Building on its history of improving services through better understanding of users' needs and preferences, VCU Libraries will conduct a quality survey this spring.

The online survey goes out by email to all faculty and a sample of students Monday, March 21. It should take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The subject line will read: “Share your ideas to improve VCU Libraries.”

 “The experience and needs of our users shape our decision-making about collections, facilities, teaching and how we assist users, and help us with short- and long-range planning,” said Dean of Libraries and University Librarian Irene M. H. Herold, Ph.D. “This will be the fourth time we have participated in LibQUAL since 2011, so your participation helps us compare how we have performed over time.”

The nationally-normed LibQUAL survey, developed by the Association of Research Libraries and Texas A&M University, is used by most U.S. research libraries. Using comparable data from other research institutions, VCU Libraries can measure its performance and also compare its progress and position to that of peer and aspirant libraries. 

Over the years, findings from this user data has resulted in: 

• Substantive renovations at both MCV and Monroe Park campuses;
• Enhanced journal collection;
• Addition of a graduate and faculty reading room in Cabell Library;
• Better accessibility to collections and databases through better technology;
• New, more user-friendly design for the website;
• Updated facilities and furnishings;  
• Addition of convenient one-button search function.

In appreciation of this investment of your time, faculty will be eligible to enter a drawing to win one of two $500 professional development stipends.  Students will be eligible to win one of 40 $25 Visa gift cards. Additionally, VCU Libraries will donate $1 to the VCU Student Emergency Fund for every survey form that is completed, up to a total of $1,500.