You may remember back in February, we had a stand in the Billy B asking you “Tell us how you feel this Valentine’s Day.” You could write a note to us to tell us about something we’re doing that you love, or if you would like us to make some changes.
We loved hearing from everyone and got some great feedback from the people we spoke to; with both things you really like and things you want us to improve. We’ve gone through all the feedback and just wanted to share a brief update with where we’re up to with addressing some of the improvements.
You said:
- “Mobile shelving on Level 1 is tricky to use – instructions are unclear”
- “Easier instructions (not through a QR link – physical) on the scary journal shelves”
We did:
We spoke to some students a few weeks after the Valentine’s Day feedback to ask them to follow the instructions for our mobile shelving and talk us through any details that were unclear or confusing, or any other issues they experienced (thanks to those who took the time to help us with this 😊)
From that, we’ve reviewed some of the signage we have in that area to help make the different sections clearer to identify and will be changing the written instructions displayed in that area based on suggestions from the students we spoke to. We’ll be asking more of you to help us and provide feedback on the new instructions and signage in the next few weeks to make sure we’ve made the right improvements.
You said:
- “It might also be nice to have some boardgames in The Snug”
- “More books about learning skills, like chess”
We did:
We’ll be putting additional boardgames into The Snug (including chess!) and will be adding titles to our wellbeing and leisure reading collections to supplement these games.
You said:
- “Somewhere to stretch on long study sessions”
We did:
In social media posts over the last few weeks, we’ve highlighted a few options that we’re lucky enough to have around the Billy B that are ideal for visiting to take a break and stretch those legs, including our exhibition space in Library Square and the various areas where wildflowers are currently blossoming thanks to No Mow May.
You said:
- “Ask for silence in dedicated areas”
We did:
Our silent zone on Level 1 West Wing is available to all students and is a bookable space. We introduced signage outside the doors last year, explaining noise levels and asking people to be considerate of others. This academic year, we’ve done various social media posts and reels about our different study zones in the Billy B, linking back to the information on our Study Spaces guide, which we hope has been helpful too!
You said:
- “I don’t know where I can log on to a system computer without having my laptop with me – are they just screens on the desks?”
We did:
We have docking stations available in the Library which allow you to connect your laptop to an external screen, keyboard and mouse. We have both bookable and non-bookable options available for spaces with docking stations, as well as for our spaces with PC access.
We’re working with CIS to get clearer signage and stickers added to the docking stations to help identify them. We also have location details for both our docking stations and PCs available on our Study Spaces guide.
You said:
- “Information labels about the art!”
We did:
While we do currently have information labels about each piece of artwork available on our display, we can understand how they could have been missed. Our department Art Team will be updating the display over the summer and information about each piece will be included.
You said:
- “Maybe you could add coziness to some library areas?”
We did:
We were already considering adding some artwork to walls in certain areas of the Library, so this comment helped us to look at specific areas we could consider and ask students to tell us what they’d like to see on the walls – the response has been rather varied! We’re looking into a few options to see what would work best for everyone – watch this space!
In the pipeline…
- Reviewing furniture in our Postgraduate Room and looking at options to replace some items, specifically desk chairs
- Looking into adding more height adjustable desks in different areas of the Library
- We’re working with colleagues in Estates and Facilities to review maintenance and checks of our plug sockets (please do let us know when you find one that isn’t working!)
Some of the things you love
We’ve told you about some of the improvements you’ve asked us to make, but we can’t finish without sharing just a few of the things you love too!
“You gave me back my love for books.”
“You are always there for me whenever I come to you, I find you always welcoming and opening your doors for me. You educate me and accommodate my needs, either online or on-site. Huge thanks to you and your people. You are a home.”
“You offer great studying spaces and lots of material to use for my studies!! Thank you to all the staff helping to make the Billy B so brilliant!”
“You are you-the most beautiful inspiring place in Durham-a library. I love all the books, the study spaces, the cafe. The staff who work here are all very kind and wonderful.”
“You are home from home. I’ve learned a lot from you. You inspire me sometimes (I stumble across new things, unexpected things on open shelves). You’re a place of quiet excitement. P.S I love the DVDs and CDs – please keep these available!”
Thanks to everyone who took the time to tell us what they thought 😊
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