LibQUAL+ survey

LibQUAL+ 2005

All Virginia Tech faculty were sent the LibQUAL+ survey in 2005. You can view the results.

What is LibQual? 

The University Libraries have participated in a research and development project to measure perceptions of library service. LibQUAL+, an internationally used survey tool developed by the Texas A&M University Libraries in partnership with the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), gauges library users' opinions of the resources and services provided.

The goals in doing the LibQUAL+ survey are to enable the University Libraries to:

• Foster a culture of excellence in providing library service
• Help the library better understand user perceptions of the quality of library services
• Collect and interpret library user feedback over time
• Provide the library with comparable assessment information from peer institutions
• Respond positively to user needs and expectations
• Identify best practices in library services

Participant responses 

LibQUAL+ rated participants' responses to queries on three service dimensions. For each dimension there were several queries. For each query the participant was asked to note, on a scale of 1-9, the minimum level of service they would find acceptable, the perceived level of service they associated with the item, and finally the desired level of service for the item.

Affect of service 

• Employees who instill confidence in users
• Giving users individual attention
• Employees who are consistently courteous
• Readiness to respond to users' questions
• Employees who have the knowledge to answer user questions
• Employees who deal with users in a caring fashion
• Employees who understand the needs of their users
• Willingness to help users

Information control 

• Dependability in handling users' service problems
• Making electronic resources accessible from my home or office
• A library Web site enabling me to locate information on my own
• Printed library materials I need for my work
• The electronic information resources I need
• Modern equipment that lets me easily access needed information
• Easy-to-use access tools that allow me to find things on my own
• Making information easily accessible for independent use
• Print and/or electronic journal collections I require for my work

Library as place 

• Library space that inspires study and learning
• Quiet space for individual activities
• A comfortable and inviting location
• A getaway for study, learning, or research
• Community space for group learning and group study