Start Date
19-11-2020 1:30 PM
End Date
19-11-2020 1:44 PM
Type of Work
Presentation
Description
Objective: To assess and evaluate the past and current performance of library services, resources, and space with the purpose of informing decisions in designing a library serving a new medical school.
Methods: The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) at Florida International University opened its doors to its first class in 2009. Shortly after, the medical library began seeking student feedback by administering a 15-question survey to each class. The inaugural Class of 2013 and other cohorts were queried at various points in their curriculum. Starting with the Class of 2017, the library began consistently administering its survey to students at the end of their second year. Most questions were multiple-choice, but some gave students the option to choose “other” and provide free responses. In 2018, the library began administering the survey electronically using Qualtrics. Later, the pen and paper responses were transcribed to that software. The library now has data from all seven classes that have graduated plus two more classes yet to graduate in 2020 and 2021.
Results: The survey indicated the following: online resources are used far more than the facility, the hours were mostly adequate, and that more than half preferred a combination of print and electronic textbooks. For those who did not use the library, the major reasons they gave were because either (a) they preferred to study at home, or (b) the library was too far from the buildings where they attended classes. When it came to overall satisfaction, more than three-quarters of respondents indicated they were in the satisfied range. The greatest need for improvement lay with the facility and amenities.
Conclusion: After analyzing the data collected, librarians were able to determine students’ preferences for library space, services, and resources, as well as how those preferences have changed with the increasing class sizes over time. As the medical school continues to grow, and the idea of a new medical library becomes a reality, this data will inform the design of the structure, collection, and services that librarians will provide. Even though students were satisfied with our services and resources, in regards to the facility, there are aspirations for group study spaces, various furniture, more space, and more windows to provide natural light.
What Medical Students Want: a Ten Year Library Survey at a New Medical School
Objective: To assess and evaluate the past and current performance of library services, resources, and space with the purpose of informing decisions in designing a library serving a new medical school.
Methods: The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) at Florida International University opened its doors to its first class in 2009. Shortly after, the medical library began seeking student feedback by administering a 15-question survey to each class. The inaugural Class of 2013 and other cohorts were queried at various points in their curriculum. Starting with the Class of 2017, the library began consistently administering its survey to students at the end of their second year. Most questions were multiple-choice, but some gave students the option to choose “other” and provide free responses. In 2018, the library began administering the survey electronically using Qualtrics. Later, the pen and paper responses were transcribed to that software. The library now has data from all seven classes that have graduated plus two more classes yet to graduate in 2020 and 2021.
Results: The survey indicated the following: online resources are used far more than the facility, the hours were mostly adequate, and that more than half preferred a combination of print and electronic textbooks. For those who did not use the library, the major reasons they gave were because either (a) they preferred to study at home, or (b) the library was too far from the buildings where they attended classes. When it came to overall satisfaction, more than three-quarters of respondents indicated they were in the satisfied range. The greatest need for improvement lay with the facility and amenities.
Conclusion: After analyzing the data collected, librarians were able to determine students’ preferences for library space, services, and resources, as well as how those preferences have changed with the increasing class sizes over time. As the medical school continues to grow, and the idea of a new medical library becomes a reality, this data will inform the design of the structure, collection, and services that librarians will provide. Even though students were satisfied with our services and resources, in regards to the facility, there are aspirations for group study spaces, various furniture, more space, and more windows to provide natural light.