LibQUAL Results  

Executive Summary

In spring of 2007 Fogler Library participated in LibQUAL, a survey that measures patron perceptions of library service. A total of 1,650 University of Maine undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff and library staff participated.

Survey Design

Respondents were asked to rank statements about the level of Affect of Services (staff and library services), Information Control (print and online resources), and Library as Place (building, hours, and equipment) on a scale of 1-9. Each statement was ranked for minimum acceptable level, perceived level, and desired level. Perceived levels falling below the desired level and above the minimum level are considered to be acceptable and are said to be within the zone of tolerance. Perceived levels falling below the minimum level are considered to be problem areas. Patrons were also asked to rank frequency of library use, overall satisfaction, and literacy outcomes. The end of the survey contained a box for additional comments.

Major Findings for Undergraduate Students

• Undergraduate students ranked all aspects of the library within the zone of tolerance.
• Analysis of desired levels indicated that undergraduate students place the highest value on adequate hours of service, a user-friendly online catalog, and a comfortable building.
• Undergraduate comments expressed a need for the library building to be open more hours.

Major Findings for Graduate Students and Faculty

• Graduate students and faculty ranked Affect of Services and the Library as Place within the zone of tolerance. The area of Information Control was a problem area.
• Analysis of desired levels indicated that graduate students place the highest value on a comprehensive fulltext collection, electronic resources that can be accessed remotely, and print and electronic resources required for work.
• Graduate students and faculty comments expressed the need for more online databases and journals and more financial support for the library.

Comparisons to Peers and National Norms

• The University of Maine was compared to the University of Maine System, EPSCOR peers, and national norms.
• There were no significant differences between the University of Maine and the comparison groups.