In August 2024, visitors to Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s libraries, including the global campus libraries, were invited to share their experiences through the InSync survey. InSync is used across a range of Australian universities, allowing libraries to benchmark their spaces and services. Visitors are asked to weigh in on the library\u2019s facilities, collections, services and communication. Respondents were also asked to share their suggestions for improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what did we discover?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ranking as the most important to our visitors was that the Library is safe, inviting and welcoming and that Library staff are fair and non-discriminatory. They want a library with spaces that support study \u2013 particularly quiet spaces, with excellent Wi-Fi and open when staff and students want to work. They want collections that support their study and research goals that are accessible off-campus, with search functionality that aids efficient discovery. And they want easy access to the Library\u2019s services, whether they\u2019re on-campus or off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How did we perform? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The ten areas where the libraries ranked most strongly contained eight of the ten factors identified by visitors as being most important. Receiving top performance scores:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where could we improve?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While the results of the InSync survey were largely positive, we\u2019re already working to address some of the issues raised. The following themes were important to respondents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Library is too noisy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Level 6 is the only floor within the Library dedicated to quiet, individual study, but some of the feedback suggested that it wasn\u2019t quiet enough. We\u2019re now staffing the floor during weekdays to help manage visitors who might not be aware that they should refrain from talking. Feedback that people are breathing or typing too loudly isn\u2019t something we can easily address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Library should be open 24\/7.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This one puzzled us a little because it is and has been open 24\/7, at least during the semester, since 2015. That being said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Return the physical books!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As with most recent Library surveys, a number of comments related to the physical collection, conveying disappointment and frustration that it has been reduced. We recognise the emotional attachment to books \u2013 we feel it too! However, a physical collection cannot support students adequately in 2024. Flexible study options mean a large number of students will never visit the campus, and our online collections do a much better job of ensuring that students have access to the resources they need, no matter where they are studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That being said, our Read and Return collection has seen the reintroduction of books on all Library floors.\u00a0 These books support wellbeing, encouraging visitors to discover their next favourite author. There\u2019s a wide range of books including Indigenous-authored fiction and non-fiction, fantasy, romance, true crime, autobiographies, and so much more. Overall, we performed well in the InSync survey, but we\u2019re always keen to do better. If you have feedback or a suggestion for improvement, please let us know. Email: LibraryHelp@curtin.edu.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written by Claire Murphy, Acting Deputy Director, Learning and Engagement<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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