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The Library welcomes and acts on feedback from library users to continuously improve its services
There are many ways to provide feedback on library services, either on-line or in-person. Queries, complaints and compliments are channelled through Ask Us and are responded to immediately by Information Desk staff or, when required, are referred to other staff. All are responded to within three working days. Feedback on building issues, i.e. lights, sockets, noise, ventilation, temperature, etc. are referred to the Buildings & Estates Dept and monitored regularly. Large scale feedback is invited through the library survey, conducted every 2 years, and we run focus groups and in-house assessments to explore particular issues as required.
Improvements made in the Library - You Said, We Did
The following improvements have been made to library services, in response to your feedback.
| Date | You Said | We Did | |||||||||
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| Oct 24 | I can’t access an e-book when someone else has it checked out. | The library has now enabled the wait list feature on E-book Central so that students will be alerted when a checked out e-book becomes available | |||||||||
| May 2024 | Make it easier to access e-resources | We have streamlined the process of authenticating and accessing electronic material, from now on you no longer need a separate login | |||||||||
| May 2024 | Support in understanding AI | In collaboration with CTL, the Academic Integrity Unit and ITD, the Library created a self-paced online beginner-level Gen AI course for UL staff | |||||||||
| May 2024 | Help to improve research quality | The Library launched a new Evidence-Based Research (EBR) service, enhancing research design and planning New subscription to Covidence, a web-based software platform, supporting the process of systematic reviews | |||||||||
| April 2024 | Make lending laptops more accessible | Changed the setting so that laptops on the middle 3 rows are made available for wheelchair users or other students who may need it | |||||||||
| Feb 2024 | Supporting researchers | UL’s Research Repository is now integrated with PURE enabling researchers to communicate full text open versions of their research output to an international audience. Digitised copies of collections e.g, Ferenka Photograph Album from the Dr Tiede Herrema Collection (1976) and the Thomas White letterbook (1702) provide researchers with new insights and information on tenants and land ownership in Co. Lim | |||||||||
| Feb 2024 | A space to take an online meeting | We installed two Solo Study Booths providing an individual soundproof space for uninterrupted tasks, meetings, phone calls and downtime. | |||||||||
| Nov 2023 | Support sustainability | The Library created the Sustainability Literacy Guide, helping students evaluate sources of information & develop critical appraisal skills New 7,000 item sustainable ebook collection to support UL’s teaching & research activities | |||||||||
| Nov 2023 | Open Access research publications | UL research publications are now searchable and accessible in the world’s largest collection of Open Access research papers - CORE | |||||||||
| Oct 2023 | Focus on student wellbeing |
Launched a Health and Wellness Library Guide | |||||||||
| Oct 2023 | Provide a multifunctional space that supports creativity | We opened the Media production labs. Bookable, self-service spaces include two Audio Labs (one PC, one Mac) for recording audio presentations or podcasts, and a Greenscreen lab, to record video or experiment with wireless VR headsets | |||||||||
| Sept 2023 | Help with assignments | We launched an Assignment Toolkit: a new self-paced e-learning resource where students receive support in producing assignments | |||||||||
| Sept 2023 | Supporting research | Digitised papers from Thomas Spring Rice, covering Limerick city architecture and political history, and the Barry Family of Sanville (1821–1931), made publicly available through the library’s digital collections. | |||||||||
| April 2023 | Need more seats coming up to exams | ‘Every Seat Counts’ running from week 11, with an additional emphasis on Group Study Room misuse | |||||||||
| April 2023 | More group study spaces please | We created the iZone immediately accessible on the ground floor which is a pop-up space for group work | |||||||||
| March 2023 | Reduce noise in the library
More power sockets | Embargo on events in student study areas came into effect until semester end Tannoy system changed to include Irish translation, repetitiveness of announcements reduced Fixed the noisy flapping blinds across the library (LISB2)
PC Desks Floors 1 & 2 & large training room, additional power added to PC desks | |||||||||
| March 2023 | We would like longer opening hours at the weekend | The Library extended opening hours at the weekend to 07:00 – 24:00hrs for the remainder of the semester. | |||||||||
| March 2023 | Schedule the room booking earlier in the day | Users can now make a booking 2 days in advance from midday. | |||||||||
Feb 2023
Oct-Nov 2022 | Can we borrow from the Makerspace
Makerspace resources | We introduced a new technology lending service, incl. VR headsets, 360 cameras, vlogging kits, cameras, gimbals and much more. Two SolidWorks software licences available in the library Makerspace (GL1-035) with thanks to the School of Engineering Assistive technology (C-Reader Pens available in the Makerspace for loan) Assistive technology (iPads available in the Makerspace for loan) | |||||||||
Feb 2023
Nov 2022 | UL Sustainability (reduce single use of cups / bottles
UL Sustainability (reduce energy use) | Early in 2023 the Library recommenced its sustainability programme which strongly encourages use of reusable cups and bottles by readers.
Library actively working with OPW to look at ways of reducing energy consumption in the Library Building. First student/staff energy awareness event held. | |||||||||
| Nov 2022 | Extend opening hours for exam prep | Extended weekend opening hours in advance (and during) exams to open the same hours as weekday (07:00 – 24:00hrs). | |||||||||
| Oct 2022 | Improve access to UL research | Launched New Research Repository | |||||||||
| 2022 | Help with managing my data | Introduced a Research Data Management Libguide | |||||||||
| 2022 | Could we have some PCs with double monitors | Some PCs in the Library now have double monitors | |||||||||
| 2022 | Need more laptops in the library | Doubled the number of laptops available for borrowing | |||||||||
| 2022 | We need more e-books | Increased e-book holdings from 280,000 in 2019 to 470,000 in 2022 | |||||||||
| 2022 | More collections in arts and humanities | Purchased new primary source digital collections; Gale’s stats papers online, Burney, Perdita manuscripts and the 18th century Drama collections | |||||||||
| 2022 | In-person help post Covid | Extended our Peer Advisor service to all semester long to support library users | |||||||||
| 2022 | Improve access to library training | Moved classes on line | |||||||||
| 2022 | More technology | Created a library Makerspace | |||||||||
| 2022 | 3D printing please | Free 3D printing service available in the library | |||||||||
| 2022 | Can we take out more books at a time | We have increased your number of book loans
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| 2022 | Book fines are too costly | Library users no longer pay any fines on overdue materials | |||||||||
| 2022 | Can you extend the loan period on borrowed items? | You can now borrow a book for the year. It will only be recalled if someone else requests it. | |||||||||
| 2022 | As a undergraduate, can I use interlibrary loans? | The Library provides interlibrary loans to all students | |||||||||
| Dec 2021 | Will the library be extending opening hours coming up to exams? | The library extended opening hours with the building open from 7 a.m. to midnight during exam time. | |||||||||
| Nov 2021 | Would it be possible to buy hard copies of Cite it Right in the library? | The library is back selling the print version of Cite it Right at the Information Desk | |||||||||
| Oct 2021 | Additional support for researchers in Special Collections & Archives | Special Collections & Archives launched a suite of new online research guides, highlighting the strengths of its collections in line with 8 key research themes: architecture, the Bolton Library; archival diaries; the Dunraven Papers; estates and family history; literature; military history and the National Dance Archive of Ireland (NDAI) | |||||||||
| Sept 2021 | Does Special Collection & Archives have a scanner I can use? | Special Collections & Archives has introduced a ScanTent for scanning loose and bound documents; a convenient means of taking high quality scans with your phone. | |||||||||
| July 2021 | Please could you improve access to academic journals | The library provides more seamless access to academic journals through use of Browzine and LibKey | |||||||||
| March 2021 | As a postgraduates I need more flexible access to the library and especially to eBooks | Updated the library’s guide to Ebooks Ran a story on Instagram with Q&A enabled, about ebooks, view the story in the library’s highlights after the story expires | |||||||||
| March 2021 | We need to know more about Data Management and what systems are available for storage of our research data | We have produced a Libguide on Research Data Management that includes information on the available storage options for Students and Staff as well as best practice in how to use these efficiently and effectively. We have also created a new Research Data Management series of workshops designed to help researchers understand the diversity of data and their management needs across the research data lifecycle | |||||||||
| March 2021 | Make it easier for me to publish Open Access | We have signed a number of Open Access publishing deals with major publishers which makes Publishing Open Access more straight forward and at no cost to the researcher | |||||||||
| Jan-March 2021 | What services is the library providing during semester 2 and the level 5 restrictions | Rolled out a new Seat Booking System to allow the booking of ‘Essential Use’ Study Seats. Controlled access to the library leads to a safer environment and includes Covid Contact Tracing, if required Opened additional ‘Essential Use’ study seats to include all years, initially we opened to postgraduate and final year students only. Extended the Opening Hours to late night and weekend opening, for Essential Use only Removed the Click & Collect and put in place 30 minute Browse & Borrow session for self-selection of library material Resumed our Scan & Deliver service - request a digital scan of physical articles or chapters, subject to copyright restrictions | |||||||||
| Dec 2020 | How can I return my books to the library during Covid? | We have extended loan periods throughout 2020 and into 2021 so that books on loan are not overdue and we have suspended library fines. | |||||||||
| Dec 2020 | What supports does the library have for preparing thesis research? | The library has an online guide called ‘Thesis Preparation’. This guide is a learning resource for students of all faculties at UL. It describes each stage of thesis preparation and highlights library services and resources that are available to students including academic journals, ebooks, SAGE Research Methods videos and referencing software. | |||||||||
| Nov 2020 | What is the library doing to prepare for semester 1, 2020 | Implemented reading list service so students could access recommended reading for their courses via Sulis and Moodle Purchased electronic versions of essential reading and etextbooks in Sulis and Moodle Scanned printed chapters to create electronic versions in Sulis and Moodle Introduced seat booking system Implemented Covid response plan to allow full reopening of library building, included mask mandate, social distancing measures, hand sanitizing and extra cleaning routines Created electronic videos on what to expect in the new semester and how to use the online library Introduced CHAT service | |||||||||
| April 2020 | In response to your queries submitted to Ask Us and libinfo@ul.ie during Covid-19 campus closure, we introduced further initiatives. | We introduced a Virtual Library during the campus closure New ebooks LibGuide was made available. The library published a new guide on Open Access: How to Find Open Access Resources for Scholarly Work. Users can now register for EndNote Online from home via the proxy server, and not exclusively from a pc on campus 179+ ebooks added to collections from new subscription to eBook Central Library workshops and information skills training moved to online delivery | |||||||||
| March 2020 | What supports is the library providing during this period of closure? | We have developed an Online Library Services during Campus Closure webpage, a newly updated FAQs and a member of our library team will respond to your email at libinfo@ul.ie.
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| March 2020 | Can you provide remote access to software to enable online teaching and learning to continue off-site? | The following software is now available to download remotely: NVIVO and EndNote, SPSS for students & Staff | |||||||||
| Nov 2019 | Where can I find out about new, recently acquired books added to the library | We have a guide on the library website where you can find New Books in the Library that have been added to our collection in the last 30 days | |||||||||
| Oct 2019 | Downloading Endnote is cumbersome and confusing | EndNote – simplified who has access to the EndNote Software. All staff and students can now download the software to their own personal laptops. They can request this from the information desk. | |||||||||
| Oct 2019 | Using Endnote can be confusing and its not clear how to get help | EndNote Support – Increased the amount of support available to Staff & Students. | |||||||||
| Oct 2019 | “Make information skills training available more regularly so that not everyone is looking for the same thing at the same time.” | Increased the classes from monthly to fortnightly and included a drop in session at the end of the class for queries. Setup a fortnightly drop in clinic from 4-6pm on Thursdays. | |||||||||
| Oct 2019 | I’m publishing my work, where can I get an ISBN or DOI | Identifier service – created a procedure whereby staff and students can request DOI’s, ISBNs etc. Central email setup to monitor queries and ensure a prompt reply in the event of staff absences. | |||||||||
| Sept 2019 | Where can I see what workshops are provided by the library | Information Literacy sessions are scheduled and advertised now on the library website. | |||||||||
| Sept 2019 | Skills training (for researchers and students) – short (three minute or so) explainer videos would be useful for bite sized training | We created new instructional videos created for Information Literacy | |||||||||
| Sept 2019 | What services does the library provide for postgrads | New information leaflets created particularly the one for postgrads and Finding a Book | |||||||||
| Sept 2019 | There are not enough copies of books that everyone in my class needs | Additional copies of most heavily borrowed (and reserved) books were ordered | |||||||||
| Sept 2019 | I’m not a UL student or staff member, can I access the library’s e-resources | The new Visitor/Walk-in service was launched in early August. This allows any visitor who has applied online the opportunity to access the library’s e-resources (subject to licence availability). | |||||||||
| Sept 2019 | Navigating my way around the library can be confusing | There are now wall-mounted floor plans on each floor of the library and paper floor plans available on leaflet stands and at the Information Desk. | |||||||||
| May 2019 | When I order a book how do I know when it arrives (faculty) | A process has been put in place to alert the faculty member when the book is in stock | |||||||||
| May 2019 | How do I access high quality content that is not included in the library’s journal subscriptions? | The library developed a webpage that describes alternative sources for scholarly content | |||||||||
| April 2019 | Some of the wooden doors are banging when they close | We audited all the doors and logged these to be fixed with Buildings & Estates | |||||||||
| April 2019 | The Library is too warm and there is no air circulating | Through liaison with Buildings & Estates a faulty sensor was identified, and the issue has been resolved | |||||||||
| April 2019 | Can the lending laptops have SPSS on them? | Unfortunately the lending laptops can’t have SPSS on them, but we talked to our ITD colleagues and SPSS is now loaded on to the PCs in the large and small training rooms | |||||||||
| April 2019 | Can the Library open earlier in the morning | The Library opening hours have changed from 08:30 to 07:00 | |||||||||
| March 2019 | Faculty would like dedicated bookable spaces | We created faculty only bookable rooms on floor one of the library extension | |||||||||
| March 2019 | Can I get a USB to use with the book scanner | Library USB's are for sale at the Information Desk | |||||||||
| Jan 2019 | Can scanning facilities be improved | We introduced a book scanner for use in the Library | |||||||||
| Nov 2018 | The plugs at desks aren't working | We audited all sockets at study desks and logged these to be fixed with Buildings & Estates. | |||||||||
| Nov 2018 | I need help with referencing | We re-ran referencing classes in week 10 of semester 1. | |||||||||
| Nov 2018 | There are problems with the Wi-Fi | We worked with our colleagues in ITD to audit the Wi-Fi and resolved the issue that was causing the problem in the new wing. | |||||||||
| Nov 2018 | Library badly needs water facilities for students to refill bottles | We introduced water fountains on each floor of the new wing that allow refilling of small and large bottles and that count the number of plastic bottles saved. | |||||||||
| Nov 2018 | Even with the new wing, it is still hard to find a seat | Every Seat Counts ran again in the latter 5 weeks of semester. | |||||||||
| Oct 2018 | More space to work in groups | We added 24 new group rooms to the library's online room booking system. | |||||||||
| Oct 2018 | Not enough PCs in the library | We introduced laptop lending, which makes 48 laptops available for loan in the library for up to 4 hours. | |||||||||
| Sept 2018 | Extend Opening Hours | We extended opening hours from 8:30 am to midnight Monday to Friday during semester. | |||||||||
| Sept 2018 | It would be better if the library and IT help desks for students were near each other. | We welcomed our colleagues from ITD to a new location near the library's information desk and have worked with them to streamline service hours. | |||||||||
| Aug 2018 | The library should consider dividers between desks to provide an individual study space. This might seem old fashioned but would definitely deter chit-chat especially among younger students | Opened the new wing of the Glucksman Library, adding 1,000 additional seats and more study rooms and collaborative spaces. We took your advice and installed dividers between desks too. | |||||||||
| June 2018 | What genius designed this 'Ask Us Tell Us' feature? The 'enter' sending the message is very frustrating! | Updated the online form where you submit questions to us so that the 'return' button that you described as 'frustrating' is no longer an issue when submitting a query | |||||||||
| May 2018 | I think the layout of the library website can be confusing i.e. where to find different things | Updated the library's search so that you can search for a journal article from within the journals A to Z list. | |||||||||
| March 2018 | Would be great to have more break out rooms for study groups or group projects with the appropriate suppliers of white board and markers | Put a white board in the library's bookable group study rooms and the new library will have many more facilities for group study. | |||||||||
| Feb 2018 | Why can't I download the software packages, why do I have to come in and borrow them on a USB? | Downloadable software, including EndNote, is made available from the Library Information Desk | |||||||||
| Nov 2017 | Simply not enough space for students for these exams with new library not yet built | Library allocated refurbished space on floor 1 temporarily for student use, providing 98 additional seats in a WiFi zone for student exam preparation. | |||||||||
| Nov 2017 | It is hard to find a study space in the library when it's busy | Created and distributed information relation to campus study space in response to student need for study space for exams | |||||||||
| Aug 2017 | A lot of sockets and plugs aren't working | The library's staff check the power outlets regularly to ensure they are working and faults are reported and repaired every month. | |||||||||
| July 2017 | Postgraduate student in LibQual 2016: "I am generally very pleased with the library. But I find the lack of computers very frustrating, and often see undergraduate students wasting time whilst postgraduates are queued waiting for access to computers/printers". | We put 12 PCs in the Postgraduate Reading Room on Floor 1 in the library | |||||||||
| Feb 2017 | People can login to my library account as it is not secured | Instigated a login and password on library accounts to ensure data privacy | |||||||||
| Feb 2017 | So difficult to find things on the old website | Launched a new, more intuitive user focused library website in January 2017 | |||||||||
| Feb 2017 | It is impossible to figure out printing, scanning and photocopying in the library | We added a Print, Copy and Scan section to our new website to explain these services. | |||||||||
| April 2016 | Why can't I book somewhere to study online? | Introduced online group study room booking service | |||||||||
| Dec 2015 | The Library is too hot | The UL Buildings & Estate Department assessed our heating system and repaired a fault that now means we can better control temperature. | |||||||||
| Nov 2015 | Get students to stop leaving coats, bags and books in the library taking up a desk while they go off to a lecture | We hired students to work in the library and monitor desk use, clearing desks left unoccupied for more than 45 minutes. This scheme is referred to as Every Seat Counts and runs at the end of each semester. | |||||||||
| Nov 2015 | Open the library late on Sundays coming up to exams | Provided 10:00 am to 22:00 pm opening on Saturdays and Sundays at the end of semester | |||||||||
| Nov 2014 | Sometimes books are difficult to find | The Student Peer Advisors are on hand at the start of Semester 1 to show people how to use the catalogue and locate books. We replaced and improved signage on shelving bays. We updated library layout floorplan showing collections. | |||||||||
| Nov 2014 | "There isn't sufficient signage telling me where certain books are kept" | We placed signs on main floor depicting the floor number of each shelf-mark and subject area. | |||||||||
| Oct 2014 | There are no spaces for Postgraduates to study | We created a Postgraduate Reading Room on floor 1 | |||||||||
| Sept 2014 | There are non-UL students using the library and there is not enough space for UL students | We installed access control at library entrance | |||||||||
| Aug 2014 | It would be amazing if the journals could be printed and viewed from home using a UL ID No | We simplified and improved how you login to journals and e-books from home | |||||||||
| Feb 2014 | Can something be done about flashing florescent bulbs? | Staff do a weekly audit of light fixtures/bulbs that need fixing or replacement, pass information to Security for collection by electrician on Monday | |||||||||
| Feb 2014 | The self-service system is full of flaws, every time I use check out a book, an alarm goes off as I leave and I have to queue up to get it re stamped, thus invalidating the self-service system | In 2014 we replaced the self-service machines in the library. The new machines combined with a major project to update borrower records more frequently should mean an end to the issues you told us about. | |||||||||
| Feb 2014 | A lot of the sockets in the library are not functioning which leads to no power for laptops | All study desks are now numbered to make it easier to report faults | |||||||||
| Aug 2013 | The library is too noisy | We glassed off the atria to reduce noise on the upper floors. We created Silent, Quiet and Group Zones in the library to facilitate study and group work | |||||||||
| April 2013 | The internet is too slow | ITD reviewed and improved the WiFi in the library and have recommended where possible people should use wired connections on desks | |||||||||
| April 2012 | Open earlier to facilitate study early in the mornings | We started opening at 8:00 am leading up to and including exam periods | |||||||||
| April 2012 | Open short loans longer in the evenings | Short loans now remain open in the evenings after 9:00 pm and Saturday after 4:30 pm | |||||||||
| April 2012 | Severe shortage of core texts | We increased book fund spending and increased our book stock. We have invested in large numbers of e-books which can be accessed 24/7 | |||||||||
About the LibQual Survey in UL
The LibQUAL library survey is one of the most important tools in our quality improvement programme. We have run the survey every two years since 2007. We listen to what the UL community has to say about the library and we respond by making improvements to our collections, services and spaces through our on-going quality improvement plan.
LibQual is a customer satisfaction survey used by thousands of academic libraries worldwide. The survey asks 22 core questions and measures satisfaction rates in 3 areas - the physical space of the library, the materials and resources the library has and the service provided by library staff.
The survey allows us to:
- Provide quantitative evidence on user satisfaction
- Identify which services are most desired by our users
- Benchmark our library against other libraries worldwide
- Measure our own improvement over time
Each year that we run the LibQual survey we receive a 'notebook' of results. This is a very detailed document that analyses each question and provides us with summaries of how you feel we are doing for your group.
Your can download each of our notebooks here:
Glucksman Library UL LibQual Notebook 2007
Glucksman Library UL LibQual Notebook 2009
Glucksman Library UL LibQual Notebook 2012
Glucksman Library UL LibQual Notebook 2014
Glucksman Library UL LibQual Notebook 2016
Glucksman Library UL LibQual Notebook 2018
Contact and more information
Queries about the UL survey can be sent to ciara.mccaffrey@ul.ie
More information about the survey instrument is available at www.libqual.org.
Please get in touch with us directly if you have any questions or comments.