Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 20:44:15 +0100
From: Louisa Fulbrook <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Ways to engage library users in giving feedback
Dear All
"I would be interested to know what methods other libraries have found successful in getting user feedback eg from trials of resources. Do your users respond to electronic surveys or are they getting Survey Monkey fatigue? Do you bribe, sorry encourage, them with vouchers/prize draws or similar for their time and trouble. Do you hold focus groups (if so how do you recruit members? Do you set up a group with a particular task in mind or is it an ongoing library user group). Do you refer to a group of regular library users/advocates? Or have you come up with other methods. I look forward to your replies and will post a summary to the list."
Thanks to all who replied to my question. Here is summary of replies as promised:
-Many of you use survey monkey both in electronic and printed out format for impact assessments of searches and training etc as well as user survey.
One suggestion was to keep survey short eg two questions and tell people it is short to encourage them to complete it.
Surveys promoted in a variety of ways including paper advertisements in the library/ links to webpages/newsletters/ at meetings etc
-Emails to users via OpenAthens or specific user groups
-User surveys available via "drop in to the library " sessions in December with nibbles, Christmas music and decorations etc
-Voting for one of two options works for things like proposed opening hours etc
-Structured interviews when time
-Targeting a few influential characters/activists for trials
-Physically walking round and talking to people who have used literature search service
Bribery with vouchers and prize draws was a common theme!
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