Remember the library survey? Here’s what you said…

We would like to thank everyone who completed the survey. It was great to read comments of appreciation for the Library team, our services, facilities and resources.

The survey was conducted right in the middle of building works at the Melbourne campus library; and surprisingly there were not many complaints about the noise and interruptions. Survey results are used to identify key issues affecting La Trobe students and staff.  These issues are prioritised and strategies are then developed to address your concerns and suggestions for improvements.

A total of 4,789 students, staff and community members completed the survey, significantly more than the previous survey in 2008. In addition we received 5,703 comments and suggestions from 2,763 of survey respondents. This invaluable feedback has been grouped into 96 themes which include:

• Printing/photocopying and scanning
• Group study facilities
• Heating and cooling
• Collections – multiple copies, reserve, gaps
• Signage
• Seating
• Opening hours
• Individual study facilities

The overall score was 77.3% which places us in the top 50% of all university libraries surveyed by Insync over the last two years; an increase of 1.9% on the previous survey in 2008.

• You told us that Library staff are fair, provide accurate answers to queries and are approachable, helpful and readily available.
• You think that the Library website is easy to use and that you can readily access the Library’s resources and services when you are off campus.
• You value the availability of wireless facilities in the Library.

You also told us some areas where the Library can improve and we are already working on strategies to address these:

Action- improvement of computing and laptop facilities

• the number of computers has increased at Melbourne campus as part of the building project;
• there is now additional  access to training computers at Melbourne campus (when not required for teaching)
• there are more power points for laptops
• more computers have been added at Bendigo campus
• Melbourne campus now has laptop lockers with charging facilities
• we have improved maintenance of public computers
• we have improved updating of public computers

Action- multiple copies

• more texts are available on short term loan
• more ebook copies are available
• improved monitoring of usage & buying additional copies as required

Action- lack of quiet spaces

• there are designated quiet spaces at all campus libraries
• collaborative & group study have been confined to designated areas

Action- items available when needed

• there are more ebook copies
• more texts are available for short term loan
• we now participate in BONUS

The survey results are now available on the library website. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Kerryn Amery, Associate University Librarian.