The library is running surveys this year to help with thinking about what we need to provide in the future.

The first of these asked you why and when you use the library; thank you if you were one of the 61 who responded.

Question 1 – Why do you use the library?

As expected, study, IT access and resource access were the most frequently stated uses.  20 people indicated wellbeing and relaxation, 14 a general conversation space.  Notably, almost all participants returned multiple uses, indicating that encouraging first use can lead to further uses.

Question 2 – When do you use the library?

Again, the majority of people returned multiple answers.  Significantly, 65% of use was indicated on days when at work, fitting around the working day / night.

Question 3 – What do you need that we don’t currently provide?

Nearly half of people were happy with the current provision, but the most frequently stated need was for private spaces for online learning / interviews or exams.

A few comments were made about IT provision, notably double screen workstations and a PACS workstation. Interestingly, both more group study and more quiet study were requested.

Library services actions from these responses:

• Pass comments about IT provision to D&I services, and resolve requests where we can.
• Follow up with specialties / staff networks where specific resource queries have been raised.
• Signpost more clearly to facilities nearby that might meet needs; the ecafe on level 5 and the café at the Postgraduate Centre.
• Continue to seek funding to provide pods and reconfigured study spaces.