What’s New in Maag
It is the beginning of a new Academic Year and there are some new developments in Maag Library.
One of the most visible updates is that there are new public service workstations throughout Maag. Over the Summer, Maag replaced all of its aging e-Mac computers with gorgeous new iMacs that have very large screens for inhanced functionality. With the installation of the new computers Maag has also joined the University initiative to improve network security and privacy by requiring that all faculty, staff and students log on to the network using the standard MyYSU logon name and password convention, the same convention that is used for YSU e-mail and the MyYSU Portal access.
Maag is also moving to provide on-line, Internet accessible course reserve materials. Many of the materials placed on reserve will be made available as down-loadable files. Materials that are already in digital formats will have a link to the file (JSTOR and OhioLINK EJC journal articles for example). Materials that are not in native digital formats (such as instructor sample exams) will be scanned and made available. Reserve materials will be accessible using the “reserves” function on MaagNet. To begin, go to http://jupiter.ysu.edu and on the right hand column select course search or instructor search. Materials that are small enough to be scanned and fall within Copyright regulations will be available digitally. Other materials such as whole books and textbooks will still have to be borrowed from Maag physically.
Tim Seman Says:
Again, there seems to be a difficulty here. A public university ought (or must?) have greater access for the public (non-students, non-faculty, non-staff) to walk up to a computer and examine the holdings owned and shelved within the library. Having one, password-protected computer that’s monitored by staff is not what I’d call access, at least not the level of access appropriate for a public university. This matter needs to be examined by the University and/or the Ohio Board of Regents.
Posted on August 24th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Becky Roberts Says:
As one of the staff members who monitors the use of our public access computer, I’ve had many conversations about this issue with members of the public, with varying degrees of civility. I understand that people are upset, but I have a problem with the fact that although people insist that as taxpayers, they should have unlimited access to a very limited resource, their sense of entitlement at YSU begins and ends with the library. No one, for example, believes that their tax dollars entitle them to walk into one of YSU’s classes, or get in line for the buffet at a YSU banquet, yet the library is somehow holding out on them if we don’t provide free, unlimited access to the internet.
Posted on August 25th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Tim Seman Says:
Becky: It is not with a sense of “entitlement” that I criticize current policy but with a clear understanding of what public service means and how access provisions can be written and made operational. I know that they can, but there needs to be the necessary and sufficient will to do so. I agree that YSU computer systems must be made secure. I also agree that the public doesn’t have and should not expect, as you say, “free, unlimited access.” But as a public institution YSU has to provide some level of access that indicates a proper balance has been found between security and service. We are asking that the current system be re-evaluated and that the network administrators, along with Maag leadership, devise a more open way for the public to enjoy a basic level of access to the library catalog. I’ve been a librarian for 11 years, and in my judgement a policy that provides only one, password-protected terminal for public access to the catalog is unreasonable and it can have a chilling effect on public use. One gets the impression from recent changes that the public are not wanted in Maag Library. Finally, you make references in your post to extreme positions or demands, none of which is accurate. I suspect that most of your public users would never expect free access to coursework or to participate in YSU student functions. But equating such expectation with access provisions to the many terminals in Maag Library to the catalog is unsound. And that is what I’m talking about here. I am not arguing for off-site access to JSTOR or any other subscription database. I am not asking for Internet access. I am only asking for quick and convenient access to a computer in order to inspect the collection. I used to enjoy such access in the library lobby (hint). I am an alumnus of YSU and Friend of the Library. I enjoy and appreciate the privilege of borrowing books from Maag. If some of your public patrons are too demanding (and I personally know some of them and realize that they can be irrational), and if they want free, unlimited access to the Internet and to a dizzying array of periodical databases and print materials, then simply send them across Wick Avenue to their public library where they will receive full access and professional service. If you are not familiar with our services, then please see http://www.libraryvisit.org. Also, there are still some librarians at Maag Library who can shed light on how a “Wick Avenue” collaboration enables and continually expands public access to all of the informational resources we are so very fortunate to have in Youngstown.
Posted on August 25th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Becky Roberts Says:
I’m afraid I still don’t understand your objection, Tim. Just as the public library does, we provide 24/7/365 access to our collection via the OPAC. Anyone can search MaagNet from any computer, anytime. I know the public library’s computers are busy for most of the day, so I don’t walk in expecting one to be free. I search the catalog and get the call numbers I want before I leave home, or I ask a staff person for assistance. With all of that available, even if I do need a computer on-site and have to wait for a few minutes for one to become available, I don’t think that equates to being denied access to the collection.
Posted on August 26th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Tim Seman Says:
I stand on my statements. The current level of on-site public access to the catalog is insufficient for a publically funded state university. Perhaps others should decide the matter.
Posted on August 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
frank elling Says:
Tim Seman is on the correct direction. Magg employees and confused management or Trustees of YSU are the blind leading the blind–by their own self-interest focus.
Where’s the knowledge fountain for the public? Is there a new ‘N’ word at Magg?
For example:
In 2006, YSU received 39 million dollars of educational taxes from the State of Ohio Public. What percentage of each paying students tuition costs is welfare for scholars? Federal monies? State and Federal access, reports, documents, etc.
What reduction in staff did the new policy save monies for YSU from the UNEQUAL ACCESS process designed to actually eliminate the public? None.
Is not the internet access and speed important factors to academic and public service research?
Has YSU MAGG provided the public, State of Ohio and U. S. A. Constitutional Certification of this policy?
In my opinion, YSU is bucking for a major lawsuit and deep public embaressment, as well as, an FBI investigation of Title 18 USA Code serious violation–”under the color of law”.
Magg management may be visiting Martha Stewart’s old Federal digs! I bet they have public equal internet access at camp Fed.
What is a PIGGAR?
YSU or YPU?
State or Private?
Posted on October 19th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
frank elling Says:
Becky Roberts:
As employee of YSU Magg Library one must speak the truth. The public has never had unlimited internet access. The public has defined limited to Academic and public service purposes as was previous policy and still is the policy. What changed was the process of timed access to the computers and the management demand of the public to declare research parameters for approval. What level of government intrusion to access is this particular demand violation of freedoms?
Ms. Roberts, You are not really allowed to have an opinion on this matter. Why? Your employment is a conflict of actual citizen rights versus government limited–authoriaty! Government has no such freedoms/rights and so your opinion confuses the issue or you give by transfer of your rights and freedoms as a citizen to government as a private entity. YPU.
The fact is: YSU students are public supported in the range of 3-5 thousand per year each.
Also, no YSU student is ever denied access over a public visitor. The cost of public access is nearly nil. Why? The YSU Magg research employees are on duty over 50% of time with nearly no students in the research room.
Ms. Roberts if yours and your kind want a private library then go to the banks and borrow private money for it, will you? Don’t attempt to steal the publics’ property, our intellectual property, or as a public government employee give citizen rights/freedoms to your GOV–private owner person.
One more issue: Public education access is free for k-12 and 12-16 is public supported at about 20% of every class room hour. YSU employees get classroom access for free-don’t you all?
Posted on October 19th, 2009 at 1:56 pm