Throughout this analysis, I have done my best to remain unbiased. However, I recognize that to be 100% unbiased is impossible, and that my perspective as a librarian will naturally steer how I view this data. Because of this, I welcome anyone to view the raw data, and to also refer to the appendix where I list everyone’s unique responses in the link above (hamburger menu for mobile users).

Skip ahead and read about the improvements we’ve made since this survey in the link above (hamburger menu for mobile users).

Q1-2, Who responded? 

The majority of students who responded were first and second years, with the third years close behind. Though some commuters responded, the results of this survey will largely reflect the opinions of students who live on campus. Very few graduate students responded (7 total), all of whom are commuters.

Note: This was the only set of required questions. Every question from here onward was optional.

Q3-4, Visit Frequency

Answered: 136, Skipped: 0 (both questions)

Main Library, Frequency of Visits

🎵Music Library, Frequency of Visits 

When you compare each group of students with the overall averages (EVERYONE), you’ll notice that there isn’t much difference in the frequency of library use. This is contrary to what I expected: that either the first years, fourth years, or both classes would utilize the library more frequently than other classes. The reason for this might be discernible with the next question: How do you use the library? 

Q5, What do you do most often in the Main Library?

Ranked question, overall scores (via SurveyMonkey) analyzed.

Answered: 136, Skipped: 0 

Q6, When do you spend the most time in the Main Library?

Ranked question, overall scores (via SurveyMonkey) analyzed.

Answered: 134, Skipped: 2 

Q21, What is the primary reason you use the 🎵Music Library?

Answered: 32, Skipped: 104

Other: 

“I use the music library most days of the week it’s my favorite place on campus. Please don’t get rid of it !!!!”

Q9, What are you most often looking for on the library website?

Ranked question, overall scores (via SurveyMonkey) analyzed.

Answered: 133, Skipped: 3 

Q11, How helpful have interlibrary loan and course reserves been in helping you complete your coursework? (Out of 5 stars)

Answered: 111, Skipped: 25

The majority of responses were 4 and 5 stars, which is in keeping with the casual feedback we’ve received. Unfortunately, we don’t have further details regarding the 1-3 star responses given the broad nature of the question, without a follow up question to give direct feedback.

Q12, How helpful have librarians been in supporting you in your research (e.g., through consultations, in-class library sessions, workshops)? 

Answered: 98, Skipped: 38

Q13, How do you most often learn about library programs, resources, services, or policies? 

Ranked question, overall scores (via SurveyMonkey) analyzed.

Answered: 127, Skipped: 9 

The clear winner here is information via email. When you consider the “Today at Sarah Lawrence” emails are the same source as “Gryphon Link or Corq app”, and add in “Emails from the library”, these score far higher than anything else.

Posters around campus, Library social media, Instructors, Friends, and the Library Website all rank relatively similarly, with posters having a slight advantage.

Takeaway: We should keep  doing what we have been doing to get the messages out to our students. However, in those moments when we have very little time and need to get information to students quickly, information by email (via GryphonLink events, Library newsletters, and even old-school emails) is the most effective option.

Q14, If the library were to expand its creative services beyond 3D printing and sewing, what tools and technologies would you be interested in using?

Answered: 119, Skipped: 17

Q19, Just for fun: Which archival SLC image would you like to see made into a jigsaw puzzle to assemble at the library?

Answered: 124, Skipped: 12

It’s a tie between these two photos!