https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l Please share one idea that will, if implemented, have a positive impact on VU Library, its usage, operation/s, services, technologies, or anything you can think of, no matter how tiny or powerful that idea is, no matter how long term or short term the execution of that idea might be. en-us 2016-05-20 04:30:15 UTC 2025-10-27 06:10:25 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.storage.googleapis.com/portrait/brainstorm.jpg https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113550338 The library is one of the few places; the only place after business hours; where students can get help from a real person that they feel is qualified to help with their problem, even if it is not library related.

We constantly encounter frustrated, angry, disillusioned and highly stressed students who have not been able to contact the appropriate person. Since the removal of front of desk people within each college (faculty) and the reliance on electronic interaction, students have been repeatedly let down by this process. Non return of calls by lecturers, very tardy replies (if at all) via emails have resulted in extremely unsatisfied students who are paying a lot of money for the privilege of poor service.

Upper management may trumpet the cause of improving the student experience, but the reality is that this is not the case.


]]> 2016-06-03 01:42:45 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113550338 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113550893 Create forms and embed in Libguides that will facilitate booking information literacy classes, as in the following, or similar:
http://libguides.annamaria.edu/facultyrequest]]> 2016-06-03 01:50:09 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113550893 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113552132 2016-06-03 02:07:40 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113552132 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113742787 Learn and keep up-to-date with the development of emerging instructional technologies within e-learning]]> 2016-06-06 05:23:22 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113742787 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113743125 The importance of use of 'digital literacy' terminology within library contexts and practices (apart from 'information literacy'). Also, it would be good to see a move towards constructive alignment of Digital Literacy framework with VU courses' or units' learning outcomes.
http://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/pages/dilframework/

]]> 2016-06-06 05:33:23 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113743125 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113864301 See this link to an experiment at MIT to help reduce student stress during exam times http://news.mit.edu/2016/mit-puppy-lab-open-during-national-mental-health-awareness-month-0504

 While VU might not want to organise therapy dogs, there might still be value in regular scheduled stress reducing activities

]]> 2016-06-06 23:22:29 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/113864301 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114165890 We are regularly faced with new students who desperately need access to resources but do not have a network or library record until they are well into their course.  By the time these issues are resolved they are under increased pressure to catch up and are faced with long hold queues for core texts.  Would it be possible to have a lead-in time to courses of study to allow students time to do some preliminary reading, etc. before settling into their course?

]]> 2016-06-09 05:26:50 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114165890 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166075 VU already has debt collection policies/procedures but these exclude library debts.  The library is forced to write-off thousands in bad debts.  Could this issue be looked into please?]]> 2016-06-09 05:31:47 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166075 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166160 Once staff have left VU and their email accounts have been closed, the library has no way of retrieving library resources.  There is a exit checklist filled in by supervisors which includes the line "Return items on loan from Library and pay any outstanding fines" .  Would it be possible to require supervisors to contact the library directly when filling in the checklist?]]> 2016-06-09 05:34:27 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166160 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166625 Would it be possible to inform the library when students have completed their studies? This would give us a chance to remind students to return their library resources before graduation.  Once they have left the university and received their certificates etc  we have great difficulty convincing our ex-students to bring back resources.

]]> 2016-06-09 05:46:50 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166625 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166948 Would it be possible to have Student Services operating out of the library? Not just a pop-up shop but as an ongoing arrangement like IT and careers? ]]> 2016-06-09 05:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114166948 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114277824 Libraries need to be inviting. Furniture should be comfortable but functional.There needs to be some bright colur splashes]]> 2016-06-10 01:35:09 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114277824 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114278004 Current system not targeted to relevant information- provides too much dross and is a turn-off for many (library staff included).]]> 2016-06-10 01:37:02 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114278004 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114280394 This would be fantastic! I concur 100%!]]> 2016-06-10 02:22:43 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114280394 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114547248 This would be fantastic, one stop shop for students with enrolment and encumberance issues]]> 2016-06-13 23:43:00 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114547248 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114559221 VU Library could perhaps be involved with other VU departments/staff, for example VU’s  Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, in acquiring emergent technologies such as a 3D printer, Google glass, etc. Students and/or staff can be involved in innovative projects, maker spaces etc. at the library organised by appropriate staff. The existence of these technologies and initiatives might raise awareness of importance of innovation, encouraging students/staff  in getting available innovation grants.



]]> 2016-06-14 02:41:33 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114559221 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114559477 Relevant are these 2 links]]> 2016-06-14 02:45:59 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114559477 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114559574 2016-06-14 02:47:35 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114559574 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114566217 I have been thinking about something like "Paws to de-stress" during the period leading up to exams. I thought the Library could join with the Lort Smith Lost Dogs home to bring in dogs for students to relax with and at the same time raise money for the charity.

]]> 2016-06-14 05:13:01 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114566217 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114567113 Public transport to campuses and back could be improved. Ideally there would be chartered bus services in the morning and afternoon peak hours between relevant train stations and campuses (FTS, STA and WER, for example). Or investigate, and make a campaign that identifies the best bus routes to take, and promote these better on VU pages.

]]> 2016-06-14 05:36:27 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114567113 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114569374 VU could benefit from green ‘initiatives’ to boost sustainability, investment renewable energy use (more solar panels installed), campus community garden, single-stream recycling, solar bins (https://www.solarbins.com.au/) , green buildings, ongoing educational initiatives. ]]> 2016-06-14 06:27:09 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114569374 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114778861 not much of an innovative idea - would be nice to have a microwave and a kettle in STA library for the students to use - same as in FTS, Building P. During weekends, when no cafe is opened and there are no shops close by the campus - able to have a nice, warm lunch especially during winter times will be very much appreciated.]]> 2016-06-16 01:14:43 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114778861 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114779402 Since sitting is the new smoking ]]> 2016-06-16 01:23:59 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114779402 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114779877 There needs to be a footpath connecting the section of Moondani Ave  between Willis St. and Ure St. to the car-park near (i.e. south-east of) Gate 2. Pedestrians currently entering from  the Gate 2 entrance at Willis St. have to share University Boulevard with traffic as they enter the campus - not safe!]]> 2016-06-16 01:30:56 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114779877 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114781853
 It is a waste of our time, paper, ink, and our managers time to complete umteen forms that contain one or two lines and then collate, sign etc. This has been enabled for Academic staff but not for Professional staff. This is ridiculous - it seems we are not important.]]> 2016-06-16 01:56:28 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114781853 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782005
We have students learning to be masseurs. We could pay say like $5 and get a 10 minute good, neck and shoulder massage at our desks or designated area. Many govt departments and VicRoads do this for their office and frontline staff. An appointment time is made and the massage is arranged and conducted. The students get the benefit of real on-the-job work experience and the staff get some relief.


]]> 2016-06-16 01:59:05 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782005 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782091
VU urgently needs  A LARGE BLUE Freeway sign on the Princes Highway Geelong and Melbourne bound lanes near Werribee exits to indicate that we have a VU campus in Werribee. 

Many thousands of drivers and their passengers (future students) drive past these exits daily, , mostly twice a day with no idea we have a campus in Werribee.! 

Especially when we had TWO campuses. Instead, many drive passed on their way to Deakin Uni and beyond  There are smaller blue signs on all around other VU campuses but not at Werribee that are visible to drivers and passengers on the Princes Freeway.

 A classic example is the Monash University  sign on the Blackburn Road turnoff.  "Monash University this exit" This is from Monash Uni website: " If you are taking the Monash Freeway from the City, signage will instruct you off at Blackburn Rd for Monash University".  Not rocket science, just common sense and a good way of attracting prospective and new students to Werribee and VU. 

Werribee is one the nation's largest growth areas and this opportunity to attract local students who are studying elsewhere is being missed!

]]> 2016-06-16 02:01:05 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782091 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782581
These travel all over Melbourne, just like our current and prospective students. 

Would look much better than graffiti on the trains.This would help increase our visibility and our student numbers!


]]> 2016-06-16 02:09:52 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782581 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782802
Surely staff can be trusted to keep their toilets tidy so that staff that have their desks adjoin the toilets (yes they do) can work in peace instead of having noisy hand-dryers constantly driving us insane. 

This has been reported on the OHS audit sheet of work areas and still nothing has been done about the loud noises from the hand-dryers.

Particularly bad with the Mens toilet on Level 4 at Footscray Park, even worse after 11 am and when there are meetings and large training sessions in P412 and other meeting rooms. The hand dryers are going on long after the door has been opened and closed and the staff member has returned to their desk.

Just think of the savings in electricity alone, let alone the sanity of the staff who work nearby. ]]> 2016-06-16 02:13:08 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114782802 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114783336
Some of the behavior we have to endure is woeful, aggressive, stressful and disrespectful.  

Especially the "learned helplessness" behavior. Like, 'oh, I can't be bothered to get my new student card' or 'I haven't bothered to get  around to do it or I can't prove citizenship. Or I lost my card, don't want to pay $30 for new card....  Like it is Week 12, swotvac, Week 2 of the exams and they can't get into the exam centre and because they don't come into the Library to borrow books, they think they don't need a Student card. It get's worse when  they have  a fine and no card .....

Warning and Pointing to the camera's makes their behavior worse!

Library staff are not punching bags. This is Not tolerated by Academic staff by ok for Library staff? - We think not! 

]]> 2016-06-16 02:17:48 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114783336 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114783939
The current bins are too small and narrow and not enough of them. The bins fill up and the students don't want to put rubbish in them as they overflow creating more mess. So they just leave the rubbish there. Then Library staff have to pick up their rubbish. Yuck! Worse still we are being abused by angry students locked out of rooms after 6 pm because of the mess and that the study rooms don't have bins.

]]> 2016-06-16 02:24:24 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114783939 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114784040
A waste of time/effort and resources going over to check the chute. This task is included on the roster!  

Often students drop off books there and not collected until a few days later and then they ring up and complain about books not being cleared straight away. We then have to send a staff member over to clear the chute. If the chute is closed, there is no problem and books returned to a central location. Not good when we have to explain the chute is rarely used and therefore not cleared often.

The old Library in D building  closed in 1990s when the new P Building Library opened. Other campuses just have the one location for book returns.

]]> 2016-06-16 02:26:03 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114784040 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114787637 All staff should have reasonable access to the large Xerox Printers that prints colour. Currently Building 11 at St Albans has no colour printer, therefore have to waste my valuable time travelling to other buildings. Really annoying as Academic staff often request printing of anatomical colour pictures last minute]]> 2016-06-16 03:25:32 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114787637 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114790691 Lower hot water temperature in bathrooms' taps to prevent scalds.


]]> 2016-06-16 04:36:45 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114790691 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114793704 2016-06-16 05:29:58 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/114793704 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115000989

Can the system for managing fines be looked at again?  At other libraries that use Innovative / Sierra it is easy to check the details of a fine.  The staff member simply has to right-click on the fine to see all the details.  Here at VU that feature is not used.  t would save staff time and improve customer service if it could be used.]]> 2016-06-20 00:16:53 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115000989 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115014143
I would like to see the number of noticeboards where posters and flyers can be hung around the campus reduced to an absolute minimum and be cleaned up on a monthly basis. 

Since noticeboard material was wrapped around the columns of Level 1 of Building P and Building M these areas look extremely messy, this material should be removed and the columns repainted. ]]> 2016-06-20 03:45:08 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115014143 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115014714
Whilst the gardens at Footscray Park are not terrible, I do think they are overdue for some improvements. 

I think if the services of a reputable landscape designer were employed we could take the existing gardens to the next level and really make the campus look more attractive to prospective students.]]> 2016-06-20 04:01:15 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115014714 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115095039
What happened to the six funky coloured standing pcs on Level 1 in P Building at FTS.  This have been out of order for at least the last three years. 

These ideally should be strategically placed amongst the Collection on Levels 2 and 3 to allow students to search the Catalogue to locate items. Often they come just to borrow books and have to either log into a pc (which takes up a pc during busy times) or have to come down to the Service Desk and assist and/or show them how to use the Catalogue to locate items.
Many times we have to ask students to vacate the Thin Clients as they occupy the work space with their laptops (yes) and/or try to login to print (despite the signs placed on each screen advising this is not possible from these pcs). 

Please allow our students to develop research and searching skills and by re-positioning these six funky pcs amongst the Collection.  


]]> 2016-06-20 22:12:48 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115095039 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115373597 Programs offered to students to improve digital skills needed in the 21st century - using Microsoft office packages, how to program, code, developing apps]]> 2016-06-24 06:50:38 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115373597 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115374035 Free programs to help students learn new skills]]> 2016-06-24 07:06:13 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115374035 neatbytes https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115374313 Creating a maker space using iPads and other mobile technology ]]> 2016-06-24 07:13:11 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115374313 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115471952 VET enrolments process needs to be improved immediately. The number of students who enter the library and are advised they are not on the system when they want to borrow or log in to the computers was very high at the beginning of term 1. In 2016, students took up to 5 - 6 weeks to be enrolled. Advised enrolment process left up to teaching staff, no casuals employed to assist. I had a student last week who had been undertaking his course since February and was not enrolled! Could not get logged onto the computers. IT advised there was an issue with a cluster of students when I called to enquire why they could not log in.

Enrolment issues at VET level need immediate attention, students dissatisfaction is very high.]]> 2016-06-27 01:36:40 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115471952 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115478573 heating/cooling an ongoing problem for buildings 7, 8 & 9 - all on same boiler. 
frequent boiler repairs show urgent need for replacement. Reluctance to do so suggests strongly that VU is no longer interested in this campus and will let it deteriorate. Longer-term solution than quick fixes needs to be enacted to ensure satisfaction of current students. 
FTS is not the only campus.]]> 2016-06-27 03:29:20 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115478573 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115558093 RFID tags surpass barcodes as there is no need to 'see' the RFID tags, unlike barcodes, in order to read the information about books. Multiple RFIDs can be read simultaneously allowing for quicker processing of books.]]> 2016-06-28 03:26:46 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115558093 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115558477 Once the RFID tags have been applied to books (and relevant library equipment/infrastructure too), it is possible to create interactive user experiences using AR which would allow users to search for books with overlaying digital information and AR interaction.]]> 2016-06-28 03:34:38 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115558477 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115986887 Since changing over to online ordering of student ID cards, and the onerous conditions around providing alternative ID in order to collect them, many students are not collecting their student IDs at all.  VU could take a radical step forward and implement e-IDs that could be loaded into smartphones and presented on the screen - no plastic at all!]]> 2016-07-06 06:34:18 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/115986887 https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/117954499
All VU Libraries should have a Welcome Wall. This could consist of a permanent feature of the word WELCOME in many of the languages that our students speak.

 I have put up Welcome displays at the beginning of the semester in display cabinets, however a permanent feature would be better and more inviting as well as welcoming everyday, all year round. 

This could consist of adhesive vinyl art lettering on glass or other surfaces at the entrance(s) of each campus library. I am sure if I was an overseas student and saw ‘WELCOME’ printed in my language I would smile outwardly and be happy to be welcomed into the library.   

http://www.coolartvinyl.com.au/ 

http://www.coolartvinyl.com.au/images/res/read-languages_407_305.jpg

http://www.coolartvinyl.com.au/images/res/read-languages_407_305.jpg


]]> 2016-08-11 01:46:30 UTC https://padlet.com/neatbytes/3txddj771e7l/wish/117954499