New services to enhance library experience
“Open 24 hours in 2012? Awesome,” one fan posted on the Virginia Tech Libraries Facebook page. Extended hours is just one of the new services from the University Libraries to better meet user needs and expectations.
The extended hours keep the library open 24 hours Sunday through Friday. The University Libraries also has electronics like laptops and iPads available to be borrowed; a book retrieval service for all users; book delivery for on-campus faculty in participating departments; and wireless printing and restructured photocopy services. The Writing Center has also moved from Shanks Hall and is now located in Newman Library on the second floor.
These changes were implemented based on results from a survey of Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff. The libraries conducted a survey in April 2011 to get a better idea as to how users perceive the libraries. All Virginia Tech faculty and staff were invited to participate, as well as a sampling of the student population. The survey, called LibQual+, is compiled by the Association of Research Libraries. The survey helps libraries assess and improve services, change organizational culture, and market their libraries.
“Our recent LibQual+ survey confirmed the need to expand our hours, have on campus delivery to our faculty, and upgrade our printing services,” Charla Lancaster, director of assessment and library access services. “Our printing and photocopy services have been extended even further to include wireless printing. We are striving to better serve the Virginia Tech community and are dedicated to continuous improvement,” Lancaster said.
“This suite of new library services is a direct result of the libraries’ listening to the feedback of our users. We intend to make using the library as easy and useful for people as possible,” Tyler Walters, dean of libraries, said.
Students can learn more about the new library services at an open house from noon through 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2011. The first 200 students to complete a scavenger hunt in Newman Library will receive a 4 GB flash drive.
