September 16, 2024
Question/Comment:
Please clean the outside of the tower windows, they have lots of marks, bird feces, and spiderwebs.
Library Response:
The cleanliness and maintenance of Schmon Tower is the purview of our colleagues in Facilities Management (FM). While the Library cannot help with the window cleaning, we did reach out to FM for comment.
Here’s what they told me:
- FM does not clean exterior windows that are over 5 residential stories high. They can clean up to that height (on residences, or the Rankin Family Pavilion, for example) using a pole system.
- Schmon Tower does not have the appropriate infrastructure on the roof to allow for the swing stage (or suspended) scaffolding that would be required for this kind of cleaning.
Andrew Colgoni
Associate University Librarian, Student Success
acolgoni@brocku.ca
November 10, 2022
Question/Comment:
Brock University’s Library should offer more e-books. For example. If I am doing some research on insulin and diabetes and I want to include information from the following book – I should be able to read the book through the Brock website to get the information I need. Formerly, in 2020 I was a student at Niagara University, and I could access almost any book/novel etc.. that was available in an e-book from their library. I could not always download it, but I could read it and bookmark it and save it in a collection of my customization. It was incredibly useful! As a student, I can’t afford to buy every book, and it’s not great for the environment either.For example this book:The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss by Jason Fung.Or any book by Dr. Gabor Mate – I accessed many of his books through N.U. and used them and info from the bibliography for my research.Thank you for your consideration and any help you can offer.Jacqueline
Follow-up message:
Hello,
In regards to my earlier email about not being able to access e-books. I thought I’d share with you the screen shot of the N.U. library page. You can even stream movies through the library … it’s really quite good! Any e-book that is out there a student can ‘borrow’ as well.Other schools use something called Overdrive through their library, but it isn’t as good as what N.U. offered.Brock might want to check out offering this as more and more students access content online and having movies etc… to download is a real bonus for research.(Unfortunately I could not submit a screen shot here … but here is the URL…. https://library.niagara.edu)
Library Response:
Hi Jacqueline,
Thank you very much for your feedback. Very sorry to hear that you are not able to find eBooks that you are looking for in the Brock library collection.
I appreciate your suggestions about video streaming content and the example you provide of the Niagara University Library [New York].
Some background information about the Brock University library collection can be found here on the website. The materials collected by the library support the programs and courses offered at the University and have an academic focus.
There are 13 streaming video collections that you have access to at Brock and information about them can be found here.
You could search the video collections by topic or title. Overdrive is a useful video collection, although it is not one that we subscribe to at this time.
Searching the Brock library catalogue Omni for the author Gabor Mate I found several titles held by Ontario University Libraries that you would have access to although they are not all eBooks you can see the results here
The St. Catherine’s public library also carries books by Gabor Mate and they have The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss by Jason Fung, and carry video streaming services that you may find interesting.
If you have any purchase requests for material that aligns with our collections guidelines please submit them here.
I hope that you find this information helpful.
Mandy Deans Kassies MLS, M.Ed.
Collections Librarian
February 9, 2022
Question/Comment:
I have noticed a pattern of people booking rooms on silent floors for meetings in which they actively participate in. multiple times I’ve been on floor 9, and someone is talking loudly beside me since they think study rooms do not transmit noise. it would be really helpful to have signs in the study rooms, or in some way make it more clear about still having to be quiet and respect the rules when you are in one. I find it really upsetting and hard to work when others are being constantly disrespectful. thanks.
Library Response:
Your point about signage is a very good one. We will work on that.
With the mix of hybrid and online formats, many students are looking for places to attend online classes in-between the on-campus classes. We have opened up our individual study rooms to accommodate this need, but we are also aware that this use is tension with the quiet floors they are on and the quiet study they have been normally dedicated to. We will be monitoring the use of these rooms and our other spaces as we continue to respond to changes in study needs.
Here are some other things that could help if you are finding that folks are being louder than they should:
– Let us know at the Ask Us Desk and we can ask the user to lower their voice/volume.
– If you need total silence on demand, we have earplugs at the desk – we’re happy to give you a pair (yours to keep!) upon request.
Andrew Colgoni
Associate University Librarian, Student Success
acolgoni@brocku.ca
March 12, 2021
Question/Comment:
Never in my life has a search engine made me cry before. I’m not sure who put this together, maybe 30 trained monks, two sleep-deprived grad students or a group of men over 60 who don’t know how to use Twitter. But whoever decided this would be an acceptable way for students to find research documents clearly hates students. The old model was great, and I understand it was costly to keep up, so a cheaper model was implemented. However, cheaper is not better, is it? I have found no one in my three years at this school who prefers this over that old model. And no one who finds this Omni accessible. What used to take hours now takes days. I understand this has been the model for a while; however, I have avoided using it at all costs. Now forced to, the anger that this search engine fills me with is incomparable. I understand I have no voice, and this will land in an inbox of someone being paid minim wage for minimum effort and that no change could ever come about. But I would be remiss if I did not let out my frustrations. Brock didn’t need to cheap out of the old system. They’ve got plenty of money. Tuition didn’t go down, but I’m sure the cut costs padded the paychecks of whoever is at the top. If I had an undivided hour with whoever came up with this, I would go Katie Porter on them with a whiteboard and everything.
Library Response:
I’m really sorry to hear about your very frustrating and stressful experience while searching using Omni. And thank you for sharing this feedback with us. We would love to have that undivided hour with you, if you are willing and have the time. We genuinely want to hear your perspective on what the problem areas are so we can address specific pain points in the system. In addition, we plan on doing broader user evaluation of Omni soon.
I would like to clear up some misconceptions from your comment. I think the old model you are referring to is SuperSearch. Brock moved from SuperSearch to the new Omni system in December 2019. You are right that there are some differences in how the system looks and works, but this move was not a decision made based on cost or savings. In fact, Omni was a long-overdue upgrade to an aging system (the library catalogue). By moving to Omni along with 17 other university libraries across Ontario, we can provide more seamless access to books from those institutions.
All that being said, it’s possible that Omni is not the best search tool for your research needs. Depending on what you are looking for, a subject-specific database can give you the precision search tools to find the exact article for your research question. A full list of databases available to you can be found here. We also have ‘Research Guides by Program’ created by liaison librarians who recommend databases and search tools that are best suited for your particular program.
If you are ever struggling with research and need assistance, please do reach out as we are happy to help. Options include ‘Ask a Librarian’ chat (Monday-Sunday), booking an appointment with your program’s librarian, or submitting a question over email to libhelp@brocku.ca
Best,
Monica Rettig, Department Head, Access Services
mrettig@brocku.ca
Feb. 27, 2020
Question/Comment:
I just wanted to say that this year I am very disappointed in the way the library brought awareness to Black History Month this year. As a fourth-year student, I can surely say that greater emphasis was put on it in the last 3 years. It is the last week of February. Brock should be a school of inclusion. The library is a common ground for all students and should be used as an outreach tool. I am extremely disappointed.
Library Response:
I agree with you that Brock University should be a school of inclusion and that as a central hub within the university, the Library has an important role to play in its promotion. We have recently formed an internal committee centred around Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Decolonization, which will be tasked with examining ways we can advance all of these issues in a thoughtful manner going forward. I’ll make sure your feedback is brought to the attention of this group.
While we weren’t able to produce a book display this year celebrating Black History, our Archives and Special Collections department shared some interesting archival material on Facebook that dates the founding of the British Methodist Episcopal Church using tithing tickets dating back to 1874-1889. Two BME churches in the Niagara region are designated National Historic Sites of Canada because of their role in the Underground Railroad and welcoming freed slaves.
We also helped celebrate Festive’Ébène, which is an annual celebration of the cultural and artistic contributions of Black Francophones in Niagara. “Empreintes et mémoires / Imprints and Memories: Festiv’Ébène, 13 years of francophone festival in Niagara” was in our Learning Commons display this month. You can read about that in the News section on the Library homepage.
If you have suggestions on how the Library can recognize Black History Month in future years, we’re welcome to them; feel free to get in touch at the email address below.
Andrew Colgoni, Associate University Librarian, Student Success
acolgoni@brocku.ca
January 28, 2019
Question/Comment:
For the past few weeks the same group of students continuously make loud noises, and downright screaming their conversations on the fifth floor and it has been very distracting. They continue to do this despite being told by staff to quiet down. It would be very helpful if they could be escorted out. As it becomes continuously frustrating having to switch floors due to their actions.
Library Response:
Thank you very much for your feedback. I’m sorry to hear that you were disturbed while studying.
The south side of the 5th floor is a group work space and, as such, normal levels of conversation are permitted. If at any time there is excessive noise in any area of the Learning Commons or Library, please bring it to the attention of staff (including identifying information of the individuals in question) in person at the Ask Us Desk, via chat on the Library’s homepage or via phone at 905-688-5550 ext. 4583. An additional option is to email libhelp@brocku.ca which is monitored Mon-Fri 9-5.
Staff will investigate and deal with the problem promptly. The more information we have, the better we can decide whether we need to involve Campus Security.
If you are comfortable doing so, we also recommend that students politely let their peers know that they the noise level is making it difficult to study. This is sometimes more effective than staff involvement.
There are several alternative areas available that are much quieter than the south side of the 5th floor: Silent Study is available in Learning Commons Classroom B; in the Silent Study Room Floor 5; and throughout Floors 9 & 10.
Alternatively, if you are working with a group, you might consider reserving a closed-door group study room: https://calendar.library.brocku.ca/reserve/groupstudy
Monica Rettig. Head, Access Services mrettig@brocku.ca
Nov. 1, 2019
Question/Comment:
Hi! How often do the upper level washrooms get cleaned/mopped? The 8th floor washroom (male) smells like urine. I guess guys need targets.
Library Response:
Washrooms are typically fully cleaned daily and then monitored throughout the day. The frequency of monitoring will vary depending on the volume of use of the washroom. This is all handled by our Custodial Services partners in Brock Facilities Management.
If you see something that needs attention in the library, just let us know by the usual channels (in person, by phone at x4583, at libhelp@brocku.ca, or by Ask chat). You can always call Custodial Services yourself at x3508 if you’re not in the library and you think something needs immediate attention.
I put a service request as soon as I got your note!
Best,
Andrew Colgoni, Associate University Librarian, Student Success
acolgoni@brocku.ca
October 23, 2019
Question/Comment:
1. Please fix the WIFI
2. It is appalling as a T.A. that Brock has not yet been able to fix the wifi issues, as well as issues with their computers. I rely on fast speed wifi for my job here at Brock and always find that in the middle of calls, using facetime etc. my phone disconnects due to poor connection. This has caused many problems for me hindering my ability to work. I urge whoever is in charge to fix this issues asap.
3. The WIFI service connection in the library and university in general is very bad. In fact it is terrible. It has hindered me and multiple other students from completing work and getting the simplest tasks done. Living in the 21st century and paying a fortune of money, I think it is the right of every student to enjoy the best WIFI service possible. I have spent 7 years at Brock and this year is definitely the worst. We would really appreciate getting this issue resolved.
Library Response:
Thank you for taking the time to comment about your experiences with wireless slowness in the Library.
Wifi everywhere on campus is administered by Brock’s Information Technology Services. I will send your comments to the appropriate individual in ITS so that they can assess whether the wireless infrastructure in the Library is adequate for the number of users at peak periods.
In the event that you encounter wireless slowness anywhere on campus, I recommending submitting a ticket via brocku.ca/information-technology/helpdesk. If you include your location on campus, and the date/time, they can better troubleshoot the issue for you, and hopefully help make the wireless experience better for everyone at Brock.
Jonathan T. Younker
Head, Library Systems & Technologies
October 9, 2019
Question/Comment:
On the ground floor of the library, toward the back by all the group study spaces are cubicles designed to be quiet study zones with NO TALKING. And yet, there are a plethora of students…that fail to abide by these rules. It makes studying very difficult. Would it be possible for librarians to help maintain loudness by asking such patrons to move themselves to other areas of the library? There are group study rooms for a reason…so one would think.
Library Response:
I know that it’s frustrating when some users are being loud in an area that is designated as Quiet Study. The area that you are speaking of is not a “no talking” area, but an area where we request that users speak quietly so as to not disturb others. If you are looking for a true Silent Study zone, the 9th and 10th floors would be a better match for you. We encourage you, if you are comfortable with it, to remind your peers to speak more quietly in our designated quiet study spaces. Our staff do also walk through our spaces multiple times throughout the day. Otherwise, please let us know about noise concerns at libhelp@brocku.ca, via Ask a Librarian chat, by phone at 905-688-5550 ext.4583 or in person at the Ask Us Desk.
Andrew Colgoni, Associate University Librarian, Student Success
acolgoni@brocku.ca
September 23, 2019
Question/Comment:
Could the library purchase fans for students to sign out to use in the study rooms because of the very warm temperatures? Thanks
Library Response:
I appreciate the sentiment (we’re always interested in new ideas for what to loan!), and we recognize that the elevated temperatures in parts of the library are uncomfortable. We’ve been working closely with Brock Facilities Services (who controls the temperatures – we don’t have access to the thermostats!) and they have been able to fix some of the issues that were causing warm temps on Level 200. I hope it’s better – email me if you are finding some areas too warm, still.
Andrew Colgoni, Associate University Librarian, Student Success
acolgoni@brocku.ca
September 16, 2019
Question/Comment:
1. Why is it so HOT in here?
2. When is the construction going to be over & the area useable? It was supposed to be open Fall 2018!
3. Can we please have coat hooks in the study rooms?
Library Response:
1. One common reason it is warm in parts of the library is due to changing external temperatures, and sometimes building temperatures don’t quite line up with them. We’ve been able to get level 200 a bit cooler by working with Brock Facilities. Let me know if there are specific areas that you are finding too warm still.
2. Soon, we hope! You’ll notice that some sections are going to be opening right now, but final touches and technology are still being installed. We are excited to move into the Makerspace and Digital Scholarship Lab!
3. You’re not the first person to ask for these! In response, we’re looking to our options and making sure we can do this safely. Thanks for the suggestion.
Andrew Colgoni, Associate University Librarian, Student Success
acolgoni@brocku.ca
April 16, 2019
Question/Comment:
Make it easier to cancel library study room bookings!
There used to be a link in the email that allowed us to cancel and now it’s not there and there’s no way to do it otherwise (I asked a librarian for help but she couldn’t help). She told me that students are able to use the rooms if it opens up after 15 minutes, but why should a student have to wait 15 minutes for no reason and also, if I saw the room is booked online, I would not go check just in case.
Library Response:
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback about our new group study room booking system.
We have been tweaking the communication from the system because students have been accidentally cancelling their bookings.
But, I hear you that it’s important to have a simple way to cancel bookings after receiving the reminder message. (We have always had the cancellation link in the confirmation email that you receive when you make the booking.) We will make this change based on your feedback and continue to monitor the situation.
We have a ‘fifteen-minute rule’: Rooms not occupied within 15 minutes of booking time become available for re-booking. This allows the group with the booking to run a little late and still have an opportunity to use the room. This policy is in line with other libraries. But, we appreciate your feedback and will review our space use policies.
Monica Rettig. Head, Access Services
mrettig@brocku.ca
February 21, 2019
Question/Comment:
Why not get some art students to paint murals in the stairwells? It would be so nice! (Also, could use a sweep, especially on higher floors). I love the library. Great job, everyone!
Library Response:
Thank you for your suggestion. I love the idea of having students paint a mural to brighten up the stairwell! We are always looking for ways to improve and will explore the suggestion.
I will ask Custodial Services to give the stairwells a bit of extra attention.
Thank you for your kind comments and your feedback!
Jennifer Thiessen, Interim Associate Librarian, Academic Services
February 21, 2019
Question/Comment:
Has there been any thought given to installing standing desks?
Library Response:
Thank you for your suggestion. We are currently investigating various products and initiatives that can support student wellness and will explore the feasibility of standing desks. We do have desks at a variety of heights in the Library, including a standing height desk in the main corridor. Try it out and let us know what you think! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
Jennifer Thiessen, Interim Associate Librarian, Academic Services
January 16, 2019
Question/Comment:
I can’t believe that the library now charges $0.03 per sheet for scanning. This is outrageous! Scanning costs the library nothing (any energy used during this process is negligible and is surely covered by the millions of dollars of other fees that Brock is collecting from students). Are you going to start charging students for plugging in their laptops or phones to charge as well? I’d like to know how this fee is justified. If it is meant to offset the cost of wear and tear on the multi-function machines, there are many things that the library currently wastes money on that would be better spent covering the cost of scanning.
Library Response:
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. I reached out to colleagues in Printing and Digital Services to respond to your comment: On Oct. 1, 2018, the pricing for photocopying and scanning was adjusted as a result of rising equipment leasing costs, maintenance changes, and toner and paper prices. This was the first rate increase in more than five years, and enables the University to responsibly pay its operating costs while also being fair to users. A survey of 22 Canadian (mainly Ontario) post-secondary institutions done in Fall 2018 found the average cost for colour copies was 36 cents, while the average cost for black & white copies was 9.5 cents. At Brock, black & white copy rates went to 11 cents (from 10 cents), colour copy rates to 30 cents (from 20 cents), and the cost of scans is 3 cents each. If you have any further questions, you can contact them at printing@brocku.ca Another option is to use free photo-to-PDF apps, such as ‘Office Lens’ and ‘Genius Scan’.
Monica Rettig. Head, Access Services mrettig@brocku.ca’
January 16, 2019
Question/Comment:
Why does someone always do a headcount on the study floors? It’s super distracting and I find it to be purposeless. Thanks
Library Response:
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
Yes, library staff conduct walk-throughs of the entire library approximately four times per day. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve found this distracting while you are studying.
We have this practice for a number of reasons. For student safety, it’s important that library staff circulate throughout the building in order to proactively report any problems or address any issues. We also want to be available and visible for anyone who needs help or wants to ask a question. And finally, we do a head count of the number of people in the space. This allows us to better understand library usage in order to inform planning for library hours and staffing levels.
If you have any specific suggestions on how we might make this less distracting, please feel free to contact me directly.
Monica Rettig. Head, Access Services mrettig@brocku.ca
December 10, 2018
Comment:
If Brock is going to continue its attempts to increase enrollment, it has to ensure that its facilities can actually cope with the larger influx of students. Currently, the library isn’t. There are always long lines for the elevators, line-ups for printing services, large crowds of students that you need to dodge through in the lobby and it feels really overcrowded, especially when you’re looking for a silent study space. Brock can’t keep increasing the number of students it has without devoting more resources to the library (especially money and SPACE). Also, upkeep and maintenance of the resources that the library does currently have need to be prioritized better. Why are there so many computers (especially the quick sign-in ones by the printers) always out of order? When I come to print things, I expect the majority of the copiers to be working! Sadly, this often isn’t the case. As for long-term planning (i.e. within the next 20 years), you’re going to have to renovate/expand the library. Why not consider building libraries according to disciple, (i.e. a science library, a humanities library, etc). One more separate library building would do wonders to alleviate the congestion of the current library.
Reply:
Thank you very much for your feedback. I agree that the library can feel very crowded during this time of year. It is frustrating to have to deal with long lines and crowded spaces. The Library is continually working to improve spaces and services. We have been able to create more study spaces with the recent renovation on the 5th floor and are looking forward to the opening of the new Rankin Family Pavillion which will feature more student space. Currently, we are investigating making modifications to the stand-up workstations by the printers so that students can access them quickly and efficiently during busy times. Thank you for taking the time to share your comments.
Jennifer Thiessen
Interim Associate University Librarian, Academic Services
November 27, 2018
Comment:
Please consider setting up the possibility for pay equipment rental fines at the downtown campus for students in the VISA program
Reply:
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
I do appreciate that fine payment is inconvenient for students taking classes at Marilyn I Walker. I relayed your concern to our counterparts downtown for their consideration.
We are in the process of implementing a new library system (Expected late 2019). Part of this process will include investigating ways to modernize and improve the student experience, including fine payment options.
Monica Rettig. Head, Access Services mrettig@brocku.ca
November 26, 2018
Comment:
We love the collaborative working spaces on the fifth floor! More space like this would be an excellent feature in the library! (sometimes it’s all full!)
Reply:
So glad you love the new space on the 5th floor—we love it too! We are always happy to receive feedback and will keep this in mind as we plan for new spaces.
Jennifer Thiessen
Interim Associate University Librarian, Academic Services
November 20, 2018
Comment:
Why not let us book 3-4 weeks in advance for study rooms especially around exam time.
Reply:
Thank you for the suggestion. We are in line with most other Ontario university libraries, but will take your feedback into consideration.
D. Grant
Operations Manager, Access Services
November 14, 2018
Comment:
Can we please install more cheap food in the library? I’m poor to buy $10 meals.
Reply:
Studying makes me hungry, too! We do have vending machines on floors 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9 with a variety of snacks.
The Guernsey Market (on floor 1, below the Library) also has snacks and meals with a range of price points. You can provide feedback to Brock University Dining Services here: https://brocku.ca/hospitality-services/dining-on-campus/catering-on-campus/feedback/
You can also connect with BUSU to find out more about affordable food: https://www.brockbusu.ca/services/food-first/
Thank you for your feedback!
Jennifer Thiessen
Interim Associate University Librarian, Academic Services
November 4, 2018
Comment:
Hi! A little irritated as I spent 20 minutes (and counting) waiting for an elevator to come to the 5th floor to bring me downstairs. I’m in a wheelchair and every elevator was full. If you have four elevators, why is there only one running? Please rectify this issue!
Reply:
Thank you very much for taking the time to submit your feedback. The elevator situation is definitely frustrating. It may look like we have 4 elevators, but only 2 elevators serve the Library floors (floor 2, and floors 5 through 10), while the other 2 elevators serve the administrative floors of the Schmon Tower (floors 1, 3, 4, 11-13). At busy times of the year the library elevators do tend to be quite full!
Recently we also had one elevator out of operation for a short period of time while it was being maintained, so I wonder if this was during the same time that you were waiting for the elevator, necessitating a longer than usual wait time. I’m sorry for the long wait.
Thanks again for your comments.
Jennifer Thiessen
Interim Associate University Librarian, Academic Services
October 30, 2018
Comment:
Why is it so loud in the library? It seems as if talking is allowed everywhere. We need more silent spaces. Only like 2 floors are silent and they fill up quickly around midterms, and then there is no where to go to study silently. The ground floor rooms don’t work because you can still hear everyone in the rest of the library. Please devote some more space to silent study.
Reply:
Thank you very much for your feedback. Please feel free to bring any immediate noise issues to the attention of staff in person at the Ask Us Desk, via chat on the Library’s homepage or via phone at 905-688-5550 ext. 4583. Staff will investigate and deal with the problem promptly.
Floors 9, 10, and Classroom B (when not in use for instruction) are silent areas. An enclosed silent study room with seating for over 30 is available on floor 5. Individual study rooms for silent study are available on a drop-in basis on floors 9 and 10.
We will be reviewing study zones in the Library and will take feedback like this into account.
Jennifer Thiessen
Interim Associate University Librarian, Academic Services