Comment to the Kelsey Library Staff

Comment: To the Kelsey Library Staff – thanks for assisting me with my library information needs.  I have found the audiovisual staff,  library staff as well as the librarians to be exceptionally helpful with my learning and teaching needs. The library book mark was a good idea and I shall keep one handy at my desk.

Keyboard Comment at Wascana Library

Comment from a Wascana student: Fix the legs on some of the keyboards, please!

Thanks for your comment!

It’s unfortunate that some of the keyboard legs are snapped off, but if users do not treat the computers with respect this can occur. Once the keyboard legs have been snapped off there is no way of replacing them – we’d have to order a whole new keyboard. The library knows that the legs serve an important ergonomics function for some people, so if this is a concern to you we suggest that you try to sit at a computer that still has a keyboard with the legs on it.

Robin Canham
Librarian, Wascana Campus Library

A Question for Learning Services

Comment from a Wascana Student: Why doesn’t Learning Assistance help people with computer related classes? eg. Simply Accounting. I believe it would be a good idea if they started doing that.

Since Learning Services (FYI – the name has changed from Learning Assistance) is a Student Development program but is housed in the library, we asked the Learning Services instructors if they could answer your question. This is their reply:

Learning Services may be able to answer basic accounting questions, but we don’t have the resources available to work with students who have difficulties with specific software. We encourage all students taking computer courses to always consult with their instructor on questions relating to the use of the computer or software.

Robin Canham
Librarian, Wascana Campus Library

Subject Signs on the Stacks at Wascana

Comment from a Wascana Student: As I see in other libraries, there are signs in every aisle that show you which kind of books there are. But I could not see any here, except some letters and numbers. For example, how can I find a book about history, ESL, etc., without asking? Please write every subject near them. Thank-you.

Thank-you for your comment. You are right – many libraries, usually public libraries, have signs that identify materials by subject (music, computers, health, etc). These libraries organize their material by the Dewey Decimal System. At SIAST Libraries, we use a classification system called the Library of Congress Subject Headings to organize our information. This gives us the ability to have a more detailed collection of library materials that can suit the specific needs of the very different programs at SIAST. Unfortunately, this means that library materials are often scattered throughout our shelves because one item can relate to a number of different topics. The letters and numbers that you see at the end of each row indicate which books are on the shelves based on their classification code.

To look for books on a particular subject, you can use our online catalogue which is available under “Find Books and More” from the library website (www.siast.sk.ca/libraries). Here you can look for books, videos, and electronic books on a variety of subjects, searched by keyword, title or author.

You can also look at our “Resources by Program” section on the website, which will direct you to useful library materials by the SIAST Program you are enrolled in. We have a guide for every program offered at SIAST.

Our staff is always happy to help you find library materials. Stop by the “Ask Us!” desk and we will help you search the online catalogue or give you ideas on where to look on our shelves for the information you need. We continue to look for ways to help students and instructors find library items quickly and easily.

Susan Shepley
Librarian, Wascana Campus Library

Test Centre Lighting at Woodland

Comment: There is bad lighting in the Test Centre. It is hard on the eyes when you are doing a test.

We haven’t had any other concerns about the lighting in the Test Centre. However, since we do have an ongoing retrofit of lighting in progress throughout the Tech Centre, the lighting in this area will eventually be upgraded as well.

Robert O’Neil
Program Head, Woodland Campus Library

Coffee Machine at Wascana

Comment: The coffee machine breaks all the time! I think it would be a good idea if people have to get it the same way they have to get soda (outside).

Aramark (the company that manages the cafeteria) takes care of the coffee machine in the library. The library has partnered with Aramark to provide the coffee machine for library users to make it more convenient to get coffee and available when the cafeteria is closed. It’s true that it has been out of order lately, but sometimes parts need to be ordered to fix the machine and can take time. You can always get coffee downstairs in the cafeteria during store hours, or there is another coin-op coffee machine downstairs by the east doors.

Robin Canham, Librarian, Wascana Library

Disabilities Centre

Comment: There is a centre for the First Nations of Canada. Why is there not a centre for people with disabilities?

Thanks for your comment.

This question is outside of the Library’s purview, however, I have forwarded your comment onto the Wascana Campus Director, Bill Coulthard.

Robin Canham, Librarian, Wascana Library

Headphones at Wascana

Comment: I go to a computer, and I go to try to find a place to plug my headphones in and there is none. Then I search until I find one (that’s not busy). Why are not all computers headphones compatible?

Thanks for your comment.

All of the computers in the library and the labs are capable of having headphones plugged into them and the headphones that are available to borrow from the circulation desk are compatible. However, the place where the headphones plug into on the computer can vary because there are different models. On some computers the slot where the headphones plug into is hidden, so if you can’t find it, just ask for help at the Ask Us desk. If you are using your own headphones, we can’t guarantee that they will be compatible.

Robin Canham, Librarian, Wascana Library