Got A Question? CSULB Library Provides New Answers

Got A Question? CSULB Library Provides New Answers

Several new changes to the California State University, Long Beach Library website have been implemented for the fall semester, including a feature that allows a direct link to library staff, and a few more features coming soon.

Contrasting from the library website's black and white design is a tilted yellow note reading "Got A Question?", which allows students instantly to ask questions instantly to library staff. Responses can be e-mailed, delivered mobile via SMS, or tweeted, whichever the student prefers. Then the questions become archived, organized by keyword. This new feature comes from a software package from Springshare, a developer based in New York that serves specifically to educators and libraries, and offer software that is compliant with the U.S. Department of Justice's ADA standards, which are accessibility standards from the Americans With Disabilities act. Kelly Janousek, a librarian at the library, answers questions during her shift at the reference desk. While students have been utilizing this new system, it hasn't quite caught on with the public at large. "Yesterday, I got about two or three," she says. "we're lucky to get one a day, because the no one's discovered it yet." While students are only able to get their questions answered during business hours, QuestionPoint, a similar question and answer system the school has contracted, can be used at any time of the day. "We notice many students like to find answers around twelve and one in the morning. Libraries in Hawaii and New Zealand will be answering those questions."

If it isn't a matter of time but the device one uses to find an answer, the library is also offering a solution for students with a mobile version of the library services. This new application will offer a version of the library's website, which according to Janousek, it is "specifically just for a phone". It is currently being developed by MobileApps.

The old library interface, to be changed tomorrow.

As far as accessibility is concerned, students have been frustrated with trying to find exactly where to log in to their Library Accounts. This week, students will find easy and clear access to their accounts. A large "log in" button will be placed between the Library Website's welcome message and it's selection of links. "We get feedback from you guys all the time", Janosek says. "We don't usually do it in the middle of the semester, but we felt that we had to get it done now." The new button will make it's debut this Thursday.