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VCU LibQual+™ 2008 Survey Results

The VCU Libraries conducted an online survey of service quality called LibQual+™ in spring 2008.

The survey, which took 10-15 minutes to complete, included 27 questions on users expectations for specific resources, services, and environment; demographic questions, questions about respondents' use of the VCU Libraries, and a box for comments. Here are the LibQual+™ 2008 VCU Survey Results:

Below are:

  • description of 2008 survey process
  • a brief account of how LibQual+™ results are used to determine user priorities, design and deliver exemplary resources, services, and spaces to the VCU community
  • background information on LibQual+™

VCU LibQual+™ 2008 Survey Process

For the LibQual+™ 2008 survey, approximately 12,500 VCU Libraries users were invited by email to take the LibQual+™ online survey during the month of April. The sample included undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, library staff, and staff from all VCU schools and the College of Humanities and Sciences. In addition to the 12,500 survey participants selected for the random sample, any interested user of the Libraries was invited to take the survey. The survey was announced on the Libraries web page and a link provided easy access to information about the survey and to the online survey itself. More than 2000 users took the 2008 survey including 872 undergraduates, 554 graduate students, 269 faculty and 204 staff. Over 40 prizes including a Nintendo Wii and 9 iPod Nanos were awarded to 2008 survey takers entered in a special drawing.

VCU survey data was analyzed by ARL and compiled into a large report, Survey Results for the VCU Libraries. Norms for the 200+ other libraries that participated in the 2008 survey (1st session January - June) are included in the report. Respondent comments, a very important part of the survey results, were also compiled and are being analyzed by VCU Libraries staff. Additional reports for respondent groups of undergraduates, grad students, and faculty have also been prepared (see Gap Score reports, above).

Thanks to All 2008 LibQual+™ Survey Participants

We extend special thanks to all the individuals who took the time to take the LibQual+™ survey in Spring 2008. All users benefit from your participation as the 2008 survey results are being used by the Libraries to better meet your needs and match your priorities for resources and services. Your participation in our assessment process has proved to be extremely helpful.

Your Opinion Counted!

VCU Libraries staff are working intensively to make improvements to our services, collections and spaces. Results of the 2004, 2006, and 2008 LibQual+™ Surveys have served us well. Past results have helped us develop a responsive, performance based, and user focused VCU Libraries Strategic Plan 2005-2007 organized into 6 broad objectives: 1) User Centered Services; 2) Research; 3) Education & Advocacy; 4) Physical Environment; 5) Development & Financial; and 6) Staff. Priority lists of user concerns based on LibQual results are used to develop and improve programs and services. In addition, a six-year financial plan to strengthen funding for collections, services, and spaces, has enabled the VCU Libraries to advance toward becoming a Top 100 research university library system commensurate with the stature and ambition of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Background on LibQual+™

LibQUAL+™ is a research and development project undertaken by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in collaboration with Texas A&M University. The project is defining and measuring library service quality across institutions and creating useful quality assessment tools for libraries. The goals of the LibQUAL+™ project are to:

  • Improve mechanisms and protocols for evaluating libraries
  • Develop web-based tools for assessing library service quality
  • Identify best practices in providing library service
  • Support libraries seeking to understand changes in user behavior
  • Assist libraries seeking to re-position library services in the new environment

For More Information

General information about LibQual+™ is available in the ARL Web site. Comments on LibQual+™ 2008 survey results are always welcome.