CHAT
EMAIL
PHONEGeneral Comments
Just wanted to add, Ive used a lot of libraries in the past while attending schools in California. I think the Albertsons Main library is one of the best as far as content, availability of resources, and customer service. Thanks
Undergrad, Crim Just
Overall, the library staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
Undergrad, Biology
I may have answered never to a couple of the questions you asked. I don't utilize the BSU Library very often. I have had some time to go and just study there and do research for a class or two. What I've seen of the library it appears like a lot of information I could find there. I just am dumb to finding things I need to find or look up. As I've been told, there is always room for improvment.
Undergrad, Undecided
Parking and access to library can be very challenging. Drop boxes to return items that are available by auto would be appreciated.
Faculty, Psych
I think the library is doing an excellant job of helping students access information. However, it would be helpful if there were more directories.
Undergrad, Materials Science
It helped me when cable TV session didn't broadcast well.
Undergrad, Math
Unfortunately I cannot validly comment on a number of the questions because of not having any basis upon which to make a choice. Choosing N/A does not mean that I think the item is not appropriate, just that my encounters do not supply the proper information, and may not be representative of what happens with students. Historically our library has been hampered by a lack of facilities and resources; and has done very well within that context. My only wide ranging concern has been what I believe to be a shortage of available hours, and a shortage of good space (both of which are due to finances). The availability of online resources has greatly ameliorated part of this, but not the academic socializing, which in the past has been partly diminished because of the nature of our university. I also would have liked a N/A choice for questions 28 through 35 because many of us have found other means for satisfying our needs in the past and have not returned to the library when it became more able to fulfill those needs. It seems that they have been trying very hard, but I have not taken advantage of all the opportunities that are available to me. They should not be debited for my lack of participation. In a few cases I went back and answered based soley upon my interactions, which may not be an unbiased interaction in that I have been around forever nor have I tried to use some of their materials.
Faculty, Physics
I appreciate the strong commitment that the library has in strenghten the collection in the field of bilingual education and ESL. I also appreciate the commitment made to the West Campus library since we teach all of our grad. courses there.
Faculty, Bilingual Ed
Great place for research and study habitat.
Undergrad, Modern Languages
Our library needs to be overhauled to a serious degree to be able to be more 'on-par' with institutions our size, as well as, to fit with the direction we are headed. It is well behind where it should be. Generally, I am able to find the information I am needing at the Boise Public Library down the street, which is a shame.
Staff, Sociology
I do not use the library.
Undergrad, Undecided
The ibrary is trying to place the best qualified (technical) person for the specific discipline.
Electrical Engineering
Very nice.
Undergrad, English
The employees have always been very helpful.
I often experience trouble when trying to find Journals online.
The neon 'books' sign is really out of place... I don't think it's necessary.
Undergrad, Materials Science
I have found the library staff to be knowledgeable and consistently helpful.
Faculty, Community Health
Commend the library for the improvements in electronic access over the recent years.
Faculty, Nursing
Enjoy the library.
Faculty, Applied Tech
I have answered these questions based on my experiences as both an undergraduate and graduate student. I am also a staff member. Overall, my experiences with the library have been good. However, a number of the staff are not very friendly. In addition, I find that some library processes are not very efficient--for example, the way in which faculty proxies are done. Also, it can be difficult to find information on your Web site--every semester I have trouble finding the faculty proxy form.
Staff, English
More space is needed for individuals and groups to work in the library. Also, it is difficult to use the online services from remote sites as at home or in other locations. Would like easier connections to retreive articles. Perhaps some dedicated staff time to assist faculty with finding and printing articles? Is it possible? all the staff are very helpful and responsive to questions. Is there a help line for users off campus?
Faculty, Nursing
It's important for the resource librarians, the people on the floor to be aproachable and to take the extra step and walk up to students and offer their help. Overall the library is pretty good. More could be done to make the main level of the library nicer with chairs and tables to accomodate groups. Especially over by the windows that face the river. Definitely more could be done to decorate it at and make it look more inviting to stay there beyond the time it takes to find and check out a book.
Undergrad, Modern Languages
I believe the Albertsons Library excels at willingness and desire to be exceptional. I think some student employees and capital resources limit their ability to reach that level of service.
Faculty, Management
In general I believe/feel services to be very good...but with focus, they could become GREAT.
Staff, NOIS
The people that work there are amazing!!
Undergrad, Applied Tech
I have had zero problems when I have needed the resuorces provided by the library.
Undergrad, Electrical Engineering
The facility is fine, well stocked and staff are both courteous and helpful. My only comment would be that I think our main campus Library should be minimum TWICE the operation that exists. Although electronic media can increase available information, I believe the physical establishment should be increased.
Staff, Art
Facilities and staff are adequate now but both must grow significantly to support increased demand for research.
Faculty, Curriculum
I have never been in the library. I dont even know where it is??
Staff, Accountancy
well yes it is a learning platform to be arranged with the ability to accept large groups of diversity.
Undergrad, Anthropology
Sometimes the library seems understaffed, especially in the reference area. I definitely think MORE FUNDING would aid the library in getting more up to date journals in the field of music. The interlibrary loan program is excellent. I would also suggest that adding some couches and more study spaces would make the library a more inviting place to study.
Undergrad, Music
I need to use library more usefully, so that students can access to resources that they might not be able to get on their own.
Faculty, Modern Languages
I appreciate the strides the library has taken. I know they have more work to do in today's environment.
Faculty, Legal Assistant
Perhaps the library staff could offer a couple short training sessions (for staff) through the Let's Talk Series that offer topics such as: How to Identify Reputable Internet sources, What do Admin Assistants need to know about copywrite law?; P-Card security and online ordering; How to keep up with current topics in the field for which you provide support; What does the library offer that staff will find useful
Staff, English
the staff are helpful and service is good. The issue is the library is still oriented to undergraduate education while the university is pushing for more graduate programs and more research
Faculty, Health Sciences
I have not used the BSU Library in the past 10 years.
Staff, Marketing
As a BSU employee, I never use (nor need to) Albertsons Library other than to occasionally use resources. I never set foot in the building itself. I prefer to use non-library online tools to gather information.
Staff, Communication
Parking in the evening is a safety factor for off campus library users. Need a golf cart driven by security type person to shuttle users to parked vehicle. Staff who walk about or appear to monitor library space and users, again for safety reasons.
Staff, Management
They do a very good job. Unfortunately, I do not believe they are fully supported by the administration with sufficient funds to do their jobs as well as they could. They work hard. They are more important than the legion of administrators that we have across this campus.
Faculty, Crim Just
Overall, the staff have been friendly and helpful on the limited times I've used the library. I don't find the online catalog or the building very welcoming or easy to navigate.
I am almost certainly unaware of all the potential ways I could use its services.
Staff, Marketing
I think we have a GREAT Library . There is always room for improvement but as it is it is very good for students and all who use it
Staff, Art
I am quite pleased with the Albertson's Library level of performance academically and customer service.
Staff, Management
I have not used the library.
I was required to enter an answer in questions 28-35 therefore the answers there do not actually apply.
Staff, Applied Tech
The service from library staff is outstanding. The electronic resources are limited but improving. In the past year or so, the staff have become increasingly inventive to increase resources. Keep going in that direction. Funding to the library should increase.
Faculty, Materials Science
I use the historical society's library for research, thus I was unsure how to answer some of these questions. I seldom need the library staff to do my own research. The library staff is wonderful. The circulation department policies are fantastic for professors. hMore attractive lounge areas whould be great. Some of the electronic journal collections and finding aids (which are expensive I understand) do not serve the historians well.
Faculty, History
I mainly have two beefs with the BSU main library.
One: the hours are too short.
Two: I want more programs available on the computers.
I feel like I'm not trusted with only four options. In particular, I sought desparately for chinese transaltion site and could not find one. I figured the problem was I needed to download a program or something but the attendant could not help me. PageMaker and Photoshop would be nice. Someone told me that I could find those at other labs but where's the list to tell me where? Not in the library.
Grad, Curriculum
I rarely use the library because it takes too long for me to locate what I need and get out. I use online services rarely and use the local public library or internet instead.
Undergrad, Sociology
Albertsons is a fine library, and I have been very impressed by the professionalism of staff and its willingness to make new acquisitions at the request of faculty.
Faculty, English
I have been *very* happy with the number of titles the library has acquired for me in my research and teaching fields. Thank you! The collection has already grown significantly in these areas since I arrived thanks to the library's support. I would truly appreciate it if this backing would continue!
Unless I have simply missed the place where sample searches are given, I haven't yet found out where to direct students (aside myself, but I don't always have the time) to understand how to run a search on a database (the MLA database, for instance). The "help" option is not truly too helpful for students who don't immediately find what they are looking for or don't know how to find what they are looking for.
The tables facing the river and foothills are great for studying. Please don't change that!
Faculty, Modern Languages
Library service – Excellent
New electronic catalog (Voyager) - NOT excellent - esp. for searching videos
Lack of JSTOR - extremely harmful.
Faculty, Sociology
I think the Library is outstanding!!! Keep it going.
Faculty, Kinesiology
Staff are courteous and helpful but seem stretched pretty thin. As with everything (except athletics) at Boise State, we could use more staff.
Faculty, Curriculum
The library has come a very long way in a very short time, but that is because we were so far behind the curve. I feel this has been a result both of underfunding and lack of communication with needs of the programs. This latter has changed, and your are making your way towards a research supporting facility.
Faculty, Geosciences
I recognize that I marked relatively low regarding access to information in my academic area. While there are many Mass Media Communication journals and texts, other areas such as communication theory and philosophy, organizational, and intercultural communication have limited journal presence at the library. I find I electronically access journal articles from my other learning institutions and google scholar. I am hoping to try and build this body of literature, but am not sure how to pursue this.
I would like to mention that I love the second floor study areas. I often hide away to work and research in the bright, sunny cubicles. On St. Patricks day I was happily surprised by the warm and friendly women who offered tea and goodies. What a way to brighten research!
Finally, I am often frustrated with the hours of operation and have been frustrated by the attitudes of some employees who have begun closing 30 minutes before closing instead of 15 minutes before. (I was once locked on the second floor as I packed up my computer and all my heavy materials. The clock on the wall said 20 minutes till closing).
Thanks for your willingness to listen.
Faculty, Communication
I have used this library more than the public library and feel I would continue to even after retiring. The staff is to be commended.
Undergrad, English
The library is a wonderful building, I have never had a problem with locating and using it's resources. The most valiable tool on campus!
Staff, Art
Keep up the good work on making the library accessible to distance students. This population is only going to grow! I answered this as both a concerned staff member as well as a graduate student.
Staff, Ed Tech
I'm usually pretty saisfied with the library when I use it
Undergrad, Kinesiology
Each semester I utilize the library for academic research and training my students to use library facilities. I have always received the utmost cooperation for sessions involving my students.
Faculty, English
Good Job.
Faculty, Math
I love just going to the library and just reading random books.
Undergrad, Management
I find it hard to locate desired materials. So I do not use the facility often. This makes it even harder to keep up with material locations.
Staff, Computer Science
I have no need for the library at this time, but will in the future.
Grad, Materials Science
Overall, the Alberston's Library is an excellent tool for learning and studing. I also enjoy finding new books, either on history of exciting works of fiction.
Undergrad, Biology
The library, as numerous other entities critical to the institutional infrastructure of a reasearch institution, dramatically lacks the resources to support the administration's stated goals of research--despite the best efforts and intentions of a commited staff.
Faculty, Sociology
the library is always easy to find things, and when i need assistance, someone is always there to help me in any possible way. i use to like the boise library better, but i'm getting very familiar and use to the BSU library. thanks for your support!!!
Undergrad, Art
I think our campus library is fantastic and necessary for my studies every day.
Undergrad, General Studies
The library does a great job. It 's really good
Undergrad, Marketing
I think the library is a very useful tool to or educational journey
Undergrad, Kinesiology
Remote access is key, e-publications key.
Library Staff in general--very helpful--but I prefer independent search and tend to do most work remotely and come in to pick-up resources.
Staff, General Studies
It is great.
Grad, Accountancy
I don't use the on campus library. I get all of my info online at home.
Undergrad, Applied Tech
In general I believe our library is excellent. I do wish that there were a few more of the research articles available on-line through the article -journal indexes. Sometimes when I try to access an article that is not in our library it becomes very complicated and frustrating. I would also like more space to study in groups like in the room just outside the front door. It gets extremely crowded and noisy in there duing midterm and finals. It is just groups studying not crowds being noisy. More tables spaced farther apart would be nice.
Undergrad, Communication
The people are great, the technology is good, the best possible under budget constraints.
Undergrad, Ed Tech
I think the Albertsons Library staff is very helpful and that they provide a good environment for students and staff.
Staff, Undecided
The staff is always helpful and polite. The Web access is complex but this may be the hard to make it any easier.
Staff, NOIS
I have had only positive experiences with the library and staff. What a wonderful resource!
Undergrad, Early Childhood
I hope my answers to the first few sections of the survey are accurate to my feelings. The questioning method is difficult to understand. Generally, I am satisfied with the library but I would like to have better use of online resources from home. I could use some information that would make this growing part of academia more accessable. There is always room for imporovement.
Undergrad, Communication
you can't be serious with this survey...could you possiby make it any more difficult?
Here's my comments. I love the library, great books, great service, always helpful. There are courses that can teach you how to effectively design a better survey.
Grad, Ed Tech
Since I work in a resource center on campus that provides printed and video publications in a specialized field, I rarely need the library's services.
Staff, Community Health
I have appreciated the availability of videos for some adjunct teaching. The system to check out videos seems to be "in progress". I don't think I am a representative source for this survey, due to my limited and specialized use.
Staff, Community Health
physical library index on shelfs need to be organized better for easy find.
Undergrad, Sociology
Since finishing my coursework I do not use the library as much, but it is convenient for research in my position and for personal research (genealogy)
Staff, IPT
On question 43, you should have all degrees listed.
In general, the library has been very helpful for my work projects and school projects
Undergrad, Communication
I'm a staff member and rarely use the library but the times that I have, I have been very satisfied with the service I received. I especially like the ability to get articles from the web site and will take better advantage of that in the future.
Staff, Accountancy
My husband attended here he always had great things to say about it.
Staff, Undecided
The parking dilemma on campus limits my accessibility to the library.
Staff, Undecided
Enjoy the atmosphere, service, and information available
Faculty, Applied Tech