We've had a fantastic response since we launched our online suggestion box in January 2008. We know we haven't always been as quick as we
could have been in responding to your suggestions, but we're currently implementing strategies to improve our response time. Please keep your
comments coming -- you help make us better!
Add New Suggestion
10 Recent Suggestions
(Apr 13/23) Thode is way too hot, and it is making me feel light headed.
Library response: We apologize for the hot and humid conditions in Thode (and Mills). Unfortunately, we do not control the temperatures in our buildings - this can make things very uncomfortable when the weather turns
unseasonably warm. The timing of this hot weather is not great as students are trying to studying for exams in our libraries. On Sunday the temperature looks cooler and snow is even expected next week. There
isn't a lot we can do but wait for a temperature drop. Sorry. (Apr 13/23)
Answered by: Lynne Serviss (Associate University Librarian, User Services and Community Engagement)
(Apr 13/23) The temperature in Thode is unbearable and makes it extremely difficult to concentrate. Would it please be possible to turn on the AC or implement fans on the second floor so there is some form of air flow.
Library response: We apologize for the hot and humid conditions in Thode (and Mills). Unfortunately, we do not control the temperatures in our buildings - this can make things very uncomfortable when the weather turns
unseasonably warm. The timing of this hot weather is not great as students are trying to studying for exams in our libraries. There isn't a lot we can do but wait for a temperature drop - it is supposed to snow next
Tuesday. Sorry. (Apr 13/23)
Answered by: Lynne Serviss (Associate University Librarian, User Services and Community Engagement)
(Apr 2/23) There is a squeaking noise at the healthsci library and it is making it impossible to concentrate. Every few minutes there is a loud squeak. This happens occasionally when I come here but not always (which adds to the ambiguity of it all). Could this please be stopped? Or at the very least could someone explain what it is?
Library response: Thank you for sending this message. This sound is connected to our door alarms. Occasionally, a battery in the alarm mechanism needs to be replaced. When you hear this noise, please report it immediately and we can call security to have the battery changed. (Apr 3/23)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
(Mar 6/23) I am frustrated with the noise level in the library, which has significantly increased over the past few weeks. Despite the librarys quiet
policy, it has become difficult to concentrate due to noise from group discussions, loud phone calls, and eating. This is affecting my
academic performance and that of other students who also require a quiet environment to study effectively. I suggest the library
management implement stricter measures, such as designated areas for group discussions or noisy activities, or hiring more security
personnel to enforce the rules. Please address this issue promptly to maintain a conducive environment for studying and research.
Library response: I am sorry that Thode has been so loud that you have not been able to study. This is indeed frustrating! Staff respond to noise complaints
sent via the form or the Quiet email very quickly - you
are welcome to use either of these reporting tools when you notice students being too loud. You can also speak to staff at the front desk.
From the staff side, I can encourage staff to make more frequent walk-arounds in the library as this does help with noise control. We are
also looking at making some improvements with our Quiet signage (adding more signs and making them more visible). We are also
working with a group of students who are investigating alternative ways to report noise complaints. Hopefully these solutions will help
with the noise. Thank you for bring this issue to our attention. (Mar 7/23)
Answered by: Lynne Serviss (Associate University Librarian, User Services and Community Engagement)
(Feb 7/23) There should be an online-live chat or something where we can report if people in study areas are being inappropriate / loud. SO many
times there are people who are extremely loud in the quiet areas which isnt fair for the many students who choose to sit in quiet areas to
study.
Library response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The library has a Report Noise in a Quiet Area online form that is monitored by library staff
throughout the day. Staff normally respond to a noise compliant within a few minutes. We also have a chat box on the bottom right side
of the library homepage which you can use. We have recently been discussing alternative ways for students to bring noise complaints to
our attention - we would be happy to take any suggestions on how you think we can make this process more visible and easier for our
students.
Here is a link to Noise form: https://library.mcmaster.ca/forms/report-noise-quiet-area
(Feb 8/23)
Answered by: Lynne Serviss (Associate University Librarian, User Services and Community Engagement)
(Sep 12/22) Can we have a 24/7 place to study? right now anyone who wanna study at night have to place to go: class room(if lucky no one ask you
to leave) and student centre(SC).
But:
Finding a suitable classroom was time-consuming; all the people were talking in the SC, making the place difficult to stay and study
without headphones(and the light is broken, seat are limited).
Also, most of the Universities have a 24/7 library/studyArea through the Fall/Winter term.
So, could we have one at MacU?
Library response: Thanks for your message.
We do typically offer late night studying, farther into the term, as demand increases. This usually extends to 24.7 studying for the exam
period.
Mills and Thode libraries are open until 11pm on weekdays, with Health Sciences Library open until 9pm.
Watch for changing hours on our websites - https://library.mcmaster.ca/hours
(Sep 12/22)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Apr 19/22) Heyo! Since theres a sewing machine in the Thode makerspace, I think it could be cool to also have an embroidery machine! :)
Library response: Great idea! I will pass this along to our new Makerspace Coordinator. (Apr 19/22)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Apr 8/22) Itll be great if theres laptop charger service for an hour or 2, especially in mills, it helps a lot!
Library response: Thanks for your message.
We do have a selection of laptop chargers you can borrow, from the service desks in both Mills and Thode.
Hope this helps!
Good luck with your exams. (Apr 18/22)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Feb 10/22) Hello, I wanted to know if there were any private 1-person conference rooms on campus (to hold meetings and such). When discussing
sensitive research data, I want to ensure the privacy of participants in research studies but dont have a place to hold Zoom meetings with
professors.
Library response: I am sorry, you did not provide an email address so I cannot reply to you directly.
Feel free to reach out to me at pottier@mcmaster.ca
I need to understand a little more about what you need before providing any suggestions.
The only one I have at the moment is to book a Group Study Room in any of the libraries.
Have a good day
Anne Pottier
Associate University Librarian (Feb 11/22)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Dec 13/21) Hello, can we expand the online database t to include lexis nexis and/or westlaw? The reason being that most of the health law articles and journals are published in the LAW journals rather than HEALTH journals.
However these are very relevant articles to healthcare.
Seriously consider. Thanks.
Library response: Our HSL's website lists the databases that are most relevant to health, but the University Library's Databases list will have many additional sources.
And we have good news for you: we subscribe to Lexis (Nexis Uni) - https://library.mcmaster.ca/databases/lexisnexis - and have some Canadian legal sources via Bestcase, on Westlaw -
https://library.mcmaster.ca/databases/bestcase. HeinOnline might also be worth a look - https://library.mcmaster.ca/databases/heinonline.
I hope these suggestions help: library@mcmaster.ca can also assist with searching.
(Dec 13/21)
Answered by: Janice Adlington (Head, Collections & Content Strategy)