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Newsletter 14, March 1997 |
The last meeting of the Group was treated to an interesting presentation by Mike Berrington about the latest e-journals which are accessible from the University. Whilst it would be marvellous for all staff to have access from their desks — and we await this day eagerly — the meeting did welcome this expansion of information services.
Another presentation was by Viv Anderson, who explained some aspects of the Study Skills project and reported on its trials and tribulations. She assured members that there was a great deal of good practice throughout the University — the difficulty is in finding and collating it. If you feel you have something worth sharing, then do contact Viv.
The reports from the Service providers were read with interest, as it is often the first that most members have heard about many developments. In particular, the Group was pleased to hear that the charge for inter-library loans had been softened by means of a voucher system, partly as a result of the intervention of this Group with the Vice-Chancellor.
Concern was expressed about the present overload on the network infrastructure, and users were asked to consider increasing the time between mail searches to assist in reducing traffic. It was recognized that a reliable network infrastructure was now essential to the smooth operation of the University and that it must be a priority. The problem of student access to spare machines in teaching labs was also discussed, with strong opinions on both sides. Members agreed that access should be given if possible, but that students given access must also show courtesy.
Student email had been requested by students over several years, and has now arrived. Ironic, then, that many students are now complaining that machines are frequently clogged up by students sending frivolous messages, and thus preventing others from doing assignment work. Limits of total email connections, or special email machines, may need to be considered.
And which matters were raised by Faculties? The perennial request for remote access to staff email was again discussed, but with no real solution. Problems exist, but surely they cannot be insurmountable? Library opening hours have been extended, but of course students are never satisfied. A compromise was made by closing the counter services 1 hour before actual closure, to cut down on staffing, but the meeting agreed that this may have to be reconsidered. If the new James Graham Learning Centre is to move towards true 24-hour opening, will it also need to offer true 24-hour facilities, or will students and staff be satisfied with partial facilities for some of the time?
The group will meet again in late March, so don’t forget to pass your comments on to your representative, or contact me direct via email or on extn 3436.
