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LibQUAL+^™ survey reveals users' views of the Rutgers University Libraries

In Spring 2005, the Rutgers University Libraries participated in an international survey assessing library service quality sponsored by the Association of Research Libraries. Approximately 800 faculty, students and staff from the university responded to the online LibQUAL+ tm survey. The survey results offered a wide-ranging snapshot of how users make use of library resources and services and how they regard the Libraries overall.

The LibQUAL+^™ survey revealed that over 63% of undergraduates engage in research in the libraries either on a daily or weekly basis while over 67% of faculty members visit the libraries for class or scholarly pursuits on a weekly or monthly basis. Over 83% of faculty members participating reported using Libraries resources online on a daily or weekly basis and over 62% of undergraduates reported a similar frequency of use.

Survey respondents gave favorable scores when asked if they agreed with the statements "In general, I am satisfied with the way I am treated in the library." and "How would you rate the overall quality of the service provided by the library?" In response to other questions, respondents expressed concerns about the breadth of Libraries print and electronic collections needed for their work and their ability to use the Libraries' website and resources without assistance.

The Rutgers University Libraries are currently analyzing the results of the LibQUAL+^™ survey. The Libraries' responses to the needs identified from the survey results will be incorporated into our five-year strategic plan currently underway.

The Libraries are grateful to all those individuals who responded anonymously to the survey for providing the feedback necessary to improve our ability to serve the community. The information you provided has been extremely useful as we plan our future.

To learn more about the results of the LibQUAL+ survey at Rutgers, please see:

• LibQUAL+^™ Executive Summary
• LibQUAL+^™ 2005 Survey (full report) [PDF]

For more information about the LibQUAL+^™ survey, please contact Gary Golden, Director of the Paul Robeson Library, at ggolden@camden.rutgers.edu.