Library as Place
| General | ||||
| Library as Place | 124 | 20.2% of Comments | ||
| Sex | ||||
| Male | 43 | 34.7% | ||
| Female | 81 | 65.3% | ||
| Age Group | ||||
| Younger than 22 | 30 | 24.2% | ||
| 22 - 30 | 67 | 54% | ||
| 31 - 45 | 21 | 16.9% | ||
| Older than 45 | 6 | 4.8% | ||
| User Group | ||||
| Undergraduate | 105 | 84.7% | ||
| Graduate | 18 | 14.5% | ||
| Faculty | 0 | 0 | ||
| Library Staff | 1 | 0.8% | ||
| Position | ||||
| Freshman (Year 1) | 12 | 9.7% | ||
| Sophomore (Year 2) | 7 | 5.6% | ||
| Junior (Year 3) | 28 | 22.6% | ||
| Senior (Year 4) | 58 | 46.7% | ||
| Masters | 15 | 12.1% | ||
| Non-degree or Undecided | 3 | 2.4$ | ||
| Other Academic Status | 0 | 0 | ||
| Lecturer | 0 | 0 | ||
| Assistant Professor | 0 | 0 | ||
| Associate Professor | 0 | 0 | ||
| Professor | 0 | 0 | ||
| Discipline | ||||
| Agriculture / Environmental Studies | 8 | 6.5% | ||
| Business | 7 | 5.6% | ||
| Communications / Journalism | 0 | 0 | ||
| Education | 13 | 10.5% | ||
| Engineering / Computer Science | 8 | 6.5% | ||
| General Studies | 1 | 0.8% | ||
| Health Sciences | 6 | 4.8% | ||
| Humanities | 10 | 8.1% | ||
| Law | 1 | 0.8% | ||
| Performing & Fine Arts | 9 | 7.3% | ||
| Science / Math | 32 | 25.8% | ||
| Social Sciences / Psychology | 20 | 16.1% | ||
| Undecided | 0 | 0 | ||
| Other | 9 | 7.3% | ||
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Education
Open later at night maybe you can get more art on the walls around the library, some areas are too plain More computers with MCWord or for typing purposes, because there has been times were I wait in line for a PC to be available for more then 45min. It would be nice if we could get some beenbags, or different kind of things to sit on, like something more home or more relaxed then couches or chairs. Thank you.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Education
The HSU Library s a welcoming place to research and study. I am satisfied with it.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Health Sciences
The noise made by construction really sucks. I know you cant help this but it has made time studying at the library difficult. It seems there really isnt anywhere to go with out finding construction noise during the day.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Health Sciences
i would love to see behind plant lighting and/or just more lighting along the paths to the library.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Health Sciences
My main wishes for the improvements are more personable and patient people, as well as more atmosphere-friendly study areas, ie cleaner air, sunlight,comforatable and practical chairs to study in. Thanks for asking. :)
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Humanities
I really like the study rooms and would be happy if there were more available.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Law
The staff of the library are very good and helpful but the atomsphere, ie the browns and really depressive and oppressive color become something that many people not aware of course avoide the libray because of this fact, perhaps new color scheme is in order, not too extensive but maybe a set of new art work collectionor different lighting or a compete re apholstering job on the chairs...
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Performing & Fine Arts
The library is a very useful haven for just relaxing and thinking, and I use it for that more than anything else. I think the library needs to have more books by Hunter S. Thompson available.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Science / Math
You did not have an option for concurrent enrollment services at the beginning of the survey. I am a junior in high school. However I really enjoy going to the library as a study and research center, and the computer labs are wonderful.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Social Sciences / Psychology
better ventilation would be great! the air gets a bit stale in here (not very condusive to mental clarity)
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Other
The 3rd floor is a great place to study when you need quiet, but as far as comfortable places to sit...I am forced to go to the 2nd floor and study amongst talkers, apple chompers, etc.
Undergraduate, Freshman (Year 1), Other
The library is too hot sometimes, and makes it uncomfortable to study for a length of time. Also, there should be a security guard wandering the halls to make the remote corners more comfortable and safe.
Undergraduate, Sophomore (Year 2), Engineering / Computer Science
The gates in the front of the library that you walk through when entering and exiting the premisise, emit an extremely high pitch sound that gives me an imediate headache. I can hear this sound throughout the entire 1st floor, and therefore cannot use the 1st floor. I have spoken with other students regarding this issue, and they agree that the noise if very disturbing as well.
Undergraduate, Sophomore (Year 2), Health Sciences
My only comment is that there is no area exclusively designated for quiet studying/learning. The tables in the back can be very loud with conversation and/or tutoring and studying and I would prefer an inviting, comforting place that I could study in peace and quiet. I would definitely be there more often, instead of in my car studying.
Undergraduate, Sophomore (Year 2), Humanities
periodicals are difficult to access. Also, there should be more and larger rooms available to reserve for student study sessions. Thank you. Overall, a great library.
Undergraduate, Sophomore (Year 2), Science / Math
I think the educational resouces and the staff our great but I honestly can't be in there for very long at a time. It seems so depressing to me with the dark carpets and the flourescent lights. It's just not a place that I can go and study or do homework at.
Undergraduate, Sophomore (Year 2), Science / Math
It is a really nice place and one of the only places I can get a ton of homework done without losing focus.
Undergraduate, Sophomore (Year 2), Social Sciences / Psychology
The library is a great place to study, has good rooms to study in with chalkboards, but needs more! It is a good atmosphere, and inviting. Keep up the good work!
Undergraduate, Sophomore (Year 2), Social Sciences / Psychology
More quite study areas...with good couches!
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Agriculture / Environmental Studies
Keep up the good work, sometimes its crowded and cold.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Agriculture / Environmental Studies
Overall library services are very good but there need to be more rooms available for group study. Instead the limited number of rooms is dwindling due to conversion to offices.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Business
There is terrible air circulation and for the six years that I have used this library - I always have to leave because I get sick to my stomach or I fall asleep. The environment is not intellectually stimulating (ex: orange couches - I might as well go to McDonalds). The multi-media center is phenominally "old fashioned", and employees are either not very helpful with it or they make you feel stupid.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Education
My only real complaint is that extremely stinky hippie that just walks around out and goes through the trash cans. I wish he could be told to take a shower or leave.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Education
Library services might include a periodical check through the library, especially during summer, to remove people that are not students. It's frustrating to feel uncomfortable in a library that I pay dearly to access.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Education
PLEASE REPLACE ALL OF THOSE CHAIRS THAT ARE SO OLD THAT THEY HAVE NO PADDING LEFT AND ARE HARD AS ROCKS. THANK YOU.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Engineering / Computer Science
I like to feel safe and I still haven't come to any conclusions about how safe I feel inside or just outside the library
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Engineering / Computer Science
Some of the chairs are pretty uncomfortable and sometimes library empoyees are a little too loud (I notice the noise coming from the third floor and near the microfiche from time to time).
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Engineering / Computer Science
an outdoor patio in which students could study would be great for nice days. The one that exists has noisy machinery. Some great scientists got rolling just by having a place to hang out and talk math/science..
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Health Sciences
Noise level is high and it is difficult to study in. Some of the personel lack manners. They talk loudly and just give the impression that they are in a bar instead of an institution of learning.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Performing & Fine Arts
Honestly, the library really needs an interior facelift. It isn't the most comfortable, conducive environment for READING. Please think about work-spaces without blinders, more like tables. Conserving electricity is important, but so is lighting that is easy on the eyes as it reflects off of white or off-white paper. I find my eyes straining against the interior environment of that particular campus building. The couches also do no enticing in the manner they are arranged, I don't even want to hang out there. However, the few times I really needed to use the library it was closed. LIBRARY CLOSED BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON A STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND NO 24-HOUR COMPUTER LAB ACCESS...hmm seems odd to me. But maybe I've only been to 2 large state universities in Maryland and they just have a better hang on the logistics of architecture for the environment's uses.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Performing & Fine Arts
It stinks and it is very stuffy, also they don't have a lot of plays or scenes by black people.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
Open earlier on the weekends and close later. Change the decor.....it's really unstimulating. Thank you
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
HSU library is in dire need of comfortable new chairs.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
Could use some newer chairs on the third floor
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
need seperate study rooms
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
Would like to see "quietness" invoked more often by the employees. It's hard to study when someone is talking at the next table.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
I don't think that queit study is promoted or enforced enough at the library. I spend at least 20 hours a week in the Library studying due to the requirments of my course load and I am often distracted due to the noise level of the conversations of people who decide to sit down next to me and start a discussion. I think that quiet study areas should be expanded and/or more defined.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
lacking in anthropological literature, especially primatology. Air is stale and flourescent lights suck. the couches aren't comfortable either.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Science / Math
I think that the library staff is always courteous and helpful. However, I don't agree at all with the recent decision (without student consent) to reduce the number of rooms available for groups to study in. The groups that used to study in rooms and thus not disrupt other students now have to expose the rest of the library to their discussions. Since the library is one of, if not the only place where classrooms can be reserved on campus for groups meetings, it bothers me that no explanation was forthcoming about the recent changes. Otherwise, the library is very comfortable and easy to use.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Social Sciences / Psychology
more air circulation on top levels. i always fall asleep up there
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Social Sciences / Psychology
The library environment is very comfortable. The only comment that I have is that there should be someone who monitors the quiet areas to make sure there isn't any loud talking.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Social Sciences / Psychology
The staff has been made aware of the noise problem on many occasions by many people, but seems to have done nothing about it. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I remember when people only wispered in Libraries, now, it's not uncommon for people to yell, laugh, sing, and play harmonicas. Granted, these are all great things to do, and I am happy when I see people do them in other locations, just not the library. Please do something to endure that we have a quiet place to study.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Social Sciences / Psychology
I found a class lecture on library resources to useful and insiteful. Staff is always curtious and helpful. Please have more areas for silent study. Sometimes I can't find a quite spot to read and consentrate, because of noise from other students or stairwells.
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Other
it would be nice if the quiet zones were enforced, instead of having to put up with loud converstaions from rude students. I had that experience this morning downstairs!!
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Other
Over all good but sometimes I feel I'm putting employee's out asking for help. They seem really worn out. The homeless people sleeping on the couches really stink!
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Other
in general i am very pleased with this library. i do wish there were more open hours on the weekend; the hours offered during the week are better. the biggest problem i have is the noise epidemic. it's getting more and more difficult to find quiet spaces to study. it's very much like being in a restaurant just as its getting busy. one person starts to raise there volume level then pretty soon everybody is being loud. it has been suggested that if someone near you is being too loud, to go over to them and ask them to lower their voice. the main problem is that their noise stems from disrespect. the suggestion to lower their volume would, therefore, be better received coming from a member of the library staff. i know that no problem concerning large #'s of people in the same bldg. can easily be solved but i seem to notice more indifference from library staff than anything else. it's almost as if this isn't a staff duty anymore. libraries should be quiet places to think and i've seen that mentality dwindling. i think it would be great to have lib. staff wandering around doing their duties but also reminding people to keep it down. thanks for your time:)
Undergraduate, Junior (Year 3), Other
Only real problem is when the homeless come in and sleep on the reading sofas.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Agriculture / Environmental Studies
I appreciate the help desk and the computer help personal. They respond rather efficiently to your needs. I reccomend installing a drop box for the fragile CD's that should not be returned in the after hours bin (less you want a $1 fine). Sometimes it is hard to find a quiet plce to study. Maby provise more group study areas that can be seperated for inividual quiet areas. I definelty appreciate the library services. Keep expanding the CD collection!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Agriculture / Environmental Studies
I appreciate lack of enforcement of the library eating and drinking rule...there isnt always a dry place to catch a bite or a drink while getting some quality reading done. The radio can be pretty loud in the depot. I am not opposed to some type of discipline for damage done to equipment as a result of innappropriate consumption.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Agriculture / Environmental Studies
The cocstruction taking place during prime school hours is inappropriate! Students are unable to learn, concentrate, breath due to pollution, access the entry well, and the ventilation is terrible. Using the library is a must to be successful in college. It is unfortunate that this college experience is sour because of maintence that sould have been prioritized better.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Agriculture / Environmental Studies
I really enjoy the presence of potted plants in the library. They are calming and help the air quality and ambiance.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Agriculture / Environmental Studies
The library really needs to have a quiet study area that is open 24 hours. I think that every college student has the right to a safe place to study at all hours. I think that access to the library should be based on our current I.D.'s. I am tired of all the street hippies that come in because they are disruptive and make me feel uncomfortable. It would also be nice if there was a cafe ajacent to the library. The air circulation could also be improved.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Business
the only concern i have is the noise levels at times in the library, when studing, study groupos would come in and would make a lot of noise talking about thier study material and athough their tring to be quiet it is still very loud when theyre the only ones making noise, i just i would just suggest more materails be posted about being quiet in libraies and requiring study groups to get a room.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Business
Should open earlier. Should have more group facilities where noise is permitted. Should enforce quiet areas and clearly mark areas where noise is permitted.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Business
I really appreciate the study rooms that are available to groups. I often wish there could be more because so many other people find them useful as well. However, I think this should be something that is offered by the departments and not just a library responsibility.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Business
You should get more comfortable chairs.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Business
I think the library needs to invest in better chairs that are more comfortable to study in on the 2nd floor.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Education
I am unhappy about the dwindling number of group study rooms on the 3rd floor.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Education
The air quality in the library has improved in the 4 years that I have gone to school here, but I still think that it could be better.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Education
Please, please...place fans, deoderizers(?!) in bathrooms! Yikes! -- (esp Men's!!) I'm serious, it seems the venilation is very poor in the bathrooms, which can be downright nausiating. esp. on weekends. I guess it would be nicer to have mor electronic acess to Journals and the like, it always seems like the few journals I really need are never available! Thanks for being so kind and helpful though. Most of the time the student (work-study) staff is great also!!! Thanks again!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Education
I love the HSU library. A great place to study or relax with great hours.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Education
get some new books make a place where people can eat, so they only eat in one place, but can still have a place to eat. RECYCLE BINS on all floors, instead of garbage cans, and since peopel eat in the library anyways, daily, make a bucket for compost also, that one of the students who works at the library, an added job task would be for them to take the compost on up to CCAT... it is only across campus...maybe one bin so that would really help out our landfill problem! the research is in the library if you want to know what i am talking about when i say, we need to help this problem. clean those couches more, they are soooo gross, hair and junk all over them, please. make sure the janitors pull out obvious recyclables out of the small trash bins!!!!! put signs on or near the trash cans REMINDING people to hold onto there recyclables for about a minute so they can dispense it in the right bin on campus. People will do it if they are constantly reminded, until they relize it does not inconvienience them at all after all. better lighting on second floor, way too dark for reading, it sucks. just how often are those bathroom stalls clean?
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Education
there is way too much noise throughout the library, there is NO WHERE on the first floor for quiet study. The computers in the lab are poor and should not be used AT ALL, except for independent use, people count on them to be available.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Engineering / Computer Science
The library needs to have more comfortable study environments. Also more tables in the "talking" area.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Engineering / Computer Science
I think the overall attitude and competence of the librarians is excellent. My only problem, which is very aggrevating, is the student employees who while restocking shelves or what not are very noisy and inconsiderate on a consistant basis. This is very distracting and not helpful in the learning process.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Engineering / Computer Science
Our library needs many more conference rooms to accomidate group projects and tutoring needs. Conference rooms and the library in general needs fresher air. Stale air causes drowsiness and hampers studying. Many of the designated quiet areas are along the sides of the building. The building appears to have no rain gutters. When it rains, which it does frequently, the "quiet" areas become extremely noisy. I find it impossible to study there at those times. The actual service from the employees has always been very good in my opinion.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), General Studies
THE LIBRARY IS GREAT !!! IT'S THE STUDENTS WHO FORGET , A LIBRARY IS A QUIET PLACE !!!!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Health Sciences
The main complaint I would file with the library is the lack of quiet study areas. I find that the staff on the second floor (not the copy area but the offices between the periodicals and the lounge) seem to go out of their way to assert their right to talk as loudly as possible while carrying on their buisness. I realize that the library is a workplace for these people, but they seem to lose sight of the fact that their workplace is supposed to be a quiet environment. The same complaint goes for the 3rd floor office in the northwest corner, the one with all of the computers setup in it. Students sometimes get carried away in conversation, but when someone is talking loudly, you can bet that it will be staff. I am talking about the professional staff, not the student employees. I also know that the situation with homeless people living in the library has been discussed ad nauseum but the fact is the two men who live on the second floor use various methods of intimidation to keep people away from the areas they are in. I am a 200 pound, 40 year old man and I am not easily intimidated by someone muttering, laughing out loud, or carrying on a conversation with themselves, but I have classmates who are 90 pound, 18 year old females who would and should be frightened by the antics of these two men.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
Why in God's name did they take out the couches that were along the walls in the quiet study areas of the 2nd and 3rd floors?!! It's freaking ridiculous, is what it is. I go to the library because I'm tired and my back hurts from sitting in desk chairs all day, so I like to lay on my stomach or back and read in a QUIET environment, and those areas are often the only place to go where people are not in their little groups giggling and whispering too loudly. If it was to keep the smelly transients from sleeping in the library, well, what about the students who want to read there and catch a quick bout of shut-eye in between classes? That area is now utterly uninviting to me, and I found myself unable to stay in the library to study because I was so disgusted. I need QUIET places to study, where no people are staring at me while I read and write. I am shy, and don't like scrutiny or being looked at when I'm trying to study, and cubicles are like little prisons. I like my nice couch among the privacy of the stacks. Phooey! Give me back my crusty old green-yellow couches! Curses on that decision! Arg!!! A row of chairs does not replace them! Arg!!!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
friday's hours could be extendend. Old furniture could be replaced, especially the uncomphortable chairs at the desks around the windows on each floor, as well as the somewhat revolting couches that seem dirty. the selections of books is wonderful, and the quanty of scientic journals adequit. lighting and air circulation improvement would be wonderful as well as increased privet study rooms for group meetings. A larger computer room that never has a class would also be fantastic. I apreciate the copy machines students are able to run for themselves, though I wish they had color capabilities. Increased art exibits might add flare and improve estetic qualities in the library. The enterance of the library, from the exterior, is not very inviting. The video collection is nice. Thank you for having this survey.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
to whom it may concern, i feel that improving the ventilation system and installing better lighting (such as informal desk lamps, and replacing the halogen lights with full spectrum) would greatly improve the environment. often the most desirable desks, those close to the windows that open, are taken up so i suggest having more windows that open. having a rotating exhibit of student art on one of the floors in the library would give students a sense of belonging and give the library a charm that it is greatly lacking. to better the quaility of air you might want to consider having more plants (preferably those that need little to no water). and a big contributor to the dirty feeling i get when inside the library is the furniture (particualarly on the second floor), it would be well worth it to reupolster and deep clean frequently to improve student health. thank you for your time. sincerly, adrian nickols
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
Everything's basically great about the library but it's hard to find a nice place that's quiet. Since it's hard to find quiet areas, I usually study at home.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
Usually it is too hot in the library. The university could both save money and increase comfort by turning down the heaters.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
The library service is very good. The library building is univiting, the colors are annoying, carpet is nasty, and environment is does not make me want to spend much time there. I do enjoy the regular displays. However the interior is in serious need of makeover.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
More plants would assist in the "facilitates creativity, contemplation, etc." area. They would also make it that much more enjoyable at the library!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Humanities
Less use by the homeless/indigent locals would be great. The smell can be overwhelming and uncomfortable and it takes away from students who need the resources (computers). Perhaps create a time (low traffic times) that they can come in a pick up their email.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Performing & Fine Arts
Please stop letting the transients come in! THere is nothing more disturbing to my comfort while I am in the Library than being forced to smell and be around one of these people. One man sat next to me the other day and scratched his crotch for ten minutes before I left. I have been harrassed and have known other females who have had similar experiences. I expect my Library to be safe and at least somewhat comfortable, but the presence of these people has turned me away from the library more than once. Thank you.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Performing & Fine Arts
sometimes it is hard to get access to the computers when I desperately need to. There have been probeblems in the past with homeless using the library to hangout in and sometimes bothering the students The elevator is the scariest thing to ride in, talk about a death trap waiting to happen.....very scary sounds!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Performing & Fine Arts
There is still too much talking and second and third floors. And it would be nice to have better electronic access.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Performing & Fine Arts
I would like to see an expansion in contemporary sheet music collection. I'd love MORE STUDY ROOMS! Why have they been taken over for other things?! They are almost always full when students need them, like around midterms and finals. The chalkboards are so useful! Please do not delete them, increase them!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Performing & Fine Arts
the library is cold.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
I know you are not our mothers and I know you are not responsible for disrespectful twits who leave their messes behind, but if desks and tables could be regularly cleaned, that'd be great! And as massive as the library is, I know it's got to be hard, but vaccuming more frequently might be good too. I know these tasks are very difficult when a place is always open, but a clean/tidy place to study would make it a better atmosphere.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
I like the way the library is structures with group learning space and quiet space. I think the regular reference staff is great and the student staff can be hit or miss.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
My main complaint about the library is that I have difficulty finding a COMFORTABLE place to study for hours at a time. Every floor seems designed for people with no back problems, which I understand because most college students are young and can sit for hours in rigid chairs, but I happen to be an exception in that I am only 22 but had back surgery a few years ago and must continue to be extremely careful about prolonged periods of upright sitting. I do try to get up and take short walks to minimize my sitting time, but I still end up hurting my back from library chairs, which means I often have to give up and go home, where there are certainly more distractions but I can also be more comfortable while I study. Basically, I feel that the library does not accomodate me because I am a back pain sufferer, and I am sure I'm not the only one with this problem. The third floor couch was the only semi-comfortable spot in the library for me, but it was recently removed and now I am forced to sit in the cubicles or at a table. At the very least, I would GREATLY appreciate some chairs with solid back support instead of a cut-out back, so that the back pillow I carry with me wouldn't fall through the hole in the chair. Thanks-- no complaints with other aspects of the library!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
The library is an inviting place, great pictures, and friendly atmosphere for learning and growing. One thing is a better childrens literature section. Another is that I really like the reading area on the second floor with the big windows, its great.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
You guys need to clean up your chairs at library. They are nasty and dirty. It is not comfortable at all when I study at third floor.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
User services in the library are great. the major set backs of the library are: 1. the air condition which is stuffy and severely lacking fresh air accessibility. 2. comfortable seating, we need more places to study like the 2nd floor window areas. 3. the furniture on the third floor is very worn, chair seats totally degraded. 4. the computer systems in the library are consistanly slow and not dependable 5. the computer systems in the library are changed with out input from students.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
Improving the air quality in the library would greatly help increase user satisfaction. It is difficult to spend long periods of time inside of the library presently.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
I do not enjoy physically being in the library. It is always stuffy and smells weird. I usually feel like throwing open the windows (which can't be done). I find myself envying the workers in the library whose offices are filled with plants and who have openable windows. I try to do most of my work remotely, and do not consider the library a good place to meet others to study or as a place of contemplation.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
There are often times old stinky dready men sleeping, snoring, and stinking on the couches. They cough loudly. It will be nice when the construction stops. Many of the chairs need to be replaced by the second floor study cubicles. The employees are great. We could use more computers on the second floor, and more clocks on the walls throughout the whole building...but perhaps more interesting-looking ones, instead of the old black and white. The video selection is wonderful, but could always be larger...keep expanding! Overall, I am fairly pleased, but we could use many many many more periodicals on microfilm. Thanks for caring about our input!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
I find the stations for portable computers to be very helpful. If more of these stations could included power connections would also be helpful. Along with more stations or power connections at more work spaces in the library. I would also find it helpful if some how notebook user could either use wireless or wired access to the internet to allow them/me to be even more productive in the library. I personally do must of my homework on my notebook in the library between class and on my days I don't go to school.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
I use the library for study group sessions. I like that there are areas for silence and areas for quiet conversation. I am a math major and love the new white boards:)
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
I'd like to see fewer smelly homeless people and fewer lazy kids sleeping on the couches.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
My only complaint is that there is no monitored, absolutely quiet place to study. If students are studying quietly in an area, it's the library staff that is talking loudly, or laughing. If I need a quiet space, I must go home, but a lot of reference materials are not allowed to be taken out of the library. Friendliness is extremely high. Knowledgeable staff is extremely high. Overall, the library is good, just not quiet enough.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
there needs to be more rooms made available for group study. The library needs better ventilation, the air gets stale and stuffy. In a perfect world the library would also have much more natural light. The copiers always seem to be broken and VERY slowly repaired.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
The library's service is satisfactory. Though, I think the library furnishings could stand to be replaced. Or, at the very least, steam cleaned well.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Science / Math
The one thing that would make the library a more inviting place to learn would be to include more mind invigorating art (murals in the stairwells, instead of just black numbers on white walls...) and maybe more furniture that doesn't smell like body odor. Besides that, of my 12 semesters at Humboldt, the library provided a good place to study and retrieve information.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Social Sciences / Psychology
The air in the library always seems stuffy and stale. So I minimize that actual physical time I spend in that building if at all possible. I would prefer a much expanded access to online materials and books, if that is possible.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Social Sciences / Psychology
the construction outside the library is too damned loud! how can one expect to go to a "quiet place" to do work when there are jack hammers, bucket loaders, construction workers, etc. pounding away at all hours...also, the library needs to be open longer more often...especially on sundays!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Social Sciences / Psychology
lately the construction has made it almost impossible to study.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Social Sciences / Psychology
Quiet areas need expanding, and the existing areas' quiet must be enforced...construction makes it impossible to study, sleep, relax...couches on second floor MUST be cleaned more regularly as they accumulate the smells of their vast amount of users. Great hours, great service, great resources, but the environment needs some work. Thank you.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Social Sciences / Psychology
The library should be a quite place for study. There are many students who do not honor this. I often find myself asking other people to be quite. I get easily distracted when large groups of people are talking in the library. I go to the library because I do not have a quiet place to study at home. Student need to realize that the library is a place for quiet study. Groups that need to discuss their projects need to get a room in the library to collaborate in...not the tables in the 2nd floor!
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Social Sciences / Psychology
the library needs to be remodeled desperately. it feels disgusting to be in there and the paintgs are sick. it should be more professional, feel brighter and not so dingy and depressing. i have visited several other campuses and seen their facilities and i feel that many people would benefit from a library that feels good to be in.
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Other
ienjoy the library for meeting in groups
Undergraduate, Senior (Year 4), Other
I seem to get a lot of work done in the library.
Graduate, Masters, Agriculture / Environmental Studies
Catalyst sometimes fails to come up with the resources which are actually available in the library. Example, there are several books dealing with constructed wetlands, but entering constructed wetlands as a subject search does not yield any of the major works on constructed wetlands. However, these books are housed in your library. Interlibrary loan is a great tool, and Julia is very good at what she does. All library staff at the help desk are first-rate. I do think that your lighting is very poor in some areas such as the second floor magazine area, as well as other places on the second and third floors. I often like doing schoolwork or reading at the Readers Guide to periodical literature tables on the first floor just because the lighting is so much better. Good light makes a big difference to me. However, some of your quiet study areas are not very bright. The desks on the periphery of the second and third floors do have individual lights, which is good. However, more open spaces seem a little yellow and drab. Overall I rate your library very high for what it provides, but I don't feel there is the necessary lighting to consistently use the library as a study area. Keep up the excellent work!
Graduate, Masters, Business
There is a real problem with the library when every semester more and more study rooms and areas are taken over by staff and administration. The same amount of students come to Humboldt each year, but with out fail more and more staff and adminstration are hired. We need more space for group work and better study group environments, not more staff and staff offices. The hours are also limited, if someone wanted to study on the weekend it is very hard to do with the library closing at 5:45. The chairs are very uncomfortable and hurt my back so it is hard to concentrate on school work when my back is hurting. Lastly when it comes to computer labs those boat anchor Macs are lame. Please get a lab with pc's and leave it open for students to use instead of filling it up with classes.
Graduate, Masters, Education
sometimes front desk doesn't know library is impersonal even with my id card i feel the suspiciousness surrounding 'unauthorized users' at the library computers, I would like a more open feeling around the resources my most pungent criticism is a big one that not much can be done about: I think the entrance and the overall feel of the library is of a gargantuam 70's parking garage, the building is overbearing and oppressive. Can it be 'lightened' up? 'aired out'? and opened up? I often will not go just because the building is not an inviting space to study in (let alone a creative or contemplative place. thanks
Graduate, Masters, Engineering / Computer Science
There should me no noise pollution anywhere in the reading room, mostly i have seen the people shout in the library.There should be seprate room for discussion.
Graduate, Masters, Performing & Fine Arts
I'm not much use in this survey. I only go to the library to fetch reading materials—I've rarely had cause to use any facilities that require that I remain in the building. Generally, I don't find it a comfortable place to read or study—it's always been stuffy, with a plastic-like smell, and there's something in the vents or alarm systems which produces an almost audible pressure on my ears, like a very faint whine or ringing. So really, I just use it to check out materials and photocopy anything I can't remove from the building.
Graduate, Masters, Science / Math
When I go to a library, I expect the environment to be quiet, above all else. I would be completely satisfied with the library at HSU if it were quiet even if the staff services were under par. I am uncomfortable with the isolated quiet areas because they are small and cramped, and lets face it, in the most undesireable parts of the library. Thanks for conducting this survey.
Graduate, Masters, Science / Math
The library does lack some journals, but I have always been able to receive them through interlibrary loan. The big problem with the library at HSU is the noise level. There is far too much discussion in quiet areas of the library. I like to use the library as a place to study and research, but this is very difficult when people use it to entertain themselves. Please enforce the universal library rule' "Shhhhh."
Graduate, Masters, Science / Math
It would be nice if there were some quieter more confined areas to study in the library.
Graduate, Masters, Science / Math
I find that finding a truly quiet space in the library is almost impossible, a fact that baffles me having come from an university who would kick noisy students out of their library. I would also like to see extended summer hours.
Graduate, Masters, Social Sciences / Psychology
Persons who are in the library to talk and socialize should be ejected until they are ready to be quiet. If they didn't learn this lesson in elementary school, now is the time.
Graduate, Masters, Social Sciences / Psychology
Some new furniture would be great! Sitting in there as often as I do I have come to feel that the chairs are hard and uncomfortable, and the couches are dirty from all the past users.
Graduate, Masters, Social Sciences / Psychology
Graduate students need their own study room. Most other universities provide their grad students with such rooms that can only be accessed by these students. I've noticed that there is plenty of room in the library where such a room could be established. I could see that this room would be extra useful if it included 5 or so computers, a couple of large tables, and cozy chairs lining the walls. Trust me, the grad school programs within this university demand and expect a higher level of academic performance that far exceeds most undergrad programs. As a student of one of these programs, it has been observed that many of us would benefit from such a room. We deserve our own space.
Graduate, Masters, Social Sciences / Psychology
My main problems with the library lie in the studying environment provided within it. Some of those things are too costly to change, but little changes could me made that would make a huge difference. Somebody should be hired to look for grant money to buy new computers which would always be accessable to students. New study desks are needed, preferable long sturdy tables with nifty desk lamps. No more cubicles!! I get frustrated with the main computer lab always being closed for classes. You should use the open space just outside the computer lab and fill it in with nice desks with computers on them. I do like the comfy couches, even if they are ugly!! More Windows!!! Our library shouldn't feel like a prison!!! also, I have heard people who want a little cafe/coffee shop area within the library for quick java fixes during those long stretches of studying! More plants too-greenify the place. Make it prettier! do anything! Make our library the most wonderful place on campus! That is what a library should be after all.:) thanks for caring enough to conduct a survey.
Graduate, Masters, Social Sciences / Psychology
Sometimes there is a homeless man in the library looking at Pornography on the internet and this is very inappropriate as he is not a student and the material is offensive
Graduate, Masters, Social Sciences / Psychology
I gave low ratings for items dealing with the comfort and privacy of study areas within the library. Many of the couches are uncomfortable and dirty. I would also suggest creating areas where small groups are able to collaborate in private, without distrubing other users. Another concern is regarding the limited journal resources available to graduate students. Although you have a timely interlibrary loan services, these items still take a week plus to arrive. The employees at the library are wonderful and continue to offset my adverse feelings about the above mentioned concerns.
Graduate, Non-degree or Undecided, Education
The environment is noisy and more of a place for social gatherings than studying or research. The staff (not student employees) have a tendency to act holier-than-thou. There are some great pieces of art in the library, but you have to go searching to find them. On the other hand, it's easy to find large photos of past HSU presidents -- who wants to look at them? I'd rather look at a Dali.
Graduate, Non-degree or Undecided, Social Sciences / Psychology
way to loud in specific sections of the library. suggestion to have a "silent" floor in the library, at least quieter than the first floor. Need better colors, couches and chairs on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Computers need to be accessible for any matter not merely for catalist researching.
Graduate, Non-degree or Undecided, Other
The doors on the restrooms are dangerous. I've almost been shashed in the face a dozen times. There should be a window so yu can see in or there should be a device to slow the door so that it can't be swung fast or it should be a sliding door.