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Health Sciences Library Annual Report (2018-2019): User Survey

Overview

This was the 2nd iteration of our biennial User survey. The questions from the 2017 survey were repeated. 

The opportunity to be entered in a draw for a $150 Chapters gift certificate was our incentive. The responses were anonymous, with a separate mechanism for obtaining respondent details for the draw.

We received 118 responses (in 2017 = 95).

We have noted the need to increase resident responses for the 2021 survey.

 

Overall satisfaction

Overall satisfaction with library services:

Somewhat or Very Satisfied 80.77% / Neutral 13.46% / Very or somewhat dissatisfied 5.77% 

Overall satisfaction with collection:

Somewhat or Very Satisfied 85% / Neutral 5% / Very or somewhat dissatisfied 10% /

Overall satisfaction with tools and methods for finding materials:

 Somewhat or Very Satisfied 83.83% / Neutral 7.07% / Very or somewhat dissatisfied 9.09% 

Overall satisfaction with the library:

Somewhat or Very Satisfied 89.9% / Neutral 3.03% / Very or somewhat dissatisfied 7.07%

*There were numerous comments about the friendly, helpful and responsive staff.

Space

Top 3 uses of the space: 

  1. Individual study 31%
  2. Use computers, printers or scanners 16%
  3. Group study 14%

    • 18% of respondents had not visited either space = virtual users

Suggestions for improvement to the spaces:

  • More quiet, self-study
  • Comfy seating, additional stand-up desks, variety of seating and tables
  • More power, plug options 
  • Later hours

Considering the size limitations of the existing space, the need for both individual (quiet) and group study space is a significant challenge to address. Our emphasis and efforts have been directed at creating a quiet study space, which aligns with the #1 use of space noted above. We are now exploring how to include other use options.

Improvement and outreach

Suggestions for improvement:

  1. Wireless printing
  2. More quiet and study rooms
  3. Keep databases: UpToDate, AccessMedicine and Lexicomp specifically noted
  4. Keep doing fun activities: Cram carts, Valentines Day treats
  5. Broaden to support NOSM communities and other health practitioners

Communication preferences for promotions or outreach:

  1. Library homepage
  2. Email
  3. Word of mouth

Services & Collection

Top 3 topics for instruction:

  1. Library orientation
  2. Database searching
  3. Point of care tools

Preference is for in-person instruction (39%), closely followed by watching online (recording or live streaming) at 35%. Less popular were: interacting with online (webinar) at 13% and videoconferencing at 12%. 

Services respondents were most aware of:

  1. Consultation with librarian
  2. Search assistance
  3. Library how tos

And not aware of:

  1. Online tutorials
  2. Copyright support
  3. Support for citation management

Responses to awareness of services is relative to the user groups, for example not all users will need copyright support. However we did incorporate this awareness feedback into our promotional strategies for the year.

Not aware of the following areas of the collection (and more opportunities for promotion):

  1. Point of Care tools
  2. Videos
  3. Apps