Have your say
Here are some of your most recent comments and suggestions about the library with our replies. If you would like to contribute to this page, visit your nearest Coleg Menai library desk, or alternatively you can phone or e-mail us.
You say...
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We say...
Can I borrow more books as my course has loads more units than my book allocation?
We continually review loan allocations for every course. Most tutors request course text loans for books they think you need for long periods and these long loans are not deducted from your normal borrowing total. In exceptional circumstances, we are open to negotiation on a case-by case basis for extra loans, for example we may let you have 5 books rather than 3, but only loan them to you for one week rather than three.
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Can we have longer loans?
Currently, most books are loaned for 3 weeks. This time period has been chosen to give everyone a fair chance of reading a good range of books. As long as no-one else has requested your books, you can keep renewing them. You can request books to be reserved for you to use again if you have to give your books back when you try to renew them because someone else has reserved them. Just ask the library staff
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The books are very easy to find
Thank you. We try to keep the layout logical, and the shelves in order, but if you are having trouble finding something, please ask for help
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A good library should always expand!
Yes it should. Coleg Menai library has grown in size over its life to match the size of its reader population, in line with national guidelines.
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Please ask tutors for guidance in specialist subjects when choosing books
The majority of our book purchases are on the recommendation of tutors
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Students should be able to recommend books
You can. If you have a new title in mind, tell the library staff or your tutor. If we think your choice would have a broad enough use for your course we will order the title
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Newer resources would be useful
We keep a close eye on what books are used, and remove those that aren’t, to keep stock relevant and up-to-date. If you spot out-of date books for which you know there’s a new edition, or know of useful new titles for your course, please tell the library staff or your tutor
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Can you buy some more books for my subject – have a wider variety?
Yes, talk to the library staff or your tutor about what books you would like to use. Once we’ve established that there is a broad enough need for your request, we will order appropriate titles
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I’m not always able to get the books I want, can you buy more of the same books?
Yes, no problem. Talk to the library staff or your tutor, and if we feel there’s a need across your course, we will order more copies. Remember the short-term alternative is that you can request books to be reserved for you when they are returned by the previous reader. Just ask the library staff
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Excellent stock of up to date art books
Thank you!
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Can we have more work space, e.g. tables?
More tables have recently been made available in Bangor, and study carrels bought for both Bangor and Llangefni. The accommodation at Parc Menai is under review, but we are currently constrained by the size of the library there
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The library is very useful to me and it enables me to do my work
Thank you!
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Parc Menai is a corridor, not a library
The library rooms at Parc Menai are not ideal. We are investigating alternative/modified accommodation
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Work can be done in the library more easily than any other place
Thank you. We appreciate that many students come to the library as they do not have suitable facilities elsewhere. We are pleased to be able to offer you your best choice
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The stationery is too expensive for students to afford
The stationery is bought centrally at wholesale prices after much careful research by our purchasing team. We sell all of the products at near cost – the idea being to support our students rather than make money for the library - we add only a small sum to cover admin. If you find a product cheaper elsewhere, please let us know and we will investigate
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General atmosphere and facilities in the library are all very good
Thank you!
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If you sit underneath the air conditioning fans at Parc Menai you freeze!
Please don’t suffer in silence, ask the library staff to increase the temperature or turn the fans off
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Excellent library!
Thank you!
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Can the Bangor library open slightly earlier than 8:45am?
Bangor library is often unofficially open from 8:30am as some staff arrive early, however this earlier opening is based on the good will of staff, so please be nice to them if they don’t arrive until 8:45!
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I would like the Parc Menai library open later
Opening hours are reviewed every term and every holiday in consultation with tutors to reflect the changing needs of our customers. If we find that there is sufficient demand, we will alter our hours accordingly. Tell your tutor or the library staff about your needs
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I wish the Parc Menai IT equipment, network and internet was more reliable, there’s nearly always a problem with something!
Work is underway to improve the Parc Menai facilities. So far, we have replaced printers and pcs and will upgrade the network within the next year. Thank you for being patient!
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Can we have more printers at Parc Menai library?
Yes, we’ve added the colour laser printer
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Internet security is set at primary school level and I’m doing a degree course looking at a controversial subject. The County Library service is not this restrictive!
If you need to look at restricted material for your course, please talk to your tutor, who will arrange with the library staff to allow your searches
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Images are vital on an art course – 5 credits per colour print is ridiculous!
If you need more print credits, ask your tutor for help
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Can someone show me how to use the computers and the internet?
Yes, of course. Feel free to ask the library staff for help (best if you can pick a quiet moment so they can give you more time), ask your Key Skills tutor or course tutor to arrange some extra tuition for you, or ask Learner Services to enrol you on one of our IT skills courses. If you want to learn independently, there are lots of free online “how to” and “teach yourself” guides available, so ask someone to find one of these for you.
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The library is too noisy at times, especially around the exams and when a lot of people have deadlines, and I am unable to work!
We agree that the libraries can sometimes be unacceptably noisy. We try very hard to keep people working quietly, sometimes with a member of staff constantly patrolling. If you have an issue with a particular person or group disturbing you, please see a member of staff, and we will deal with the person/group involved
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The library staff are too noisy!
Whoops - sorry! It has been known for students to come and tell us off! We don’t mind this in the slightest. Sometimes we are noisy when we think we don’t have any customers, so if you’re the poor soul in the corner we haven’t noticed, please let us know
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It is quiet enough in the library
Thanks!
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Turn the library phone off, make it silent ring, or at least please answer it sooner!
Apologies for breaking our own rules. We do attempt to keep the ringer volumes down, and answer within three rings, but unfortunately sometimes we are away from the desk when the phone rings. We are looking into the possibility of cordless phones
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Too much eating, drinking and mobile phones
We try to keep this to a minimum, tackling individuals as we see “offences”, but without constant patrolling we cannot catch everyone. If you see someone breaking the rules and don’t think they should get away with it, tell a member of staff
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The staff always very helpful, supportive, pleasant and approachable. They are aware of individual needs. Nothing is too much trouble. Excellent service with a smile!
Above is a small selection of the large number of compliments we receive each year. Thank you for all of them, it’s these that keep us going!