Suggestion Box : feedback, our answers
© sisb
Thank you everybody for your valuable ideas, suggestions and comments made between February 21 and April 21. We took into consideration your comments and tried to answer at best.
Computer applications
« It would be very useful to have an application where you could control the due dates and the borrowed books more easily to avoid delays.»
We would also appreciate it! Thereupon, the EPFL Library participates in a Nebis network general project that concerns user account portability on a mobile app. We cannot decide or make this development alone. Nevertheless, did you know that BEAST the EPFL Library catalog is available on the Pocket Campus app?
« The EPFL library could deploy relays and Tor "exit node" as it is done in many universities and libraries https://libraryfreedomproject.org/torexitpilotphase1/). »
Deploying a Tor node at the EPFL Library implies taking into account many IT and legal parameters that do not depend only on the EPFL Library. In regards to data protection and privacy, we recommend the use of Tor Browser (https://www.torproject.org/projects/torbrowser.html.en), a browser that allows surfing the web through Tor (via existing output nodes).
« For exit Nodes to be able to do research without being influenced by algorithms. »
Same answer than above.
Space and work places
« Put footstools in the library and remove the tables. »
We cannot replace the tables with footstools because there is a high demand for this type of work spaces. However you can go for footstools in the Rolex and bring them in the library as you wish. We are thinking about more comfortable reading areas in the Library within the medium term.
« Standing workstations.»
Architectural constraints limit us in terms of furniture and furnishing. However your proposal is relevant and we will examine it carefully.
« More sofas to create a reading corner. »
Same answer than above.
Collections
« More choice in the architecture section. Most of the books we are looking for are available in Zurich (ETHZ) but never at EPFL. »
ETH is a bigger school than EPFL, their collections are thus more important. We network in order to provide you with a document offer as comprehensive as possible. If you could not find a document in our collections, send a purchase proposal at : documents.bib@epfl.ch
Logistics
« Install return boxes for books elsewhere on the site, especially in the architecture building. »
Thank you for this proposal, we are going to think about it. We could for example imagine a return box in each faculty, and the books would be collected once or twice a week.
« Please, decentralize the books return system. Why not HAVING dispersed boxes on the campus, let’s say one per each zone or each section. The service to pick up the books could be every other day (I think of library cool cargo bikes or small electric cars that collect the books from the campus).»
See above answer.
Other
« Board games and videos. »
We recognize the importance of "games" for students. Could you clarify your request? Would you like that the Library buys board and video games or would you like it to organize specific events?
«Enforce silence, speak quietly, go out to talk on the phone or to chat (especially in revision periods), and librarians should speak softly when they direct visitors (in the math section !!)»
The EPFL Library conducts regularly communication campaigns to enforce silence in the different library areas. We fully understand your demand, and pay close attention to it.
Keep sending us your ideas and feedback by email: questions.bib@epfl.ch.
The EPFL Library team