This past Spring Semester University Libraries conducted several surveys of library customers to help inform planning of library service and facility improvements. The first of these involved meetings with groups of students about the changes they would like in the Centennial Science and Engineering Library. Secondly, 12 hours a day for three days, library staff stopped everyone entering Zimmerman Library to ask three questions: UNM status (undergrad, grad, faculty, visitor), why are you in the library today and finally do you usually get what you need when you come to the library. Our third survey effort involved flip charts placed in Zimmerman Library and in Parish Library for students to write their favorite things about each library and what they would like to see improved.
We found out that nearly 68% of users surveyed were undergrads, 14% were grad students, about 9% were faculty and staff and 9% were not affiliated with UNM. Study was the primary reason for being in the library and 90% get what they need when coming to the library.
The focus groups for Centennial and the flip chart comments for Zimmerman and Parish reflected common themes. Setting aside the desire for washing machines and a climbing wall - generally speaking students appreciated the group study rooms, computers and overnight hours at Parish Library. The Parish respondents also appreciated the fact that after 10:00pm at night Parish is UNM only. Most of the comments related to improvements focused on the need for updated furniture and bathrooms, more computers and study rooms, more outlets for laptops and free printing and more open hours for Zimmerman.
Taking these comments to heart the UL is cleaning and replacing furniture in Zimmerman, Parish and Centennial. Shelving is being shifted to create more open space and more study options. Planning is started on remodeling projects and upgrades (small and large) for all four libraries. At the Fine Arts and Design Library new listening and viewing technology is being added. Each library will have at least one large flat screen monitor mounted in a group study room that students can connect to laptops for work on group projects. Plans are moving ahead for increasing outlets for laptops in all the libraries as well. Most of our buildings were constructed long before the wave of electronic devices made an outlet the most sought after amenity in the library.
As always, we count on your support for UNM and University Libraries as we continue to improve our services for students and the community.
Martha Bedard
Dean of University Libraries
Martha Bedard (email), (bio), (Curriculum Vitae)