Starting in August 2018, the library began soliciting comments from students and library visitors. This took the form of a comment board. And while it has changed, with early iterations dividing the board into multiple categories, the concept has remained the same. Even early 2018 concepts of the board put front and center the idea of a place for library visitors and patrons to anonymously comment to library faculty, staff, and administration, and this idea was a hit among students!

From its inception, the idea behind having a comment board was for it to serve as a space where students can feel free to ask questions about library decisions and operations, ask anything ranging from reference and research questions to “Where is the best bathroom in the library,” and voice their opinions on the library environment and services. And, if you’re wondering– Yes, we have been asked about the best bathroom in the library!

The comment board has become a vibrant platform for dialogue and feedback between students and the library. The board, now residing just outside the entrance to the atrium on the Reynolds side of the building, has become a focal point for understanding community needs. Comments range from the practical to the creative, to the downright humorous.

Early themes from the 2018 and 2019 iterations of the comment board include a wide range of topics, including comments about the library’s lighting and general environment like requests for more well-lit study areas and more comfortable spaces, concerns about library infrastructure and maintenance such as complaints about faulty power outlets. Other comments highlighted possible service improvements such as the ever-popular request for extended hours, easier printing options, and more study amenities. A strong throughline over the entire life of the comment board has been the more lighthearted and humorous comments. Early comments of the funny variety included adding a sauna or hot tub in the library.

In August of 2023, the comment board took the form of a large corkboard on wheels and was relocated to its current spot just outside the atrium in the Reynolds wing. Over the last year, the board has continued to thrive. The current board not only serves as a feedback mechanism, but as a lively hub of student engagement, and even offers the library a way of subtly advertising library services and events to students through our responses to their questions.

The current board is marked by its use of modern tools like QR codes and URLs, making it easier for students to access detailed responses. Responses are often and intentionally characterized by wit, empathy, and authenticity, as well as a commitment to treat every comment with the seriousness and respect it deserves. This technique has fostered a positive and responsive environment around the use of the board.

Having a direct line of sight to the board from my office, I often see a student or group of students reading from the board and laughing before scribbling down their comment or replying to another student’s comment. In addition to general engagement, the board has been a useful resource for feedback. Feedback from students has included everything from “there’s a weird smell in [specific room]” to “the toilet in the ladies’ on 7 is clogged,” or “stop talking all the time in the ZieSta Room!” to “more weekend hours” and naming suggestions for the café before it was named Smiths. My favorite name suggestion that we received on the board was “Pro Humani-Latte.”

More generally, comments have varied widely throughout the past year since the board was placed more prominently by the atrium. General themes include some of the old favorites like enhancements to the library’s environment and resources. Improved lighting and comfortable seating remain popular. And of course, requests for extended hours remain one of the greatest hits.

Newer themes involve requests for diverse food options and amenities, like Starbucks and Chipotle. There have even been requests for a library soft serve machine. Coinciding with our rollout of our Wellness Collection in Public Services, comments about support and wellness have trended as well. Wellness-related comments include requests for and talk of library therapy lamps, relaxation spaces, as well as tools to aid in motivation and time management. Of course, a number of these wellness-related comments have been implemented! We do have library therapy lamps and the library has added relaxation spaces.

The board of course remains a space for the whimsical and imaginative ideas as well. Comments regularly include topics such as “falling in love with a library crush” or envisioning adding a zipline over the library’s atrium. While it’s unlikely that a zipline will be installed, and we’re probably not the best people to ask about how to approach your library crush, these lighthearted comments demonstrate the creativity and imagination of our students.

The evolving platform of the comment board demonstrates to our students and visitors that the library is dedicated to, not only academic rigor but also prioritizes social and creative engagement. The board, through both its anonymity and welcoming quality, helps to create a space for all users to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts freely and safely. The comment board has transformed from a simple feedback tool into a dynamic community space where ideas can flourish, and the library can continuously adapt to meet the needs of the WFU community.