In March 2024 the Libraries launched a user survey, asking members of the University of Waterloo community to share their feedback on how satisfied they are with the services, resources and expertise provided by the Libraries, and which ones are most important to reaching their goals.
Over 4500 people responded to the survey from across campus – undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and instructors, and staff. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share your thoughts.
Questions were asked across four categories, including service delivery, facilities and equipment, information resources and communications. Below is an overview of some of the trends that emerged.
Where the Libraries are performing well
You identified five areas in which the Libraries are performing well:
- The Libraries are an inclusive and welcoming environment
- Library staff provide reliable answers to your questions
- You feel comfortable asking for help in the Libraries
- Library staff help when needed
- Printing, scanning and photocopying facilities are meeting needs
Where there is room for improvement
The two biggest areas that you identified for improvement:
- Finding a quiet place in the Libraries to study or work
- Finding a place in the Libraries to collaborate with others
Other areas for improvement
- Technology facilities in the Libraries (e.g. wall outlets, USB ports, etc.)
- Libraries website navigation
- Informing you about library services
What’s next
The Libraries work continuously to enhance and improve our spaces and services in support of the campus community. The Provost’s Commission on Strategic Library Space Planning is one example of several projects under way to address some of the above identified areas for improvement. This University initiative will provide a flexible long-term framework for transforming and re-imagining library spaces that advances the University’s Waterloo at 100 strategic directions.
With the results of the survey now in hand, your feedback will help guide this work and the prioritization of upcoming projects.
For any questions or comments, please contact the library survey team at librarysurvey@uwaterloo.ca