Please clean up the computer lab in the basement of Cabell library! The floors need to be waxed, the tables need to be wiped down, the keyboards need to be cleaned, and etc. I come here almost every other day and it's ridiculous how the floor has more trash on it than outside. This makes me feel really uncomfortable and not want to come to the library.

From: an undergraduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development responds...

Thank your for pointing out the conditions you have observed the B-8 computer lab. Staff with the VCU Libraries and Technology Services have had recent discussions about housekeeping services in Cabell Library, and B-8 was brought up as a particular problem area. We have been assured that the B-8 lab will be cleaned at night - floors will be swept and trash removed. There has been confusion about Housekeeping's responsibility for maintaining the B-8 lab. Until recently, the lab was locked after hours, and the night cleaning crew did not have access to clean the floors and remove trash.

I have noticed that the library is very dirty. There [is dirt] in the study rooms and the trash cans are over filled most of the time. Is it that no one in the library administration has noticed it or is that it is not a priority?
From: graduate student

Jeanne Hammer, Associate University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development responds...

Thank you for expressing your concern the condition of Cabell Library. The library's administration is very aware that housekeeping services are not keeping pace with the increased traffic in the building. We are discussing the situation with those in VCU's Physical Plant Division responsible for monitoring compliance with the current housekeeping contract's cleaning frequency schedule to see can be done to increase the frequency of cleaning.

For students browsing for books, I suggest the library put up book categories/subject titles on the ends of each bookcase, below the call numbers. This can make it significantly easier to find where we are when looking for books in the library -- after all, we process words much faster than alphanumeric call numbers. Thank you!
From: an undergraduate student

Patricia Selinger, Head, Preservation Department, VCU Libraries, responds...
Thank you for this great suggestion! The Preservation Department is responsible for maintaining the call number guides throughout the stacks. With our stacks overcrowded, we shift collections regularly to make room for new materials. The call number guides become obsolete quickly in this environment. We haven't had subject guides before but we are looking at solutions that will help students browse by subject. Look for posters in the near future.

I would like to report a problem with the mouse on computer ID: LIB-PUB43-119, on the 4th floor of Cabell Library. The left click function is inoperable. Unfortunately there are students waiting to use computers but this one quickly becomes unoccupied when the problem is realized. Thank you.
From: a graduate student

Donna Coghill, First Year Student Programs Librarian, responds....
Thank you for alerting us to this computer problem. We have filed a report and the problem will be fixed shortly. You can also alert any service desk staff member to computer repair needs for a faster response.

Please expand the laptop loan program to more than 2 computers. I hope the data you have been collecting in the pilot demonstrates the demand for the program. There are times in the library (Tompkins-McCaw) when there are no computers available or it is entirely too loud to be able to complete any constructive work, in these instances the loan program would be particularly effective. Unfortunately, having only 2 computers for loan doesn't effectively alleviate the problem. There have been multiple instances when both computers have been checked out. I know of many other professional students who would like to see an expansion of the program. Thank you for all you do!
From: a graduate student