About The John Medley Library - JML
Introduction
The John Medley Library is a library different from all
the others on Clayton campus. This is a library designed with only recreation
in mind. It holds a large collection of material ranging from newspapers,
magazines, novels and reference books to CD's, LP's, posters, videos and
DVDs in a relaxed, quiet environment perfect for unwinding before and
after classes.
The facilities in the JML and the collection are for the use of Culture Card holders only. A valid student/staff ID card and Culture Card must be presented when borrowing items and upon request. To become a Culture Card holder, the fee is $55 per year.
Nevertheless, those who are not a Culture Card holder still can come in to do photocopying, printing, laminating and hiring dvds and videos (please refer to the lending condition).
TV / Video / DVD
There is also a corner set aside to watch TV/Video and
DVD. Six wireless headphones are available. Get together a group of friends,
hire a video or DVD and settle down for a restful couple of hours in front
of the telly. (See Lending Conditions)
Photocopying and Laminating Service
Since May 2001 the JML provides a colour copying and laminating
service for you.
There is also a self-service black and white photocopier
with document feeder available. Note also that the JML currently offers the CHEAPEST photocopying service on campus (See Price List).
Short History of the JML 1970 - 2008
2008
The Community card has been replaced by Culture card, which costs $55 since the university has ended the community card program. The JML member card has also been eradicated in this year. However, the condition for hiring DVDs and videos, photocopying and printing, music listening, and books borrowing remains the same.
JML starts offering the CHEAPEST photocopying service on campus - Only 5cents for A4, black and white!
2007
JML was shut down on 30/11/2006 as a result of the VSU legislation. Monash Student Association has taken over the library and reopened it on the 26/4/2007 as the student association sees it as a valuable service to both students and staff. Since JML is now operating on 1/3 of its previous budget and furthermore it is a very expensive operation, staff and students who want to borrow books and have fully access to the library will need to have a community card or pay $55 to become a member of the library.
However, those who do not have a community card or not a member of this library still can come in to hire DVD and video (refer to the lending condition), photocopying, printing and laminating.
2000
Restrictions for borrowing were relaxed and students from campuses other
than Clayton could borrow from the JML. Also Monash University staff were
finally allowed to borrow posters. This service was and is used extensively.
We received constant upgrades for the database – not all of them
worked well and these upgrades take up a lot of staff time.
At the beginning of the year a black and white copier was installed in
the JML. This was and still is the only copier available for students
on campus with a document feeder. This copier is self service and is coin
operated.
During the year the JML also took over the colour copier from “The
Shop”. A small laminator was also purchased. The colour copier is
not self service. JML staff undertook training as the machine has many
functions to enhance copies, crop and edit etc.
Community Services approached us to look after their lending collection.
Approx. 70 items (books and videos) were incorporated in the JML collection
and entered on the database.
The acquisition of videos changed to mainly DVDs as a new medium.
1999
A FOREIGN LANGUAGE SECTION was established. Research established the main
languages spoken other than English were Indonesian and Chinese. The co-ordinator
contacted several large municipal libraries to find reliable suppliers
for books (novels, crime, etc.) in these two languages. Contact was made
with a supplier for books in Chinese but books in Indonesian are not easy
to source and the Foreign Language Bookshop in the city is the main supplier.
This service is very much appreciated by the international students of
Monash University.
1998
Monash University Peninsula Campus Library was refurbished. We purchased
some of their old cupboards (with the help of a small grant from the Bookshop)
and the Service Desk was extended. This allowed the installation of another
badly needed computer in this area. (Another hand-me-down!) and finally
there was the much needed space available to start off a video lending
service. This was a very much requested and used service by students.
At the end of 1998 funding was made available to replace the old ceiling
tiles in the library. These old tiles had the tendency to fall down on
the unsuspecting library user! Again staff worked extremely hard to yet
again store most of the books and remove the shelving and the seating
so the library was as empty as possible for the workers. Staff started
two weeks earlier in the new academic year to have everything ready once
again for the onslaught of grateful students.
1997
With the western extension to the Union Building finished the extension
to the JML began in March. Staff agreed to keep the library open during
the building works. Books were put in storage, shelves had to be dismantled
and generally the library was a mess. Even during these difficult times
attendance was astonishingly high. Staff had to work in a dirty, dusty
and generally unhealthy environment. Only with the dedication of the JML
staff reshelving thousands of books, arranging furniture, cleaning chairs
and shelves as well as doing their normal tasks it was possible to open
the doors to an extended JML at the start of semester two.
The library database OCELOT was not supported anymore by the vendor and
another library system had to be found. As usual, funding was inadequate
and the cheapest option had to be investigated. A database “FILMS”
was found, free of charge – but a maintenance contract had to be
taken out. This system was Windows based and allowed the two library computers
(cast offs from other departments) to be networked. At the beginning FILMS
left a lot be desired but over time it became adequate for our needs.
User Groups were disbanded because of lack of interest.
The lending collection of Monash Careers and Employment was incorporated
into the JML collection to facilitate better control over lending transactions.
1995
The Officer-in-charge Mary Palmer retires and Ursula Sayce takes over
as Co-ordinator. Monash University Union decides to dissolve sub-committees
and the concept of USER GROUPS is established. Membership consists of
2 UB representatives, the area manager and 2 generally elected student
reps. The fight for more space continues.
1992
Statistics:
Borrowers listed on database: 2,436 - items borrowed: 10,868
1990
A computer is purchased with library software “Ocelot”. The
mammoth task of converting the card system to an automated system was
achieved during the next 12 months. The Service Desk was altered to make
space for the computer. The sound system was upgraded and overhauled to
accommodate the CD players as well as turntables.
1989
Staff is allowed to borrow books. However, poster borrowing is only available
to students.
1986
CD players are purchased and installed
Book lending is established using a card system. Statistics: Approx. 400
patrons borrowed 3,347 books.
1984
Officer-in-charge responsible for developing library to this stage retires.
New Officer in charge is appointed. Library has totally outgrown premises
and a battle for more space begins.
1972-1978
Library extremely popular. Apparently had to be closed at lunchtimes on
account of overcrowding. Visits of librarians and other student bodies
with view to copy this service became frequent. Development going ahead
on all fronts to set the foundation to produce a recreational library
“with a difference” to make students feel that the “Union
fee is worth it”
Poster lending introduced and very successful.
March 1971
Music listening was established and flourished.
A JML sub-committee was established to make recommendations to the Union
House committee. The sub-committee formulated the following objectives:
1. To provide service in the following fields:
- Reading library: newspapers, periodicals, books and service to clubs
- Music listening in the music section
- Poster and print lending
2. To fulfil, as well as it can, the service requirements in the
present limited space and with the given staffing
3. To provide for a variety of tastes and interests without concentrating
on the requirements of any one group of Union members to the possible
disadvantage of other groups or individuals.
4. To employ students wherever possible for casual positions
5. To keep abreast of the theft situation with the objective of eliminating
theft
6. To keep the Library open for the maximum number of hours compatible
with the budget and level of patronage
7. To determine annually the weighting of expenditure of the allocated
funds, eg the proportion of funds to be expended on records, books etc.
August 1970
The Library began in 1970 with a nucleus of books donated to
the University from the estate of Sir John Dudley Medley (1891-1962).
It bears his name in recognition of this gift. The name is also a tribute
to Sir John’s contribution to tertiary education in this country.
Sir John was vice chancellor of the University of Melbourne. It was his
ideal that university education should extend beyond the walls of academia.
As the University of Melbourne already had a recreational library the
bequest was given to Monash University.
The JML started off with books donated by the estate of Sir John. From
the beginning the JML was a popular spot for students wanting to relax
and spent a few hours in a quiet non demanding environment. Despite the
fact that it was small, crowded, had no windows and no air-conditioning
of any sort it was well used right from its humble beginnings.
The JML was governed by the Monash University Union.
Other Information
Governing bodies of the JML:
1970 to 1998 – Monash University Union
1998 – 2000 – Monash Unicomm
2001 – 2006 – Monyx Education Services
2007 onwards - Monash Student Association
The JML had always been fully funded by the amenities fee until 2007 when the amenities fee is no longer compulsory. It has always been run on a very small budget. Comparing the budget line item for books the budget has not increased in real terms only allowing for inflation. Due to severe budget cuts it actually decreased from year 2000 to 2005.
Budget alloction for books, newspapers subscriptions:
Year 1971- $1,000
Year 1980 - $3,000
Year 1990 - $10,000
Year 2000 - $17,000
Year 2005 - $13,500
Some statistics of library usage:
Year 1999 Attendance: 117,988 Lending: 25,193 MusicListening: 7,265
Year 2004 Attendance: 117,881 Lending: 31,328 Music Listening: 4,369
The JML was originally created for student use only. It was and is a place
for students to relax in and to escape the pressures of academia. Staff
were not encouraged to use the facilities. However, over the years it
became more and more popular with staff as they also need a quiet place
to go to. Monash University staff also embraced book lending and video/DVD
hire. The colour copying service is used extensively by staff to prepare
transparencies for lectures, edit images out of books etc.
Statistics lending Staff – Student ratio - 2004:
Active borrowers (students/staff/visitors)
listed on database as at 31/12/2004
(active means these library patrons have actually borrowed during 2004)
Each year, as part of database maintenance, we delete patrons that have
not borrowed from us during the year) 4,844
Items borrowed by students/staff/visitors 31,328
Active borrowers staff only 451
Items borrowed by staff only 8,061
Visitors (staff working for Monash but not employed by Monash) 15
Items borrowed – visitors only 502
According to our electronic people counter approx. 117,881 students/staff/visitors
visited the JML during 2004. (This is an electronic counter – not
a hand operated clicker). ID cards are not checked therefore it is not
known how this figure is broken up between students/staff.
Melbourne University has an equivalent to the JML - the “Rowden
White Library”. These two libraries are the only ones of their kind
in Australia. The Rowden White Library is about twice the size of the
JML and funding is accordingly larger.
Over the years the JML has become an important and vital part
of the Monash experience of many students as well as staff. The library
has always endeavoured to provide new and up-to-date services, to follow
trends and go with the times. What has been achieved since its inception
was and still is only possible with the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm
of JML staff. It is great place and deserves to remain so.
Feedback received over the years from grateful students and staff
- I think the JML is the best part of the University and I don’t
know how I’d stay sane and calm without it. Keep up the good work.
Thanks.
- The JML is probably the only Union service I use. I have used the JML
often in my seven years at Monash and have enjoyed it immensely. The staff
have always been friendly and the music selection is very wide and the
atmosphere is most relaxing.
- Really good, except sometimes, on a cold evening, you turn up the fans
so much that it is FFREEZING in here.
- A great service to the Uni.
- The JML is a fantastic place to escape from the tumult of University
life. Please keep up the good work!!!
- The JML is a great place to relax and one of the best places on campus.
More daily newspapers, perhaps a few extra copies of the “Age”
would be good. As I have said, “ It’s a great place”.
- The staff are very pleasant and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed.
Please try and keep this easy not stressed atmosphere.
- I think the JML is fantastic and is also run very well. Keep up the
good work.
- The JML is a terrific place to go to and is very popular. The staff
is great.
- JML has excellent facilities. Good environment to be in.
- The JML is my favourite place to spent my spare time. It is very relaxing.
- Good work done. Thanks.
- I find the atmosphere in the JML to be very relaxing.
- I think the librarians have done a good job these past years and I sincerely
enjoy coming to JML. Keep it up!
- Keep up the good work.
- I love coming to the JML. I think it is excellently set up as it is
and not many changes are required.
- Staff are always obliging and nice. Any suggestions are seriously considered,
but sometimes the air conditioning is too cold.
- I like this library and find it very enjoyable and peaceful. The staff
is nice and helpful too.
- I am extremely happy with the service provided by the JML. It is always
a great place to unwind, listen to music and chat with the friendly librarians.
- I just like to say THANK YOU to all the staff. You do a great job!
- You guys are doing a wonderful job. The JML makes a great retreat from
an often hectic uni life and the staff is friendly and eager to cater
to the desires of the patrons.
- How about staying open later during summer months- JML is one of the
best places on campus!
- The JML has made my time at Monash less stressful in providing a welcome
haven from classes and study whenever I’ve needed it most. The staff
have always been friendly and helpful – I shall miss this unique
place when I go. The Unis I studied at overseas didn’t have anything
like this and were much poorer for it. My only suggestion to you would
be to try to work out some way that each listener can listen to their
choice at a volume they desire without disturbing others. It’s sometimes
annoying when you want to relax to some quiet music and the only space
available is next to someone playing their heavy rock etc. loudly…
With only one month to go here I’d like to thank the JML and staff
for everything and wish you all the success in the future. Ta!
- You are doing a great job… Well done!
- Facilities: Brilliant. Staff: Sensational, always helpful and one lady
is even a CURE fan. What more can I say. Thanks for all the good work
you do to stop students from bothering to do work.
- Generally this Library is fantastic and the availability of comics is
good.
- This Library is a great stress reliever. I think it has saved my sanity.
The people who work here are very attentive and gracious to our desires.
Thank you.
- The present operation works well. Thanks to the staff for being friendly
and helpful. The JML is excellent for relaxation purposes.
- Great Job. JML gets full marks for service and atmosphere, as well as
light and escapist reading. Having worked at Ringwood High Library part-time
a few years back, I can really appreciate the efforts you put in. Only
problem is that the place is SO addictive it keeps me from studying! I
hope the move is fully successful and have a Merry Xmas and a pleasant
break. Looking forward to see you all next year.
- Great service, something students really appreciate.
- Well run Library. Congratulations!
- Thank you for your excellent work and concern for student interests.
- I think the Library is run very efficiently by the staff and that the
material in the Library is a very wide selection to offer students.
- Great staff!!!
- JML has a nice philosophy. It allows people to enjoy the facilities
whoever they are, perhaps where people would like extended borrowing,
a fee could be used. The JML is a terrific Library. It provides quiet
enjoyment in amongst the higher learning in the Uni. The staff and philosophy
of the Library are relaxed and helps maintain the friendly image of the
Library.
- The Library is excellent. I couldn’t get through Uni without it.
Congratulations!
- It would be great if JML could provide more goods, CDs and bigger space,
because it is really relaxing to read or listen to music her (especially
after exams/tests).
- The JML is a fantastic place. Keep up the good work.
- The JML is a good service now. The facilities are more than acceptable.
I am glad there is a place like this on campus.
- The JML is a very relaxing place. I very much enjoy its atmosphere.
- Great service provided!
- The JML, when I have time, is a good place to relax, listen to music
or read books or magazines of interest. It is much appreciated by myself
and others.
- Congratulations on a job well done. Your service is much appreciated.
- This place is a great relaxer. People like their comics, books, a few
magazines of fashion etc., sport etc., but nothing too heavy going. I
mean, the most relaxing thing is the music. More music! Great job by attentive
caring staff, good music, wide selection of books, magazines and comics.
WELL DONE!
- This Library offers me the only form of relaxation apart from Sports
and Rec. It’s great. Is it possible to have earlier opening times
– say at least 8.30 am-
- I find JML a great place to retreat and test, catch up or flake out
when under horrific street. 10/10 library.
- I love coming to the JML. I have been doing so for 3 years now. I think
it is well run and very balanced. Please do not change it too much. Quiet
atmosphere is the best thing about it.
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