Western Libraries' Comments Page

Suggestion: I know I ask this every quarter, but it would be extremely valuable to students such as myself to keep just half of the library open until 8 on Fridays and Saturdays. I've had 3 very remote living situations, none of which ever had adequate sound insulation, plus all the neighbors love to make noise. I'm a Veteran from back aways, I require silence, and have spent a substantial amount on tuition over the course of 5 whopping years here at WWU (some of that $$ goes to paying library staff). If I could magically break into a quiet office(I've tried, but those Masterlocks are resilient), I would be in heaven. I'd probably end up getting twice as much done. I'm sorry if there's nothing that can be done and this is a waste of your time, but I'm just VERY tired of our backwards system. (don't worry, I do realize its intentionally backwards, I just think we should maybe make that fact a little less apparent) I heard studying is for nerds anyway...

Our Response: Thanks for your feedback. I have forwarded your comments to Library Administration.

Suggestion: your newest web layout is not as user-friendly as it used to be.
for example, I am trying to access the OED from home, using the University's subscription to it, and it's confusing me and all the links are sending me in loops. the old format was navigated much more smoothly.

Our Response: Sorry to hear you are having trouble. In terms of accessing the OED from off campus, you have to get to it from the library databases page. You will be asked for your Universal ID and password.

As far as the new web site goes, we attempted to bring forward the most important tasks and then conducted usability tests to ensure the design worked for students. To find the OED from the home page you can click on the "O" in the alphabetical list in the "Articles and Databases" section and then choose OED. Two clicks!

Although the usability test results and much of the feedback to date have been positive, we want to continue to improve the site so please keep the feedback coming!

Suggestion: I'm unable to log into my library record. Last year I tried to make an issue of it with the circulation desk, ATUS and finally gave up. are other people able to log into their library record? can you help me?

Our Response: The most common problem with accessing your library record is putting in the wrong PIN. It should be the first 6 numbers of your SSN - unless you changed it. It is what you use for Web4U for class registration.

One important thing to note is this: The system can only accept a 6 digit PIN number. There have been instances where someone put in more than 6 because Web4U actually allows more than 6 characters - even though the system is only using the first 6.

For questions about PINs in general see the PIN FAQ

A couple of tests you can do to troubleshoot this problem.

• Try to login to Web 4U
• Make sure you are only typing in 6 characters when entering your PIN

Suggestion: It would be helpful if you sent an email to our universal account when we make a summit request, so that we can keep track of what materials we are expecting. I guess we could just write it down ourselves, but it would be an easy convenience to get a reminder over the internet. Or we should at least have the option to get an email.

Our Response: You can get an email sent to you once the item arrives and you can also check the status of the request by logging into your library record.

We can't really set up the system to email you when you make the request - only when it is received.

If you have made a Summit request you will see it under the Account Information column on the left. Also, check that you have your email address set up correctly in the Personal Data center column. If you need to add or change your email address click on the Modify Personal Information link.

If you have any questions about setting up the email please call the Circulation Desk at 650-3084.

Hope this helps!

Suggestion: I am so frustrated - the library web page is so difficult for faculty to use. I look something up, then can't flag it. Go back to home page, and can't readily see how to paste in the title (that I had to copy from the first search - what if there are more than one?). A major overhaul to make this user friendly is WAY overdue.

Our Response: Thank you for taking the time to write. I'm sorry to hear you are having difficulty using the site. It would be helpful if I had more information about where the site is failing you. For example, I'm not clear whether you are talking about the Library Catalog or the home page when you say "the library web page is so difficult for faculty to use." When you mention flagging something, it sounds like you are talking about the Library Catalog. I'm guessing you are talking about the Quick Search box that searches for books from the home page but I can't be sure without having more information.

I would be happy to meet with you so you can show me what you mean. Please let me know a time that is convenient. I would also like to let you know about a faculty web page we have set up to help with some of your needs.

Response to above from person making original post: I sent that and did manage after to figure out a bit, but it would be helpful to be able to easily toggle between catalog, reserves, and arranging delivery.