Can one still use the library’s services once he has graduated? [3349B]
Yes, to a limited extent. Alumni can get a discounted borrower card (free for Perkins System plus Divinity; $75 for all campus libraries), but this does not give off-campus access to subscribed databases and e-journals. If you come to the library, you’re free to use services and materials here.
Is caffeine bad for you and will the library build more independent study rooms? [3349A]
You might want to look back at 3342B regarding the effects of caffeine (summary: see MedLine Plus from the National Library of Medicine to begin to sort through the health issues). The renovation plans do include more group study rooms, but unfortunately during renovations of Perkins floors 2-4 many of them will need to be appropriated by library staff who need temporary office space. Be aware that groups have priorities in group study rooms and staff may evict an individual if a group needs one.
Why did they call [Duke student] “the library” last semester? [3348A]
I hope you don’t have anything against libraries. It sounds a lot more distinguished than calling him “The Parking Deck” or “The Steam Plant.”
Are there circulation numbers (volume) available for Perkins and/or the other Duke libraries? I’m curious to see how many books are checked out each year. [3345B]
To give you a ballpark idea, here are numbers, excluding reserves, for 2004-2005 (Initial Loans / Totals) for all Duke Libraries: 390,086 / 534,244 ; Perkins System + Divinity: 322,381 / 443,383 ; Ford: 29,209 / 36,625 ; Law: 24,370 / 36,166 ; Med Center: 14,126 / 18,070. “Perkins System” includes Lilly, Music, Vesic, Biology, Chemistry. For Perkins only (not branches or professional schools): (Loans / Renewals / Totals) for 2004-05: 164,020 / 80,271 / 244,291 ; for 2005-06: 142,333 / 79,721 / 222,054.
Where’s the best place to have sex in the library? [3345A]
There are some comfortable chairs and clean carpeting right near the main entrance across from the Circulation desk, next to those big picture windows looking through to the Von der Heyden Pavilion. This is the best place from the standpoint of people who will read about it in the Chronicle’s police report and who will have a good story to tell after you’ve been expelled.
What happened to the comfy chairs on the 2nd floor of the Bostock/Perkins walkway? I can no longer take a nap/study. The black block tables are still present but no chairs. Why is this? My study spot was the walkway and without those chairs the space is even more limited. It is messing up the entire rotation that is known as my life. Please fix this.
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: There was a manufacturing problem with the springs or stuffing in the backs which was causing irregular wear. They were removed only temporarily for renewal and by the time you read this they should be back and your life will be back in harmony. Chairs will be refurbished in small groups, and after one group returns then it’ll be another group’s turn.
You do need to try to be a little flexible in your routine, however, and search out other study spots when something like this comes up. You’ll find change thrust upon you for your entire life, so flexibility will make you happier.
Is this library going to build many more private study rooms? [3342C]
Yes, more group study rooms are in the plans for the renovations. Over the next couple of years, unfortunately, until all the renovations are complete, there may be a loss of some group study rooms because some temporarily will be needed for offices by staff who are displaced by the construction.
The Gothic reading room has old Chanticleers – are there copies of the more recent ones (past the 1960s) somewhere? [3342A]
You can request them at the main Perkins circulation desk. You can also ask for them up in the University Archives on the third floor.
Not really a question, but FYI in the display outside the Gothic reading room Brodhead’s name is misspelled on the large banner… [3341C]
Yeah, this occurred in several places (captions, introductory statements, etc.), sometimes now identifiable by the crudely obvious corrections with a Marks-A-Lot. I think the poster or banner you mention has now been removed. Although the student work exhibited in the former Perk area and in the Technology Alcove in the library’s basement connector fall under the jurisdiction of the Union’s Visual Arts Committee, we do offer our apologies to President Brodhead.
Why are there always 4 or 5 staplers sitting out on the counter in Perkins, but only one ever has staples in it? [3341B]
If there are always going to be 3 or 4 without any staples, if we had only 3 staplers total then none of them would ever have staples would they? Actually, please don’t be shy about asking staff to refill them. AP will pass on your comment in hopes of initiating more responsible refilling on our part.