Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Meet the Staff

How does working in the LITC stack-up against other summer jobs? Let’s find out…

David Charles Grosser Merriman

Age:
19
Height: 6ft 1(1/2)inches
Favorite Book:
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller / A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

When entering the LITC this summer you may find yourself asking, “Who is that tall guy with the IPOD clipped to his Khaki shorts?” That’s David Merriman! A rising sophomore at Furman University, David came to us this summer in order to earn money for a study abroad trip to Costa Rica. “It’s part of a biology program. We’ll be going through different kinds of Costa Rican rainforest studying ecosystems,” David explained. We promptly put him to work. Even though day classes aren't in session there is still plenty to do. We're always trying to make the library better, and summer provides the staff with an opportunity to tackle projects that should help things run a little bit smoother in the fall. David has been a big help, moving shelves, sorting mail and counting microfiche. “Counting the microfiche is my project for the summer. It’s going. As far as the progress I’ve made, it’s about a fourth of the way done.” Part-timing at the LITC is David's second gig. In the mornings he can be found around campus working with the Coker College Physical Plant. The library provides him with a much needed break from the physical demand of hauling, trimming, lugging and cutting. “In terms of the opposing nature of the two, the library is a lot less labor intensive, and it’s not as easy to get dirty. It [LITC] is not a stressful job and it’s a pleasant work environment."

David’s Library Summer Job Survival Tips:

  • “Be on time.”
  • “When counting Microfiche be careful because the edges are a bit sharp.”
  • “If you’re going to be doing tedious works, such as shelf reading, bring an IPOD to keep yourself focused and awake. You’ll need something to work to. I’ve got some AC/DC, some Bob Dylan, there’s some Scottish music and some Weird Al Yankovic. It’s sort of a mixed bag.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Library Services Survey: Cell Phones and Noisy Patrons

Your Comment: Are people allowed to use their cell phones in the library/Why are people being so loud?


Though the majority of those surveyed find the LITC a quiet place to get some work done, we have received some comments and questions regarding the level of noise allowed in the LITC.

We want
to provide patrons with a comfortable environment in which they can work and study. Policies and guidelines have been put in place to ensure that the LITC remains a calm, quiet and accommodating place to conduct scholarly research.

Here’s a brief overview:

First Floor: Low level conversations are permitted. Groups needing to meet are encouraged to use one of the group study rooms on the second floor. Cell Phone usage is also permitted on the first floor, including the computer center and Java City cafe.

Second Floor: Quiet individual study only. Group study is permitted in the study rooms. Doors should be shut because the study rooms are not insulated and excessive noise can be clearly heard by others. On the second floor cell phones are restricted to study rooms and are not permitted in the quiet study areas of the second floor.

All Floors: We ask that individuals set their cell phone ringer to silent when entering the library and respect other patrons.


Our noise policies can be found on the Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center homepage if ever you need to refer to them.

Remember, you are always encouraged to report excessive noise to staff at the Circulation Desk. Patrons violating these policies may be asked to quiet down, move to designated areas, turn off their phones or leave the library.

Feel free to comment here or contact the library staff if you have any questions.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Where in the world...?

As I was compiling statistics for an annual library report, I found some interesting LITC website statistics using Google Analytics:

  1. We've had visits from 47 states with no visits from Montana, Wyoming and Vermont
  2. Top five states with the most visits (other than South Carolina): North Carolina, New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Florida
  3. We've also had visits from 64 countries with the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Ireland and the Czech Republic in the top five
  4. Some interesting places have visited the LITC webpages: Tajikistan, Palestinian Territories, Iraq, Iran, and Macedonia
  5. Nigerian users stay on the LITC website the longest, averaging almost six minutes per visit
  6. Google considers Puerto Rico and Guam as non-U.S. territories

Monday, May 4, 2009

Intersession Hours

Belated congratulations to the Class of 2009! Good luck with your future endeavors!

Also, congratulations to Dr. Shawn Lay, named Coker College Master Professor!

Here's the schedule for the next week:

April 28-May 10
Mon. May 4 - Wed. May 6 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thur. May 7 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri. May 8 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat. May 9 Closed
Sun. May 10 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.