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Scoulas, Jung Mi, and Sandra L. De Groote. "University Students’ Changing Library Needs and Use: A Comparison of 2016 and 2018 Student Surveys." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 15, no. 1 (March 12, 2020): 59–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip29621.
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Objective – This study examines differences in university students’ library use and satisfaction (e.g., in-person library visits, online and print resource use, space satisfaction, and library website use) between 2016 and 2018 based on local survey data. It also discusses how these findings provided guidance for future planning and action.
Methods – The academic university library developed the surveys for undergraduate and graduate students and distributed them in Spring 2016 and 2018. Both student surveys focused on examining students’ needs relative to library resources and services, although the 2018 student survey also attempted to quantify students’ library visits and their use of library resources. While the surveys were not identical, the four questions that appeared in both surveys (i.e., library visits, resource use, library space satisfaction, and library website use) were recoded, rescaled, and analyzed to measure the differences in both surveys.
Results – The survey results reveal that students’ library visits and use of library resources in 2018 were higher than in 2016. In particular, undergraduate students’ use of library resources in 2016 were lower than those in 2018, whereas graduate students’ use of library resources remained similar in both years. Another key finding indicates that the mean score of students’ library quiet study space satisfaction in 2018 was higher than in 2016. However, when compared to the 2016 survey, there was a decrease in students’ ease of library website use in the 2018 survey.
Conclusion – Assessing students’ behavior and satisfaction associated with their use of library physical spaces, resources, and services should be conducted on an ongoing basis. Over time, the survey findings can be used as evidence based data to communicate patterns of users’ behavior and satisfaction with various stakeholders, identify areas for improvement or engagement, and demonstrate the library’s impact. Survey results can also inform further strategic and assessment planning.
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Preston, Nancy R. "Library Surveys : A Selected ERIC Bibliography." Education Libraries 16, no. 1 (September 5, 2017): 23. http://dx.doi.org/10.26443/el.v16i1.25.
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Webster, Mandy. "Library Resources." Legal Information Management 3, no. 3-4 (2003): 199–200. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1472669600002152.
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Mulraine-Campbell, Anastasi, and Stacyann Quintero. "Reimagining Freshmen Library Orientation at the Forde Library, USC." Journal of Adventist Libraries and Archives 8, no. 1 (2023): 1–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.32597/jala/vol8/iss1/1.
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This case study focuses on the Undergraduate Library Orientation Feedback Survey, disseminated for first- and second-year undergraduate students at the University of the Southern Caribbean during the 1st Semester (September) of four academic years spanning 2018 to 2021. The surveys were administered following library sessions offered as part of the Academic Writing I course in collaboration with the School of Distance Education and the School of Education and Humanities, underscoring the critical role that the library can play in a student’s academic journey. Findings revealed that student satisfaction and understanding remained mainly positive from pre-pandemic levels to during the pandemic. Librarian feedback suggested recommendations for additional training in online teaching for presenters, additional student-centered learning activities integrated into the virtual orientation, and more significant marketing efforts to follow through with students at point-of-need.
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Chow, Janet. "Realising the potential of user surveys for improving academic libraries: The case of St John’s College, Cambridge." Journal of Librarianship and Information Science 51, no. 3 (October 2, 2017): 689–701. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0961000617732379.
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How can user surveys lead to better decision making to improve libraries? While there are more surveys published on specialised aspects of academic libraries, there are relatively few user surveys published of academic libraries in general. First and foremost this paper argues the user survey is a useful tool for library managers interested in developing their libraries in response to changing user needs, and secondly, for more published accounts of surveys and their usefulness. However, the user survey as a tool for generating evidence-based decision making in libraries fails to achieve its potential if two further important practices are not implemented. First and most importantly, the findings obtained from the survey must be used to inform decision making on managing and leading improvements to the library. This aspect of follow-through from survey findings to management decision making, may well lead to changing resource allocation and priorities, new practices, and improvements to collections and the physical environment. Second, the findings of the survey should be fed back to users as a means of raising their interest and engagement in the academic library as a hub of learning.
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Carlozzi, Michael. "If You Build It, They Might Not Come: The Effects of Socioeconomic Predictors on Library Activity and Funding." Open Information Science 6, no. 1 (January 1, 2022): 116–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/opis-2022-0135.
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Abstract Many surveys have suggested that U.S. public library usage correlates with socioeconomic status and race; persons identifying as Non-Hispanic White, highly-educated, and affluent claim to use library services at a rate greater than those not belonging to these groups. These findings suggests that the dominant model of library service—a brick and mortar localized service point—interfaces poorly with marginalized and disenfranchised persons. This paper combines Public Library Survey and American Community Survey data for 49 U.S. states to explore the relationship between socioeconomic variables and public library usage. Using Bayesian hierarchical modeling, this paper finds corroboration for these surveys at the “community-level,” i.e., communities with higher socioeconomic status and more Non-Hispanic Whiteness are associated with greater levels of library activity. It also finds, using propensity score matching, that local funding is strongly associated with library activity, underscoring the importance of funding advocacy. The analysis suggests that U.S. library administrators who aim to reach marginalized and disenfranchised persons might want to consider service models alternate to the dominant brick and mortar model.
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Poll, Roswitha. "Did you enjoy the library? Impact surveys in diverse settings." Performance Measurement and Metrics 15, no. 1/2 (July 8, 2014): 4–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pmm-03-2014-0006.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the adequacy of impact surveys for identifying library influence on highly diverse populations. Design/methodology/approach – Projects calculating an economic value of library services have become nearly familiar in the last decades, while attempts to identify an influence of library use on people's lives and on society are still somewhat rare. Probably the most suitable and manageable instrument for impact assessment is the survey, whether print or online, used separately or combined with interview techniques. The paper describes recent projects using impact surveys for diverse populations and compares their goals, target groups, and results. The focus is on impact in the sense of changes in people resulting from the contact with library services, not on economic value of libraries. Findings – The impact projects that are analysed, though differing strongly in outer conditions, populations and goals, show the applicability of the survey method for impact assessment, but also the need for adapting the method to the specific conditions. Research limitations/implications – Studies on library impact are ongoing, and methods are still developing. The paper shows a snapshot of the present situation. Originality/value – The paper concentrates on the most-used instrument of impact assessment; surveys. Based on practical examples it shows advantages and challenges of the method and gives recommendations for format and content of surveys in different settings.
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Del Bosque, Darcy, Rosan Mitola, Susie Skarl, and Shelley Heaton. "Beyond awareness: improving outreach and marketing through user surveys." Reference Services Review 45, no. 1 (February 13, 2017): 4–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/rsr-02-2016-0009.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the awareness of library research services, the top desires for new services and overall satisfaction of undergraduate students to plan outreach and marketing efforts. Design/methodology/approach Researchers developed a survey which was administered both on an iPad and in paper copies. To gather feedback from a wide-variety of students, surveys were distributed outside campus buildings at four locations. Findings This study demonstrates the need to survey undergraduate students about their use of research services, to effectively plan outreach and marketing efforts. The differences between high-users’ and low-users’ expectations of the library inform and impact potential outreach and marketing efforts. Reaching both groups of students requires that not only awareness of library services increase but also that the knowledge of the value of the library increases, to convert simple awareness of services into use. Research limitations/implications Surveys were distributed at one institution, and results may be skewed based on local demographics. Originality/value While surveying undergraduate students is common, little research exists demonstrating how outreach and marketing can be informed by evaluating feedback from high and low-users of library services.
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Bertot, John Carlo. "Web‐Based Surveys: Not Your Basic Survey Anymore." Library Quarterly 79, no. 1 (January 2009): 119–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/593960.
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Cranfield, Graham, and Joe Hellowell. "Use of a National Library: A Survey of Readers in the Humanities and Social Sciences Reading Rooms of the British Library." Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues 4, no. 3 (December 1992): 197–211. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/095574909200400305.
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A questionnaire survey was carried out in the humanities reading rooms of the British Library one day each month from September 1990 to August 1991 with the aim of providing information of help in planning services, particularly at the new building in St Pancras. Readers were asked about their occupations, nationalities, the location of the academic institutions to which they were affiliated, the reasons for and frequency of their visits etc. 65% of readers were academic staff or students, and 33% lived outside the UK; 31% said they had visited the library over 50 times in the past year. The results were compared, where appropriate, with earlier surveys in 1968 and 1977. These comparisons highlighted significant seasonal variations in patterns of usage. It was not possible to compare the results with those from surveys by other national libraries, because of widely differing survey methods and content of reports.
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Mangiaracina, Silvana, Cristina Cocever, Marco Chiandoni, and Stefania Arabito. "Assessing the effectiveness of a national resource sharing system." Interlending & Document Supply 42, no. 2/3 (August 12, 2014): 98–104. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ilds-12-2013-0039.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the surveys, carried out during 2011 and 2013, regarding the functionality of and possible improvements to Italy’s nationwide resource sharing service NILDE (Network for Inter-Library Document Exchange). Design/methodology/approach – The methodology comprises both an analysis of quantitative data about ILL transactions initiated during a 2011 study and a qualitative assessment of the system based on information obtained from the surveys and a SWOT analysis. This proved to be an effective methodology, and a new survey was launched in 2013 to verify whether the choices made and the projects undertaken were in line with user expectations. Findings – The results turned out to be particularly interesting and a source of hints for planning future improvements. Originality/value – Italian studies for assessing user satisfaction of library services, based on user surveys, often relate to a single library or a single University. The NILDE survey was delivered nationwide to all the registered users of NILDE. This is the most extensive survey for the number of libraries and the various types of end users involved.
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Bowl, Catherine, and Diane Miller. "The BIALL Law Firm Library Survey 2022." Legal Information Management 23, no. 1 (March 2023): 8–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1472669623000051.
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AbstractIt goes without saying that few things are more important to information professionals than data, all the more so when that data relates to their own profession. Which is why this third edition of BIALL's Law Firm Survey is so welcome, providing, as it does, data on a range of different information departments working in the library space, while also drawing comparisons from the results of earlier surveys. Here Catherine Bowl and Diane Miller explain the process of compiling the survey, its findings, and the interesting trends it has highlighted.
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Applegate, Rachel. "Charting Academic Library Staffing: Data from National Surveys." College & Research Libraries 68, no. 1 (January 1, 2007): 59–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.68.1.59.
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Many issues in academic library practice and research are affected by staffing patterns. To provide an overview of librarian distribution among large, medium, and small institutions, librarian to nonlibrarian ratios, and ratios of library staff to students and faculty, a database comprising 1,380 four-year nonspecialized U.S. academic institutions was constructed. Among other findings, these descriptive data show that academic librarians are distributed bimodally, with a few large libraries employing about half of all academic librarians. Findings concerning librarians, institutions, and staffing ratios by library size, Carnegie classification, and control are presented.
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Babicz, Anna, and Agnieszka Gryz. "Open Access at the Main Library of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin – in the Light of Own Research Results." Folia Bibliologica 64 (November 13, 2023): 73–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/fb.2022.64.73-96.
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The article presents the changes that have taken place in the Main Library of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska in Lublin, resulting from the introduction of open access to some of the col- lections. Its main goal was to indicate the problems and benefits resulting from modernization of the existing solutions related to the way of using library collections. The rules of classification of the Library of Congress and process of its implementation in the Main Library of the UMCS were discussed. The case study method and comparative analysis were used to achieve the set goals. The paper presents the results of user satisfaction surveys regarding the use of the open access zone. The conclusions were based on surveys conducted among the Library users (students and employees of Lublin universities). The information obtained during the survey showed streng- ths and weaknesses in the functioning and organization of the open access zone at the Library.
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Martin, Jason. "Teenagers’ Public Library Needs are Difficult to Determine." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 7, no. 1 (March 9, 2012): 108. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8m03g.
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Objective – To discover the attitudes of twelve to fifteen year-olds toward the public library.
Design – Mixed methodology consisting of a survey and focus groups.
Setting – An Eastern Canadian regional municipality.
Subjects – Twelve to fifteen year-old middle school students.
Methods – Using a disproportionate stratified sample and multistage clustering, the author mailed 900 surveys to middle school students; 249 surveys were completed and usable. Those students who completed the survey and who also indicated they would be willing to participate in a focus group were randomly selected to participate in nine focus groups with between 7 to 12 students in each group.
Main Results – Discrepancies exist between the teens’ level of satisfaction with the library indicated on the survey (high) and expressed in the focus groups (low). Teens seldom use the public library due to: their non-existent relationship with library staff, although teens who were “active readers” used the library more; lack of appealing programs and program promotion; no teen-focused website; poor teen facilities within the library; and an overall failure of the public libraries to include teenagers.
Conclusion – Public libraries need to be more responsive to teen needs to attract teens to use the library. To uncover these needs, libraries should use mixed methods of discovery.
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Mardhani-Bayne, Alvina, and Lisa Shamchuk. "Early Literacy Learning for Future Library Paraprofessionals: Authentic Learning in Library Education." Partnership: The Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research 17, no. 2 (December 12, 2022): 1–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.21083/partnership.v17i2.6808.
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This article describes the professional learning around early literacy experienced by library paraprofessional students at a post-secondary institution in Canada. Students completed a survey to gauge their conceptions of early literacy at the beginning of a course on library services for children and young adults. These students then experienced hands-on, engaging course elements such as in-class discussions, guest speakers, and authentic assessments. At the conclusion of the course, students were again surveyed and were asked to identify course elements that contributed to their learning. Most students aligned with an emergent literacy approach to early literacy. While a comparison between the two surveys did not reveal a significant difference in terms of students’ conceptions of early literacy, multiple students identified the hands-on elements of the course as beneficial. The researchers conclude that providing authentic professional learning opportunities that include knowledge application reinforces learners’ conceptions about emergent literacy.
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Liu, Mingnan, and Laura Wronski. "Examining Completion Rates in Web Surveys via Over 25,000 Real-World Surveys." Social Science Computer Review 36, no. 1 (February 23, 2017): 116–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0894439317695581.
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A survey’s completion rate is one of its most important data quality measures. There are quite a few published studies examining web survey completion rate through experimental approaches. In this study, we expand the existing literature by examining the predictors of web survey completion rate using 25,080 real-world web surveys conducted by a single online panel. Our findings are consistent with the literature on some dimensions, such as finding a negative relationship between completion rate and survey length and question difficulty. Also, surveys without progress bars have higher completion rates than surveys with progress bars. This study also generates new insights into survey design features, such as the impact of the first question type and length on completion rate.
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Fatmawati, Endang. "Analisis Kebutuhan Pelestarian Bahan Perpustakaan Tercetak." Pustabiblia: Journal of Library and Information Science 1, no. 1 (July 10, 2017): 7. http://dx.doi.org/10.18326/pustabiblia.v1i1.7-27.
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Artikel ini membahas mengenai analisis kebutuhan pelestarian bahan perpustakaan tercetak di perpustakaan. Untuk menyediakan bahan perpustakaan yang berkualitas dan mewujudkan perpustakaan sebagai sumber informasi bagi pemustaka, maka dibutuhkan yang namanya pelestarian bahan perpustakaan. Survei analisis kebutu- han pelestarian bahan perpustakaan sangat penting untuk perencanaan pelestarian. Hal ini didasarkan pada kebutuhan perpustakaan dan tindakan yang diperlukan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pelestarian tersebut. Pendekatan yang bisa digunakan oleh perpustakaan untuk menganalisis kebutuhan pelestarian bahan perpustakaan yaitu: survei perencanaan pelestarian umum, survei bahan perpustakaan khusus, dan survei kondisi bahan perpustakaan. Hasilnya diperoleh usulan perbaikan bahan perpustakaan yang tertuang dalam urutan prioritas laporan analisis kebutuhan pelestarian dan kebijakan pelestarian. Perencanaan terkait kebijakan dan prosedur untuk kegiatan pelestarian preventif perlu dilakukan untuk meminimalisir kerusakan bahan perpustakaan tercetak.This article discusses the needs analysis of library printed material preservation in the library. To provide a quality library materials and realize the library as a source of information for users, it takes the name of the preservation of library materials. Analysis survey of library material preservation needs is essential for conservation planning. This is based on the library’s needs and the actions necessary to meet these conservation needs. Approaches that libraries can use to analyze the needs of library materials preservation are: public conservation planning surveys, special library material surveys, and library condition survey. The result of the proposed improvement of library materials as stated in the order of priority conservation needs analysis report and conservation policy. Planning related policies and procedures for preventive preservation activities need to be done to minimize damage to printed library materials.
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Christensen, Julia F., Anna Lambrechts, and Manos Tsakiris. "The Warburg Dance Movement Library—The WADAMO Library: A Validation Study." Perception 48, no. 1 (December 17, 2018): 26–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0301006618816631.
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The Warburg Dance Movement Library is a validated set of 234 video clips of dance movements for empirical research in the fields of cognitive science and neuroscience of action perception, affect perception and neuroaesthetics. The library contains two categories of video clips of dance movement sequences. Of each pair, one version of the movement sequence is emotionally expressive (Clip a), while the other version of the same sequence (Clip b) is not expressive but as technically correct as the expressive version (Clip a). We sought to complement previous dance video stimuli libraries. Facial information, colour and music have been removed, and each clip has been faded in and out. We equalised stimulus length (6 seconds, 8 counts in dance theory), the dancers’ clothing and video background and included both male and female dancers, and we controlled for technical correctness of movement execution. The Warburg Dance Movement Library contains both contemporary and ballet movements. Two online surveys ( N = 160) confirmed the classification into the two categories of expressivity. Four additional online surveys ( N = 80) provided beauty and liking ratings for each clip. A correlation matrix illustrates all variables of this norming study (technical correctness, expressivity, beauty, liking, luminance, motion energy).
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Albee, Barbara, and Hsin-liang Chen. "Public library staff’s perceived value and satisfaction of an open source library system." Electronic Library 32, no. 3 (May 27, 2014): 390–402. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/el-03-2012-0024.
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Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine public library staff attitudes towards an open-source library automation system in the state of Indiana. The researchers were interested in understanding the library staff’s perceptions of the value of the system in performing their job duties and improving library services. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers travelled to nine public libraries every three months to survey library staff from January to December 2010. The participants completed the surveys at the libraries and were given the option to remain anonymous. The survey consisted of six questions regarding the use of the Evergreen system for work processes and basic demographic information of the staff. There were a total of 323 survey respondents. Of the 323 respondents, 57 (17.65 per cent) used the Evergreen system in their daily work routines at the library. Findings – The primary benefits reported were: ability to check the availability of library materials at other Evergreen libraries via the shared catalogue, the Evergreen system provided more functionality than their previous library automation systems and the ability to reserve materials for patrons. Research limitations/implications – This was a convenience sample. All survey participants provided their responses voluntarily during the 12-month study period. A more comprehensive sampling procedure should be considered in the future. Originality/value – The study indicated the need for improvements in the Evergreen Indiana system. Those improvements were also relevant to other open-source integrated library systems.
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Creaser, Claire. "One size does not fit all: user surveys in academic libraries." Performance Measurement and Metrics 7, no. 3 (September 1, 2006): 153–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/14678040610713110.
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PurposeUser surveys in academic libraries are not generally widely publicised. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and comment on the results of a variety of user surveys and draw together some of that work.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the work of LISU at Loughborough University, which has analysed two main instruments – the LibQual+ surveys as they have been applied in the UK, and the standard Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) user survey template. The paper considers the implications of different response rates and sample sizes on the validity of results and issues concerning benchmarking with user survey data.FindingsOne aim of user surveys must be to improve the services provided to users. High overall satisfaction levels are good for publicity, and may persuade institutional management that all is well with the library, but they should not lead to complacency within the service. It is important to drill down into the detail of the results, to make comparisons within or between services, and to investigate examples of good practice.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful overview of UK academic library user survey methods.
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Hurrell, Christie, Susan E. Powelson, and Christine Jensen-Ross. "Tracking the Impact of Changes to a Provincial Library Service Model: The Results of Two Satisfaction Surveys." Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association / Journal de l'Association des bibliothèques de la santé du Canada 36, no. 2 (August 1, 2015): 39. http://dx.doi.org/10.5596/c15-012.
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<strong>Abstract: Introduction:</strong> Alberta Health Services (AHS) was created in 2009, merging 12 former health regions and three provincial health authorities. Library services that had previously operated independently across the province were amalgamated into a single provincial entity, Knowledge Resource Service (KRS). A survey of library services was conducted in 2011. Subsequent to that survey, the provincial library service underwent major changes, which culminated in the launch of a provincial library website in August 2013. Another survey was conducted in 2014 to determine the impact of these changes. <strong>Methods:</strong> AHS staff and physicians were surveyed in 2011 and 2014 using an electronic survey tool. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results reported as percentages. <strong>Results:</strong> This paper addresses the questions that are comparable between the two surveys. There were 1195 responses to the 2011 survey and 721 to the 2014 survey. Respondents in 2014 had less difficulty accessing the library website. Additionally, more respondents reported that using library resources prevented the occurrence of adverse events, from 13% in 2011 to 36% in 2014. <strong>Discussion:</strong> The drop in respondents reporting difficulties accessing information via the library website suggests that the new service model is effective in removing access barriers, enhancing the effectiveness of information resources for AHS staff and that the easier to find resources are helping to prevent adverse events.
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Larson, Ronald. "Library stakeholder attitudes and new technology." Library Management 40, no. 1/2 (January 14, 2019): 128–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-02-2018-0012.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide advice for library managers on the collection of feedback from stakeholders. An example of radio frequency identification (RFID) is used to illustrate what can be learned and how decisions can be improved with this feedback.Design/methodology/approachThe stakeholder, RFID and library literature are reviewed and lessons for improving future technology decisions are developed. The results of a direct-mail survey of 394 members of the general public in the Midwest illustrate the insights that can be gained with marketing research.FindingsMany libraries appear to have neglected getting feedback from some stakeholders before implementing RFID tagging of materials. Gathering specific information from local stakeholders (including some that are only indirectly influenced by a decision) can help improve the odds of initiative success. Regular dialogs with stakeholder groups can help librarians track progress of programs, identify issues and prepare response strategies.Practical implicationsIf librarians had conducted surveys about RFID or self-service checkouts when the technologies were under consideration, they would have gained a greater appreciation of the concerns some individuals had. Dialogs could have been started, educational events could have been planned and other responses could have been developed. The stakeholders to be regularly consulted should include individuals who are indirectly affected by the library. These lessons can be followed when librarians consider other initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper offers library leaders new insights into when and how to gather information from stakeholders. Tips are offered to improve the effectiveness of surveys and focus groups.
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Reed, Kathleen. "Mixed-Method Survey Research is Useful to Incrementally Improve Library Homepage Design." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 10, no. 3 (September 13, 2015): 114. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8qw3c.
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Deschenes, A. (2014). Improving the library homepage through user research – without a total redesign. Weave, 1(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.3998/weave.12535642.0001.102
Abstract
Objective – To assess content organization and wording of links on the library’s homepage.
Design – Mixed-methods survey.
Setting – Small college, United States of America.
Subjects – 57 library users.
Methods – Library staff distributed paper surveys at the entrance to the library, with the goal of collecting a minimum of 30 surveys. The survey directed participants to indicate their preferred terms from a list, and their preference for ordering the menu items on the library’s homepage. Qualitative survey data was also collected via several open-ended questions that began with prompts such as “I really love…” and “I can never find…”
Main Results – The search box tab labelled “Library Catalogue” was preferred over “Books and Media,” which the staff believed to be a more user-friendly term. Using a pre-defined list, participants ranked the Library Catalogue as the most important tab, followed by E-Resources, Articles, and Library Guides. A link to the Library Catalogue was also selected as the most important resource sidebar link, followed by E-Resources, Full-Text Journals, Library Guides, and Refworks. The service sidebar links by order of importance were found to be: Library Hours, Group Study Rooms, Writing & Citing, Interlibrary Loan, and Chat with a Librarian. Qualitative feedback received demonstrated a lack of understanding what the terms “Library Guides” and “A-Z List” mean, and difficulty finding a complete list of databases. Library staff received feedback that the Library Hours and Account Log In should be made more prominent.
Conclusion – Library staff updated the website to reflect user preferences for wording and order of links on the homepage. Google Analytics showed a decrease of 30 seconds per average visit after the changes, which the author attributes to better wording and organization. There were no complaints about the website in the first three months after the change. The author concludes that a paper survey is an effective tool for librarians who would like to make incremental changes on their homepages.
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Perkins, Gay Helen, and Haiwang Yuan. "A Comparison of Web-based and Paper-and-Pencil Library Satisfaction Survey Results." College & Research Libraries 62, no. 4 (July 1, 2001): 369–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.62.4.369.
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Although authors have done validation or comparison studies of Web-based and paper-and-pencil surveys for different samples, few have published such studies for library patrons. After publishing its previous Web-based library satisfaction survey, Western Kentucky University Libraries developed a similar survey with identical content for library Web and exit patrons to compare these groups’ responses. This article focuses on the collection of Web and exit survey responses in a two-week period, the transformation of response data for analysis, a comparison of the two samples, and discussion of the potential use of the results. Future research on the Web-based and paper-and-pencil methods themselves is indicated.
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Hall, Russell A. "Beyond the Job Ad: Employers and Library Instruction." College & Research Libraries 74, no. 1 (January 1, 2013): 24–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl-236.
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Many content analyses of job ads have revealed the skills and experience needed in academic library jobs and show that library instruction is an important job duty. This study moves beyond the content of the job ads and surveys the employers themselves (in the person of the supervisor). The survey revealed that supervisors highly value library instruction. Other findings relate to the types of instruction duties the new employee will engage in and the ways that these employees learn how to do library instruction, as well as how much time the employee spends on instruction-related duties.
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Maxwell Edwards, Melissa, and Elaine Thornton. "Library Outreach: Introducing Campus Childcare Providers to the Academic Library." Education Libraries 36, no. 2 (September 19, 2017): 4. http://dx.doi.org/10.26443/el.v36i2.328.
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This case study describes a library outreach effort to university staff members employed by the campus child care center. Authors planned an instructional session to introduce child care staff members to library resources, focusing on the curriculum collection as a source of supplemental materials for classrooms. Surveys were administered before and after the workshop to gauge changes in participants' awareness of library resources and comfort level using the library. Results based on descriptive statistics and qualitative data indicated a significant increase in participants’ awareness of and comfort using campus library resources and services. The authors encourage similar efforts within other academic communities and provide examples of potential partnerships.
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Gardner, Susan, and Susan B. Markley. "Conducting Serials Surveys." Serials Librarian 44, no. 3-4 (June 19, 2003): 163–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/j123v44n03_02.
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Kaari, Jennifer. "Combining Surveys with Seating Sweeps and Observational Data Yields Insights into Physical Space Usage in an Academic Library." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 15, no. 4 (December 15, 2020): 188–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip29848.
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A Review of: Dominguez, G. (2016). Beyond gate counts: Seating studies and observations to assess library space usage. New Library World, 117(5/6), 321-328. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-08-2015-0058 Abstract Objective – To propose a new method to assess library space usage and the physical library user experience utilizing multiple data collection techniques. Design – Seating usage studies, surveys, and observation. Setting – Large university in the southern United States. Subjects – Students who physically use the library spaces. Methods – The researcher performed seating sweeps three times a day for one week at time, using a counter to get an accurate headcount of each area of the library. The number of users was recorded on paper and then transferred to Excel. A survey for library patrons was created using Typeform and distributed through both email and in-person. In addition, the researcher created a photo diary to document how students were using the space, particularly creative and flexible uses of the library space. These photos were collected to be shared with library administration. The researcher conducted the study twice, once at each main campus library. Main Results – The initial seating sweeps at one location showed an average of 57 to 85 users engaging in active study, and 57% of users engaged in individual study vs. group study. The sweeping study at the second campus location found that floors designated as quiet floors were the most overcrowded. The researcher found that overall, the actual library use surpassed expected library use. The survey results indicated patron concerns about the lack of available seating, noise policies, uncomfortable furniture, and technology issues such as power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity. Conclusion – The researcher found that utilizing surveys in addition to observational data provided a more complete picture of the user experience. Photographs also provided depth and texture to the observational data. Based on the findings the librarians and administration plan to upgrade furniture and technology options, as well as make changes to the noise policy.
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Scott, Rachel Elizabeth. "Ongoing and Multifaceted Assessment of Academic Library Professional Development Programs Enhances Their Efficacy." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 13, no. 2 (June 5, 2018): 115–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/eblip29413.
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A Review of:
Harker, K. R., O'Toole, E., & Sassen, C. (2018). Assessing an academic library professional development program. portal: Libraries and the Academy, 18(1), 199-223. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2018.0010
Abstract
Objective – To analyze various measures of need, participation, satisfaction, and impact of an academic library professional development program.
Design – Multi-modal; surveys, curriculum vitae (CV) analysis, and attendance statistics.
Setting – Academic library in the United States.
Subjects – Library faculty of all ranks.
Methods – Assessment of the Career Development Program began with an interest survey conducted at the beginning of the fiscal year in which participants ranked their interest in professional development topics. Attendance statistics were collected at all program sessions and participants were emailed post-event surveys comprised of three Likert-scale questions and an open-ended question. Participants in the peer-review service were emailed a survey with two Likert-scale questions and an open-ended question. All programs and surveys were voluntary.
An “activities survey” attempted to document counts of scholarly publications and presentations according to geographic scope, format, and peer-review. However, due to low response rates, the activities survey was replaced after two years with an analysis of library faculty member CVs on a publicly-accessible university website. The final assessment was a narrative annual report that drew on and summarized all of the previously conducted assessments.
Main Results – Multi-modal assessment of the professional development program improved its relevance and quality while also documenting its impact.
Conclusion – Continuous and multi-faceted assessment of professional development programs not only leads to improved efficacy, but also provides accountability and details the value of the program to stakeholders. Professional development programs promote scholarly productivity, which has implications for the career satisfaction of academic librarians. Further research should investigate the validity of professional development program assessment instruments and identify which assessment methods are most effective for evaluating professional development programs and measuring the impact of this programming on scholarship.
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Carlsson, Håkan, and Tore Torngren. "Understanding Library Users via Surveys and Other Methods—Best Practices for Evidence-Based Library Development." Journal of Library Administration 60, no. 8 (September 22, 2020): 925–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2020.1820276.
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Guo, Shu. "Developing effective professional development programs: a case study." New Library World 115, no. 11/12 (November 5, 2014): 542–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/nlw-05-2014-0048.
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Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the practices of a well-established professional development committee (PDC) at an academic library to reveal the development of effective professional development programs with various themes and the diversified delivering formats and the assessment of library employees’ training needs and the effectiveness of professional development programs with Needs Assessment Surveys and Program Follow-up Employee Opinion Surveys. Professional development programs are widely adopted in academic libraries to support the professional growth of library employees and improve the quality of library services. Developing, promoting and administering professional development programs are main responsibilities of the PDC. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based upon the PDC’s recent practices since 2011. The Needs Assessment Surveys (in 2012 and 2013) are conducted electronically, so are the Opinion Surveys since 2013 which are formerly conducted in paper. Findings – The well-planned professional development program themes with special designed delivery formats have demonstrated their effectiveness through high attendance of each professional development event. The positive results and high compliments from both Need Assessment Surveys and Opinion Surveys also endorse their values to employee’s professional growth. Originality/value – This paper classifies various professional development program ideas into six program themes and three special delivery formats, and each is presented with intention, planning and organization. This paper also provides details of using different Need Assessment Surveys and Opinion Surveys for evaluation, which is also lacked in published literature.
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McKnight, Michelynn. "Beyond Surveys." Journal of Hospital Librarianship 1, no. 2 (June 2001): 31–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/j186v01n02_03.
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Medaille, Ann. "Field Experiences Provide Value for Library Students, but More Research Is Needed into Their Administration." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 6, no. 2 (June 24, 2011): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8833d.
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Objective – To evaluate an eight-week practicum requirement for library and information science students.
Design – Survey questionnaire.
Setting – The University of the Punjab and participating libraries in Pakistan.
Subjects – A total of 118 graduates of the library and information science program at the University of the Punjab who had completed an eight-week-long practicum experience in a public, academic, or special library between 2002 and 2006.
Methods – Snowball sampling was used to select the subjects. Surveys were delivered and collected through personal visits, email, and postal mail, and the authors asked follow-up questions of some subjects whose surveys were collected in person. The survey contained questions about several topics, such as the type of professional tasks (e.g., acquisition, circulation, reference service, etc.) that students did during the practicum, professional skills developed, practicum length, comfort in sharing problems with supervisors, and the evaluation process. The authors used statistical analysis software (SPSS, version 12) to analyze the survey results.
Main Results – The majority of subjects reported that they had received the opportunity to train in several sections and functions of the library, and they felt that the practicum was important in improving their professional skills. Most reported being comfortable sharing problems with their supervisors and were satisfied with the evaluation process. The survey also included open-ended questions about problems and suggestions, but only 28% of the subjects responded with comments.
Conclusion – The authors concluded that the library practicum plays an important role in the professional development of future library professionals, and that the length of the practicum should be extended from its current eight-week requirement.
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Beck, Thomas J. "Benchmark Library Metrics and Trends." Charleston Advisor 23, no. 4 (April 1, 2022): 8–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.5260/chara.23.4.8.
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Per the vendor, Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends “provides libraries with data visualizations that facilitate comparisons with customized peer groups, Carnegie classes, and nationwide data.” Navigating this database can be somewhat difficult, as it has no starting point that will be obvious to the user. It takes some time to click on the various tabs and determine what functionality is available and how to use it. Therefore, a new user might benefit from instruction in the use of this database from either the vendor or someone else familiar with it. Despite these complexities, this resource offers its users a broad and varied range of data on the institutions covered therein. This includes total expenditures, circulation, information services, FTE staff, collections institutional repositories, Interlibrary Loan, group presentations, hours opens per week, weeks effected by COVID 19, student enrollment, gate-count, and materials and operations expenditures. The last of these includes total salary expenditures for all FTE librarians and other paid staff, as well as student assistants, but doesn't include salary information for specific positions.There are two levels of access to this database, the first of which is free! It allows academic libraries to view and complete open ACRL surveys and see their responses to previous surveys, among other things. The second level of access is via subscription. It gives libraries access to all of the free features, plus a custom report builder, interactive data dashboards, and the means to generate custom peer groups. The cost of the subscription portion of this database depends on whether the library subscribing is an academic or company/corporate one, and/or is part of a consortia. There are also discounts available for ACRL members and libraries that have participated in the database's 2020 survey. Consequently, the subscription price can range from an annual cost of $3,000 (for consortia) to $428 (for academic libraries taking advantage of all available discounts). Overall, most libraries will find this pricing quite reasonable. However, it's advisable that potential subscribers contact the vendor for a price quote specific to their institution. The licensing agreement for this database isn't particularly long and is in many ways average in its composition, so it presents little reason for concern.
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Stemmer, John K., and David M. Mahan. "Assessing the Library’s Influence on Freshman and Senior Level Outcomes with User Surveys." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 10, no. 2 (June 14, 2015): 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8pg62.
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Abstract
Objectives – This study seeks to identify areas where relationships exist between a student’s library usage and student outcomes at Bellarmine University, a private master’s level institution. The study has two primary aims. The first is to see if an operationally oriented user survey can be used to provide evidence of the library’s support for institutionally important student outcomes. The second is to develop a regression model that provides a big picture with multiple variables to determine if library factors are still significant in student outcomes when controlling for significant demographic factors.
Methods – The library regularly conducts student user surveys, and this study examines the results of the first three surveys, from 2007, 2008 and 2010. These surveys include individually identifiable data on why students come to the library and how often they use it in person and online. Researchers aggregated student responses into class-based cohorts and used regression analysis to analyze the extent and significance of the relationships, if any, that exist between student use of the library and student outcomes such as retention, graduation and cumulative GPA. The study takes into consideration known significant student demographic factors such as American Collect Testing (ACT) composite score, full- or part-time status, and their session GPA.
Results – The study identifies specific library services and resources that have significant correlations with the selected student learning measures and outcomes. For freshman students, the ability to access the library online influences both retention and graduation. In looking at freshman learning outcomes represented by GPA, the results again indicate that the library has a positive influence on a student’s GPA. The library’s influence appears through two factors that highlight the library as a place: providing a place to study alone and as a place that has specialized equipment available to students. The library influences seniors’ cumulative GPA differently than for freshmen, primarily through the library’s role as an information resource. The variable check out books had a positive impact on senior’s GPA.
Conclusions – This study indicates that the library does have an influence on student outcomes, whether learning outcomes, represented by cumulative GPA, or more typical student success outcomes, represented by second-year retention and graduation. This is true even when controlling for certain demographics, including the student’s ACT score, whether the student is part-time or full-time, and their session GPA. The factors that influence an individual student’s outcome change depending on the point in time in the undergraduate experience. These statistical analyses provide significant evidence for the value the library provides in support of institutionally important student outcome goals.
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Min, Shao, and Yang Yi. "E‐resources, services and user surveys in Tsinghua University Library." Program 44, no. 4 (September 28, 2010): 314–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00330331011083211.
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Abdukahorova, Muazzam. "Skills and competencies required of librarians in the modern information environment." Infolib 29, no. 1 (March 30, 2022): 46–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.47267/2181-8207/2022/1-103.
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This article highlights the knowledge, skills, and qualifications that every modern librarian should acquire. The results of research on the requirements for librarians in foreign countries and analysis of surveys conducted among librarian specialists of information-library centers in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions, and districts (cities) are also presented. The survey included both general and specific questions related to librarianship, gathered their recommendations on the development of library sphere and offered solutions to problems as well.
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Ismaya, Ismaya, M. Yunus Sudirman, Andi Ahmad Chabir Galib, and Mawaddatul Maikam. "An Analysis of Library Management System Development in South Sulawesi." EDUKATIF : JURNAL ILMU PENDIDIKAN 5, no. 2 (June 10, 2023): 1134–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.31004/edukatif.v5i2.4139.
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Website-based library services have been implemented in various libraries in Indonesia, especially those in South Sulawesi. Almost every librarian employee (librarian) routine is greatly helped by the presence of this technology. This research method was carried out with the aim of conducting a survey of 33 libraries that have implemented a library automation system. While the rest also adopted a similar system. The research method uses qualitative descriptive method through questionnaire surveys and direct visits to several libraries in South Sulawesi. We first do further exploration. The survey results showed that of the 33 libraries that filled out the questionnaire, 24 of them had used the library automation system because of the convenience provided by the use of this technology. The results of the analysis of the data obtained during the research show that the use of the Library Management System in the library fulfills two main aspects of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory. Utilization of the Library Management System is considered useful to help work in the library, including to assist users in the process of searching for information, the library provides services to users more quickly.
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Shepherd, John, Larissa Petrillo, and Allan Wilson. "Does size matter? In-library study of two Canadian public library branches." Library Management 41, no. 1 (November 15, 2019): 1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-08-2019-0058.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to summarize a library use study of the central and community branches of a Canadian public library. An exit survey documented the in-branch activities of users as a part of a library strategic planning process. Survey results were used in combination with branch statistics, postal code circulation statistics, neighbourhood demographics and other data sources to document the in-library use of the two facilities. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaires were administered to library users 15 years of age or older at the exits of the central and community branches. The survey collected data on their activities and services used during their current visit. Additional sources such as branch-level statistics, furniture tally sheets, photographs, Canada Census data and circulation analysis by patron postal code and lending branch were used during the analysis stage. Findings Both branches are heavily used but in different ways. Branch circulation and gate count per square foot of floor space were high relative to other Canadian libraries. Patron visits to the community branch were short in duration, in line with previous public library studies. User visit duration and in-library activities within the main branch somewhat resembled those of the central branch of a larger library system but likely for different reasons. Research limitations/implications The study was exploratory. Data were collected during two coinciding days of library operation, a Thursday and a Saturday, and may not be representative of the underlying population. The study was limited in scope as it was a community service project for undergraduate university students. Practical implications Branch library use surveys, in combination with library statistics and demographics, can provide useful insights concerning in-library patron behaviour when the use of ethnographic techniques is not feasible. Originality/value The study explored differences and similarities in user behaviour in two types of library facilities, a central and a community branch. Few published studies make such a direct comparison. The study explored the perceived benefits received by patrons from public library use and incorporated branch statistics, circulation analysis and Census data.
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Boyd, Angela, Yolanda Blue, and Suzanne Im. "Evaluation of Academic Library Residency Programs in the United States for Librarians of Color." College & Research Libraries 78, no. 4 (May 4, 2017): 472. http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/crl.78.4.472.
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The purpose of this research was to evaluate academic library residency programs that successfully recruit and retain academic librarians of color. This study examines library residencies in the United States and discusses findings of two nationwide surveys. One survey posed questions to residents about the structure of their residencies, aspects residents found most helpful for career advancement, and their thoughts on diversity initiatives. The coordinators were asked many of the same questions as the residents but also about the administrative aspects of their programs. The survey responses reveal a need to provide residents with structured mentoring, along with a sense of belonging and value. Library residency programs can play an integral part in the larger recruitment, retention, and diversity initiatives in the profession.
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Farrell, Shannon L., and Aliqae Geraci. "Librarians and compensation negotiation in the library workplace." Library Management 38, no. 1 (January 9, 2017): 45–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-08-2016-0060.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on survey results from a study about librarians’ experience with compensation (salary and benefits) negotiation in the library workplace in order to provide data that will inform professional discourse and practice. Design/methodology/approach A primarily quantitative survey instrument was administered via Qualtrics Survey Software and distributed through listservs and social media channels representing a range of library types and sub-disciplines. The survey was explicitly addressed to librarians for participation and asked them questions related to their work history and experience with negotiating for salary and benefits. Findings A total of 1,541 librarians completed the survey. More than half of survey respondents reported not negotiating for their current library position. The majority of those who did negotiate reported positive outcomes, including an increase in salary or total compensation package. Only a very small number of respondents reported threats to rescind or rescinded offers when negotiating for their current positions. Respondents cited prior salary and prior work experience and/or education as the top information sources informing negotiation strategy. Originality/value There is minimal discussion of salary and benefits negotiation by individuals in the library literature and prior surveys of librarians’ experience with compensation negotiation do not exist. This is the first paper that tracks negotiating practices and outcomes of librarians in library workplaces of all types.
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Town, J. Stephen. "Evidence based organizational change: people surveys, strategies and structures." Library Management 36, no. 8/9 (November 9, 2015): 623–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lm-09-2015-0060.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the use of people surveys to enact change in human capital organization and practices in a University library. Design/methodology/approach – The study covers seven years of people surveys and the consequent interventions applied based on this and other data and evidence at the University of York, UK. The case describes measurement of staff’s lived experience, leading to innovation and intervention in management strategies, structures and policies. The research employs a mixed methodology; the paper draws on quantitative evidence from surveys, qualitative evidence from focus groups and desk research on human capital measurement and emotion in the workplace. Findings – The paper describes the findings of investigations across seven years, discusses the available methods for people assessment, and the different theoretical foundations of the engagement, climate and excellence surveys used across the period. Strategic and structural interventions are described and their effectiveness discussed. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of research in the field of human capital are discussed, including the participant observation of the library director, together with the potential confounding factors affecting data collected during the period of research. Social implications – The paper reflects on advances in the understanding and practice of people evaluation in libraries. The development of a people strategy based on evidence, and repetition of surveys to gauge the effectiveness of interventions, with consequent refinement of solutions, appear to have had a real effect on the lived experience, culture and service provided by the case library. Originality/value – The originality and value of the paper is that it provides a unique long-term case study of people surveys, strategy and structure in an academic research library.
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Mugridge, Rebecca, and Nancy M. Poehlmann. "Internal customer service assessment of cataloging, acquisitions, and library systems." OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives 31, no. 4 (November 9, 2015): 219–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/oclc-12-2014-0037.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that an internal customer service survey approach to assessment delivers many benefits to technical services and library systems units. Findings from such a survey provide the evidence needed to implement process improvements, conduct strategic planning and more. The survey used in this case study can be adapted by other libraries or library units to conduct assessment, gauge customer satisfaction and identify areas for process improvements. Design/methodology/approach – The Technical Services and Library Systems Division of the University at Albany Libraries conducted an internal customer service survey to gauge customer satisfaction with its services. Findings – Survey results demonstrated that customer surveys are a valuable assessment tool and can be used as an evidence-based approach to library management. Technical services and library systems units should use this tool to identify whether customers are satisfied with the services provided, whether the services are still needed, whether additional services are needed and more. Practical implications – This paper provides an approach to conducting a customer service survey, an analysis of potential benefits and a survey instrument that others could adapt to use in their own libraries. The survey instrument can be used not only for assessment of technical services and library systems, but by other functional units in all types of libraries. Originality/value – This paper and approach is original research; there are no other papers on this topic in the library and information science literature.
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Van Atta, Cathaleen. "Storing Sky Surveys at NOAO." International Astronomical Union Colloquium 110 (1989): 119–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0252921100003134.
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At NOAO/Tucson the various sky surveys are not kept in or kept by the Library. Instead, the person who is responsible for their acquisition, care, handling and preservation, is someone whose area of expertise is scientific photography and instrumentation, and he has given me the information that follows.At NOAO we have a very complete set of the sky surveys. In Tucson we have one set of the Palomar survey on print and one on glass, the ESO/SRC southern atlas, red and blue, on glass and film, the SRC infrared atlas on film, the SRC equatorial atlas on glass, the ESO quick blue survey on glass, and original KPNO telescope plates on glass. At the observatory on Kitt Peak there are two sets of the Palomar survey on print. Basically, all of these can be divided by format into three kinds: paper print, film, and glass. I will tell briefly what we do with each.
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Charbonneau, Deborah H. "Demystifying Survey Research: Practical Suggestions for Effective Question Design." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 2, no. 4 (December 7, 2007): 46. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8dk57.
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Objectives: Recent research has yielded several studies helpful for understanding the use of the survey technique in various library environments. Despite this, there has been limited discussion to guide library practitioners preparing survey questions. The aim of this article is to provide practical suggestions for effective questions when designing written surveys.
Methods: Advice and important considerations to help guide the process of developing survey questions are drawn from a review of the literature and personal experience.
Results: Basic techniques can be incorporated to improve survey questions, such as choosing appropriate question forms and incorporating the use of scales. Attention should be paid to the flow and ordering of the survey questions. Careful wording choices can also help construct clear, simple questions.
Conclusions: A well-designed survey questionnaire can be a valuable source of data. By following some basic guidelines when constructing written survey questions, library and information professionals can have useful data collection instruments at their disposal.
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Alkali, Jamilu Abubakar, Usman Muhammed Bashir, Ibrahim Udale Hussaini, Usman Ismail, and Sadiq Tukur. "Factors Influencing Academic Library Design in Universities." African Journal of Humanities and Contemporary Education Research 15, no. 1 (June 24, 2024): 225–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.62154/5hcyeg38.
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This study is aimed at investigating the factors influencing academic library design for sustainable educational growth and development, the study uses a questionnaire survey to document the responses of postgraduate students of Gombe State University on factors responsible for academic library design, the study uses descriptive and exploratory research design using quantitative approach. 150 questionnaires were distributed to postgraduate students in GSU, and 130 were screened and used for the analysis. Results revealed that user needs and preferences are the 1st factor in academic library design with a weighted mean and standard deviation of 4.3457 (0.7312), and technology integration is ranked 2nd with 4.1607 (0.59625). innovative design features ranked 3rd with a mean of 4.0357 (0.87312). Factors with low influence according to the results are energy efficiency, followed by collaboration and interaction, and finally space utilization. The study recommends that it is important for institutions to involve students, faculty, and other stakeholders in the design phase through methods such as surveys, focus groups, and gathering user feedback.
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Wilson, Virginia. "Female Public Library Patrons Value the Library for Services, Programs, and Technology." Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 4, no. 1 (March 8, 2009): 17. http://dx.doi.org/10.18438/b8dp58.
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A Review of:
Fidishun, Dolores. “Women and the Public Library: Using Technology, Using the Library.” Library Trends 56.2 (2007): 328-43.
Objective – This study attempts to give insight into why and how women use the public library and information technology, and how they learned to use the technology.
Design – Qualitative survey.
Setting – The research took place at the Chester County Library in Exton, Pennsylvania, USA.
Subjects – One hundred and eighty-four female library patrons 18 years and older.
Methods – An anonymous qualitative survey was handed out to all patrons at the Chester
County Library 18 years of age and older who came into the library on four separate days and times. Times were chosen to obtain a good representation of library patrons, and
included daytime, evening, and weekend hours. The survey consisted of questions about library use, information sought, information seeking behaviour, technology used, and how the respondents learned to use the technology. The surveys were collated and spreadsheets were created that reported answers to yes/no and other data questions. Word documents facilitated the listing of more qualitative answers. The data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis to find themes and patterns that emerged to create grounded theory. In thematic content analysis, “the coding scheme is based on categories designed to capture the dominant themes in a text (Franzosi 184). There is no universal coding scheme, and this method requires extensive pre-testing of the scheme (Franzosi 184). Grounded theory “uses a prescribed set of procedures for analyzing data and constructing a theoretical model” from the data (Leedy and Ormrod 154).
Main Results – The survey asked questions about library use, reasons for library use, using technology, finding information, and learning to use online resources. A total of 465 surveys were distributed and 329 were returned. From the surveys returned, 184 were from female patrons, 127 from male patrons, and 18 did not report gender. The data for this article are primarily taken from the 184 female respondents who reported ages between 18 and 79 years. Seventy-one percent of these reported having a bachelor’s degree or higher. The study uses some contrasting data from the men’s responses where appropriate. In terms of library use, out of the 184 respondents, 42% came to the library monthly, while 36% visited the library weekly. Sixty-two percent of respondents knew they could email the library and 72% knew that they could call the library with questions. As for reasons for library use, the most prominent response was to borrow books rather than buying them. The second most common reason for using the library related to children’s books and programming for children. Other common reasons for library use included research activities, using public computers, reading, use of services such as photocopying and tax forms, and to volunteer or tutor. The library was also used as a place of solitude, where women could find a place and time for themselves. The author compared the men’s results to the women’s responses, and found that coming to the library for books was lower on the list, and very few men mentioned children’s library services. Men came to the library more often than women to study or read.
In terms of using technology, the female respondents were fairly tech-savvy. Seventy-four percent of respondents felt comfortable using computers. Only 5% replied that using computers meant more work for them. Eighty-two percent said they used a computer on a regular basis, and 98% reported that they had used the Internet. Out of those who use the Internet, 91% used it at home, 64% used it at work, and 34% used it at the public library. Ninety-eight percent of women who used the Internet used a search engine such as Google or Yahoo to find information. Topics frequently mentioned were medical and travel information, information for their children, and shopping. Men, by contrast, listed shopping and finding medical information as their second reason for using the internet. General research topics were most frequently cited by men.
Seven survey questions focused on finding information. The Internet was the number one choice for finding health information, sports scores, the date of Thanksgiving, and the phone number of their state Senator. The library was the first place to find a good book. Results indicated that although women use libraries to find information, they use the Internet more, as libraries were at least third on the list of places women looked for most of the topics inquired about.
When asked about their computer use, 71% of respondents said they used a computer to gain information for work, 74% said they used it for hobbies, and 81% used it to access medical information on the Internet. Sixty-five percent of respondents used email and chat to keep in touch with family and friends. 30% of the women asked felt that books were more valuable than using a computer. Forty-six percent reported that being able to ask a librarian for help was an appreciated service. The use of library technology figured in the survey. Seventy-two percent of respondents reported that they were comfortable using the online catalogue and 53% said they used the library’s webpage. Only 19% said they used the library’s databases. The comments section of the survey included evidence that the women either did not know these electronic resources existed, or they did not understand what databases are for. However, 47% said they had access to online databases from other sources, for example, higher education institutions, public schools, businesses.
Those who did use online databases were asked how they learned to use them. Sixteen percent were self-taught. Only a few had formal training, including 3% who were taught by a public library staff member. Sixty percent of respondents indicated they would like formal training: 23% preferred individual training, while 77% preferred training in a class setting.
The survey attempted to discern the value of participants’ library experience by using positive and negative critical incidents. The participants responded to questions about their best and worst experiences using the library. Best experiences included those involving books; children’s literature, programs, and family projects; library technology; access to non-print materials; the library as a place for solitude; other library services; and library staff. The negative experiences included library issues such as having to return books on time, getting an overdue notice or fine on an item already returned, and desired books being out of the library, noise in the library. The number of positive experiences reported was higher than the number of negative experiences.
Conclusions – Although definitive conclusions are difficult to make using qualitative analysis, Fidishun summarizes her findings by reporting that her study of women public library patrons found that technology features prominently in women’s lives, and that they regularly use the Internet to find information. However, many women were not aware of the databases available at the public library. Books were an important part of the library experience for these women, as were traditional library services, such as asking a librarian for help. Women often are the ones who bring children to the library and seek information for them. And the women surveyed valued the library as place.
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Dominguez, Gricel. "Beyond gate counts: seating studies and observations to assess library space usage." New Library World 117, no. 5/6 (May 9, 2016): 321–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/nlw-08-2015-0058.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for the assessment of library space use and user experience by combining seating studies, surveys and observational data. Design/methodology/approach Seating usage studies (called seating sweeps), technology-assisted face-to-face surveys and observational data were used to assess library space usage and identify user behaviors. Findings Results from the study revealed higher library use than expected and provided insight into user behaviors and patterns. Practical implications The methods and study described aid in raising awareness of user experience within library spaces and provide valuable data for space redesign efforts. Originality/value The study builds upon methods described by Linn (2013) and combines traditional user experience methodologies to gain insight into library space use and user needs.
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Gildebrant, G. V. "The future for the libraries: Information or communication." Scientific and Technical Libraries, no. 4 (May 28, 2020): 37–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.33186/1027-3689-2020-4-37-58.
Full textAbstract:
The findings of two sociological surveys held in Arkhangelsk in 2017-2018 are discussed: expert interviews “The thoughts on the future of libraries” and the poll “What are the libraries needed for?”. The administrators and experienced librarians, professors in library sciences and other specialists of the library sphere in several Russian regions took on the role of experts. The author summarizes their views on the current status of libraries, and suggests forecasts and recommendations for the future to all interested players: i.e. librarians, library administration, the ministry, and users. Over 500 Arkhangelsk residents participated in the online poll. The respondents are over 18 year-old age, and the survey appears to be representative in terms of gender and age. The topics under discussion are: frequency of visits to the library, relevancy of library services, user preferences. The Arkhangesk residents’ satisfaction with library services is evaluated; their attitude toward closing libraries is revealed, residents’ reviews are cited. Based on the survey findings, the collective portrait of opposite groups — frequent-goers and non-goers is described. The professional library community and the users contend that the libraries are highly demanded in the modern society.