Since the East wing of the D. H .Hill Library at NCSU was renovated in 2007 additional changes have been made to improve services for users.
A set of applications, called MobLIB, for mobile devices was released in November 2007.
"MobiLIB currently consists of seven services. ?Catalog Search? offers a simplified search interface for the library catalog that allows users to limit their searches to available items. ?Computers? shows the location and count of available computers in the D. H. Hill Library, while ?Library Hours? lists operating hours for all NCSU libraries and core services. Users can search the ?Campus Directory? to find contact information for NCSU staff and students, and ?Contact Us? allows them to access various library departments and services. ?Links? contains a selection of links to external content providers, such as mobile search engines, and ?Wolfline Status? links to a text-only version of the Wolfline map that shows the current position of all Wolfline buses. New services are planned for the future." (http://news.lib.ncsu.edu/page/17/, Nov 08, 2007 posting)
An update to MobiLIB provides improved mobile access to library information. Forgot the call number or wrote it down wrong? Need to see a map of the library? No problem if you have a Web enabled mobile device. The application detects the device being used and serves up the information in an appropriate format.
Another library application was released, this one to help users find study groups. A special kiosk was setup for the application but it is also available via the Library's electronic bulletin board and via the Web. A study group leader can post the group name and location. Group members no longer have to wonder the library to find their group. All required texts for classes at NCSU are available via a reserves program. An Ice Cream shop was opened next door in the west wing of the library. Students needing a break can pop over to the Creamery and have a cone in the ConeZone. Since the Learning Commons upgrade, the traffic at the library has increased considerably. Starting in Spring 2009 the Friends of the Library has hosted a study break serving coffee and snacks to students still at the library at 1am during finals week.
2 days ago
It is good that D H Hill jumped on the mobile services "bandwagon" so early, it shows a committment to their patrons. I think that all of us academic universities that have done so are extremely pleased with the concept. Going "mobile" to aid in the convenience of the patron offsite can actually serve to increase traffic onsite.
ReplyDeleteBy connecting students to study group activity is also a very positive service. Coordinating through the library promotes the use of the library, helps newer students manuever the campus life by giving them contacts to students with similar interests and needs.
The MobiLIB is neat, never heard of anything like it and I'm sure it comes in handy to many users. I also like the fact that you can easily find a study group to join and get some studying or work done, hopefully. I would utilize that tool if I joined study groups that much but I usually study alone.
ReplyDeleteGood things are happening at NCSU; MobiLIB sounds like a great application, I specially like the one if you forget the call number, I don't know how many times I leave the reference desk to take a patron to find the book and when I'm there, if I didn't write the number down, I usually forget it, so that is awesome. The other app is the one to find the study groups, that is to cool.
ReplyDeleteIs it me or is serving free coffee during finals week at 1am encouraging bad behavior? Cramming at the last minute often leads to worse grades than getting a good night's sleep, and students who might not have gotten coffee on their own might have a hard time passing up the free caffeine that then ruins their sleep they desperately need later.
ReplyDeleteGreat things indead. The MobiLib and the study groups sound super. I was pleased to see that this renovation did include development of both group and quiet individual workspaces (so many just give individuals a partitioned desk or cubicle in the midst of the group space.) I was also pleased to hear you mention gallery space. I beleive that your account of a renovation project that actually mentioned this integration. I think galleries and display areas are really beneficial to a library and enhance its purpose and status.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of ice cream shop. The San Antonio Downtown Main Public Library has open a coffee shop with outside tables close by the entrance. I need to try that out. As for Ian's concern about offering coffee to students studying in the library at 1:00 am for finals, she does have a point Perhaps good in the sense that students will see the library as the place to be or a bit overextending on service to students. The idea of the library assisting in finding study groups is unique.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of the move towards having a large learning commons in our libraries. I think that libraries should be the heart (or better yet the pulse) of every campus. What better way to achieve that than by making it the place for students to come to learn, socialize, study, and relax.
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