Joanne Casey finds out what you think of the Minster Library, and details recent improvements.
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The Minster Library, in the Minster Gardens.
Photograph by Paul Shields |
In February last year, we ran a survey to find out how visitors to the Minster Library feel about the services offered. We're taking this opportunity to report back on what we learnt and how we've reacted to it, and to encourage you to provide further feedback on our services.
What you liked…
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Special Collections in the Minster Library
Photograph by Paul Shields |
- The range of the collections
- The unique resources
- The staff
- The chance to study in a fascinating building
"The Minster Library is an invaluable resource"
"Exceptionally generous and attentive staff!"
What you'd like to see changed…
- Borrowing arrangements
- Document production times
- Charges for reprographics
- Wifi provision
- Opening hours
What we've done...
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Inside the Minster Library
Photograph by Paul Shields |
Services provided by the Minster Library now match those offered by the University Library as far as possible; so, staff and students can now borrow up to 50 items, on the same flexible loan model that the rest of the Library uses; items borrowed from the Minster can now be returned at King's Manor or the main University Library (and vice versa). We're also introducing a trial of the
Book Delivery Service, which is already running successfully between the Morrell and King's Manor libraries.
Unfortunately there are some things that we're not able to change at the moment, but we can explain why that is:
Document production
It's frustrating when you have to wait for us to fetch you items that aren't held on the open shelves. We always try to make such items available as quickly as possible after you request them, but as the Minster Library has a small team of staff, it's not always possible to do this as quickly as we - or you - would like. We do our best to meet our target of producing the documents for you to use within 24 hours
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| Photograph by Paul Shields |
Charges for reprographics
These charges are set by the Minster, rather than by the University. They reflect the fact that these are unique and precious resources, and the charges have to cover the cost of providing reprographics, and enable the Minster to make a small profit on this aspect of the service. However we are reviewing our charging structure in line with other comparable institutions, and hope to introduce changes soon.
Wifi provision
The older the building, the trickier it often is to provide reliable wifi coverage in all areas. Wifi within the Minster Library is provided by the Minster IT team, rather than by the University's IT Services, and they are investigating the situation. IT Services are also looking into the possibility of providing eduroam coverage within the Library.
Opening hours
The Minster Library is open 9am - 5pm on weekdays. It's closed at the weekends. Unfortunately, it's not possible for us to provide the extra staffing resource necessary to extend the opening hours.
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| Photograph by Paul Shields |
What else could we do?
We'll be running another user survey soon, so you can let us know what else we could do to improve the services we offer. And, of course, your comments are welcome at any time - you can email lib-enquiry@york.ac.uk, fill in a comment card, or let us know in person. You can find out more about how we receive and respond to feedback at:
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