and is taking care of it.
Comment: Please keep the self check units open later
Response: The self-check units are closed down 5 – 10 minutes before closing; however the circulation counter is fully staffed at closing so you should have no problem checking out in a timely manner.
Comment: Three books on the NYTimes Bestseller list are available at other libraries but not at TCPL!
Response: The chronic backlog of unprocessed new books is due to a lack of sufficient staff.
Comment: Could you get a prayerwheel for the entry and exit?
Response: Probably not at this time.
Comment: Front Doors do not open on time.
Response: We have reviewed the software which sets the time for the automatic door opening and we believe we now have it set correctly.
Comment: How about drop off points for library material around the community, like, for example, at Wegmans
Response: Great idea, but a costly service which we cannot currently afford.
Comment: Better signage for magazine racks.
Response: Will investigate.
Comment: Teen programming and the teen area are really exciting and are one of the library’s strengths!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Would like clear concise and easy to follow directions for using the library’s catalog system.
Response: Our reference librarians are able to help you with your specific questions, either in person, by phone, or by e-mail.
Comment: How about being able to volunteer to work off fines?
Response: Will be referred to the Circulation Coordinator and the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Comment: Security guard accused me of harassment.
Response: This incident was investigated by the library director.
Response: Copier Service company was called to fix the problem.
Comment: Please consider adding Adobe PDF into system.
Response: Adobe Acrobat Reader is available on all public computers.
Comment: Comic book section on a turn table (display rack?)
Response: We do not currently offer comic books due to our tight budget but thanks for your suggestion.
Comment: Objects to sign in public washrooms regarding surveillance.
Response: Continued vandalism in our public restrooms is costly and unsanitary. We are hoping that signage would reduce this problem
Comment: Thanks for listening to my concerns.
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Woman’s washroom need soap and also has ants on the floor.
Response: Thank you. Facilities has been notified and is taking care of it.
Comment: Please keep the self check units open later
Response: The self-check units are closed down 5 – 10 minutes before closing; however the circulation counter is fully staffed at closing so you should have no problem checking out in a timely manner.
Comment: Three books on the NYTimes Bestseller list are available at other libraries but not at TCPL!
Response: The chronic backlog of unprocessed new books is due to a lack of sufficient staff.
Comment: Could you get a prayerwheel for the entry and exit?
Response: Probably not at this time.
Comment: Front Doors do not open on time.
Response: We have reviewed the software which sets the time for the automatic door opening and we believe we now have it set correctly.
Comment: How about drop off points for library material around the community, like, for example, at Wegmans
Response: Great idea, but a costly service which we cannot currently afford.
Comment: Better signage for magazine racks.
Response: Will investigate.
Comment: Teen programming and the teen area are really exciting and are one of the library’s strengths!
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Would like clear concise and easy to follow directions for using the library’s catalog system.
Response: Our reference librarians are able to help you with your specific questions, either in person, by phone, or by e-mail.
Comment: How about being able to volunteer to work off fines?
Response: Will be referred to the Circulation Coordinator and the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Comment: Security guard accused me of harassment.
Response: This incident was investigated by the library director.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Patron Comments - October and November 2006
Comment: Limits on the number of DVDs you can check out is too restrictive.
Response: We wish it weren’t necessary to be so restrictive, but the fact is that the DVDs are in high demand, but in short supply.
Comment: Complaint about the art in front of the library (see below for a detailed response).
Response: Self check out machines rarely work About 30% of our checks out occur at the self-check out computers. We are replacing two of them this week, and we hope that they will increase your chances of success.
Comment: My family loves your staff and the article in the paper was unfair.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Compliment about the organization of the music CDs.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I don’t like the policy of no renewals for new books.
Response: We wish it weren’t necessary to be so restrictive, but the fact is that we have a high demand for new books, but they are in short supply. Perhaps in the future when our funding is more robust, we could consider changing this policy.
Comment: Buy more DVDs for the African American population.
Response: We currently have 54 DVDs which have the subject heading African-American. Please ask a Reference Librarian to show you how to obtain a list of these titles. We welcome suggestions of specific titles.
Comment: Please consider numbering the Pokeman in series order
Response: Will refer to our Technical Services Department
Comment: Loan period on instructional videos should be changed to a longer period.
Response: The library has established two loan periods: one week for high demand items and three weeks for other items. For consistency and ease of remembering, all of our videos are checked out for one week. If you need to keep it longer, don’t forget that there is a two day grace period.
Comment: Someone is removing poster from the community bulletin board before the actual event.
Response: Unfortunately, this is not something we can easily monitor or control. We will ask Security Services to keep an eye on it.
Comment: Publicize the fact that the library closes 10 minutes before the stated closing time—or change your schedule.
Response: Due to the fact that the library is often fully occupied, we have to start moving people toward the check-out line and out the front doors 15-20 minutes before closing time. Our security guard sweeps through the library as does our professional staff. At some point we cannot allow any more people into the library since it is counterproductive to our goal of closing the building on time. The circulation desk remains open until the actual closing.
Comment: Couldn’t the checked in carts be roughly sorted by Dewey categories.
Response: We would ultimately like to eliminate the backlog, which is caused by insufficient staff. In order to accomplish what you suggest, we would need more staff! The carts are organized by return date, and if you know the title of the item you are looking for, the reference librarians can suggest which cart it might be on.
Comment: Why doesn’t the library cooperate with Ithaca College on its New Student Reading Project?
Response: We hope that someday this could happen.
Comment: I would like to use the public lockers but they need keys.
Response: We are working on a plan that would solve the problem of users taking the keys and not returning them.
Comment: Could you provide a drop off location for donations to the Friends of the Library?
Response: Unfortunately, we don’t have the space to accept donations, but we do encourage everyone to drop items off at the Friends Booksale site where they are properly sorted and stored. The library is offered the first choice of all donations throughout the year.
Comment: Concern that security services is aware of my personal background and are persecuting and laughing at me.
Response: I am sorry that you feel this way, but you may be mistaken. I will talk with our Security Services to ensure that you receive the respect that you are entitled to.
Comment: I live in Schuyler County and was told that I could not get a library card
Response: Because Schuyler County residents pay no taxes to support our library, we ask that you support our library with a fee-based library card. The cost is $25 per year.
Comment: Thank you so much for teaching my class about websites and databases—they were really impressed with the better quality of information that they can now access
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Thank you for opening on Columbus Day
Response: You are welcome!
Response: We wish it weren’t necessary to be so restrictive, but the fact is that the DVDs are in high demand, but in short supply.
Comment: Complaint about the art in front of the library (see below for a detailed response).
Response: Self check out machines rarely work About 30% of our checks out occur at the self-check out computers. We are replacing two of them this week, and we hope that they will increase your chances of success.
Comment: My family loves your staff and the article in the paper was unfair.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Compliment about the organization of the music CDs.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: I don’t like the policy of no renewals for new books.
Response: We wish it weren’t necessary to be so restrictive, but the fact is that we have a high demand for new books, but they are in short supply. Perhaps in the future when our funding is more robust, we could consider changing this policy.
Comment: Buy more DVDs for the African American population.
Response: We currently have 54 DVDs which have the subject heading African-American. Please ask a Reference Librarian to show you how to obtain a list of these titles. We welcome suggestions of specific titles.
Comment: Please consider numbering the Pokeman in series order
Response: Will refer to our Technical Services Department
Comment: Loan period on instructional videos should be changed to a longer period.
Response: The library has established two loan periods: one week for high demand items and three weeks for other items. For consistency and ease of remembering, all of our videos are checked out for one week. If you need to keep it longer, don’t forget that there is a two day grace period.
Comment: Someone is removing poster from the community bulletin board before the actual event.
Response: Unfortunately, this is not something we can easily monitor or control. We will ask Security Services to keep an eye on it.
Comment: Publicize the fact that the library closes 10 minutes before the stated closing time—or change your schedule.
Response: Due to the fact that the library is often fully occupied, we have to start moving people toward the check-out line and out the front doors 15-20 minutes before closing time. Our security guard sweeps through the library as does our professional staff. At some point we cannot allow any more people into the library since it is counterproductive to our goal of closing the building on time. The circulation desk remains open until the actual closing.
Comment: Couldn’t the checked in carts be roughly sorted by Dewey categories.
Response: We would ultimately like to eliminate the backlog, which is caused by insufficient staff. In order to accomplish what you suggest, we would need more staff! The carts are organized by return date, and if you know the title of the item you are looking for, the reference librarians can suggest which cart it might be on.
Comment: Why doesn’t the library cooperate with Ithaca College on its New Student Reading Project?
Response: We hope that someday this could happen.
Comment: I would like to use the public lockers but they need keys.
Response: We are working on a plan that would solve the problem of users taking the keys and not returning them.
Comment: Could you provide a drop off location for donations to the Friends of the Library?
Response: Unfortunately, we don’t have the space to accept donations, but we do encourage everyone to drop items off at the Friends Booksale site where they are properly sorted and stored. The library is offered the first choice of all donations throughout the year.
Comment: Concern that security services is aware of my personal background and are persecuting and laughing at me.
Response: I am sorry that you feel this way, but you may be mistaken. I will talk with our Security Services to ensure that you receive the respect that you are entitled to.
Comment: I live in Schuyler County and was told that I could not get a library card
Response: Because Schuyler County residents pay no taxes to support our library, we ask that you support our library with a fee-based library card. The cost is $25 per year.
Comment: Thank you so much for teaching my class about websites and databases—they were really impressed with the better quality of information that they can now access
Response: You are welcome!
Comment: Thank you for opening on Columbus Day
Response: You are welcome!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Patron Comments - September 2006
Comment: Raise borrowing limits
Response: The current limit is 20 items per user, which we believe is realistic, given the high demand for popular items
Comment: Increase the loan period for DVDs with multiple discs and up to 10 hours of viewing—it’s too hard to watch all in one week
Response: You do have the option of keeping the item past its due date. We offer a two day grace period. If you kept if for another week, it would cost you $1.25
Comment: Why do you cover the name of the book with the bar code?
Response: The placement of the bar code is standardized so that the self check machines can easily locate it.
Comment: I appreciate getting books on hold and think that the 50 cents charge should be increased for this service
Response: Thank you, we will consider
Comment: Please allow CDs to be renewed
Response: These can be renewed.
Comment: Too cold in the building
Response: The air conditioning unit has been serviced and adjusted several times during the past month; we apologize for the cold temperatures
Comment: Please add the Dvorak keyboard layout as an option on the existing language bar on the Internet computers
Response: Please contact me directly (jsteiner@tcpl.org) so we can obtain more information.
Comment: I am so appreciative of the dedication and support I experienced a the reference desk and several times at the check out are—the staff in each case went out of their way to assist me
Response: Thank you for your comment
Comment: More bike racks in front of the library
Response: TCAT is promising to work with us to add bike racks for their riders
Comment: What happened to Not New But Worth A View?
Response: We moved this section to a more prominent place along the Avenue of the Friends. It is on the shelving which previously held DVDs
Comment: A patron would like a thank you from the Friends because she has donated 500 “next to new” books to the booksale.
Response: We will contact the Friends and request that this be done.
Comment: Why are the books on the lower shelves in Youth Services shelved downwards? The logical alphabetical order is also gone
Response: We will soon be moving all books except the juvenile non-fiction to their correct upright position. If they are out of order, we apologize, but this is just one example of the impact of being short staffed. Volunteer help is always appreciated!
Comment: Even though I have just returned my DVDs, the self check machine blocks me from checking out new ones because there is a delay in checking these items in. Waiting in line so that the block can be waived today is too time consuming. Can you remove the blocks?
Response: We understand your frustration. Due to chronic short staffing, we are often days behind in checking items in—and we have far too few clerks working at the Circulation Desk. However, if we were to remove the automatic block on accounts which control how many items you can check out at one time, there would be no limit to how many items you could check out at once. Our staff can override the block but it does require you to stand in line. We are sorry that there does not seem to be a satisfactory solution to this problem.
Response: The current limit is 20 items per user, which we believe is realistic, given the high demand for popular items
Comment: Increase the loan period for DVDs with multiple discs and up to 10 hours of viewing—it’s too hard to watch all in one week
Response: You do have the option of keeping the item past its due date. We offer a two day grace period. If you kept if for another week, it would cost you $1.25
Comment: Why do you cover the name of the book with the bar code?
Response: The placement of the bar code is standardized so that the self check machines can easily locate it.
Comment: I appreciate getting books on hold and think that the 50 cents charge should be increased for this service
Response: Thank you, we will consider
Comment: Please allow CDs to be renewed
Response: These can be renewed.
Comment: Too cold in the building
Response: The air conditioning unit has been serviced and adjusted several times during the past month; we apologize for the cold temperatures
Comment: Please add the Dvorak keyboard layout as an option on the existing language bar on the Internet computers
Response: Please contact me directly (jsteiner@tcpl.org) so we can obtain more information.
Comment: I am so appreciative of the dedication and support I experienced a the reference desk and several times at the check out are—the staff in each case went out of their way to assist me
Response: Thank you for your comment
Comment: More bike racks in front of the library
Response: TCAT is promising to work with us to add bike racks for their riders
Comment: What happened to Not New But Worth A View?
Response: We moved this section to a more prominent place along the Avenue of the Friends. It is on the shelving which previously held DVDs
Comment: A patron would like a thank you from the Friends because she has donated 500 “next to new” books to the booksale.
Response: We will contact the Friends and request that this be done.
Comment: Why are the books on the lower shelves in Youth Services shelved downwards? The logical alphabetical order is also gone
Response: We will soon be moving all books except the juvenile non-fiction to their correct upright position. If they are out of order, we apologize, but this is just one example of the impact of being short staffed. Volunteer help is always appreciated!
Comment: Even though I have just returned my DVDs, the self check machine blocks me from checking out new ones because there is a delay in checking these items in. Waiting in line so that the block can be waived today is too time consuming. Can you remove the blocks?
Response: We understand your frustration. Due to chronic short staffing, we are often days behind in checking items in—and we have far too few clerks working at the Circulation Desk. However, if we were to remove the automatic block on accounts which control how many items you can check out at one time, there would be no limit to how many items you could check out at once. Our staff can override the block but it does require you to stand in line. We are sorry that there does not seem to be a satisfactory solution to this problem.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Patron Comments - August 2006
Comment: Would like a little gate at Youth Services to prevent toddlers from wandering out of the department.
Response: Any kind of gate or door must be handicapped accessible and be able to function with a high volume of people who enter this area, often pushing baby carriages. This system would need to be installed at both entrances to Youth Services. This is a costly venture. Even if such a door system was installed, it is possible that the door/gate would be accidentally left open, so it would need to have a self-closing mechanism, which may be hazardous to toddlers. While your idea of a “little gate” would work in a home environment, it is impractical for this library. A far better solution is for parents to watch their children at all times.
Comment: Why are there so many self-published books; seems like the money could be better spent.
Response: Our Collection Plan does not expressly prohibit self-published books. All materials considered for the collections are evaluated under the criteria established within the collection plan.
Comment: What a joy! The reference librarian gave me immediate and appropriate help in answer to my question.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: File Music CDs so that the spine is title up.
Response: The music CDs are filed so that the “spine label” is face up, thus making it easier to re-shelve and locate CDs.
Comment: People should be asked to lower their voices; add signs to this effect.
Response: Our security guard is responsible for keeping the noise level down.
Comment: We were prevented from coming into the library at 8 p.m. even though the library closes at 8:15 p.m.
Response: Access to the main part of the library is unavailable 5 minutes before our closing time, in order to clear the library in an orderly fashion. You may still return items to the Circulation Desk or pick up holds. The closing procedures will be reviewed with our security guard.
Comment: Open another station when there are more than three people in line.
Response: Long lines are a result of not enough staff. Clerks must be deployed to check in materials as well as check out. The balance between these two functions may be uneven from moment to moment, but often, by the time a clerk is pulled away from other duties and opens up another station, the line has cleared itself.
Comment: Quicker system for checking e-mail for visitors.
Response: We have developed a quicker way for visitors to obtain the needed library ID number for access to the Internet.
Comment: Security guard was too harsh on me—my child was simply turning lamps on and off *(See entire complaint and answer below).
*“The security guard was too harsh regarding a 3 yr. old who was simply turning lamps on and off. If that’s really against the rules, he could have a chat with my son to distract him from ‘misbehaving,’ which he was doing out of boredom while I was quickly choosing books for my sick mother. Instead the guard slowed me down by berating me without pause.
There are a lot worse things a 3 yr.old can try to do in the library while mama tries to do some minimal business of her own!
Such as: press buttons on the printer, put pencils in the CD drive, turn off computers, pull books off the shelves, take CDs out of their cases, draw where he shouldn’t, wander off and get lost. . . .
You can see that a family visit to the library can be a challenge. Some empathetic teamwork by the guard would make it a lot easier.”
(This comment was not signed)
Library Director’s response: All of us at the Tompkins County Public Library want a safe and secure environment for children who use our library. When children misbehave, or are a danger to themselves or others, our policy is to speak directly to the parent. When a three year old amuses himself by turning lamps on and off, and the parent thinks that this is acceptable, it is our obligation to educate the parent. We expect parents to watch your children at all times, and to never leave young children unattended. Our security guard is not here to be part of an “empathetic teamwork” system. His job is to enforce the rules of behavior and ensure the safety and security of our patrons and staff.
Response: Any kind of gate or door must be handicapped accessible and be able to function with a high volume of people who enter this area, often pushing baby carriages. This system would need to be installed at both entrances to Youth Services. This is a costly venture. Even if such a door system was installed, it is possible that the door/gate would be accidentally left open, so it would need to have a self-closing mechanism, which may be hazardous to toddlers. While your idea of a “little gate” would work in a home environment, it is impractical for this library. A far better solution is for parents to watch their children at all times.
Comment: Why are there so many self-published books; seems like the money could be better spent.
Response: Our Collection Plan does not expressly prohibit self-published books. All materials considered for the collections are evaluated under the criteria established within the collection plan.
Comment: What a joy! The reference librarian gave me immediate and appropriate help in answer to my question.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: File Music CDs so that the spine is title up.
Response: The music CDs are filed so that the “spine label” is face up, thus making it easier to re-shelve and locate CDs.
Comment: People should be asked to lower their voices; add signs to this effect.
Response: Our security guard is responsible for keeping the noise level down.
Comment: We were prevented from coming into the library at 8 p.m. even though the library closes at 8:15 p.m.
Response: Access to the main part of the library is unavailable 5 minutes before our closing time, in order to clear the library in an orderly fashion. You may still return items to the Circulation Desk or pick up holds. The closing procedures will be reviewed with our security guard.
Comment: Open another station when there are more than three people in line.
Response: Long lines are a result of not enough staff. Clerks must be deployed to check in materials as well as check out. The balance between these two functions may be uneven from moment to moment, but often, by the time a clerk is pulled away from other duties and opens up another station, the line has cleared itself.
Comment: Quicker system for checking e-mail for visitors.
Response: We have developed a quicker way for visitors to obtain the needed library ID number for access to the Internet.
Comment: Security guard was too harsh on me—my child was simply turning lamps on and off *(See entire complaint and answer below).
*“The security guard was too harsh regarding a 3 yr. old who was simply turning lamps on and off. If that’s really against the rules, he could have a chat with my son to distract him from ‘misbehaving,’ which he was doing out of boredom while I was quickly choosing books for my sick mother. Instead the guard slowed me down by berating me without pause.
There are a lot worse things a 3 yr.old can try to do in the library while mama tries to do some minimal business of her own!
Such as: press buttons on the printer, put pencils in the CD drive, turn off computers, pull books off the shelves, take CDs out of their cases, draw where he shouldn’t, wander off and get lost. . . .
You can see that a family visit to the library can be a challenge. Some empathetic teamwork by the guard would make it a lot easier.”
(This comment was not signed)
Library Director’s response: All of us at the Tompkins County Public Library want a safe and secure environment for children who use our library. When children misbehave, or are a danger to themselves or others, our policy is to speak directly to the parent. When a three year old amuses himself by turning lamps on and off, and the parent thinks that this is acceptable, it is our obligation to educate the parent. We expect parents to watch your children at all times, and to never leave young children unattended. Our security guard is not here to be part of an “empathetic teamwork” system. His job is to enforce the rules of behavior and ensure the safety and security of our patrons and staff.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Patron Comments - July 2006
Comment: Exhibit sign misspelled
Response: We will correct, thanks!
Comment: Send everyone an e-mail when the library’s hours change for holidays
Response: Will follow up and see if this can be easily done
Comment: Hang signs on parking meters when the library is closed for a holiday
Response: Street parking and parking meters are controlled by the City of Ithaca and it is unlikely that this type of sign will be allowed by the City. Thank you.
Comment: I am dressed for warm weather and it is too cold in here
Response: The library’s temperature is set to be within a range of 68-72. While there may be times when the system needs to be reset or recalibrated, this range is within the comfort level of most people.
Comment: Building was too warm and it was difficult to do my work
Response: See above.
Comment: Hand dryer in men’s room not working for two weeks
Response: This has been checked on by Facilities and the hand dryer is working.
Comment: How about a library card that can be used throughout the Finger Lakes Library System
Response: This is a good idea, but requires 31 libraries to develop uniform borrowing procedures, loan limits, etc. Many libraries prefer to retain their autonomy.
Comment: How about a female voice on the closing announcement?
Response: It would be pleasant to have a variety of voices. We will investigate. Thanks
Comment: The reference librarian is superb!
Response: Thank you, I will let her know.
Comment: No cell phones!
Response: Cell phones are annoying and we are trying, through signage and security, to enforce the cell phone rules.
Comment: The rule of being able to take out 2 audio books on CD and 2 on tape is unfair to those who only have one type of technology and not both
Response: The changes in our circulation policies will be reviewed in December. We will take your comment into consideration.
Comment: We liked the old system where we could take out lots more DVDS. Now we are required to come to the library more frequently, thus consuming more gas
Response: The changes in our circulation policies will be reviewed in December. We will take your comment into consideration.
Comment: Thank you for your new policy on limiting the number of DVDs which can be borrowed. Please keep this policy!
Response: The changes in our circulation policies will be reviewed in December. We will take your comment into consideration.
Comment: The noise from the kids in the lobby jars on my nerves
Response: We know that the acoustics are bad in the lobby and are requesting some sort of remediation from the county
Comment: It would be nice to have a help to carry my library selections up to the desk (for disabled or senior citizens)
Response: We have a page on-call who would be happy to do that for you. Just request that assistance from a reference librarian.
Comment: Loved the workshop on self-publishing; thanks to the library for offering such an opportunity
Response: We are glad that you enjoyed the program; however, it was privately offered, and was not a library sponsored program.
Comment: Loves coming in here as a family “we’ll be coming here for a long time”
Response: Thank you!
Response: We will correct, thanks!
Comment: Send everyone an e-mail when the library’s hours change for holidays
Response: Will follow up and see if this can be easily done
Comment: Hang signs on parking meters when the library is closed for a holiday
Response: Street parking and parking meters are controlled by the City of Ithaca and it is unlikely that this type of sign will be allowed by the City. Thank you.
Comment: I am dressed for warm weather and it is too cold in here
Response: The library’s temperature is set to be within a range of 68-72. While there may be times when the system needs to be reset or recalibrated, this range is within the comfort level of most people.
Comment: Building was too warm and it was difficult to do my work
Response: See above.
Comment: Hand dryer in men’s room not working for two weeks
Response: This has been checked on by Facilities and the hand dryer is working.
Comment: How about a library card that can be used throughout the Finger Lakes Library System
Response: This is a good idea, but requires 31 libraries to develop uniform borrowing procedures, loan limits, etc. Many libraries prefer to retain their autonomy.
Comment: How about a female voice on the closing announcement?
Response: It would be pleasant to have a variety of voices. We will investigate. Thanks
Comment: The reference librarian is superb!
Response: Thank you, I will let her know.
Comment: No cell phones!
Response: Cell phones are annoying and we are trying, through signage and security, to enforce the cell phone rules.
Comment: The rule of being able to take out 2 audio books on CD and 2 on tape is unfair to those who only have one type of technology and not both
Response: The changes in our circulation policies will be reviewed in December. We will take your comment into consideration.
Comment: We liked the old system where we could take out lots more DVDS. Now we are required to come to the library more frequently, thus consuming more gas
Response: The changes in our circulation policies will be reviewed in December. We will take your comment into consideration.
Comment: Thank you for your new policy on limiting the number of DVDs which can be borrowed. Please keep this policy!
Response: The changes in our circulation policies will be reviewed in December. We will take your comment into consideration.
Comment: The noise from the kids in the lobby jars on my nerves
Response: We know that the acoustics are bad in the lobby and are requesting some sort of remediation from the county
Comment: It would be nice to have a help to carry my library selections up to the desk (for disabled or senior citizens)
Response: We have a page on-call who would be happy to do that for you. Just request that assistance from a reference librarian.
Comment: Loved the workshop on self-publishing; thanks to the library for offering such an opportunity
Response: We are glad that you enjoyed the program; however, it was privately offered, and was not a library sponsored program.
Comment: Loves coming in here as a family “we’ll be coming here for a long time”
Response: Thank you!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Patron Comments - June 2006
Comment: When it was hot outside, the library’s air conditioning was not effective.
Response: As far as we know, the Air Conditioning is functioning effectively, within the range of 68-74 degrees.
Comment: Would like to split my Internet time into multiple segments.
Response: With our new software upgrade, this is now possible.
Comment: Please subscribe to the Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin.
Response: Will refer to our professional librarians.
Comment: Ezra Cornell Reading Room should not be used by people on laptops; also the room is poorly ventilated.
Response: The library does not consider using a keyboard for a laptop excessive noise. We will check on the room ventilation question.
Comment: Why not have a Friends of the Library drop box in the library?
Response: Will refer this to the Friends. They will need to empty it daily and transport all donated items to the Esty Street site for review by the library selectors. This may be impractical.
Comment: Mystery shelves are packed!
Response: We are looking at a major shifting in this area.
Comment: How about stack signs on both ends of the stacks?
Response: Good idea, will add to our list of “Things to do.”
Comment: Most stack signs are inaccurate.
Response: We heard there were gremlins moving them around. We will watch for this. The signs are not going to be perfect, due to continuous shifting, but they should be helpful in getting you to an approximate location.
Comment: How about a set of text books for middle and high school students?
Response: Our Collection Development Policy does not include purchasing of textbooks, due to the large number of textbooks used by all county school districts, and which probably change from year to year.
Comment: Clean chairs; most are stained and smelly.
Response: We are replacing chairs at the public computers; will check on the others.
Comment: CDs have more problems than Books on Tape. I’ve not listened to one full book on CD where all the CDs work.
Response: Please let us know when CDs are scratched or unplayable. We do have machines which will clean and repair them.
Comment: Let people choose if they want a receipt or not—could save paper.
Response: Receipts are printed automatically, just like in a grocery store. You can, however, recycle these if you don’t want it.
Comment: Post a sign DEMANDING that if people cough or sneeze, they must use a handkerchief.
Response: If people do not have the common sense to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, I doubt that a sign posted in the library will have much effect.
Comment: Better signs at the Internet regarding how to line up.
Response: Will review, thank you.
Comment: Compliment on e-bay workshop.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Complaint about not being able to get information by phone.
Response: Not sure about the details of this complaint, please provide more information.
Comment: Complaint that the Memorial Day weekend hours closing was not on the automatic recordings.
Response: This was our error, we are sorry for the inconvenience.
Response: As far as we know, the Air Conditioning is functioning effectively, within the range of 68-74 degrees.
Comment: Would like to split my Internet time into multiple segments.
Response: With our new software upgrade, this is now possible.
Comment: Please subscribe to the Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin.
Response: Will refer to our professional librarians.
Comment: Ezra Cornell Reading Room should not be used by people on laptops; also the room is poorly ventilated.
Response: The library does not consider using a keyboard for a laptop excessive noise. We will check on the room ventilation question.
Comment: Why not have a Friends of the Library drop box in the library?
Response: Will refer this to the Friends. They will need to empty it daily and transport all donated items to the Esty Street site for review by the library selectors. This may be impractical.
Comment: Mystery shelves are packed!
Response: We are looking at a major shifting in this area.
Comment: How about stack signs on both ends of the stacks?
Response: Good idea, will add to our list of “Things to do.”
Comment: Most stack signs are inaccurate.
Response: We heard there were gremlins moving them around. We will watch for this. The signs are not going to be perfect, due to continuous shifting, but they should be helpful in getting you to an approximate location.
Comment: How about a set of text books for middle and high school students?
Response: Our Collection Development Policy does not include purchasing of textbooks, due to the large number of textbooks used by all county school districts, and which probably change from year to year.
Comment: Clean chairs; most are stained and smelly.
Response: We are replacing chairs at the public computers; will check on the others.
Comment: CDs have more problems than Books on Tape. I’ve not listened to one full book on CD where all the CDs work.
Response: Please let us know when CDs are scratched or unplayable. We do have machines which will clean and repair them.
Comment: Let people choose if they want a receipt or not—could save paper.
Response: Receipts are printed automatically, just like in a grocery store. You can, however, recycle these if you don’t want it.
Comment: Post a sign DEMANDING that if people cough or sneeze, they must use a handkerchief.
Response: If people do not have the common sense to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, I doubt that a sign posted in the library will have much effect.
Comment: Better signs at the Internet regarding how to line up.
Response: Will review, thank you.
Comment: Compliment on e-bay workshop.
Response: Thank you!
Comment: Complaint about not being able to get information by phone.
Response: Not sure about the details of this complaint, please provide more information.
Comment: Complaint that the Memorial Day weekend hours closing was not on the automatic recordings.
Response: This was our error, we are sorry for the inconvenience.
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