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All Suggestions for Thode Library
(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)
(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)
(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)
(Feb 11/19) just posting this to recognize our awesome cleaners at Thode. First rate service.
Library response: Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful compliment with us. We will forward this along to the custodians and their manager! (Feb 11/19)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Feb 4/19) Hi,
I have noticed that multiple people continue to vape (smoke) in the middle of the library,
especially all over second floor. It smells gross and I really would rather not breath that
in. Please put signs or something saying no vaping or actually enforce the rules. thanks
Library response: Thank you for your comment. We were not aware this was happening.
We will not post signs since we are at a Smoke Free Campus, so there should be no need for the signage, but we will start monitoring the area on a regular basis and will call Security Services to deal with any offenders who are contravening this policy.
Please do let us know if this continues to happen.
Anne Pottier, Associate University Librarian (Feb 5/19)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Apr 16/17) Its burning in Thode on the basement floor. Im dying of heat and trying to concentrate but I
just cant! Please, save me from this boiling hot room and turn on the air condition. Please
dont make me choose between my love of studying in silence and my other love of not dying from
heat. Thanks!
Library response: Our apologies about the warm temperatures in Thode. Campus Facilities started switching buildings over from heating to cooling last week when the outside temperature started soaring, but they have not yet completed this work. We will see if they can move Thode up higher on the list to get switched over.
Good luck on your exams. (Apr 17/17)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Mar 20/17) Having Group study rooms in the basement of thode effectively defeats the entire purpose of
the basement environment, which is supposed to be a quiet study area with no talking. When
multiple groups get together in the rooms and talk/laugh very loudly it is disruptive to the
outside environment, even though they may not realize it.
Unfortunately, the only solutions I can think of that involves keeping these rooms as group
study rooms is to properly and professionally sound proof the rooms to allow minimal sound to
escape. Or, staff can conduct patrols to keep the noise down, however, this solution would
waste staff time and resources.
Quiet study is the main reason I come to thode instead of other libraries, but its becoming
difficult with the level of noise in the basement. Any assistance in this matter would be
greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Library response: Thanks for sending your comments in.
You are correct, it is not ideal to have Group Study Rooms situated next to Silent Study. We did do some soundproofing in these rooms a couple of summers ago, which helped a bit, but given how the rooms were built we can't do anything more at this point. We have posted signs in these rooms reminding the students using these rooms that they need to keep the noise down.
As you may have noticed, we are starting to do some renovations on the lower floor. When this work is completed there will be an enclosed large Silent Study room on the lower floor. The plan is to build many group study rooms on the 2nd floor. You might consider working in the area outside the Makerspace on the far side of the floor. It is quite quiet there.
Please report any loud groups to
quiet@mcmaster.ca - this email is read by the staff at the service desk on the 1st floor and they will come speak to any groups who are making noise.
Our apologies that there is nothing more immediate we can do at this time, but this is a problem we are very much aware of and are working towards resolving as we move forward. (Mar 21/17)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Feb 2/17) The Wi-Fi connection is terrible. Getting work done is impossible.
Library response: Hello!
Thank you for your feedback. We are nearing completion of our wireless upgrade to Thode Library: enhancing overall density and throughput. We're actively seeing you feedback and information as we go through this process, but will require more information.
Please fill out this form so we can properly investigate:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekO_CYAIRlv6OgQQPrTJlMx-uKG00HqMaH0m0msZp6npM17A/viewform
And thank you for taking the time to let us know things weren't running the way you needed them to - we'll work on it. (Feb 3/17)
Answered by: mcallic
(Oct 5/16) I find it hot in the silent study room at Thode (B115) and I am not sure if the fan control
switch is working properly.
Library response: Thanks for your message.
We have reported this problem to campus facilities since it is very hot in all areas of Thode. (Oct 5/16)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Sep 30/16) Keep Thode open 24/7 all the time please.
Library response: Thanks for your suggestion. Unfortunately we don't have the budget nor the staff to keep any of our libraries open 24/7.
You can use the Mills Learning Commons 24/5 after the Fall Recess period. At the same time Innis Library will start remaining open Monday through Thursday until 3am for Silent Late Night Studying.
The week before exams the Mills Learning Commons and Thode Library move to a 24/7 schedule.
More information about Library Hours, including those at the Health Sciences Library, can be found at
http://library.mcmaster.ca/hours-info/day
(Sep 30/16)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Mar 23/16) While there are printers located outside of the library, can you place one in a space that is
open 24 hrs for students, like the University Centre?
Library response: Thanks for your message. You will find a Sharp device available 24/7 in the lobby of the Mary Keyes residence or on the 1st floor of the Commons building.
The Mills Learning Commons is also open 24 hours per day, Sunday to Thursday, and there are three (3) of these devices there.
More locations can be found at
http://printsmart.mcmaster.ca/students/locations (Mar 23/16)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Mar 2/16) The second floor on thode gets really loud, especially during exam time. I understand its a
busy time of year, but sometimes there are people that crowd in big groups and talk really loud
right beside people that are clearly trying to study.
It makes it really hard to concentrate, even while wearing ear plugs
Library response: Thanks for your email. We do realize this floor can get quite noisy, especially given the number of study seats on this floor.
Much of this noise is rising up from the 1st floor in the open area beyond the ends of the 2nd floor balcony. We will be adding acoustic panels on the round brick wall and hanging acoustic clouds from the 3rd floor ceiling to help address this issue, but we won't be able to start this work until the end of this term. We expect this to make a great difference in terms of noise levels on the 2nd floor.
If the noise is being generated by people near you on the 2nd floor, please first ask them to tone it down, but if that doesn't help feel free to send an email to
quiet@mcmaster.ca. This email is monitored by staff in Mills, Innis and Thode libraries. A staff member will be dispatched to speak to anyone making too much noise, especially as we approach exams. Please make sure to give us enough details to help us identify those making the noise.
Good luck on your exams! (Mar 22/16)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(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)
(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)
(Feb 15/15) Hello,
Would it be possible to change to Thode retrieve from storage functionality to work like
the one for Mills/Offsite? For Mills/Offsite its one-click, so long as you are logged in,
but with Thode you have to copy-paste and enter data that is already in the system elsewhere.
The functionality has already been developped and implemented (and is already used at Thode
for Recall requests), so why not tweak the few lines of code it would take to implement one-
click storage retrieval for Thode?
Library response: Thanks for the suggestion. We will check into this to see what we can do to provide similar functionality. As you say, we have done it once so we should be able to do it again. (Feb 17/15)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(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)
(Dec 18/14) Love the Basement study space however can you add some comfy chairs like the ones in Mills to
the study space, cause sometimes it is nice to get comfy when studying.
Library response: Thanks for sending your suggestion in.
We do intend on adding some comfy seating to both the lower level and 2nd floor at Thode Library.
The problem is that we need to keep the area Quiet, which is why there are so many carrels in this area.
Keep sending your suggestions in - we are happy to look at them and will do our best to act on them! (Dec 22/14)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Dec 3/14) Ive noticed recently that there are not enough chairs on the second floor of Thode library. I
was looking for a place to study, and, while there were perhaps a couple dozen empty desks,
there was not a single unoccupied chair in the room. I know people tend to move chairs around
without returning them, but it definitely seemed like there were not enough chairs to cover all
the work areas.
Library response: Thanks for letting us know about this. We did purchase enough chairs for each of the study sections when this area was renovated a couple of years ago, but students do move chairs around. We will walk through and try to put things back at the tables.
Good luck with your exams! (Dec 4/14)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(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)
(Oct 21/14) Mac computer number 11041 has a clock that is 6 minutes fast. Please correct it.
Library response: I'll pass this on to our desktop support staff. (Oct 22/14)
Answered by: Dale Askey (Associate University Librarian, Library Learning Technologies)
(Sep 23/14) Noise restrictions are not respected in this library too often by a minority of students.
However, this minority is enough to spoil the quiet. It is a huge pain to set up
computer/book/paper/etc in a good spot, only to have someone else come into the proximity 10
minutes later when they clearly should have stayed downstairs.
Too often do people come up with food/chums and begin with raucous laughter... even if they
chose to whisper things would be much better.
I know levels of respect seem to have declined over the years (I remember Thode having dead
silence before in areas), but the noise restrictions must be made more apparent AND enforced
somehow. With a new batch every year, they are either ignorant to the rules (unlikely due to
the many signs posted) or just flat out selfish.
I know its not fun for a librarian to play bad cop, but the message is not received by
some who feel it is their right to act however they wish.
The idea of a group study space/lounge/cafe on the first floor is great, and these people
should be redirected there -- by official staff. I dont see what would be wrong with someone
on duty to take a walk around every so often and remind people of the expectations. People
would get the message after a while and the problem would improve significantly over time.
Thode librarys 2nd floor in particular is a wonderful space:
- open space
- natural light
- an interesting floor layout where you have enough privacy and still feel the energy of
fellows around you doing work
- comfortable seating/temperature/desk space
- good coffee just downstairs
Thank you for taking the time to read my comment.
Library response: Thanks for sending us your comments. We do appreciate you taking the time to do this. We agree that there can be problems with small groups of people who don't feel they have to abide by the rules and regs as they are laid out. Thankfully there are only a few groups like this, but they can be quite disrupting to those around them. We have tried walking through spaces and asking those who are clearly making too much noise to keep it down, or better yet, relocate to someplace more appropriate for their activity level, but unfortunately we would have to be doing this all the time. I am sure you have seen things quiet down when a staff member walks by then the noise picks up as soon as they have left the area.
We have tried to zone our spaces so that there is a variety of normal/noisy, quiet and silent study space in all three libraries. We do encourage our users to choose the space which best fits their study needs, but this is not always possible. More information on the different kinds of available study space can be found at
http://library.mcmaster.ca/study-space.
One thing we are trying is to have users send an email to
quiet@mcmaster.ca to report particularly loud individuals or groups of people. This email is read by the staff on each of the service desks and once received a staff member is dispatched to attend to the problem.
We are looking for different ways to deal with the problem of noise, and are always happy to receive suggestions. We will monitor the areas as much as possible, but we can't promise a regular patrol.
Glad you like the 2nd floor of Thode! We hope to be able to renovate the lower level at some point to make it a little more comfortable and appealing as well. (Sep 23/14)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Dec 11/13) In the basement, there should be power bars at every set of desks, not only the select
few. The majority of people utilizing this study space use their computers, which
results in significant crowding around those few desks that do have power bars.
Library response: Thanks for your comment. We will see if it is possible to add more power poles into this area, which would permit us to add more power bars.
Good luck on your exams! (Dec 12/13)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Dec 2/13) Why were the plants along the curved wall of Thode taken away? Any chance of them
coming back?
Library response: Thanks for your message. While we agree the plants added to the abiance of Thode, they were removed because we had complaints from users about the dust and mould they created. They were also very difficult to maintain, in terms of watering, pruning, etc. There are no plans to replace them at this time. (Dec 2/13)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)
(Nov 7/13) The wifi internet connection in Thode is extremely problematic at times, unable to connect for several minutes. It may be an
overload to the internet, is there any way the internet service in Thode can be improved? It makes hard to download assignments
when internet keeps disconnecting and avenue keeps timing out.
Library response: Thanks for reporting this, and sorry about your experience with the wireless network in Thode. The wireless network is provided by UTS rather than the Library, so I'll share your experience with them. They made some upgrades in Mills last year that may also be possible in Thode. I'll inquire. (Nov 13/13)
Answered by: Dale Askey (Associate University Librarian, Library Learning Technologies)