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(Mar 15/24) You should add the floor plan of the Health Sciences Library back onto your website. It is only present in-person now. It was very helpful when booking study rooms.

Library response: Thank you for this suggestion. The updated floorplans are now posted on our website: https://hsl.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2024/03/2022-11-29-HSL-Floor-Plan-for- website.pdf. We appreciate your feedback. (Mar 18/24)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Jan 27/24) The chairs/couches in Mills are absolutely filthy and smell. In one of the fourth floor chairs in Mills I found a used tampon wedged between the cushions. There are empty drink bottles, take out containers, used tissues, and chip bags littered in the book stacks that have been there for months. It looks like they are never vacuumed or cleaned in any way. Im concerned about bringing home bedbugs because of the lack of concern for cleanliness demonstrated at McMaster.

Library response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We can place a request to have our stacks area cleaned and vacuumed. (Jan 29/24)
Answered by: Lynne Serviss (Associate University Librarian, User Services and Community Engagement)
Categories: Other, Mills  |  Permalink

(Jan 24/24) It would be good if they put notices in libraries so that people do not put their shoes on the sofas, chairs and tables. Well, many young people put their dirty shoes on the chairs especially and not only do they dirty the furniture but also damage it.

Library response: Thanks for sharing this with us! We do see students putting their feet up on furniture from time to time and this can cause damage as well as spread mud/snow/dirt. I can send your comments to our graphics team as an idea to share out on social media. (Jan 26/24)
Answered by: Lynne Serviss (Associate University Librarian, User Services and Community Engagement)
Categories: Other  |  Permalink

(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)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(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)
Categories: Other, Thode  |  Permalink

(Apr 22/19) This library has wonderful study space, but its absolutely disgusting. Ive arrived, first thing in the morning (8:00, when it opens) and I had to visit the ladies washroom in the lower level. I havent been here in two or three days, but the washroom looks exactly the same as it did when I was last here - disgusting. Theres toilet paper in only one stall, but its all over the floor in every other stall (covered in feces). There is absolutely no paper towel to be found and the tiniest amount of soap in only one dispenser. Theres also barely any light, and this feels like it might be to cover up how disgusting the facilities are. If I didnt have to go so badly, I would have trekked over to the IAHS building to use their washrooms. The cleanliness isnt only in the washrooms, but obviously this is the most concerning. In the silent study area, there is garbage and dirt all over the desks. I understand that its exam time and the library is used more often, but wouldnt that warrant more cleaning? As I said - its 8:00 am on a Monday, which means that nobody has been here to make the mess since Saturday.

Library response: Good morning. I've just taken a peek myself and I agree, something needs to be done. Over the past several weeks, the Library has been working closely with housekeeping services to find solutions to our cleaning issues. The Library is a large, busy space, making it difficult to keep it clean. It seems that over the long weekend our space may have been overlooked altogether. I have contacted the managers responsible for cleaning and asked them to address the issue immediately. Thank you for taking the time share your concerns. (Apr 22/19)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Mar 19/19) It would be helpful if the upcoming events were more visible on the library website.

Library response: Thank you for submitting this suggestion. It as been forwarded on to the group responsible for the rework of the library's website. They are looking at all the feedback which has been received to make tweaks to the website moving forward. (Mar 21/19)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Mills  |  Permalink

(Jan 29/19) Thode and HSL are probably the best two libraries on campus. Thode because it services science and engineering students, who make up the majority of the population, and HSL because of its natural light and great study atmosphere. However, to a lot of students (mostly those who live on the side of campus near the football field) these libraries are very inaccessible/ inconvenient. It can take almost half an hour to get to these locations from Les Prince Hall and even longer in the winter. In the cold weather, it is especially brutal. There and back, its almost an hour of walking! Has the library considered running shuttle buses or golf carts from this area to the various libraries so students do not need to waste so much time and can make the most of what the library has to offer? It would be nice for students not be discouraged by a long trek in the freezing cold?

Library response: Thank you for your suggestion. Transportation to/from and within campus is a very complicated topic, one which is discussed at many different tables and in many contexts.  I cannot see us being in a position to provide the kind of shuttle service between libraries (basically to and from other parts of the campus) which you are requesting at this moment in time, but it may be that this becomes part of a larger conversation related to the LRT, city bus schedules/routes, opening of the new Peter George Centre for Living & Learning, and the proposed reconstruction of the School of Business. We will continue to raise these types of concerns at meetings where we are involved in these larger conversations. In the meantime Mills Library is much closer than HSL and Thode, and there are some parts of the building which students do enjoy studying in very much. Why not give us a try? Anne Pottier, Associate University Librarian, Services/Facilities (Jan 30/19)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other  |  Permalink

(Nov 28/18) Fire alarm at 12:07 today: 55 LOUD bells & no announcement (as of 12:14) why ! ?? !! whos in charge ? and: has no one ever heard of / considered damage to hearing ? This is a hospital, correct ? ----

Library response: Thank you for your comment. The library has no control over the announcements made in the building. We have forwarded your comment to hospital administration. (Nov 28/18)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)

Follow-up Comments:

Thank you for your comment. Yesterday we had many complaints about the library being too warm AND too cold. We are not clear where the issues are. When you have a moment, please contact me directly to let me know the location in the library where the temperature was too cold so that we can investigate more thoroughly? Thank you. mckinn (2019-04-04)

Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Oct 18/18) Often students book rooms and do not use them. Potentially figure out a way to confirm this so that others may use. i.e. send an email 10 min. before to confirm.

Library response: Thank you for your comment and suggestion regarding our group study room booking system.  We do have a policy for group's who do not show up for their selected booking time.  They have 15 minutes from the time of the booking to show up at their selected group study room.  After the 15 minutes, if the room is still unoccupied their booking will be cancelled and another group can use the room.  https://library.mcmaster.ca/mrbs/  If you see an unoccupied room please do not hesitate to ask a full time staff member at the Services desk for assistance. Thank you again for your comment and suggestion. (Oct 18/18)
Answered by: Ann Pearce (Supervisor, Information Services, Innis Library)
Categories: Other, Innis  |  Permalink

(Sep 10/18) It would be helpful to list the locations of prayer spaces within the libraries on the new website.

Library response: That's a good idea, thanks. I have passed this along to the group who is adding new content to the new website.   (Sep 10/18)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other  |  Permalink

(Sep 5/18) The sixth floor in Mills is suppose to be a silent study area, yet every time i come here there is always 1 group that is not mindful of others. It may be a good idea to have a worker regularly monitor the floor throughout the day to make sure that people are respectful of others and follow the rules.

Library response: Thanks for your suggestion. We do have staff walk through all of our spaces on a fairly regular basis, but can't be everywhere at all times. In the future, may I suggest you first ask the loud parties to quiet down, and if this doesn't work please send an email to quiet@mcmaster.ca or complete the form which can be found at https://library.mcmaster.ca/forms/report-noise-quiet-area These get sent directly to staff who will come speak to the chatty groups. Please make sure to give us some indication of where the problem is so we don't waste time trying to figure out where they are. Hope this helps! Anne   (Sep 10/18)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Mills  |  Permalink

(Jul 16/18) Chairs at HSL are not comfortable, there is no back support. The chairs are not ergonomically correct. Very uncomfortable.

Library response: Thank you for your feedback. We have had most of our chairs for over 10 years and this is our first complaint. I am wondering if you can provide us with more detail about where you were sitting when you were in the library. I am concerned that some of our chairs may be breaking down which is why there is no longer any back support. We are working to get some chairs replaced and your feedback will be useful in helping us decide where in the library we need to start. Please contact me directly so we can discuss. Thank you. (Jul 17/18)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Mar 20/18) I must say, the lower level womens bathroom (not too sure about the mens?) is probably the most unhygienic, grimiest bathroom on campus. Of course, this is as just as much the fault of those who use it, but is there anyway it could be cleaned more frequently throughout the day? I dont think there has been a time Ive been in there and the garbage wasnt overfilling, or the floor was flooded with water. Thanks!

Library response: Thank you for taking the time to write and tell us about your concerns. I have reported your observations to Facilities Services and they will be investigating shortly to make sure the washrooms are well maintained throughout the day. In the meantime, we have asked that housekeeping do a quick clean up as soon as possible. Please contact me directly if you wish to discuss this in more detail. (Mar 20/18)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Nov 9/17) will u be bringing out more puzzles????

Library response: We are currently gathering more puzzles from friends and family. If you know anyone who wants to donate to our collection please ask them to contact me. But, don’t forget about your schoolwork. Puzzles can be addictive and we don't want you falling behind in your studies :). Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate your feedback. (Nov 9/17)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Nov 1/17) The link attached to the how-to for renewing library books leads to the old library account system. If someone hadnt helped me, I would have been in a pickle. It might help other first- year students if the link is updated. Just a thought...

Library response: Thanks for letting us know. The link has now been updated. (Nov 2/17)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other  |  Permalink

(Sep 8/17) Of course it was too good to last ! 3 days of warm/hot water in the womens washroom (library entrance) for the first time in 1 year? 2 years? and today its cold again. This is pathetic.

Library response: Thanks for the feedback. I will submit your concerns to hospital engineering immediately.  (Sep 8/17)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Aug 29/17) I tried to renew the library books today but I found out that the log-in feature has changed. I am not sure why features that are not broken are being fixed, and now end up being broken. So now, I cannot renew the books online so I either have to pay a fine or bring the books back personally for renewal, which are either way, a waste of time and money.

Library response: Thanks for your message. We migrated to a new library catalogue and system earlier this month and there appear to be a few things which have just started not working. One of these things would be getting access to your account so you can renew books.  We are working to correct these problems as quickly as we can. We will keep the Service Alerts on the library's home page updated and are tweeting out updates as they occur. We will make sure to waive any fines incurred as a result of not being able to renew your books. We appreciate your patience. Please contact the Innis Library at 905-525-9140 Ext. 22081 or inncirc@mcmaster.ca. Please provide us with your information and we will be happy to renew those items for you.  We can also walk you through the new log in process.  We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. (Aug 29/17)
Answered by: pottier,apearce
Categories: Other, Innis  |  Permalink

(Jul 20/17) Hello fellow Marauders, I was wondering whether the university would invest in something like this: https://twitter.com/westsydulibrary/status/823425172711555073 . If McMaster wants to see itself as a top-tier university, it should try to invest in these material things which are both beneficial to the end-user, i.e. students, and positively influence the place. Thanks for reading. Best Regards, Mohamed Mirza

Library response: Thanks for your suggestion around the napping pods. We have seen these and do have something like this on a list of new things to consider providing for our students. I will investigate this model some more, so thanks for providing us with a model to look at. Can't promise if/when we might be able to do something like this, since our course cost would be a factor, but we will consider it.   (Jul 20/17)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Mills  |  Permalink

(Jun 16/17) It would be greatly appreciated if the grammarly subscription is reinstated. It was extremely useful and helped me improve my writing. I know there is the free version, but it isnt the same. Thank you.

Library response: Thanks for sharing your concern.  The library has been funding Grammarly for a number of years, paying a substantial figure for campus-wide access. With the fall of the Canadian dollar, the library's budget is under some constraints, and this product was identified as outside the area that the library typically supports.  We have approached other offices on campus without finding support to pick it up.  The alternatives are the free version, which offers a limited number of checks - https://www.grammarly.com/premium , or an individual subscription.  Grammarly is offering Mac students a 50% discount off of list - https://goo.gl/vhEIjM – which we hope will help. Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to discuss this in more detail. (Jun 19/17)
Answered by: Janice Adlington (Head, Collections & Content Strategy)
Categories: Other  |  Permalink

(Dec 12/16) fire alarm: today at 1:09 - 31 rings, then a screech, 6 rings, 4 more screeches, 11 rings no message (and it is now 1:19) This is a hospital. Are there no audiologists on staff? Is there no concern about damage to hearing from high decibels? from prolonged and repeated noise? Why 31 rings? Why do 10 not suffice? Why the screeches? And - how about a location ???

Library response: Thank you for sharing your concern. We are not sure why today's fire alarm do not follow proper protocol (including the regular announcement about location). I have sent a note to hospital security to obtain more information.  (Dec 12/16)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Dec 2/16) re. the womens washroom, upper level at the entrance to the library: why is there no hot (or at least, warm) water in the taps? Last week: same problem.

Library response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I have forwarded your concerns to facilities management. When I receive a response I will update this post.  (Dec 2/16)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Apr 5/16) Would it be possible for the study cubicles on the lower level to be wiped down at some point during the day as they do at the Innis library? For example in the early morning, or right before closing the night before. Too many people keep eating and leaving residues of their food on the study surfaces. Thank You

Library response: Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. I have forwarded your concerns directly to the managers responsible for addressing housekeeping in the Faculty of Health Sciences. We are currently working very hard to ensure the Library is a welcoming and clean space for our students.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions or comments. (Apr 5/16)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Feb 1/16) Hello, Several suggestions related to the basement of Thode: There are many broken lights in the basement of Thode, especially in the study rooms. Would it be possible to repair these? The furniture (especially tables) in many of the Thode study rooms is decrepit and not terribly useful/flexible. Would it be possible to either find new tables or redistribute the existing furniture in a better way? The capacities of the Thode study rooms listed on the booking website are incorrect. For example, B106 is listed as 8 but comfortably seats 12. Would it be possible to update these? The appearance of the entire basement of Thode is rather depressing and looks terrible. Really, its the ceiling tiles that are the biggest eyesore.There are currently at least 7 missing and 10 with the skin removed that I can see from where I am sitting. Would it be possible to just remove them wholesale, as was done on the first floor? Instead of throwing good money after bad? I realize that this would be a significant investment, as the walls of the study rooms would have to be extended to the concrete ceiling, and the whole basement would likely have to be painted, but this seems to be the best long-term solution and it would give the library a more modern look (instead of the current 70s throwback). Thank you for your consideration.

Library response: Thanks so much for submitting these comments. We agree with you that the overall atmosphere of the basement of Thode Library is basically just awful.  We have recently completed a Library Master Space Plan which will provide us with a roadmap to renovate the rest of Thode Library and much of Mills Library over the next 5-10 years. These plans include replacement of things like ceiling tiles, lights, carpeting, furniture, etc.  In fact, we hope to start with some minor renovations to the lower level of Thode this summer. So stay tuned - it will get better! Great suggestion about updating the capacity numbers for the group study rooms. We will take a look at these rooms and make these changes on the website. (Feb 2/16)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Thode  |  Permalink

(Jan 20/16) Blinds should be added to the windows on the second floor, particularly along the south side. During the day, practically from 11:00 until sundown, the sun shines directly through those windows and the glare makes the desks situated along that side virtually unusable.

Library response: Thanks for your email. As you will see there are some stationary blinds in this area. Given the size of the windows we can't install blinds which get drawn since these would require significant maintenance over time. We will take a look at whether it is possible to add film to some of these windows to block some of the glare, but still give us lots of light. (Jan 20/16)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Thode  |  Permalink

(Sep 11/15) Please load Stata software on computers at Innis library

Library response: Hello, Thank you for the suggestion - have you tried SPSS for Windows on the systems in Innis? Is there something specific you need to do that SPSS does not support?
Further: Ines Perkovic from Innis Library says: It looks as though Stata IS available in all the UTS student labs. http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/lab_facilities/labs/software_avail/index.html The closest student lab to the Innis Library is the KTH basement (KTH B121 and B123) - only a short walk away from us.  This may ultimately be the solution/answer to the suggestion below. (Sep 14/15)
Answered by: mcallic
Categories: Other, Innis  |  Permalink

(Mar 30/15) More computers with SPSS would be fantastic. Kinda difficult when only 4 of them have SPSS on them. My stats class has 300 students so. And the labs are always in use for classes.

Library response: Fortunately, there are a few options to help alleviate your frustration.  UTS provides a link to their student labs calendar which can help identify the labs that are not booked for classes during the day.  Alternatively, Thode and Mills Libraries offer SPSS on their “research computers”.   Click here for their equipment locations and available software.  Software costs prevent us from increasing our SPSS access at this time. (Mar 31/15)
Answered by: Neera Bhatnagar (Head of Systems & Public Services, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink

(Mar 17/15) Most of the couches on the upper floors of Mills are worn through - the leather is cracked and/or broken completely and the filling is often showing. This is unpleasant to look at but also uncomfortable to sit on. Please do something!

Library response: Were are you sitting? We have removed most of these couches, just recently. (Mar 17/15)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Mills  |  Permalink

(Jan 21/15) This is mainly an aesthetics problem but Ive noticed the majority of ceiling wallpaper have fell or are in the process of crumbling - thus exposing the ugly ceiling structure giving Thode a ghetto dilapidated look. Its prominent on all floors as well, and eventually, all ceiling wallpaper will rot, crumble, and fall down. I was wondering when this will be fixed - Thode could look better than it does right now!

Library response: Yes, we agree, this looks terrible. This has been an ongoing problem at Thode for years. We are in discussions with a company to see if the ceiling tiles can be replaced. We are always re-attaching the skins with spray adhesive, but given the age of these tiles the skin keeps coming off. We are working on this problem actively and hope to be able to find a solution soon. Thanks for taking the time to submit this suggestion. (Jan 21/15)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Thode  |  Permalink

(Nov 24/14) The elevator doors open and close repeatedly when the elevator remains stationary on the 6th floor of Mills. This is a nuisance on the silent study floor. Please fix this asap.

Library response: This problem has been resolved. Thanks for reporting it. (Nov 24/14)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Mills  |  Permalink

(Oct 24/14) It would be amazing if there was disinfectant/cleaning wipes available to wipe off a desk before sitting down to study (or even to clean up before you leave for the next person).

Library response: This is an interesting idea. We will see what might be possible. Thanks for the suggestion! (Oct 27/14)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Thode  |  Permalink

(Oct 9/14) Hello, I am curious if anybody has noticed a subtle vibration running through the lower floor of Health Sciences Library. I am trying to determine if there is actually a vibration or if I am suffering from a kinaesthetic hallucination possibly brought on by some kind of environmental factor. Its not quite people in the air conditioning, but neither is it particularly conducive to my studies. Thank you for your assistance.

Library response: I have investigated with the staff working that day and they did not receive any complaints about floor vibrations.  In order to do a thorough investigation, I will require additional information.  Please contact me directly to facilitate this.  If you experience the vibrations again, please inform the staff at the Circulation Desk.  This will help us isolate the date and time the incident occurred. (Oct 14/14)
Answered by: Neera Bhatnagar (Head of Systems & Public Services, Health Sciences Library)

(Oct 2/14) Id like to thank the McMaster employees or subcontractors responsible for communicating the importance of noise reduction to events in the Mills-MUSC square. This is certainly an improvement! Thanks again.

Library response: Glad we could help. We do try to report this when the noise gets out of control (Nov 17/14)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
Categories: Other, Mills  |  Permalink

(Mar 31/14) If a fire is not an imminent danger, then why are we listening to shouted announcements about it? If a fire is an imminent danger, then why not word the announcement more clearly? Isnt there a bit of a logical discontinuity between cryptic and shouted?

Library response: Thank you for taking the time to express your concern. The Health Sciences Library is located inside the Hospital, which is administered by Hamilton Health Sciences. As a result, HHS fire safety regulations apply in our library space. The intercom system and the process for making announcements have been designed to ensure the safety of all building occupants including patients, staff and students.
Although the wording of the announcements may seem cryptic, the information does have meaning for library staff who are required to participate in regular fire safety training. In the event we had to evacuate the library, the messaging would be very clear and library staff would be available to help direct the evacuation process. I realize that the frequency and volume of the announcements are disruptive, however, there is no way they can be changed or be eliminated. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have additional questions.   (Mar 31/14)
Answered by: Jennifer McKinnell (Director, Health Sciences Library)
Categories: Other, Health Sciences  |  Permalink