Update about Printing in the Library  
The library has received a number of complaints about printing from students via our feedback form. We have forwarded your comments to CEIT, the department responsible for technology in the College. They are currently carrying out a series of repairs in the library and have asked that we continue to forward feedback about printing and computers to them.

Lighting at back of Library 
Comment
It sure is dark at the back of the library when the lab lights are off. Maybe closing the blinds would make a difference?
Answer 
It seems that a couple of lights in that area are not working. These will be fixed as soon as possible and we'll continue to monitor the situation. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013
 Kudos to Librarians
The librarians are very helpful and know how to find what you need quickly and efficiently. Researching good information is complex and time consuming and also a "fine art." The librarians at DC are one of the institutes most valuable assets - Thanks sincerely, for the help!
AnswerYour comments are greatly appreciated.

What Happened to the Printer...
Comment
Happy New Year! What happened to the printer at the back of the library? I sure hope to see it return. The group of computers at the back needs its own printer. It is problematic for a college so short of technology (computers) for students to have LESS printers. When everyone is writing and printing term papers at the same time it makes for longer waits, increased printer problems and STRESS. Please Please we need more not less - especially since tuition is very expensive and always seems to be increasing. Not all students can afford laptops...Thanks ...
Answer
Good news - the printer has been returned! Thanks for your comments.

November 29, 2012
Move to Swap New Westminster Lab with Learning Centre
Why are we losing all these computers during the craziest part off the semester? 10 people lined up to print and a whole room full of computers with the lights off?

bad time to do this! our essays are due soon and we need to find references and write our essays!

October 31, 2012
Printers
every time i come to the library at least one printer is broken. if they're so crappy, get new ones please! there is no where else in the building to print. what a mess.

October 14, 2012
BC Historical Quarterly Index

Hello, I was just going through the index for BC Historical Quarterly and notice 1950 is different from the pubs I have. Mine are: Jan-Apr 1950 Vol. 14 #1&2 Jul 1950 Vol. 14 #3 Oct 1950 Vol. 14 #4

September 15, 2012
Kudos to Librarians
I would like to express my deep appreciation for the guidance given by librarians (both male and female) at the Research Help counter recently. They helped me tremendously when I needed advice regarding my English 1130 research assignment. They were very approachable and went out of their way to check some references and some citations, in order to answer my questions correctly. They gave me handouts for the right citation format too. I would not have been able to complete this research assignment satisfactorily without their invaluable help.... and were very cheerful and enthusiastic in offering help. So a special thanks...

Noise in Library

"I think the library is sometimes noisy with people talking on cell phone, discussing loudly and playing music. This is quite disturbing for people who are studying and try to concentrate. Please try to maintain the library in a good environment for reading and study. Thank you very much."

"It is really hard to find a quiet place to read & study in the Coquitlam campus library."

Computer Access

Thursday, January 5, 2012
Comment
There is constantly a line up for computer usage in the library. There are even times when students are surfing social networks, playing video games and using the computers for non-school related purposes. Having more computer resources at Douglas college would be extremely beneficial. Also, on this same note, there should be more quick print stations. Today, both stations are down and some of the computers do not have print access. This is very frustrating from a student perspective. Thank you for listening.

Answer
I'm pleased to say that the library will be installing additional quick print stations at both campuses in the near future. There is College policy that forbids the use of video games on public computers, unless course-related, and I should point out that there are courses that utilize social media and gaming. There are a couple of options you may find useful when it's very busy in the library. Computer labs are available on the 5th and 6th floors at New Westminster campus and on the 2nd floor at David Lam. In addition, there are laptops available for loan at the Circulation desks. Thank you for your comments. They will be forwarded for consideration.

Learning Centre Very Valuable Asset but...

Comment
The Learning Center is a VERY valuable asset and the changes have been frustrating to work with from a student perspective. The reduced hours, changes in how to book tutor sessions, complicated rules to book (48 hour rule etc) week in advance etc are all making it so complex to get help. Please consider returning the hours to full weekdays and make it less complicated to book face to face tutoring and there should be no limits. Thanks

Answer from Learning Centre
This Fall, to allow more access to our peer-tutoring services, we have added the ability to meet with our peer-tutors for drop-in sessions. While we are excited to be able to provide this additional service, we do also apologize that you have experienced frustration in booking these. We realize it is sometimes difficult to access our services, and we are working toward making it easier, with the ultimate goal of allowing students to book your own appointments online. Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences. We very much appreciate your comments, and we will integrate your experience into our planning processes for this new initiative.

Food, Drink and Cell Phones

Comment
I am wondering why patrons (students) of the library here at Douglas College do not have to follow rules (clearly posted at the entrance of the library) ie no food, no drinks and no cell-phones...

Answer
The Library's food and drink policy has been revised recently to allow cold snack foods that do not disturb other people and beverages in covered containers or bottles. The notice at the entrance of the library reflects the old policy and is in the process of being removed. Regarding cell phone use, patrons are strongly encouraged to leave the Library before using their cell phones and are also asked to set them to low volume or to non-audible signals while on the premises. Please feel free to contact a librarian at the Information desk about any related disturbances.

Noise in Library

Comment
Today is a quieter day but, as a new student, I am normally rather alarmed at the noise tolerance allowed in this library. While I was sitting with another student, she said something to me which indicated that I wasn't the only one who felt this way about the library here. She said she couldn't find a quiet place in the library to study (not even at the higher level of the library). Another classmate also made a remark about how noise the library is at Douglas College. One day this week, two girls were "talking", almost shouting to each other in conversation as they sat at two different places in the library (quite a distance away).... 

Answer
The upper level of the library is reserved for quiet study but the main level does allow for student interaction that is respectful of other students. Students are strongly encouraged to leave the area before using their phones and to set their cell phones to low volume or to non-audible signals while in the library. Most of the time, students monitor themselves and appropriate noise levels are maintained. However, we recognize there are periods when noise does become an issue. At such times, please feel free to contact a library employee about it.   

Thank you

Comment
On August 25, 2011 -
I was in the college library yesterday and i have to say that the library staff was absolutely wonderful and so helpful! I've broken my leg and the staff helped me find my books since the elevator was broken. Thank You!!!

Answer
Library staff were very happy to be of assistance.

Library Hours

Comment
Why are you not open on Saturdays? I work all week and depend on Saturdays. I just found out that you are closed and am now stuck. This is unacceptable.

Answer
I'm sorry you were inconvenienced.  The library is open three evenings per week between May and August (see summer hours). Hours have been set for the summer but your comment will be included for consideration when future decisions are being made. Also, please contact us through our email reference at infodesk@douglas.bc.ca where we would be happy to provide additional assistance with accessing library resources.