Centennial Library 2014-2015 Annual Report

The 2015 Freshmen-Senior survey found broad levels of student satisfaction with the library, its services, and its resources. Compared to the 2014 satisfaction scores, 2015 results showed improvement in all 20 categories for seniors and in 19 of 20 categories for freshmen. In 34 of the 40 satisfaction scores, the library received its best scores ever since this version of the survey debuted in 2007. The overall satisfaction scores showed that over half of the students reporting were “Very Satisfied” with the library and nearly 95% were “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with the library. This widespread satisfaction is echoed by the comments entered by survey respondents, which emphasize the positive attitude that students have toward the library. Students most commonly cited quiet study space, a helpful and friendly staff, and quality resources as the aspects of the library which they most appreciated. Other survey questions explored student use of the library. These indicated that about two-thirds of students use the physical library weekly and about one-half use the library’s website weekly. The main reasons for using the library were individual study, checking out books, finding a computer to use, and group study. As to research behaviors, students are growing less likely to turn to the library or to librarians for research assistance and more likely to attempt to figure out solutions on their own or get help from their peers. This tendency to see the library more as a space and study resource than as a research resource identifies an opportunity for the library to seek new proactive ways of communicating with faculty and students about its research services and resources. Overall, students are very satisfied with the library and its services and value the role it plays on campus in providing needed study space, essential resources, and a service-oriented staff. SERVING STUDENTS WELL What do you like most about the library? “EVERYTHING! I love the atmosphere, the friendly staff and the plethora of books! It has been my constant companion and one of my favorite parts of my 4 years here.” Senior student