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This presentation discusses the successful implementation of the LibQUAL+ survey at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Highlighting strategies for promotion, engagement, and communication, it covers key actions taken from planning to execution. The unique approach involved collaboration with university leadership, academic groups, and library staff to foster a user-focused environment. With over 1,500 participants and valuable feedback, the session emphasizes the importance of planning and utilizing results effectively. Attendee insights contributed to enhancing library services and overall user satisfaction.
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LibQUAL+ Results 2006 Workshop The Saint Mary’s University Experience Madeleine Lefebvre New Orleans, June 26 2006
Focus of this presentation: How we promoted the process
A few facts about Saint Mary’s: Halifax, Nova Scotia www.smu.ca
“The world in one city block” Approx. 9000 students 15% international Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD programs
Approx. $4 million budget 10 FTE prof; 41 FTE support 600,000 user visits per year 385,000 volumes CRKN and Novanet member
Background to LibQUAL+ Decision: • Academic Plan • growth of research agenda
Concerns about the process • amount of local resources needed (i.e., time, IT help) • quality of email addresses
Consulted other local campuses • University of New Brunswick • Dalhousie University
Established LibQUAL+ Committee: 3 librarians plus the University Librarian as Chair
First steps: -Chair attended ARL workshop -Committee analyzed procedures, divided responsibilities and established a timeframe
Emphasized promotion from Day One: • within the library • outside of the library • enlisted support of Academic VP and Public Affairs staff
Within the library -kept all staff informed about the purpose and the process • encouraged staff to fill out the survey • assured staff it wasn’t a punitive process
Outside of the library -discussed at Deans’ meetings • Senate Library Committee • Student Reps Council of SMUSA • Senior Administrators’ meetings
The food factor Discussed enthusiastically in coffee shop line, at faculty lounge, etc
Chose survey dates carefully -at start of winter semester, letter from Academic VP went to entire university community
End of week before survey went live - global voicemail from Academic VP went to entire university community
Week survey went live • email to entire university community • dedicated webpage with FAQs www.smu.ca/library/survey
-news release on university homepage -tent cards on carrels -button on library homepage -bookmarks
-Emphasized the planning process and the need for input: “Be part of the solution” -Emphasized everything from the user point of view, not the library’s
Our Philosophy: -make it clear and concise -user friendly -visually appealing promotional material
-emphasized prizes! -placed ads in student newspaper -large banner by coffee shop -Students’ Centre marquee
During the survey period: -monitored survey progress -follow up global emails -follow up targeted phone calls -final global voicemail from VP
After the survey period: -wide publicity of winners -thanks everywhere
-Publicized our success rate: 1537 participants 717 substantive comments Statistically relevant coverage
Next Steps: • begin planning process from results • attend follow up workshop at ALA
Recommendations for smaller campuses: -have involvement at senior levels • don’t sample • monitor the survey progress closely • use all the excellent resources from ARL
-make it exciting! • make it fun! -make your users feel you care about them!
Most Important: Plan what you are going to do with the results, and tell your users!
Thank you! We’re happy to help others: Madeleine.lefebvre@smu.ca Ron.houlihan@smu.ca