Sunday, May 02, 2010
Lower screens needed at National Library of Australia
At the moment I am sitting in the main reading room of the National Library of Australia in Canberra. The NLA provides an excellent service, with free computer access for readers. However, one problem is that the LCD screens for the computers are mounted relatively high up. Those of us with bifocal glasses have to lean our heads back at an uncomfortable angle to read the screen. I was going to post this comment via the NLA's website, but none of the comment facilities seem to be working (and the NLA blocks use of email).
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2 comments:
Dear Tom,
Thanks for your comments about the National Library’s computer facilities, we’re always very happy to hear feedback about the Library’s services.
The Main Reading Room computers all have adjustable monitors so you can lower them if they’re at an uncomfortable height. The chairs in the Main Reading Room are also all fully adjustable, and we also have an entire block of computers that are set at low desks as well as a number of computers set up specifically for use by people with special needs. Hopefully this means that most readers will be able to sit in a comfortable and safe position while using the Library’s computer facilities.
We do block the use of email on a small number of computers immediately in front of the Information Desk, which are designated for research use only. Email can be accessed on all other computers in the Reading Room. If you’re still having problems using our computers or accessing your email when you’re next in the Library, please don’t hesitate to approach staff at the Information or Issues Desks in the Main Reading Room.
I'm sorry to hear that you were having trouble accessing our feedback forms. I've checked them and they are working and available from our Library website:
http://tinyurl.com/29xuesl
http://tinyurl.com/28ph8gs
Regards, Erin Williams, Manager of offsite reference services, National Library of Australia.
Erin said May 21, 2010 9:42 AM:
>Thanks for your comments about the National Library’s computer facilities, ... Main Reading Room computers all have adjustable monitors so you can lower them if they’re at an uncomfortable height. ...
No, as I explained, the monitors are sitting on top of the PCs, on nonadjustable desks. So the monitors cannot be lowered.
>... we also have an entire block of computers that are set at low desks ...
Unfortunately all those computers were in use.
>... number of computers set up specifically for use by people with special needs. ...
I don't have any special needs. I just wanted a screen at a reasonable height.
>Hopefully this means that most readers will be able to sit in a comfortable and safe position ...
I was not comfortable, which is why I posted a comment about it. If the only response I get is one like yours which says: "Everything is fine and we are not going to bother changing anything" Then there seems little point.
>... when you’re next in the Library, please don’t hesitate to approach staff ...
I have always found the reading room staff very helpful. But it is hardly their job to fix faults in the layout of the equipment.
>I'm sorry to hear that you were having trouble accessing our feedback forms. I've checked them and they are working and available from our Library website ...
No, if all that happens when a customer reports a problem is that you say there is nothing wrong there appears little point in reporting a problem.
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