(March 20, 2023)
Through April 16, the entire UTSA community can share their thoughts about the UTSA Libraries in a web-based survey that helps libraries assess and improve library services, change organizational culture, and market the library.
A random group of 10,000 students and all staff and faculty received the survey via email. At the end of the survey, students are asked to provide their email for a chance to win an Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones or an iPad. Any student who didn’t receive the survey by email can still participate and enter the drawing for the headphones and iPad by stopping by one of the survey stations in the John Peace and Downtown libraries. Each station will be equipped with digital devices that will allow for completing the survey on the spot. All responses are completely anonymous.
"This survey is instrumental in gathering the UTSA community's perspective on how we are doing," said Dean Hendrix, vice provost and university librarian. "The results are carefully analyzed to ensure that the libraries continue to grow and fulfill the needs of those we serve."
The survey responses help shape future plans for library services and initiatives. In the past, the survey resulted in more quiet study space, improved wireless, and a reservation system for group study rooms. Through the responses from the 2019 survey, the JPL third floor is now brighter and airier after a capital improvements project that included adding 80 new windows.
"We continually seek to improve library services," Hendrix said. "It's because of the feedback we've received over the years that we can continue to evolve and make the library a second home for our students."
Developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the biannual survey is utilized by more than 1,000 libraries nationwide. ARL is a nonprofit organization comprising 127 research libraries in Canada and the United States.