Service Highlights, 2004-2005

•  All service points are adequately staffed and ready for readers.

• Computer and internet systems are properly functioning.

• Photocopy service is at its optimum, with all 10 to 15 copy machines functioning and stocked with paper and toner.

• All restrooms and group study facilities in the building are clean and ready for use.

• Library management is kept abreast of issues and problems.

• Policy matters are addressed in a timely fashion.

In addition to these responsibilities, the weekend supervisor has increased access to Library instruction by offering weekend workshops and classes; virtual reference has also been added to the Library’s list of weekend services.

The instruction committee also sponsored a series of specialized workshops utilizing the talents and expertise of the Library faculty. The series included:

*  Extra! Extra! Searchable News Databases, 1841 to One Minute Ago

* Get the 311: New York City Information, Demographics and More

*  Full Text, Full Text Everywhere: Now Learn the Tricks to Find It

*  Something Old, Something New: Shopping for Books on the Web

*  Primary Sources Galore: Science Sites I Wish I’d Known About Sooner

*  Give Us Your Site!

*  Google Goes to College: An Introduction to Google Scholar

Aaron Tenenbaum, chair of the Department of Computer and Information Science, is chairing a College committee charged with making recommendations for the integration of information literacy, computer literacy, and quantitative literacy into the curriculum; its members are Patricia O'Connor, Mariana Regalado (Library), Wendy Maloney, Myra Kogen, and Selena Threet. It seems that CIS 1.5 and 2.5 cover computer literacy; however, these are not required courses. Information literacy might be incorporated with English 1 and 2, as well as with upper level courses. Following one model under consideration, courses would be labeled "R" for research (information literacy) and perhaps "Q" for quantitative literacy, with students required to take X number of these courses.

In the spring 2005 the Library arranged a presentation about the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) for Professor Tenenbaum's committee and other interested faculty. The ICDL includes both an assessment tool for computer literacy, as well online learning modules that certify students who complete them as computer literate; the company is about to add an information literacy component. We await ICDL pricing information for a 2005 pilot.

"This is the place where I generally complain bitterly about the quality and level of service we are getting from the copy service. However, I have to say that after a meeting last fall with Wayne Piskin and several calls to his cell phone reminding him that we were up to our necks in unhappy students, he seems to have gotten the message." Jane Cramer, Government Publications, Periodicals, & Microforms Librarian

The new photocopy service tech Felix Caceres is very service oriented and has a back-up person who can refill paper trays and do minor repair work. Service is now provided on weekends, increasing the number of working copiers in the building at critical times. For the first time in the many years we have been dealing with Continental Copy Service, we are getting the service we expect.