Problems arise from early opening of new library
By Genna Tan
With the initial excitement over the new library fading, problems associated with the early opening, such as theft and inappropriate use of resources, have become apparent.
There are all kinds of "teething pains," said Ron Danielson, vice provost for information services and chief information officer.
"There were a lot of things we weren't able to put in place for the opening," Danielson said, "but we felt that providing the study space was so important to students that we wanted to go ahead and do that, and we would play catch up afterwards."
Security has been one issue. According to Danielson, a $1,000 computer, several computer mouses worth $60 and a few $20 headphone sets were stolen within the library's first few weeks of operation.
"We were trying to get the building open," said Nancy Cutler, director of media services. "But we have been going back and locking things down."
According to Cutler, the library will receive 32 more Apple computers, and all of them will be secured to prevent future thefts.
The equipment in the library's 11 video viewing stations has been bolted down to the desktop, and there are security cables in place.
Surveillance cameras are also on the library's to-do list, but none have been installed yet.
"We've had very, very few losses of equipment on campus," said Danielson, "so we were surprised to find one disappear that quickly."
Replacing the stolen equipment is not only costly, but also troublesome for both library staff and students, according to Cutler.
"More importantly, it's the next student who sits down to use (the computer)," Cutler said. "If the mouse isn't there, then they can't do what they need to do."
Another problem that has arisen is competition among students to book the collaborative study rooms. Students can reserve the rooms a week ahead of time online for a maximum of four hours, but students can only reserve rooms on the spot at the library for a maximum of two hours.
RoomWizards, the electronic touchpads outside each study room, cancel reservations if no one claims the room ten minutes after the reservation time begins.
Junior Preston Jeung reserved one of the study rooms three days in advance, and arrived a few minutes late to find that the reservation had been canceled. "Maybe the library should strengthen internal controls," Jeung said in reference to the RoomWizards. "It'll make peoples' lives a lot easier."
Danielson said there is no way to tie the different RoomWizard systems together.
According to Danielson, the library staff does not want to act as "dorm mothers," and he hopes that students will take it upon themselves to practice good library etiquette.
Computer availability has also become a problem.
"There are always a lot of people using the first floor computers because that's the first thing people see," said junior Kendra Garcia.
Danielson said students may not realize there are about 80 other computers on the second floor in the training and instruction rooms that are open when not in use for classes. The Apple computers in these rooms run both Mac and Windows operating systems, so programs are compatible with either system.
Despite these initial problems, students are still drawn to the new library's high-tech facilities. With the closing of Kenna Lab and the training and instruction rooms in Nobili Hall this week, more students will be using the new library.
"It's running pretty smoothly for opening as early as it did," said Hailey Trefethen, a senior anthropology major.
Some students have even used the building for reasons other than studying. One of Danielson's staff got an accidental e-mail advertising a "Rockin' Library Party on Saturday Night -- BYOB."
Danielson said he hopes that students will become more aware of what is appropriate behavior at the library. "But if that continues to become a problem, we will have to find a way to police it in some way."
Contact Genna Tan at (408) 554-4546 or gbtan@scu.edu