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Completing the VCU Libraries 2013 LibQUAL+® Survey

2013 LibQUAL+®

  • How long will the survey take?

The survey typically takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

  • Can I skip questions that don't apply to me?

Do not skip any questions in the LibQUAL+® survey! If you do not wish to answer a question or it does not apply to you, select NA (not applicable). Surveys whose core questions are not completely filled out are not counted in the aggregate scores.

  • Will there be any special incentives for participating?

For every survey completed, VCU Libraries will donate $1 to the Central Virginia Food Bank. On completing the survey, respondents may elect to include their email address to enter a drawing for one of 10 Barnes & Noble @ VCU $25 gift cards or one of two grand prizes: an Apple iPad or an iPad mini.

  • What Web browsers are supported for the survey?

Any browser should work as long as it is not too old. The survey does not rely on erratically supported browser features such as Java or cookies. If you have any problem accessing the survey, please contact Ibironke Lawal,Science and Engineering Collection Librarian, at ilawal@vcu.edu.

  • Is the survey exclusively web-based, or can I complete a paper version?

Respondents unable to complete an online questionnaire may obtain a paper copy of the survey by sending an email message to Ibironke Lawal, Science and Engineering Collection Librarian, at ilawal@vcu.edu.

  • Is the survey compatible with text-to-speech web browsers?

Yes, the survey is compatible with the JAWS screen reader software.

  • Why isn't the survey on a VCU web address?

The survey is administered through the Association of Research Libraries and Texas A & M University. The survey and data are housed on secure Texas A & M servers.

  • If I deleted the email, can I still take the survey?

Yes, to get another copy of the web link, please contact Ibironke Lawal, Science and Engineering Collection Librarian, at ilawal@vcu.edu or contact the James Branch Cabell Library Reference Desk at 804-828-1101.

  • What if I cannot open the URL from my email?

If you have trouble opening the URL from within your email message, you can copy the URL and paste it into your Web browser. If you still cannot access the survey, please contact Ibironke Lawal, Science and Engineering Collection Librarian, at ilawal@vcu.edu or contact the James Branch Cabell Library Reference Desk at 804 828-1101.

  • Why does the survey seem to repeat the same question(s)?

The survey examines a variety of dimensions of library services, each represented by a number of questions. Repetition or redundancy in questions allows the survey designers to analyze the validity of each service quality dimension through statistical methods.

  • Why are reminders sent to respondents who have completed the survey?

Due to security and confidentiality features, everyone surveyed will receive reminders, even those who have already responded. When submitted, survey responses and identifying information are immediately separated so there is no way of knowing who has already responded. Reminders, therefore, are distributed to everyone in the survey group.

Reminders are also sent because research indicates that the single highest predictor of response rates in web-based surveys is the number of contacts made, including reminders. (See: Cook, Heath, and Thompson, "A meta-analysis of response rates in web- or internet-based surveys", Educational and Psychological Measurement, v. 60, 2000, p.821-836.)

  • What discipline category should I choose for my major or area of research?

Because this survey is taken by students at many colleges and universities, discipline categories have been standardized for ease of comparison. This will assist with future benchmarking activities. If you are in an interdisciplinary field or in doubt as to what discipline you should select from the drop-down list on the survey, select "Interdisciplinary" or "Other".

See www.libqual.org for more information.

VCU Libraries participated in LibQUAL+® in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2011. See VCU Libraries 2011 LibQUAL+® Survey Results

If you have questions or comments, please contact Ibironke Lawal, Science and Engineering Collection Librarian, or at 804-828-8739.