Survey Explores Service at University Libraries

University Libraries is constantly exploring new ways to provide excellent, innovative quality service in this age of ever-changing technology. That's why the libraries are now looking for important input from UC students, faculty and staff. A random sample of the UC community will be among the population of 59 OhioLINK institutions participating in a national survey conducted by the Association of Research Libraries, of which UC is a member. The survey, known as LibQUAL+, explores the user's perceptions and expectations of library service. University Libraries will be able to use the UC information to address future service initiatives as well as to compare its current services with best practices of libraries across the nation.

On April 15, a total of 900 UC faculty, 900 staff, 1,200 graduate students and 1,800 undergraduates will be invited by e-mail to take part in the survey. The e-mail notification will come from Victoria Montavon, Dean and University Librarian. The e-mail will direct participants to a web site where they can complete the survey. "Knowing what UC students, faculty and staff think about our service is crucial to providing the best possible libraries for our community," says Montavon.

The survey will take only about 10 minutes to complete. Participants will have a three-week period to take part in the 30-question survey. Only the data will be reported ? the identity of the respondents will remain confidential.

A total of 168 libraries around the nation will be taking part in the survey this spring. UC organizers Cheryl Albrecht, senior librarian and head of the Information Services Division, and Jacquie Riley, associate senior librarian and head of the Access Services Division, say they expect to receive the results of the survey this summer. More on LibQUAL+ can be found by clicking here.