Comments About The Library

Search the Catalog

Is there any way to request an improvement to the catalog search software? I'd like to be able to filter the results by checked out status. I'm tired of doing searches and then having to wade through the results to find the ones that are not already checked out.
Brian

STAFF REPLY

The option to sort results by status (checked out, on the shelf, etc.) is not available at this time from our software vendor.  Our reference librarians would be happy to work with you to try to reduce the number of search results that are causing you a problem.  Please contact a librarian during library hours at 303-665-5200, option 5 - or stop by the reference desk if you are in the building.

Searching For DVDs

The computer says we can view that catalog of DVDs but I followed the instructions and was not able to view the list.  Additionally I would appreciate more detailed instructions on the self checkout.  Thanks.

STAFF REPLY

We've set up an easy link to the entire DVD collection through Film Flash, a monthly Bookletters list that highlights different parts of our film collection.  To reach Film Flash from the library web page, click on "Catalog and Reference" on the lefthand menu, then click on "Film Flash".  Scroll to the bottom of the page, and you'll see the link that will allow you to browse the DVDs. 

Our reference librarians would also be happy to help you with strategies for searching for DVDs in the library catalog.  Please contact a librarian during library hours at 303-665-5200, option 5 - or stop by the reference desk if you are in the building.  And please ask at the check out desk for help with the self check.  The circulation staff will be glad to assist you.

Computers

Just some general comments about the PC's .. The library could use newer models, with bigger screens (for us older folks) and faster drives. Also, the keyboards are noisy! Lori

STAFF REPLY
We agree that newer computers would be a treat.  The only reason we haven't switched them out yet is money.

Playing Games

stop playing games on the computers

STAFF REPLY
We're not sure why you don't want people using games on the computers, so we're not sure how to answer.  Post a comment below and give us more info.

If it's because people get noisy at the comptuers -  please notify a librarian who will ask the people to quiet down. You might also move to a computer in a quieter area.

In order to make computer use fair to all users, we use software that gives everyone the same amount of time, but each person may choose how to spend his/her computer time.

Slow Computers

You guys rock because of you this library is my second home.
But the internet is slow I recomend Mozilla Firefox for internet use.  Spencer

STAFF REPLY
You're right, Mozilla Firefox is great for the Internet.  What works best at home doesn't work best here because we have to make it easy for our IS staff to take care of hundreds of computers.  They know Microsoft and like to stick with Microsoft products so they can fix problems more quickly.

Passwords

I think the computers shouldn't need passwords.  Ervin colin

STAFF REPLY
Yeah, having to type in a password can be a pain.  The reason we ask for a password is so that no one else can get into your library account - they could check books out under your name, or worse they could get your personal information like your name, address and phone number, and it's safer to keep that kind of information as private as possible.

Getting Logged Off

When I log on to a computer and work for an hour it logs off and I have to wait 1 hour to get back on then. The librarians say that I'm lying about only logging on once and the library is where I do a lot of my work.

STAFF REPLY
We try to give everyone the same amount of time on the computers, so yes you do get logged off after one hour.  If no one is waiting you can log back on - but if it's busy you have to put your name on the list to get back on (ask a librarian if you don't know how).  If you are working on a project (typing a paper or filling out a form), the librarian can give you a few more minutes to finish IF you ask before you get logged out.

Kids on Computers

Once again at the computers are way underage kids sending near naked pictures of themselves over the Internet and accessing porno sites.  This is an outrageous use of the library's facilities and should be stopped!!!

STAFF REPLY
If you are in the library and see pictures or images on the computer screen that are not appropriate to be displayed in a public place, please let one of our staff know at the time.  That way we are able to talk with the person on the computer and remind them of the guidelines they agreed to, which include not displaying inappropriate pictures.  When our staff don't know about it happening until after the fact it is difficult to stop it.

New Computer System

I don't really like the new system with library cards and guest passes, it was really hard to use the computers.  I think it should be the way it used to be.

STAFF REPLY
The new time and print management system has been getting mixed reviews, although it seems that most people are getting used to it now that it's been in place for awhile.  We realize it means you have to type in the long library card number, and it means the time limits on the computers are stricter than they used to be.  However, the stricter time limits also mean that our system if fairer than before, when people who knew how to take advantage of the system could stay on the computers for long periods of time.  The new system gives everyone the same amount of time on the computers, which we think is fairer.  If you have specific problems with the system, let us know and they may be things we can fix or improve.

Flash Drive Problems

My flash drive doesn't work with your computer system.  It uses U3 software.  Your system only recognizes 1 drive as the one that has the software.  My drive creates to virtual drives for example E: for software and F: for documents.

STAFF REPLY
In order to keep our public computers secure and running smoothly, we do not allow any software to be uploaded or downloaded onto our network.  This includes the U3 software on your flash drive.  Opening our network up to outside software creates a potential for computer disasters, and isn't a risk we are willing to take.