We recently followed a library trend and put up a “speaking wall” to gather your thoughts and comments about the Medical Library. We’d like it to be part of an ongoing dialogue with library users.

We’ve had a few comments already – thanks! – and Isla, the Medical Librarian, would like to respond.

So, first topic – Sunday opening:

Thanks for this suggestion. For the last 8 years, we have opened on a Sunday, 2:00pm till 6:00pm, in the run up to the Clinical Students final exams. In 2014, we had the following number of people coming in:

• weekend 24th / 25th May 2014 – Saturday: 57 people came in, Sunday: 9 people came in;
• weekend of 31st May/1st June 2014 – Saturday 97 people came in, Sunday 13 people came in;
• weekend of 7th / 8th June 2014 – Saturday 100 people came in, Sunday 9 people came in;
• weekend of 14th / 15th June  2014 – Saturday 50 people came in, Sunday 9 people came in.

In principle we’re happy to open the library – I’m sure the 40 people who came in made good use of the library – but since the building Custodians need to be involved too (not just library staff) we need to consult with the Clinical School before making a decision about this year’s Sunday opening. We’ll be in touch!

Second topic – NHS computers

I’m happy to say that we’ve got the NHS computer that was on the blink repaired, so while we’ve not added more, at least all three computers are functional – I hope this is a start, but I do recognise that these NHS Addenbrooke’s networked computers are very popular. We can certainly consider adding another terminal.

We’re also working with Addenbrooke’s IT support to get EPIC added to these computers – I don’t know how they were missed off the list in the initial roll out, but we’re working to resolve this. We’ll let you know as soon as the work is completed.

Third topic – scanners

I’m pleased that you find the scanner useful – I’m guessing that you mean the one in the Wolfson Computer Room?

Did you know that the photocopier does scans too? Just login with the same username and password as you do on the PCs and you can use your printing credit to scan and email the pages you need (3p per sheet). But I’m sure we can manage to install another scanner – I’ll be in touch.

 Fourth topic – customer  service

I’m so sorry that you’ve had a bad experience – this is a real shock to me since I’ve always worked to ensure that my colleagues and I are as welcoming and helpful as possible. This is certainly the impression that I’ve got when we have run “customer satisfaction” surveys in the past – 89% satisfaction with our service when we carried out our last survey in February 2015.

Please get in touch with me personally if there was a specific issue or problem that you would like to discuss – ilk21@cam.ac.uk – I’m very happy to speak with you to try to resolve it.

Keep the comments coming in – we’re really interested in what you think.

best wishes,
Isla