Updating Library card and signing in

Q. I registered my dismay at the way the computing system of the Library functions and suggested that it be replaced with a more user-friendly system, such as the one used by the VPL. I should mention that I am a professor in the Liberal Arts +55 program. Your previous reply stated "feel free to report specific issues you come across so we can address them if possible."

Issue 1: It is cumbersome when one must first sign into the computers in the library and then sign in again somewhat differently to access one's library record.

Issue 2:  The frequent need to change one's library ID card. On several occasions, in mid-semester, the system has refused to accept my card and I have been obliged to exchange it for another. The last time it happened was on November 22nd, 2017 at the Belzberg library. The helpful woman behind the desk, Kathleen, explained the card I had been using no longer worked, so she gave me a new one. It is always a pleasure to get to know the amiable staff of the library better, but this kind of difficulty should not occur.

A. Thank you very much for letting us know about your concerns regarding the new SFU Library catalogue. Implementing a new system is always a learning process, so we appreciate hearing from our users. 

I wanted to respond to your specific questions regarding the need to update your library card and the different ways you need to sign on. This is related to your status as an instructor in the non-credit 55+ program. Unlike students and faculty in SFU's credit programs, there is no direct interface between the non-credit registration system and the library system. This means that we manually input patron information for non-credit patrons. Non-credit instructors have library privileges for the duration of their current teaching assignment. This information is not automatically updated, so we need to rely on the instructor or continuing studies letting us know when the contract has been extended. 

As to the different ways to sign onto the library computers and the catalogue, we wish we could find a better solution like the SFU computing ID which is issued to credit students and faculty. This allows access to most systems at the university with one ID and password.

The library has been in communication with Continuing Studies about these issues and we hope to find a way to improve them. Thanks again for sending your feedback.

Karen Marotz
Head, Belzberg Library