Content
Introduction 2
Response 3
Study environment 4
Desktop PC’s, laptops, workplaces 7
Extended visiting hours 9
Printing options 11
Collection 13
Instructions 18
Communication 23
Conclusions 26
Introduction
In june 2015, the Student Council of the Faculty of Science (FSR) compiled a survey in cooperation with the Library of Science to find out the satisfaction about the service and facilities of the Library of Science. The results of previous surveys about the library and Study and Resource Centre have led to adaptations of the study and spatial facilities.
In this survey, several topics were covered: the study environment in general, including the availability of desktop PC’s, laptops and workplaces, opening hours and printing options. The collection, instructions and communication of the Library of Science were also discussed.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in this survey; in order to improve, it is crucial we know what our clients think and we appreciate you took the time to let us know.
The survey was conjointly constructed and processed by:
FSR
Library of Science
Laura Ouwerkerk
Hassin Niazi
Carmen Schoubroeck
Thijs Smolders
Mark Verleg
Response
In total, the survey was completed by 354 students, including 101 students whom have given an incomplete response. The total number of full responses is therefore 253.
Background respondents
Study environment
Temperature
Overall the temperature in the library is considered just fine. However, it is mentioned that the aquaria are too hot and there is not enough fresh air. Furthermore, the big space in wing 2 is often considered too cold, especially in summer.
Noise
The amount of noise in the silent reading area in wing 4 is considered to be good. Although talking is allowed in the first part of wing 4 and near the library desk, 10 to 15% of the respondents still think it is too noisy in these areas.
“It is so very silent in the library, I am afraid to go in.”
There is room for improvement in wing 2. Complaints are students talk too loudly, in the big space as well as in the aquaria, which are not soundproof. Besides that, the air conditioning and the sewer system can be disturbing as well.
It is also sometimes mentioned that the keyboards make too much noise; a choice for flatter keyboards would be better.
In general
Students are generally satisfied with the study environment provided by the library. They find it a good study place.
“I feel at home.”
The one-person-workplaces in the silent area are appreciated. However, they are so popular that they are often already occupied by nine o'clock. More of these shielded spots are desirable.
Sometimes during examination periods there are no computers available in the quiet room. The new seats are experienced as very comfortable.
Conclusions study environment
- Too much noise disturbance caused by lack of isolation of aquaria and HG00.206
o In July and August, measures have been taken to improve isolation
- Noise caused by air conditioning/sewer system is considered disturbing
- Shielded one-person workplaces in wing 2 are greatly appreciated, but often quickly occupied
- During examination periods, computers are often occupied
o Better communication regarding the possibility of lending laptops
Desktop PC’s, laptops, workplaces
Availability
Almost 68% of the respondents indicated that sometimes or often, no desktop PC was available for them during last college year (2014-2015). The majority of these respondents (75%) then decided to find a desktop PC elsewhere in the Huygens Building. More than 17% chooses to borrow a laptop from the Library of Science.
Workspaces are more readily available, but when occupied, it mostly concerns the group workspaces or the enclosed/shielded one-person workplaces in the study area in wing 2. Students are irritated when a group workplace is occupied by only one person. They feel the library staff should act on that.
Borrowing items from the library
The figure below shows how many respondents borrow laptops, headphones and laptop locks from the Library of Science.
Comments on these subjects show that several students are not aware of the possibility to borrow these items.
Conclusions desktop PC’s, workspaces and laptops
- Group workplaces and shielded one-person workplaces are popular, and therefore often occupied
o Sharpen rules and act on people occupying a group workplace by themselves.
- A lot of respondents are not aware of the possibility to borrow a laptop, headphone or laptop lock
o Better communication regarding this subject
o Better use of Facebook
Extended visiting hours in the Library of Science
The extended visiting hours are greatly appreciated, both evenings and weekends. More than 60% of the respondents visits the Library of Science at least once a month during extended visiting hours, 22% even daily or at least once a week. The reasons to make use of it are divers and these activities occur both during exam periods as well as periods without exams.
*After 17.30 and on Saturdays
Several requests were made to widen the visiting hours even more; especially Sundays are popular.
Respondents were also asked in which period they use the extended visiting hours and what their activities are:
Conclusions extended visiting hours
- Extended visiting hours are appreciated
- Open on Sundays is wished for
Printing options
Many remarks were made about printing in the Library of Science. As depicted in the figure, opinions vary greatly.
Comments made on this subject show that in general, printing works fine. However, there is room for improvement: the default grey-scale is greatly demanded, as well as discharging the preceding page concerning print budget.
“The extra page is a waste of paper.”
Installing a new printer can be difficult and annoying since multiple printers need to be installed separately on each account. Printing from your own laptop or printing a PDF from Linux often causes problems. Support for Mac-users is minimal.
When issues like these occur, library staff is considered friendly and helpful, however not always equipped to solve these problems.
Conclusions printing options and related issues
- Queues can be long when large documents are being printed or a lot of copying is carried out.
- Library staff does not always know how the printers work
o Back-up and instructions from C&CZ will help to make improvements
- Students experience problems with printing or do not know how to install the printers
o Short instruction video’s could be developed in addition to the written instructions at the desk
o Short instruction meetings will be held during lunch time
o C&CZ will help to make improvements
Printers itself and their settings are being monitored by C&CZ. The Library of Science will contact them regarding the following issues:
- First page concerning login and print budget
- Default printer options black&white
- Printing with your own laptop causes problems
- Printing PDF’s from Linux is often problematic.
- Options for printing from Mac are limited
- More support for Mac-users
Collection
Books
As depicted in the table below, more than 50% of the respondents never or hardly ever needs a book that is not available at the Library of Science.
“I LOVE it that I don’t need to go to the UBN for a book. Please keep it this way!”
A lot of respondents commented they have never needed a book from the library at all, which might explain this high percentage.
“Most of the things I tend to read are papers, which are readily available online.”
The mandatory study literature, which is available for inspection, is greatly appreciated.
(e-)journals
As was the case with books, respondents commented they hardly ever need a journal at all. However, there might be a misunderstanding concerning this question, since several remarks have been made they download the journals “on the internet or Web of Science”, which indicates use of our e-journal collection after all. The respondents find the e-journals on the internet and do not connect the availability with the library.
A plant science student mentioned journals on their topic are limited.
E-books
More than 80% of the respondents did not answer the question regarding the e-book collection. The comments indicate that most respondents do not know there is an e-book collection, let alone know where to find it.
“I was not aware of an e-book collection.”
Over 80% has never used a library e-book. When asked why not, lack of knowledge about this possibility is once again often mentioned (44%). Furthermore, 47% of the respondents stated to have never needed an e-book before.
“It is not clear where I can find the e-book collection.”
For those who did use a library e-book, downloading it was not always a success.
Requests
Twelve respondents indicated to have requested a new book or journal at least once. All but one respondent received sufficient feedback. At least seven times, this request was honored. Three respondents did not know if it was honored.
The number of requests might have been higher, if more people knew about this service. It turned out, almost 70% of the respondents did not know it was possible at all.
Conclusions collection
- Knowledge of the e-book collection is poor.
o Better communication on this subject will follow
o Better and easier findability is needed
- Knowledge of the possibility to request a book is poor.
o Better communication on this subject will follow
- Some journals are missed.
o This will be discussed with the Library Committee
- Not many books are borrowed by the respondents.
Instructions
46% of the respondents attended library instructions. Those who did not attend instructions feel they do not need instructions and/or can figure it out themselves. More than 40% was unaware of the possibility.
The library instructions are generally rated average. Opinions on the usefulness of the instructions differ greatly. Some students appreciate the instructions given in the first year and feel this should be/stay obligatory.
“It was nice, since as a new student, you don’t know where to look when you need information.”
However, others remark it would be more useful to give instructions when they “really need the search engines”. Given these remarks, it seems like the students don’t make use of the advantages learned during instructions and need to find out themselves when it becomes vital for their research or assignment.
“It was four years ago. I cannot remember.”
A minority of the respondents would like a different setup of the instructions. When asked what different approach the students would prefer, a concluding test or exercise is not very popular. A “consulting hour” in the Library of Science and instruction video’s are demanded for. Regarding the original instructions, more practical exercises and a more interactive approach are suggested. One respondent proposes to organize quarterly instructions during the break, so people can attend them when needed.
E-learning
Almost 60% of the respondents would like online instruction tools (e-learning). The majority of the 20% who are not interested (80%) indicate they would not use the instruction tool.
As depicted below, most respondents would like online modules, both for information on e.g. search engines and reference tools as well as to learn skills. Comments showed another request for instructions on how to use printers and scanners. Extra information on citing software and SPSS was requested as well.
Conclusions instructions
- Discussion on when instructions are most useful to have is ongoing with the teachers.
- E-learning is appreciated
o More modules will be developed. Recently there are e-learning features made available e.g. on the Library of Science in general, Web of Science, ACM and IEEE.
Communication
More than 70% of the respondents is familiar with the possibilities to borrow books, laptops and headphones as well as the extended visiting hours and booking a workspace. However, this figure also shows that a lot of services are not known to the respondents and thus communication could be improved.
“Considering I did not even know a quarter of the below options, I’d say communication could be a lot better.”
Some respondents point out they learned a lot about the services of the Library of Science by participating in this survey. It is clear that more communication on certain subjects is needed. However, in which manner this should be executed, the respondents do not agree.
The digital newsletter and the message screens are mentioned most often in respond to how students would like to be informed. When asked how the communication could be improved, a lot of useful remarks were made. For instance hanging up posters in the library with all the facilities, handing out flyers to new students or offering a printed newsletter about what is new in the library. Facebook, e-mail and a clearer website were mentioned often as well. The smartscreens are noticed, but not sufficient. Still, most students are already satisfied with the communication.
When asked what the respondents would like to be informed on, the answers are very different. The most common responses are: when there are changes of opening hours, courses organized by the library, new books and new journals. 76% didn’t give an answer.
Conclusions communication
- The communication can be improved by making more use of different communication means. Not only in the digital area but in the physical space as well. The Library of Science is part of the monthly faculty newsletter. However, a lot of students do not read all the information that is provided.
o Posters with all library services in the library itself will be developed
o Better use of Facebook
o Redirect to a clear website with all library services mentioned
Conclusions
Overall conclusions
1. Overall students are satisfied with the services and study-environment that are provided for in the Library of Science.
2. The most common remark is about the openings hours; students appreciate the extended opening hours and would like to study in the Library of Science on Sundays as well.