Every two years, VCU Libraries asks the university community "how are we doing?"
The ways students and faculty respond to that query--teased out in 27
questions in a 10-minute long online survey called LibQUAL+-- shape a myriad of
decisions about spending, services and space in library buildings.
It's that time, again.
Some
3,700 faculty members on both MCV and Monroe Park campuses
will receive an email with an invitation to take the survey. And, 30 percent of VCU students, about 10,000 undergraduates, graduates, and medical residents, will also receive emails seeking participation. Students are randomly selected. The survey link goes live on Tuesday, March 26 and continues to be active through April 16.
Look for an email with the subject line: "Help us make your libraries better."
"Every voice really matters. If you receive the invitation to take the survey, please do," said 
University Librarian John E. Ulmschneider (pictured, right). "This data directs strategic decisions. Results of the 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011 surveys have guided the university and VCU Libraries on how best to invest time, effort and money to improve our libraries for the VCU community. The results of previous surveys have led to much stronger digital content and to new services, including round-the-clock service in Cabell Library. Your input will have an particularly high impact over the next two years as we build a new library and further develop collections of digital books and journals.
University Librarian John E. Ulmschneider (pictured, right). "This data directs strategic decisions. Results of the 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011 surveys have guided the university and VCU Libraries on how best to invest time, effort and money to improve our libraries for the VCU community. The results of previous surveys have led to much stronger digital content and to new services, including round-the-clock service in Cabell Library. Your input will have an particularly high impact over the next two years as we build a new library and further develop collections of digital books and journals.VCU Libraries uses the LibQUAL+® national benchmarking tool, designed specifically for libraries to survey library users. LibQUAL+® measures library users' perceptions of their
libraries' service quality and identifies gaps between minimum, desired
and perceived levels of service. Every year, hundreds of libraries conduct LibQUAL+ surveys, creating a standardized data set that defines and measures library service quality across institutions, and allows each library to compare itself with similar institutions nationwide."
"As the VCU Libraries seeks to create a top-tier library system for an evolving VCU, this data provides powerful guidance to ensure that we anticipate and meet the changing needs of our community," said Ulmschneider.
After 2006 survey
- Replaced 1970s era furnishing
- Stacks improvement project
- Increased size of electronic resources collection
- Cabell 4th floor renovation adds student space, including graduate reading room.
After 2008 survey
- Cabell Learning Commons opened in 2010 utilizing space freed by creation of offsite storage facility.
- Redesigned website to enhance usability
- Increased library instruction on both campuses
- Additional journal collection funding provided
After 2011 Survey
- Renovations at both libraries created additional user space with improved furnishings and study conditions.
- Primo, a one-button search function, was introduced to expedite online discovery of library materials.
- Alma, new technical infrastructure, was adopted to add efficiencies.
- Collections in all formats were expanded.
If you need further incentive: VCU LIbraries will donate $1 to the Central Virginia Food Bank for every completed survey. While taking the survey is anonymous, participants will also have an opportunity to enter a drawing for $25 Barnes & Nobel gift certificates, an iPad or an iPad-mini.