We are listening! The DeWitt Community Library values your input and thanks those of you who have taken the time to share your ideas and suggestions. On this page you will find replies to selected suggestions submitted through our electronic Director’s Suggestion Box, in the Suggestion Box on the Library’s Reference Desk, or directly to me in person, phone or email.
Do you have an idea that will help us reach our goal of making the DeWitt Community Library all it can be?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Wendy Scott, Executive Director
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Questions and Answers
Question: Could you please make it easier to find where I can renew my library books on the web site?
Answer: You can renew by going to your library account online. We’ve changed the “My Account” link on our home page to read “My Account/Renewals.” When you click on this link, you will go to the system catalog page. Click on the “My Account” tab at the top of the page. Enter your barcode and pin number, then go ahead and renew!
We hope the link name change on our web site will make it easier for you to renew library resources.
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Question: I saw someone eating French Fries at one of your computer workstations! Why is that allowed?
Answer: We now have a sign posted asking patrons to refrain from eating and drinking near computer workstations. This policy will help to protect Library resources and maintain a healthy and pleasant environment!
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Question: Why have the Library bathrooms been out of order so much?
Answer: First of all, our apologies for the inconvenience! The Library has been working with Mall management to address a number of plumbing issues that originated outside of the Library which caused sewage to enter both Library restrooms from above. To ensure a safe environment for our patrons, we closed the restrooms while the Mall investigated and repaired those issues.
Both Library restrooms are now back in working order! I’d like to thank Alan Lipsy and others at ShoppingTown Mall for their patience and diligence in addressing the problem.
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Question: What were the results of your fiction survey?
Answer: The majority of the survey respondents suggested that we integrate our paperback and hard cover fiction collections. Before we can do that, we need to complete a rigorous weeding to make space on the shelves. Once the weeding has been completed, we will integrate paperback and hardcover fiction. We will retain several specialized paperback collections (romance and mystery) for the time being.
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Question: I have a difficult time browsing materials on the bottom shelves of the new titles sections. The shelves are too close together to browse easily, and it is too difficult for me to bend down to see those shelves. Could you please not place new items on these shelves?
Answer: We heard from several patrons about this issue. In response to your suggestions, we will no longer place materials on the lowest shelves of the new titles sections (with the exception of the journals). In some instances, this will mean that newer titles will be relocated to the permanent collections more quickly than in the past.
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Question: Could the Library please make free copies of the U.S. Constitution available to its patrons?
Answer: Great idea! We have obtained soft-bound pamphlets containing the official U.S. Constitution and placed them in the wooden display rack across from the Reference Desk.
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Question: As a parent, I’d like to be able to see – not only my account information – but my children’s account information to monitor items that are out. Why can’t I do this?
Answer: New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules, section 4509 (Confidentiality of Library Records) requires that library records be kept confidential.
At the DeWitt Community Library, parents and legal guardians of children under eight (8) years of age may request information about their children’s library card records. After a child’s eighth birthday, the parent or guardian may request information about a child’s library card records only if the child is present and verbally consents to the release of information or if the child is not present but provides written consent for each transaction.
The confidentiality law can be challenging for both parents and library staff! You may choose to allow your children to use your own library card, which would grant you access to information about all transactions conducted on your card.
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Question: One lonely hour on the computer usually leaves me frustrated, since my email takes most of that time. Then I have to wait for 12 hours. Why can’t I have more hours online?
Answer: Good news! Our current policy allows patrons to sign up for two 1-hour slots on a computer in any given day. Additional time may be allotted, providing that no one is waiting to use a computer.
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Question: There are a lot of broken links on your home page, including your site map. Could you fix those?
Answer: We have fixed all of the broken links. Thanks for giving us a heads up!
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Question: I don’t know what to do with books that I browse but don’t want to take out. Could you have a table or shelf for those?
Answer: The Library has purchased 3 blue mini book carts where patrons can return items for re-shelving. One cart is in the Children’s Room, one near the Biographies section, and the third cart is against a column near the Non-Fiction area.
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