You spoke: LibQual results

Welcome to the first in a series about the 2012 LibQual Survey results.  Over the next semester, these posts will go into some detail about the comments and ratings you left for us when you filled out the LibQual survey, and they will let you know how we in the library are responding to them. 

First, thanks to the over 1600 of you who took the time to complete the survey.  Your comments and ratings (both positive and negative) gave us a good snapshot of the feeling on campus about the library. 

Now, a short summary of the results.  

The top three written comments we received were:
1) The computers and/or Internet in the library are too slow
2) The library should have more group study rooms
3) The people working in the library are nice/helpful

The three statements that were rated mostly highly (you thought we were doing well in these areas) were:
1) Employees who instill confidence in users
2) Readiness to respond to users' questions
3) Community space for group learning and group study

The three statements that were rated lowest (you thought we weren't don't so well in these areas) were:
1) A library Web site enabling me to locate information on my own
2) Dependability in handling users' service problems
3) A community space for group learning and group study

How does "A community space for group learning and group study" end up as both rated high and rated low?  Undergraduate students rated us low on this category, but other user groups rated us high in this category. 

Future blog posts will look more in depth at these results, as well as other written comments that we received.  If you have questions about the LibQual survey comments, please contact Katie Yelinek. 

Spotlight on... Aislinn Murphy

This is the next installment in a series of blog posts to help you get acquainted with some of the people who work in the library. Today we introduce you to one of our student workers.

  

What is your name?  Aislinn Murphy

What is your major?  Secondary Education & English

What do you do in the library?  Shelf reading for the Juvenile and Curriculum Collections, which means checking to make sure the books are in the right order on the shelves so people can find them

What do you enjoy most about your job?  I love working among the library collections. Working in the Juvenile and Curriculum Collections is giving me the ability to see what resources are available to me as a future English teacher and I am able to share my knowledge and experience with others in my field.

What’s the best class you’ve taken at BU?   The best class I have ever taken was Classroom Measurement and Assessment with Dr. Supon in the Educational Studies department. Our class totaled about 10 students and we became very close and constructive of each other. Dr. Supon made me really work for everything in that class and I feel like that is what makes a good professor; someone that makes you work, learn, and grow not only as a student, but as a future professional. Her class and her teaching really made me think about what I wish to do in my future classroom.

What else do you want people to know about you?   I love to travel and explore other cultures. The world is full of such wonderful, rich, and interesting people and cultures. I think that learning about others, their traditions and ways of doing things will help me to grow as a person, a professional, and as a future teacher.

Looking Good! Survey Results are Positive

 

Feedback Forum

You like it! We had a good response to the brief opinion surveys placed around the library’s main floor recently. The goal was to gain feedback regarding our experiment with some physical changes that greeted students for the 2013 semester.

Overall, you seem to enjoy the aesthetically pleasing layout of furnishings and new carpeting that were part of the winter update. Our patrons also offered some interesting opinions and suggestions that can help us plan for future arrangements. Actually, feel free to share your thoughts anytime!

Here’s an overview of what you told us. The results are listed in order of popularity:



Your first impression of the changes on the main floor:

* The look is welcoming, warm and inviting. It’s really nice!
* The layout is more practical and conducive to group study.
* Clean and bright, feels roomier.
* Neat and attractive, more organized.



What was mostly liked about the updates?

* The tables by the windows with open views.
* The quiet area in the back for studying and concentration.
* Chair clusters of comfortable furniture, good for group discussions.
* Open floor plan.

 

What was mostly disliked?

Andruss Library, Main Floor

* Feels too secluded along back wall.
* Not enough group areas.
* Not enough private areas.

Some suggestions for future changes are:

* More electrical outlets and accessibility.
* More computers, faster computers.
* Bring in more comfortable furniture.
* Supply more group study rooms during finals.

The most common response was…

* No improvement needed, happy with it as is!

 

We received 35 surveys in 5 days, and 148 total comments were compiled. Thanks to all that responded!

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GRE Preparation

Want to conquer the GRE?  Take advantage of the BU GRE Preparation Program!  For full details on coaching, sample tests, materials, and more, check out http://guides.library.bloomu.edu/gre

For info on preparation for the GRE and other tests (such as the GMAT), check out http://guides.library.bloomu.edu/testprep 

Spotlight on... Darla Bressler

This is the next installment in a series of blog posts to help you get acquainted with some of the people who work in the library.  Today we introduce you to one of our Reference Librarians, who you probably have seen before.

 

What is your name?  Darla Bressler

What is your title? Reference Librarian/Education & Social Sciences Subject Specialist

What is a typical day like for you?  One of the things I like most about my job is the variety.  On any given day you can find me preparing for or teaching classes, helping students find resources for their assignments at the Research Center, selecting books for the Juvenile and Curriculum Collections, or one of many other responsibilities that contribute to a smoothly functioning library and the academic success of our students.

What else should people know about you?  I enjoy walking and reading.  I especially like reading and learning about children’s and young adult literature, and I would do it even if it were not important for my job.  I also love to visit family and friends in Western Pennsylvania whenever I can.  

How can people get in contact with you? Office: 218 Andruss Library  Phone: 389-4656  Email:  dbressle@bloomu.edu