My questions for ILS 325 Onsite Visit

Ok! I am off to do my ILS 325 onsite visit tomorrow at TCC. I have all my questions ready to go. Most of my research for my questions was done by making a prior visit to the library, which TCC refers to as a Learning Resource Center (LRC). I spent 3 hours there two days ago having a careful look around and exploring the Web portal. I also have spent several hours exploring their Web portal at home. My questions also come from my familiarity with Library 2.0 having participated in a 2.0 program at the library where I work. Please note that these questions could also generate a few more questions during the interview process. And on to the questions...


What is the type of network configuration and Internet connection?

What are the specifications for your server, computers, and workstations?

Who handles the maintenance and repair of the Learning Resource Center computers?

Who actually does the technology/media program, planning and budgeting in the library?

What is the technology budget and the breakdown of that budget? Percentages allocated to technology, online databases, Web support, and maintenance.

Who is the Internet service provider and what is the type and speed of connection?

How long have you had the Ex-Libris Aleph 500 automation system and what is the satisfaction level with this system?

What is the policy regarding community use of the Learning Resource Center facilities?

How many computers are in the Learning Resources Center? Are any of the computers designated for specific use? How many computers are equipped with the Microsoft Office suite?

I noticed that there is a TCCLRC Wiki - Do you have any other social networking Web portals? – Blogs? MySpace? Facebook?

What has the student response been to the Wiki?

Do you keep statistics on the use of the IM reference service? Is this service staffed by TCC only?

Are there any time limits on computer usage?

How is the printing networking handled? Are there ever any overloads on the printers?

Are students charged for computer prints? Is a color printer available? Is a scanner available?

Are there headphones available for students to use?

I did not notice and RSS feeds or Podcasts on the LRC Web portal – Did I miss them or do you not offer these services?

I noticed that there are several policies relating to computer usage, such as the Wireless policy and the various policies for VCCS computer use – Do you keep copies of these printed out in case you have to speak to a student about violating a policy?

I noticed that you have some databases on trial until April 15, 2008. After the trial ends how will the purchase of these databases be handled? Will student feedback be given careful consideration?

How often would you say that you have to train students on database use?

Do you keep statistics on database usage? If so what is the most heavily used database?

Do you keep statistics for remote access into the databases?

How have the students and the staff reacted to the new MetaLib search that searches the catalog and databases?

Do you have enough space for all of the technology?

To me the chairs in the LRC are not very ergonomic – do you ever get any comments about the furniture?

What accommodations to you have for students with disabilities?

What works for you in the LRC?

What does not work for you in the LRC?

How often is the cell phone policy violated?

Online Visit Second Blog

I have arranged my visit to the TCC library. I am going to be meeting with Sarah Greene at the library on Friday, March 21st. Sarah is a librarian at the college. The process for setting up my appointment started within the library I work for. I asked around if anyone had a contact at the TCC library. One of the collection development librarians did and I contacted her librarian friend at TCC. It turned out that the friend was not the best person for me to interview so a message was sent to Sarah to contact me. We made contact and arranged the date this morning. I guess I better start working on my questions to ask Sarah. I am going to the TCC library tomorrow to do a pre-visit. I figure a pre-visit will generate some valid and relevant questions to ask. I may try to talk to a few students tomorrow as well to ask their thoughts of the library and the library equipment. I will also visit some websites to help me to generate some questions. My next blog will be about the questions that I intend to ask.

ILS 325 Blog for Sharing Onsite Visit

First Blog for Onsite Visit

I am going to be doing my onsite visit at the Virginia Beach Campus of Tidewater Community College (TCC). I have my contact person there, but I have not set up an appointment yet. For pre-planning one of the things that I intend to do is visit the library and have a good look around before I go to speak to my contact person. I know that TCC uses the Ex-Libris Aleph 500 automation system. I am not familiar with this system at all so I will research this particular automation system before my visit as well. The website for TCC is www.tcc.edu.