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The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

Facilities await student use

The Eli Luria Library has been looking for ways to intrigue students to use the facility, according to Library Director Kenley Neufeld.

“Re-branding publicity is something that the library staff and I are trying to accomplish,” said Neufeld. “It is difficult at the moment because there are only four people on staff.”

The shortage has not stopped staff with ideas on how to improve library traffic. The library offers activities and helpful resources in order to better accommodate students, such as the coffee shop.

The Buzz Shack offers snacks and beverages to give students a break from studies. Neufeld said it helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere inside the library.

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It closed for three weeks, beginning March 19, due to the need for construction.

According to Neufeld, the shack would have been open sooner, but spring break interfered in finishing modifications.

Two online instant messenger boxes are also resources available to all students. The first instant messenger system is the program Meebo, where the student can speak to a librarian about information he or she needs for a project or research.

No account is needed to use the system. Students need to log on the City College library Web site to speak to the librarian.

It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, there is a setback to using the online system. After library hours have passed, questions will not be answered until the next day. The second system is an instant messenger that goes directly to the library director.

Mediation classes are offered every Monday through Thursday in Neufeld’s office from 12:10 to 12:30 p.m. in L134. Neufeld said he assists students who are new to the meditation process.

He added most students come in to relax and get away from their busy, hectic course loads.

An information literary class offers students to use available sources effectively. Students learn computer applications, public relations, library references and research skills needed for upper division classes.

The eight-week, one-unit course is only available online. The class can transfer to any CSU and UC Universities.

Neufeld also said the library has increased in the number of students coming in. From Fall 2005 to 2006, attendance jumped an astounding 75 percent.

“Once I became library director, I wanted to take down all the negative aspects that most libraries have,” Neufeld said. “Occasionally, students forget their ID card or simply misplace it.”

Neufeld said with a valid driver’s license, students are still able to check out books.

“It sends the wrong message when we turn students away because they forgot,” said Neufeld.

Students seem to agree with Neufeld’s reasoning.

“It is a relief that we can get a break,” said continuing education student Aaron Miller. “Sometimes I’m on the run, unintentionally forgetting my ID. It would be hard to go back and get it because I commute.”

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