Library Survey 2002 - Summary
Summary of the Survey
Thank you to the 1,028 students and staff who participated in the Library Survey in May 2002. The results of the survey are now available. They tell us how important the services, resources and facilities at each campus library are to you, and how well you think we are delivering them.
This survey, undertaken by 34 academic libraries in Australia, is a national benchmarking tool, and is being coordinated by the Council of Australian University Librarians and conducted by the Rodski Behavioural Research Group.
Our successes
The analysis of survey results shows that La Trobe University Library is performing in the highest quartile (top 25% of libraries) in the following categories:
- Communication
- Service quality
- Service delivery
- Library staff
when compared to other libraries currently in the database.
Performance in the category "Library Staff" is very high, and right at the top of the highest 25% of library results. These results are extremely pleasing.
Quality and satisfaction also rate highly
The respondents were asked to provide a personal assessment of overall quality of the library. 50% identified the quality as extremely high, rating it 6 or 7 on the 7-point scale. The majority also reported high levels of satisfaction with the library, with 45% giving this 6 or 7 on the 7-point scale.
Our challenge
We are, however, able to identify areas for improvement. In the category "Facilities and Equipment", survey participants rated our performance less favourably. This gives us the opportunity to prioritise strategies for improvement in terms of those factors considered in most need of attention by clients. Campus libraries will further investigate
- The need for additional computer workstations and improved printing and photocopying facilities
- The adequacy of the library collections
- Procedures for locating missing books and journals
- Accessibility to electronic databases, and opening hours.
August 2002