Noise at Woodland Library

Comment from a Woodland student: The Library should be quiet. Too many people making noise and f@#$^&* around. Even staff does not know how to behave quietly in a library.

Although we don’t appreciate your choice of words, we can tell that you are frustrated. As you know, there are four different departments located in the library environment and it can be an active and high traffic area at various times of the day. People have different styles of learning, working and studying which means that there will always be multiple requirements for library space. That said, the library is quiet at specific times throughout the day such as; early morning, after 4:00pm, and on weekends.

We do recognize that we lack quiet study space and are looking into ways to accommodate students wishing to work in a very quiet manner. If you are a group of two or more, one way you can use the space to your advantage is to book a seminar room for quiet study. Also, when not booked these rooms are designated quiet study areas. Please check the booking binder at the library front desk. In addition, there are renovation plans in the budget for a designated quiet study area.

We try to accommodate all students and staff in the library and do our best to make everyone feel comfortable. The library is also a place for discussion, a meeting place and place to relax. Students, who are studying and are being disturbed, are encouraged to come to the front desk and the library staff will address the situation. We also find that if you address your fellow students in a respectful manner, you might find that they are willing to accommodate your needs. Library staff will be encouraged to be more aware of their noise levels, and the library will review the library environment to see if we can come up with other alternatives to accommodate quiet study.

Thanks for your comment.

Robert O’Neil, Program Head
Woodland Library

Positive Difference at Wascana

Comment: Is it true that the world is going to have a permanent “Great Depression” due to the economic crisis and Global Warming? What can we do in the library to make a positive difference?

SIAST Libraries is constantly striving for excellence to make a positive impact on our students, staff, and faculty everyday.  We believe that the services we provide play a significant role in student success and we are continually evaluating these to meet the changing needs of a diverse number of programs. In fact, our librarian, Juliet Nielsen was recently awarded the prestigious SIAST Innovation Award for her dedication to embedded library instruction.

In regard to global warming, the library has recently formed a “Green Team” and has implemented several green initiatives over the past few months, including recycling bins for cell phones and ink cartridges, the Kill-a-Watt lending program, and receptacles for re-using one side good paper.  The Green Team has many other initiatives on the way as well, so watch out for more green things in the very near future (including some new live plants!)

Robin Canham
Librarian, Wascana Campus

Tropical Paradise in the Library

Comment from a Wascana Student:

The library requires:

1. swimming pool
2. hot tub
3. sauna
4. spa and health club
5. a tropical setting
6. mandatory bikini apparel
7. and sand instead of carpet

SIAST Libraries has priced out your requests, and has come up with the following budget and actions:

1. swimming pool – $56,000 (includes towel service)
2. hot tub – $3500
3. sauna – $2500
4. spa and health club – $5000
5. tropical setting – ask facilities to set library thermostat at 32 degrees Celsius
6. mandatory bikini apparel – will need to okay this with occupational health and safety committee
7. and sand instead of carpet – $2000, plus $500 in reserve for anticipated keyboard malfunctions

Donations to the campaign can be made at the Circulation Desk.

Robin Canham
Librarian, Wascana Campus

U of S Library Cards

Question: How do I get my U of S Library Card?

Come to the Ask Us! Desk and we can supply you with your University of Saskatchewan Library card number and give you a brief overview on how to access and use their resources!

Juliet Nielsen
Librarian, Wascana Campus