To gain an insight into what kind of system our users want, we have engaged with students through open focus groups and have created a staff survey which is available until 10th July.

Click on the image below to enlarge.

We will be holding an informal meeting on Thursday 11th June at 11.30am, on the ground floor of the Library (the East side, with the comfy sofas!) where you can tell us exactly what kind of Library management system you’d like.

Please email fcleminson@lincoln.ac.uk to confirm.

Flavoured milk will be provided!!!

We’re thinking of naming them G, C and W…?

Photograph courtesy of Steve Smailes stevesmailesphotography.co.uk

We discussed the Library’s eating and drinking policy, and there were some great ideas which we’ll be working on implementing over the summer.

Look out for more Have Your Say meetings in the new academic year – we’re constantly striving to work in partnership with all Library users and staff to create a better experience for everyone!
‪#‎YourLibrary‬

Among the topics discussed was the difference between the facilities in specialist computer labs within other buildings, and those available in the Library. It’s a challenge for us to constantly update our equipment to suit every student, but we continue to try our hardest to provide the best facilities with the limited resources and money that we have.

It was agreed that more information about the different types of computers (with either local H drives or cloud based) needed to be available for students, as well as clearer explanations on how and where to save work.

Some students reported that many of the computers in the group rooms were running very slowly – we will look into this and ensure that they are checked on a regular basis to avoid this happening in the future.

The idea of personal profiles was suggested, this would allow users to customise their profiles, with the software that they need. Although this could be extremely problematic, it will be passed on to the ICT department for further discussion.

It came to light that students are unable to create PDFs from some AutoCAD software – this will be fixed!

Both staff and students commented on the room booking web pages, that they are difficult to use, and could be improved.

Tim Ingham reported that all ICT staff will receive standardised support training for Macs by September 2015, as well as a reminder of the rollout of a local install of Photoshop for all users (in contrast to the virtual Photoshop which was causing several issues with speed/performance etc.)

Many students were not aware of the laptop and Mac Book facilities – it was noted that further promotion must be done for these facilities. When students so use the laptops, many do not know how to link the guest account to the cloud, how to save, access software, etc. Dave Masterson, the Head of Electronic Library Services, was actioned with improving visibility of information in this area.

It was noted that the catalogue iPads, which students can use to check the Library catalogue, often do not work. The Library have plans to update these systems within the next year to improve performance.

ICT are looking into new options for the Plotter printer, to allow cheaper prints if less paper or ink are used.

Some students commented that printing at the University is too expensive compared to other institutions. It was then pointed out that in the past 6 years printing costs at the University of Lincoln haven’t increased. We continue to gather feedback on this issue.

Many students do not know how to gain remote desktop access. Tim Ingham agreed to feed this back to ICT – this needs to be promoted.

Students commented that the Visitor Kiosk in the foyer, which prints passes for those without cards, needs to have a more secure way of entering passwords. (The current set up features a large keyboard due to disability regulations). Dave Masterson will look into this.

Students also suggested making sure that important information found during Library Student Advisory Group Meetings be integrated into Getting Started materials for new students.

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The THELMAs recognise the outstanding work of academic and professional services teams across higher education institutions in the UK.

Ian Snowley, University Librarian at the University of Lincoln, said: “We’re extremely proud to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. The Library is the heart of our campus, and we work hard to continue to develop the services we provide to students and staff. This nomination recognises the commitment and dedication of our staff, and the effort they put in to making sure the services we provide delight our students.”

Opened in 2004 in a stunning conversion of a Victorian goods and grain warehouse, the Great Central Warehouse Library has won awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Last year the Library was named “a beacon of innovation and best practice” when it was awarded Customer Service Excellence status by the East Midlands Quality Centre.

The Library provides a variety of services and facilities for students and staff, offering more than a quarter of a million print book titles and thousands more e-books and journals. The last academic year (2013/14) was the most active in the Library’s history with almost 700,000 visits. An extension to the Library was officially opened in 2014 by HRH Prince Edward The Duke of Kent, providing extra seminar rooms, study space and ICT equipment.

The latest award nomination reflects ways in which students are given a clear voice in how their Library is run through close collaboration with the Students’ Union and the Library’s own Student Advisory Panel. This has enabled staff to respond to identified needs: for example, 24/7 opening is now standard for the majority of the academic year and a free Harvard referencing handbook provide students with a definitive guide for essay and dissertation work.

Winners of the THELMAs 2015 will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Thursday 18th June 2015. To see the shortlist, visit: http://www.thelmawards.co.uk/

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Taken from a press release by Ian Richards, University of Lincoln PR Manager

1. Wear layers – the climate in #YourLibrary is subject to drastic change, some students report Arctic drafts while others complain that it’s hotter than hell itself. Our advice is to wear a few layers, and of course to open and close the windows as you see fit. However, if the temperature really is unbearable, come to the services desk and let us know, in which case we can report a maintenance check to the Estates department.

2. Take regular breaks – We’re open 24/7 until 15th May, which means there’s plenty of time for you to complete those assignments, but you might also be tempted to pull several all-nighters. Just remember to stay hydrated and take regular breaks for food and rest. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, you can talk to the Student Services Team studentwellbeing@lincoln.ac.uk

3. Ask for help – If you’re having issues with printing, binding, or anything else Library related, just come and ask us for help, that’s our job you can tweet us @GCWLibrary, email us library@lincoln.ac.uk, call us on 01522 88 6222 or simply come to the Library Services Desk.

4. Finding a study space – We know that our building gets a bit chaotic during deadline time, but we have 4 floors, 10 bookable group spaces and new Library Learning Lounges, which offer extra space if the Library is getting a bit crazy. You can find more information here.

5. Use our resources – Did you know that our Learning Development Team can help you with a range of academic issues, including Maths and Stats (MASH), Academic Writing Support and IT in the Library? You can also talk to your Academic Subject Librarian who can help you with things like referencing queries or finding resources for your subject. Come along to one of our drop-ins or see our website for more information! Click the image below to expand.