In response to the National Student Survey (NSS) on Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs library service, a new and easier printing system, clearer guidelines and improved searching facilities have been introduced.
There will also be a help session on October 31st where many of the libraries will be giving away goodies, demonstrating electronic services, organising special ÔÇÿthemedÔÇÖ book displays and quizzes. They will also be seeking feedback on the new services, and offering advice on any problems that students have.
The NSS revealed that students did not think that the UniversityÔÇÖs printing service was particularly good or efficient. As a result, new multifunctional printers have been introduced within the library PC rooms, which provide printing, copying and scanning from a single device. They will also have double-sided printing as the default setting to save on paper, printing and energy costs. This will also ease the cost of printing for students by 20 per cent.
The introduction of wireless printing options should give students the ability to print from laptops or home computers, and help tackle congestion at printers.
Beth Button, Education and University Affairs Officer, said: ÔÇÿthe new facilities are a positive response to studentsÔÇÖ feedback through channels such as the NSS; the new printers should alleviate the pressure on computers during busy periods as students are able to print wirelessly from home and then collect their lecture slides etc instantly when they get to the campus.ÔÇÖ
Another issue highlighted by the survey was the search facilities at the libraries. A new ÔÇÿLibrarySearchÔÇÖ service, part of Voyager, has been introduced and designed to provide a single starting point for searching and accessing the Library collections in both print and online form. It has an easy to use search facility and quick access to online journal articles.
ÔÇÿLibrarySearchÔÇÖ makes it easier to identify latest editions and eBooks, and for enables students to tag their favourite items so they can find them in the future. Students can also add their own book reviews and read reviews by others.
Senghennydd Library has also been updated over the summer, with new group study rooms, PCs, plasma televisions and whiteboards. The library now has more comfortable tables and chairs and laptop lockers.
Bute and Architecture Library has also improved its group study facilities with plasma screens and new, more comfortable study areas. The number of power sockets for laptop use has been increased and redecoration projects have refreshed the spaces throughout the library.
Wireless network points have been upgraded across a number of libraries, improving access and speed. Staff will also be on hand to help students register their devices to the wireless network.
To encourage students to contribute to the new ÔÇÿLibrarySearchÔÇÖ book reviews, the libraries are running a competition this semester for the best book review. The first prize is an iPad.
Add Comment