The UNH library system is conducting a month-long user satisfaction survey to learn student's opinions of what they are doing well and what they can improve upon. The survey will be available online starting Monday, April 6, and run until Friday, May 1.
"LibQUAL+ is a nationwide survey done by academic libraries to measure users' perception of services," said Bill Ross, head of Milne Special Collections and Archives in Dimond Library.
The UNH library system conducted the survey once before in 2004 and the results influenced many areas of the library.
"We made some pretty substantial changes in terms of how we do things," said Ross.
These changes included keeping the library open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, the addition of Zeke's, and the increase in the number of electronic journals and resources available.
This year, Ross expects to see comments regarding the library's available group study space, noting that the library always tries for a balance between group space and the traditional quiet study areas.
The need for feedback from library users is especially important this year due to the budget shortfall, which is currently affecting the university. Library officials want to set priorities for improvements using the best information possible, Ross said.
Library officials won't just be focused on the UNH campus. The fact that LibQUAL+ is a nationwide survey allows library officials to see where the UNH libraries rank in comparison to those at other colleges.
"I think the comparability of the results is very important," said Ross.
The main body of the survey is a set of 27 questions, in which users are asked to put the minimum service level that they think is acceptable, what their ideal survey level would be and where they think the UNH library ranks. Questions cover all aspects of the library, including print and electronic resources, the library environment and the knowledge and helpfulness of employees.
Users are also given eight statements and asked how strongly they agree or disagree with them. Three questions then ask for the user's library usage patterns, while the final section of the survey asks for the demographics of the survey participant and includes a space for additional comments.
The comments allow library officials to understand the specifics about what users think of their services.
"We invite any and all comments because that's where we can learn both major trends, but also address individual questions," said Ross. The survey is anonymous, although participants can enter their email address if they want to be eligible for a random drawing. The library will give an iPod Touch, as well as gift cards to Barnes & Noble and UNH Dining.
In 2004, about 10 percent of the campus community, including students and professors, participated in the survey. Ross said library officials are hoping to reach or improve upon that number this year.
UNH students will receive an e-mail giving them a link to the survey on the day it becomes available. There will also be a link online at www.library.unh.edu.
Be the first to comment on this article!