Library Survey 2008 - summary of findings

The survey told us what your expectations of the Library Service are and how well you think we are meeting those expectations. It covered all aspects of the service, grouped in 3 main areas plus some additional questions about general satisfaction and information literacy plus an opportunity for your comments!

The 3 main areas were:

• Library staff- questions concerning the skill and helpfulness of library staff.
• Access to information - questions concerning the ease with which information can be found eg effectiveness of the library catalogue, web sites and availability of books and e-resources.
• Library as place - questions on the physical environment inside the library.

All aspects of accessing information are important to you, but particularly:

• making electronic resources accessible from home or office
• providing modern equipment to access information
• providing enough printed materials
• having print and electronic journal collections needed

It is also important to you to have:

• library staff who can answer your questions
• adequate opening hours
• quiet space for individual work
• a comfortable and inviting library

• Service from staff - you rated us well on questions about staff attitudes and skill.
• Making online resources available from outside the university.
• Making information and resources easy for you to find.
• Our library web site - it helps you locate information easily yourself.

So, despite dissatisfaction with specific aspects of library services, in general you are satisfied with what is on offer.

• Opening hours - you would like them extended.
• Access to information - you would like electronic resources that are easier to access, more up-to-date books and more electronic journals.
• IT facilities - you want to see more PCs, more Wi-Fi access and improved photocopying and printing facilities.
• Physical environment - you would like a more modern, clean working environment with better facilities for group work and silent study.

• Publicise our e-journals and e-books more widely so you know what you can get hold of 24/7.
• Develop an information skills training programme to help find and use library resources, especially online resources.
• Better promote our enquiry / drop-in sessions to enable you to gain knowledge of alternative sources of information to help you succeed on your course.
• Improve study areas by introducing flexible learning zones.
• Invest in our staff by developing a customer care programme to ensure that standards of service continue to improve.
• Work with our colleagues in Estates and Information Systems and Services to improve opening hours, the libraries’ physical environment and IT facilities.

Our three prize-winners were picked at random from all respondents that entered their email address:

1st Prize - £150 Amazon voucher - Veneta Mitova who is in her final year of a BA Hons International Relations at Calcutta House.
2nd Prize - £100 Amazon voucher - Pradhana Thulhagultorn who is doing a MA Mass Communications at Ladbroke House
3rd Prize - £50 Amazon voucher - Gurpreet Kaur Tokhi who graduated in December 2008 BA Hons Business Studies at North Campus.

Our lucky winners being presented with their vouchers by Director of Libraries, Julie Howell:

Thank you
Comments and suggestions on Library Services are welcomed at any time by filling in a form in the libraries or online by using the Comments and Suggestions links.