What do you think about the Feminist Front? [3568A]
I love it, and the Feminist Back as well. See, for instance, the Libraries’ wonderful photographic exhibition, The Bathers: Photographs by Jennette Williams.
Category Archives: Duke Libraries
Passionate about library access!
Now that they have put a card reader for the door over yonder (next to where this book sits) [arrow pointing to Perkins lobby entrance doors], why can’t students effing swipe in here and why do we still have to go to the main entrance after-hours? [3568B]
There are five card swipe access points for Perkins and Bostock Libraries: one at the 1928 entrance, one at the 1968 entrance, one at the outside door to von der Heyden Pavilion, and one each at the doors to Perkins and Bostock at the bridge. After 10.00 pm when the Libraries are open, students should be able to swipe in at any of these doors. When the Libraries are closed, students who want to study in the von der Heyden Pavilion or Gothic Reading Room need to swipe in at the 1928, 1968, or von der Heyden doors, since the other two lead directly into the (closed) facility. If you’re having access issues (and I have on occasion), you’ll need to check with the DukeCard office.
By the way, the 1968 entrance (which is the one near the Answer Person notebook) is considered the main entrance, a fact that will be spectacularly obvious following the final phase of the Perkins Library renovation.
Our incomparable reference librarians!
what are the limits of obscurity for questions for reference librarians? i don’t want to ask anything obscure just for the sake of obscurity, i just don’t want to break social conventions.
Our reference librarians are incomparable and will answer any question, no matter how obscure (although you probably shouldn’t ask obscure questions for the sake of obscurity, since that takes them away from genuine work). Give them a shout next time you’re in the library or online using the Ask Us Now! button in upper right corner of the Libraries’ front page.
Water, water, anywhere?
Why are there never any water bottles in the vending machine? Can’t we have a regular vending machine refill-er on staff 24/7?
The Pepsi machine in the Link has one button for Aquafina water and of course you can purchase bottled water in the Perk during operating hours. But between the two beverage vending machines in the Link, that’s just one button out of about two dozen.
I’ve passed on your outstanding idea of having a purified water refilling station to the appropriate staff member. As always, though, I can’t promise that it is economically possible.
Sartorially yours, Answer Person
What do they do with all the dust jackets for the hardback books in the library? Can I have some? [3566A]
I use them to create my wardrobe. I’m sorry I can’t spare any: the fall season is about to begin.
Five unofficial graudation requirements
What are the 5 unofficial graduation requirements? [3564B]
Another question about the five unofficial graduation requirements (!), specifically, what they are. According to TownMe.com, they are:
- Drive around the circle backwards (the one connecting Chapel Drive, Campus Drive, etc.)
- Go Tunneling (Campus buildings are connected by underground tunnels containing mostly piping and other infrastructure. There are entrances scattered around, with locked doors.)
- Climb Baldwin (the dome at the top, that is)
- Do “It” in the Gardens
- …And in the Stacks
As I said in a recent post, I’m encouraging readers to submit suggestions to replace #5 (primarily so I don’t have to answer questions on the topic anymore, but also so students graduate without a criminal record).
Pesky social mores
Why should I wear a shirt in the library? [3560B]
Without knowing you, the list of reasons could be endless; so let’s begin and end with those pesky social mores.
What do students like about the Libraries?
Duke rated as the 3rd best for college libraries. Can you tell me what the students like best about your library? Just trying to get some ideas for our library.
You’re referring to The Princeton Review survey in 2009 (actually, Duke University Libraries ranked 4th in the 2010 survey). When the Libraries held its celebration reopening Perkins Library floors 2-4 and lower floor 1 last August, a student government leader spoke about the “Top Ten Reasons Why we Dukies Love our Library.”
One of the things she noted was the variety of high quality and inspiring study spaces: from individual study carrels and group study rooms to soft seating and traditional reading rooms, the Libraries has a space to meet everyone’s needs. Nearly 6M volumes and a staff dedicated to public service are both highly valued by our students, and the annual student-organized and funded themed cocktail party each February continues to be extremely popular. And perhaps most importantly, she said that “the collaborative energy and spirit of Duke is more visible in the library than anywhere else on campus.”
Check out our new virtual tour of the library, produced by our staff.
Using the Biddle Rare Book Room
How do I look at the books in the Rare Book Room? Do I need special permission? [3553A]
[written in answer space: Te Amo, mi Cielo!]
The Biddle Rare Book Room is maintained by the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, which arranges for volunteers and students to staff the RBR for a limited number of hours throughout the week during the academic year. Patrons who want to use or view any of the materials must come first to the research room at Perkins 103. There is information about using the collections on the Libraries’ website. Anyone with a valid photo ID may come in to register and use materials.
Where's the erotica?
Is there an erotic book section in the Perkins library collection? [3551B]
There are erotic elements in many poems and novels sprinkled throughout the library, though the Library of Congress classification range HQ450 – HQ472 is positively overflowing with erotica. This section is on lower floor 2 of Perkins Library.