1998 HCFA Door Survey

In May 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Health Sciences Library participated in a survey of users as part of a Medical Center study of HCFA costs. The surveys ran over a 5 day period and were conducted at different hours during the day. Over 345 surveys (1996), 554 (1997) and 1040 (1998) surveys were completed and returned to the Library.

In addition to knowing who uses the Library and for what purpose which was the necessary part of the survey for HCFA purposes, the Library wanted to know users’ opinions about the services and the resources available. We also wanted to know what areas we could improve on and what areas users considered as strengths of the Library. Having this type of information can ensure that existing services are improved when needed and that new services and resources needed by users are identified.

Greatest Strength

Location and Hours of the Library

Twenty-one users considered the location and the hours of the library important assets.

Staff

The staff was described as great, friendly, knowledgeable, positive, helpful, and dedicated by 33 users. A few users noted the staff's ability to recognize the need for change and their willingness to listen to suggestions.

Quality and Quantity of Collections

Thirty-five users recognized the quality and quantity of the journal collection. Twenty users complimented the library for the accessibility and availability of resources.

Computing Resources

The number and accessibility of computers was mentioned favorably by 27 users. The MEDLINE database was cited as an important resource 25 times. STAT!Ref was also mentioned as an excellent resource.

Areas for Improvement

Environment

The most frequent suggestions for future development included the need for improvements in the library's physical facilities. Suggestions included changing the appearance of the library through new carpeting, more comfortable chairs, more tables, and better lighting. One user remarked, the renovation will help a lot. Several users identified the need for additional quiet study areas and 12 users cited the noise level as a problem. Twenty-seven users mentioned the library's temperature was often too cold and recommended better climate control is needed. A few users requested that the library change their food and drink policy.

Computing Resources

More computers and better computers were the recommendations from 10 users. Users also requested that the library create more computer labs. Increased access to electronic resources was a common suggestion among users. Eight users mentioned that the library should expand access to their electronic journals. Other comments in the electronic resource area included more full-text journals in MEDLINE and access to STAT!Ref from home.

Photocopy Facilities Environment

The photocopy resources were identified as an area for improvement. Seven users suggested that the library provide better maintenance of existing photocopiers and purchase additional photocopiers with improved features, such as the ability to produce two-sided copies. "The (photocopy) room is a disaster," was one observation. A user made the comment it would be much easier if department Xerox passcodes for accounts could be used in the library instead of the cards.

Quality and Quantity of the Collection

There were various comments on broadening the collection. One user requested the addition of more reference books and medical textbooks. Another user requested that the library expand the collection in nursing and allied health resources, in particular physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation. Include more relevant orthopedic books was one comment. Seven users requested the expansion of the journal collection. Two journals suggested as additions were the "Journal of Biomechanics" and a renewed subscription to "Endocrine Research." One user recommended that the library discontinue its subscription to the "Journal of Alternative Medicine."

Additional Information

Question: Is There Anything Else About the Library that You Want us to Know?

"Being able to obtain hard copy of info via the printers upstairs is a fantastic feature. Please continue to maintain them."

"The climate is TOO COLD! Turn down the AC!"

"More comfortable chairs please."

"Great Resources"

"Needs to be renovated"

"I am grateful, as a VA resident that my access to materials is as good as it would be if I were a student. I am working on a dissertation 800 miles from my school, and access has made my isolation somewhat less excruciating"

Results

User Category and Affiliation

Library Usage by Time Period

Was this visit to the Health Sciences Library related to:

Purpose of visit

Level of Satisfaction

• I achieved my objectives in using the Library and its resources
• Library use had an impact on my work

Quality of resources

• Library resources are relevant to my needs
• Access to subsidized interlibrary loan service is an acceptable alternative when materials are not owned by the Library
• The Library's Web page is a valuable access tool for information resources

Quality of staff assistance

• Library staff were knowledgeable about resources and services, and assisted me in achieving my goals

Quality/acceptability of facility

• The physical environment was conductive to my purpose in coming to the Library
• Location of resources and general layout of the library are appropriate for easy usage

Use of electronic resources

• I use Library electronic resources (MEDLINE etc.) from my office or place of work
• Electronic resources such as full-text materials are important to my goals and should be expanded
• If the online version of a journal is available, the Library could cancel the print version