LibQUAL+ 2009

The Jean and Alexander Heard Library conducted a survey during spring semester 2009 in conjunction with over 100 other academic libraries. This survey attempts to evaluate library user perceptions of library service quality. Our effort here at Vanderbilt to better understand user perceptions is a part of an overall study being conducted by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The survey and the resulting data analysis are administered through ARL.

The LibQUAL+ survey is a part of the ARL Statistics and Measurement program, which seeks to develop innovative ways for libraries to describe their contributions to their institutions. LibQUAL+ has as its particular goals:

• to establish a library service quality assessment program at ARL,
• to develop web-based tools for assessing library service quality,
• to develop mechanisms and protocols for evaluating libraries, and
• to identify best practices in providing library service.

The data gathered from this study benefits the Heard Library system and University community as we explore ways of improving the services we offer and ensuring that we are establishing appropriate priorities in our ongoing activities. The data shows both how well we measure-up to the expectations of our own faculty and students and how we compare with other institutions in terms of user satisfaction; this information is invaluable.

In spring 2009, we asked all faculty, graduate and professional students, university central staff, and a sampling of undergraduate students to complete the web-based questionnaire. In recognition of your participation, the Heard Library system made a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank.

We are currently analyzing the results and will use this website to inform the Vanderbilt community about what we are learning and what we are doing to respond to your suggestions.

More information about theLibQual+ study can be found at ARL's website:

http://www.arl.org/libqual