Western Libraries' Comments Page

Suggestion: It would be really nice to access an online tour of the library. This would make it much easier to locate materials, etc. It might help students who forget the difference between Wilson and Government documents to find their way around.

Our Response: Thanks for the comment! Actually, we do have a few tour options available for you. See this link: http://www.library.wwu.edu/ref/inst/tours.html.

You can get to this page from the "Using the Library" section under the Help box on the home page. Please let us know what other kinds of tours you would like.

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 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.

Suggestion: the new features are awesome! good additions.

Our response: Thanks! Glad you like. In case others are wondering, here are some of the recent improvements to the library web site:

• Tags and Similar Books from LibraryThing
• Text messaging call number and location
• Chat Reference - got a question? Chat with a librarian!

Suggestion: In the MetaSearch (advanced search) function I wonder if it wouldn't be possible to include JSTOR in the database list for the Biology disciple. JSTOR often has biology related articles that the other databases don't and I otherwise have to go to "ALL" and find the 5 databases that I use when trying to find articles (ProQuest, PubMed, CSA, Web of Science, and JSTOR). Thanks, that would be wonderful! Feel free to contact me if you need some clarification on this.

Our response: Sounds good. I'll clear it with the Biology librarian and get it added. Thanks for the feedback!