Frequent Suggestions & Questions
Certain suggestions and questions appear many times in our suggestion box. While these suggestions are good ones, some of them relate to things that are beyond our control and others to things we won't change because we have good reasons for keeping them as they are. These frequent suggestions, questions and their answers are posted here.
Contents
Responses
Suggestion: As a frequent patron of the Valley Library, I've grown to appreciate the space as a valuable study area and a crucial resource. However, I am increasingly concerned about the proliferation of cell phone use inside the Library. I heard some rumor while the construction was underway that the new library would be built such that cell phone signals would be blocked. From observation of students using phones in the middle of the building, I am gleaning that this is not true. The ringing of phones has become, for me, quite a distraction at times, and, moreover, I feel the use of phones in the library is disrespectful of the library and the students, faculty and community members trying to utilize it. I understand this might be beyond the control of the librarians and staff, but I thought I might raise my voice (or maybe add my voice?) as one concerned about ceasing cell phone use in the Library. Thank you.
Response: OSU Libraries administration is currently working on a cell phone policy that will limit cell phone use to the common areas on the main floor. We will request that all cell phones be set to the silent signal function as the alert for incoming calls while in the building, and that users move to the main floor common areas or outside the building to take and make calls. Signs stating the general policy will likely be posted throughout the building, and in addition there will be signs in the quiet areas and on the study room doors. We hope this will curb the problem, and you are correct in suggesting that you aren't the only one with this concern. Thank you for raising your voice!
Karen Russ
Assistant to the Executive Assistant to the University Librarian
Suggestion: Please consider subscribing to a hard copy of Nature Medicine. It is the leading molecular medicine journal and has a variety of features that woud be attractive to a great many OSU/Corvallis biologists/pre-meds.
Response: Thank you for you suggestion that OSU Libraries subscribe to Nature Medicine. we recognize that it is an important journal in its field, as the Nature "journals" have all proved to be.
However, the cost of subscriptions to scientific journals has been inflating at approximately 10-15% per year for at least the past fifteen years. This has severely impacted the library's ability to maintain existing journal collections as well as to add new titles (although we do try to add a few new ones each year). Large libraries manage journal subscriptions via subscription agents -- this requires that subscription renewals and addition of new titles happen once a year. We have been through this process already for this academic year. I will put Nature Medicine on the wish list for next year and see if there is further support for its purchase.
Thank you again for your interest in the journal collection.
Anne Christie, Biological Sciences Librarian
03/01/2004
Suggestion: May I renew books that I borrow from the Orbis Cascade Alliance?
Response: In most cases, you are allowed one renewal of items borrowed through the Orbis Cascade Alliance. You may request the renewal online by viewing your library patron record.
Lorraine Borchers, Head Access Services Department
03/01/2004
Suggestion: How do I appeal charges on my library record?
Response: You may appeal library charges if you believe they have been mistakenly assessed or if extenuating circumstances may warrant reduction or cancellation of the charges. Appeals should be made within 30 calendar days of the original billing by the Business Office. You may complete an Appeal of Library Charges (online or PDF) form, also available at Circulation. You will be notified of the outcome by email.
Lorraine Borchers, Head Access Services Department
03/01/2004
