University library rant

Rosie75

glider3560 wrote: »

As an aside, I noticed that this book had not been out on loan since 1986!

You're lucky the book was on the shelf. At my university, if a book hasn't been taken out for two years it's sent to off-site storage, and it takes 2-3 days to get hold of it after you request it. In the meantime, there's plenty of areas within the library for computers (mostly used for facebook and solitaire), group-working and eating - it's just books that aren't a priority!

glider3560

Rosie75 wrote: »

You're lucky the book was on the shelf. At my university, if a book hasn't been taken out for two years it's sent to off-site storage, and it takes 2-3 days to get hold of it after you request it. In the meantime, there's plenty of areas within the library for computers (mostly used for facebook and solitaire), group-working and eating - it's just books that aren't a priority!

This happens at my uni with books that haven't been borrowed "on a regular basis" - whatever they mean by this. They don't remove journals - these are retained in the appropriate department's library. In my department, all the journals are located in the basement on tall sliding bookcases (probably to increase the amount of books they can keep in a small space). We even have some journals from before the 50s in my library.

snowgirly

glider3560 wrote: »

I returned two books to a branch of my university library on Saturday. I remember watching the girl scan both the books, but she wasn't paying any attention to her screen as she was talking (gossiping) to a colleague.

Went online this evening to reserve another book. It wouldn't let me due to an outstanding fine.

I've never had a fine so wasn't sure what this related to. Checked my account and one of the books hadn't been cleared from my account and have now been charged £2 in fines. It will be £3 by tomorrow. :mad:

So now I'm going to have to go to the library, hopefully find the book off the shelf and somehow convince them that I actually returned this book on Saturday.

Wish me luck.

Well I guess you don't have any choice now but to look for that particular book, why not try explaining it first to the librarian and check the code or number perhaps, do you think you can still remember it?

bestpud

Rosie75 wrote: »

You're lucky the book was on the shelf. At my university, if a book hasn't been taken out for two years it's sent to off-site storage, and it takes 2-3 days to get hold of it after you request it. In the meantime, there's plenty of areas within the library for computers (mostly used for facebook and solitaire), group-working and eating - it's just books that aren't a priority!

My library does that and I think it's a good thing. Two years without a loan indicates little demand and I prefer the more useful books to be less crammed in.

I use the computers for FB and to come on here sometimes, but I work at the same time, as I'm sure others do. I do know what you mean though!

I eat my lunch in the library and have no issue with that tbh. There is rules about what can be eaten and where so it's not a free for all.