Assessment
The library values responsiveness to users and strives to integrate assessment initiatives into service planning & delivery. Using methods like surveys, usability studies, and statistical analysis, these efforts provide insight into the perceptions, preferences, and needs of library users. The library utilizes these initiatives to predict or effectively respond to user needs and to inform library decision-making.
Examples of projects in which feedback was sought from library users include those related to:
- Student perceptions of Geisel’s 24/7 hours in Fall 2011
- The Get Started! online tutorial
- Student use of Reserve materials
- Functionality and layout of the library's homepage
- The library’s interface for locally digitized materials
- The local and UC-wide online catalogs
- The UC-eLinks feature
- Ease of navigating the Geisel building
- Satisfaction with interlibrary loan services
- Use of the Scripps Library building
- Faculty use of journals
- Student preferences regarding signage in Geisel
Gathering feedback directly from a wide variety of library users was also a key component of the 2010 development of a new Libraries strategic plan.
Examples of projects in which existing data or library operations were analyzed include those related to:
- Ask a Librarian chat, text, and email reference services
- Library classrooms
- Navigator Newsletter
- Welcome Week
- Web pages targeting new library users and faculty library users
- Document delivery
- RefWorks
- Library use during various hours & days
- Various spaces within the Geisel building
The library is committed to serving users as fully as possible within its means and to making regular, sustained efforts to maximize limited resources.
We welcome suggestions directly from you for areas you think warrant investigation, or on any other library-related issue.
