2019-05-22: Library Survey - Results 2019
On April 29th, we sent out our library survey. Two weeks later, we received a total of 561 completed surveys. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in the survey!
Overall, your feedback indicates that you are satisfied with our UHasselt university libraries (Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek and Rechtsbibliotheek Limburg | Law Library Limburg) and their operations. However, you also provided a lot of valuable feedback to help us improve. In fact, we received a significant 206 additional ideas and areas for improvement. Below, we have organized the key points and our corresponding action plans by topic.
Even after the survey has concluded, please remember that you can always approach our library staff with questions, comments, or suggestions. Don't hesitate to reach out; we are dedicated to making the library experience as enjoyable as possible for everyone.
Library space
General results
The feedback regarding the library space of both Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek and Rechtsbibliotheek Limburg indicates that, overall, everyone is satisfied with the library environment. Both spaces are conducive to studying and are intended to be quiet workspaces for most students. Despite this satisfaction, it's notable that the majority of comments directly relate to the (physical) library space.
One common observation is that there are too few seats available during peak times such as the exam period.
Another concern is the shortage of group study rooms and occasional misuse of these rooms.
Additionally, the lockers are not universally popular, though there is a general understanding of the necessity for their mandatory use.
Regarding the Rechtsbibliotheek Limburg, the location is considered to be workable despite not being perfect.
Remarks
The breakdown of comments regarding the library space is as follows:
- 26% of the comments are about the low temperature in both libraries.
- 15% of the comments are about the mandatory use of lockers.
- 12% of the comments concern the overall silence in both libraries.
- 10% of the comments pertain to the study rooms in Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek.
- 7% of the comments are about the opening hours of both libraries.
- 5% of the comments discuss the availability of workspaces during exams in Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek.
- 5% of the comments address the ergonomics of chairs, tables, and lighting in Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek.
- 3% of the comments relate to the possibilities of eating and drinking in both libraries.
Students' ideas
- A floor plan at the entrance of Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek with an overview of the book numbering.
- Additional descriptions on the library shelves.
- More bins for paper and rubbish.
- Additional power sockets in the open group study areas.
- Relocation of the piano in the agora and improved planning of noisy events in the agora.
- Introduction of a lost & found cabinet.
- Implementation of an idea suggestion box.
- Softer lighting in the libraries.
- Offering complimentary shuttle bicycles between campus Hasselt and Rechtsbibliotheek.
- Small partitions on the long tables in Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek.
- Numbering of tables in the library for easier identification.
- Installation of a dividing door between the open group study rooms and the rest of Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek.
- Provision of a rack for bags when you only need to be in the library briefly to avoid using a locker.
- Equipping tables in the workcells with doors so they can also function as small group study rooms.
- Providing a range of chargers (for mobile phones, laptops, etc.).
Reply and Action Plan University Library
The temperature in both libraries takes top priority in the library action plan. We are fully aware that the temperature is not sufficiently comfortable for many students. Together with the responsible departments, we have been working for some time to optimize the settings of the ventilation system. However, this process requires time. Nevertheless, all parties involved are committed to achieving the most optimal result. Please feel free to share your own observations with the library desk so that we can continually gauge your perception.
We understand the feedback regarding the lockers, but we intend to maintain their mandatory usage. We'd like to take this opportunity to reiterate why we don't allow backpacks and bags:
- for the sake of order, cleanliness, and safety (to prevent tripping over bags);
- to prevent bringing in food and drinks;
- to prevent theft of library books and personal belongings (unattended smartphones and laptops during breaks).
However, we do want to address the potential inconveniences that lockers may pose. On one hand, library baskets are available at the entrance of the library. On the other hand, we plan to collaborate with the responsible departments to explore the possibility of adding small tables to the lockers where bags can be emptied, avoiding the need to place everything on the ground.We will enhance our vigilance in ensuring the observance of silence in the libraries. To achieve this, among other measures, we intend to request the relocation of the piano in the agora slightly farther from our entrance.
The group study rooms will be equipped with a flipchart and an external screen for projection. Additionally, we will investigate the feasibility and timeframe for installing a partition between the group study area and the rest of the library at Campus Diepenbeek.
Regarding the current operating hours of Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek, which are already quite extensive, our intention is to maintain them during the academic year. However, during the study and exam period in June, we are open to expanding the hours further. It's worth noting that there are certain constraints, as Building D closes at 10 PM. We will collaborate with the relevant department to explore the possibility of obtaining an exception for extending the evening hours.
Expanding the opening hours of the Rechtsbibliotheek is relatively straightforward, although we are considering whether there is a genuine need for it. By 6 PM, there is generally very little foot traffic in the library. To address this, we will assess the level of broad support for this initiative in conjunction with StuRa (Student Council) and the Faculty of Law.
We would like to address the demand for more study spaces, particularly during the study and exam periods. Unfortunately, the library has limited space, and we have already strived to maximize the number of workstations by using large tables. However, it's worth noting that during these intense periods, additional classrooms are made available for studying. We will prominently display these rooms on both our library website and the general TV screens.
Many of you express a desire to consume beverages other than water in the library. However, at this time, we intend to maintain the rule of allowing only water. Considering our close proximity to the cafeteria on Campus Diepenbeek, we believe this is a manageable solution. Nonetheless, we are exploring the feasibility of installing a water dispenser in the Rechtsbibliotheek Limburg.
We are taking steps to acquire a lost & found cabinet and an idea submission box. Additionally, we will increase the number of paper and waste bins, and place an information board at the entrance of Campusbibliotheek Diepenbeek, displaying the layout and book numbering. Furthermore, we will collaborate with the IT department to assess the viability of temporarily lending chargers and other equipment.
Library Collection
General Results
Overall, everyone is satisfied with the available collection in both of our libraries, although the digital offerings could certainly be expanded, and there are specific areas of concern for certain faculties.
Comments
- Place the catalog of the Law Library more prominently/clearly on the website;
- Acquire more recent international books for the Faculty of Law;
- Obtain more journal subscriptions for the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences;
- Reestablish a separate architecture library;
Response and Action Plan University Library
- Improving the library website remains an ongoing focus for us. We plan to add an additional search bar to the homepage of the Law Library, making it easier for law students to find both the library's own book collection and the online available international literature.
- Regarding the comments concerning the library collection for Law and Rehabilitation Sciences, we will reach out to the respective faculties to better understand the needs and gaps and to collaboratively work on additional targeted investments.
- Returning to a separate library for architecture is not a viable option. However, we will make efforts, with appropriate visual indicators, to simplify the search process. You are always welcome at the counter for any necessary assistance and support.
Library Staff
General Results
Overall, everyone is satisfied with the service provided by the library staff.
From your comments, it is apparent that quite a few students have issues with students who 'reserve' workspace in the morning and then leave the library for an extended period.
Supervision of silence is also highlighted as an area of concern.
Response and Action Plan University Library
Since the renovation of Campus Library Diepenbeek (along with a significant increase in the number of workspaces), the issue of students reserving workspaces and leaving the library for an extended period has reduced but not disappeared. Among certain students, a change in mentality is required, and we believe that this can best be achieved if students initially remind each other of their collegiality and responsibility. In 2017, a sensitization campaign was launched. As sensitization alone has not been effective, we are now considering conducting extra checks (by students) during the busiest study period to monitor workspace reservations. However, this plan still needs to be developed in detail and will be done in consultation with StuRa (Student Council).
Furthermore, we will implement stricter measures to reduce noise disturbance at the counter and to ensure respect for silence within the library.