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.

Book Renewal

Comment
I just want to figure out how many times I can renew a book. Right now I am on my second renewal and I don't know how many more times I can renew it.

Answer
Provided no one has requested the book, you may renew it as many times as needed.

Tuesday, May 3, 2010
Book Donations
Comment: I'm an alumni and now a student at SFU, I would like to donate my SFU course books (no markings, pretty much brand new), how do I go about doing that? Thanks!
Answer: You can bring your books into the Library at either campus and leave them at the Circulation desk for the Collection Development Librarian. Please note that while donations are accepted, only items that meet our selection criteria are added to the collection. Donations that cannot be kept are normally put in the Library's book sale or donated elsewhere.

Nice...

Comment: Nice Blog!

Answer: Thanks. Send us your suggestions about the library.