Why can't I use the Library 24 hours a day, 7 days per week?
We would love to extend the library hours, particularly at Miller Nichols. However, there are budgetary constraints that make it difficult to do that at this time. We have scheduled hours of operation when the libraries are used by the most number of people, recognizing that those hours will not meet everyone’s needs. To extend hours would require staff, including security guards, to ensure public safety. In addition, some work would need to be done to physically close off the larger portion of the library to reduce the costs of staffing and minimize security concerns. Back to top...
How do I find my way around Miller Nichols Library? Where are the signs?
We agree that this was a major issue. To fix it, we have added new signs on every floor so you can easily find rooms, services and spaces. Back to top...
What kind of comments did Faculty, Staff & Students provide?
How do I browse the shelves for books now that the books are in the robot?
The good news is that you can still browse our shelves because new and popular books are still available on shelves for you to browse. Or, if you prefer, there are several ways of browsing online through our Merlin Library Catalog. In the example below, you can click the authors name, the icon labeled "more like this" or one of the listed subjects to find similar books.
Why is it hard to use some of the library databases and/or find full-text articles?
There are a variety of reasons for this situation. First, you're searching databases and finding articles provided by many different companies and publishers. Each company/publisher makes their own decisions about how their information is provided. With hundreds of companies and publishers all making slightly different choices, this adds up to a lot of variety and therefore confusion. Finally, even once you master the differences in content, there are usually more steps in academic research that what you're used to in other kinds of research. It's radically different than your typical Internet search. Back to top...
Why is the library website slow and difficult to use?
Our website grew so big that the response began deteriorating. Happily, we have optimized the site to greatly improve response time. Some of the difficulty you are having may be from transferring away from the library’s web site to a licensed database hosted by a vendor or publisher. Another concern is the need to log-on with your single sign-on from off-campus which is required for access to databases that the library licenses for your use. Finally, we will be conducting usability studies of the web site to determine where we can make improvements. Back to top...
What happened to the South entrance to the Miller Nichols Library?
We all miss the South entrance to campus off of 51st Street. Although building the RooBot meant we lost that entrance, plans are in the works to once again have an entrance on this side of the library. UMKC begins building a classroom wing to the Miller Nichols Library in the Spring of 2012. By Fall 2013, this addition will be completed and we'll have 2 new entrances - one from 51st Street and one facing Swinney. Back to top...
Where can I find a quiet place to study?
In modern libraries, we are must continue to balance the needs of those who need quiet space and those who need collaborative space where groups can work. We hear these conflicting needs at each of libraries: Miller Nichols Library, the Health Sciences Library and the Dental Library. The 3rd floor of Miller Nichols Library, has been designated as the quiet study floor so you should expect this floor to be quiet. Let us know if that floor is noisy and we'll check it out. In the Dental Library, we have rearranged some furniture to create a better quiet study space. Unfortunately, the Health Sciences and Dental Libraries are smaller so it's harder to create quiet spaces. Back to top...
How does the library contribute to the intellectual life on campus?
With the recent renovations at Miller Nichols Library, we are able to contribute much more to the intellectual and cultural life on campus. We welcome suggestions for programming and exhibits.
Does the library have a place where I can practice presentations?
The 1st Floor of Miller Nichols Library now has a Presentation Practice Room with the full set of classroom technology. You just need to reserve the room at the Service Desk on the 1st Floor. Back to top...
I love the electronic journals and books. Will there be more?
We need more! Electronic resources are expensive as they require annual licensing fees. The library’s strategic plan is to move as much in the direction of adding electronic resources to our collection offerings as our budget allows. To stretch our collections budget capacity as much as possible, the library partners with the other libraries in the UM System and with other library consortia to negotiate better contracts for these services. Back to top...
When will all the libraries be updated?
We agree and continue to pursue fund-raising opportunities so we can make improvements to all of our UMKC Libraries. We look forward to replacing old, tired furniture and to providing numerous new study rooms along with the latest technology. Making these improvements is one of strategic goals in the coming years. Back to top...
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