Assessment in the Mapua Libraries
The Mapua Libraries assesses its services through regular surveys as well as user needs studies and usability studies to ensure that our
physical and virtual services meet the needs of the Mapua community. This report describes our processes and presents some of the results.
- Mapua Library surveys
- Assessment projects
- Assessment staff
At any time, please do feel free to Ask Us anything. [Mapua only]
Assessment Updates
The MIT Libraries are currently compiling the results of the 2015 survey. Results will be available by late 4Q. The Office of the Chief
Knowledge Officer and the Department of IT modified the library home page and has revamped the collections site, based on user feedback
and usability testing. See the results!
Assessment Projects
Mapua Libraries Assessment and User Experience and Web Services team is currently conducting various projects in the following categories
in order to improve library services and user experience of Mapua Libraries.
- User surveys
The Libraries have conducted three surveys: in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Information and results can be found on this page.
- Usability tests
The Libraries will be conducting usability tests of the web site and various research-related tools starting this academic year
2016-2017.
- User studies
Topics of major studies include digital scholarship, use of physical space, and user needs.
About the Mapua Libraries Surveys
Every quarter/annually, the Mapua Libraries undertakes major surveys of faculty, undergraduates, graduate students and research staff with
the goal of gathering information about the Libraries' services in order to improve them. The Libraries' most recent survey was
administered in 3Q January 2015. Results will be compiled. The 2015 survey results are below; previous surveys are attached for this
report. Survey instruments available on these reports are offered under Google Survey Forms. For more information, contact JVejerano,
RSS Librarian, Mapua Libraries: jbvejerano@mapua.edu.ph or GCabanilla, CKO, Mapua/MCL/MHSS
Libraries: gacocabanilla@mapua.edu.ph
January 2015 Library Survey
The most recent Mapua Libraries Survey was conducted in January 2015. Over 195 Mapua members responded, a good service overall response
rate of 43%. (Response rates by community: 47% of the undergraduates, 46% of the grad students, 32% of faculty and 36% of other research
and academic staff.) Findings indicate that:
- Faculty and graduate students continue to place priority in providing more library content in electronic form.
- Undergraduates prioritize capturing faster wifi connections, as well as longer library hours.
- Importance and use of electronic journals to most communities has risen slightly since 2008, the previous library survey, while
importance and use of print journals has dropped slightly since that time.
- While a large percentage of the Mapua community prefers journals and collections of papers in electronic form, a majority of
respondents prefer or strongly prefer references and textbooks in print.
- At least half of all students choose "one of the Mapua Libraries" as one of their preferred study spots.
- Students who have been in a class where a librarian taught techniques for finding information are significantly more likely to be
aware of library resources and services than other students.
- Although the largest share of starting points for finding books and articles in electronic form comes from Google,
TLC and
library databases
are each one of the top three most likely starting points for these searches.
As the analysis of the data continues we will work to improve library resources and services informed by this feedback. Librarians will
also blog stories/conduct research that will describe specific results such as:
- Library space improvements result from survey feedback
- Library research using mobile devices
- How Mapua searches for electronic journal articles
Below are the survey instrument and a variety of tables and graphs with summary results.
- 2015 Library Survey Instrument (PDF)
- Q1 - Service - Awareness and Importance (PDF)
This question asked about the value of various library services, such as the web pages, the library catalog, new books, and more.
- Q2-Q3 - Use of Spaces – Value of Libraries & Improvements (PDF)
These questions asked where the Mapua community prefers to study, and what might improve the Libraries' spaces.
Assessment Staff
The Chief Knowledge Officer, Section Librarians (and OCG) coordinates and oversees library-wide assessment efforts such as the quarterly
user/satisfaction survey, manages collection and input of data for accreditation and other centralized reports, and develops and supports
assessment efforts in the research and instruction services area of the libraries.
Mapua Libraries’ User Experience and Web Services Project
The User Experience & Web Services Project is responsible for gathering qualitative and quantitative data to inform the current
effectiveness of web services and possible improvements using best practices. It also provides consulting services and collaborates with
other departments and teams within the Mapua Libraries, primarily in designing appropriate methodologies for user research related to
service and interface improvements. Some staff members are part of the IEC group in the Mapua Libraries.
Survey snapshot: Library space & service improvements result from survey feedback
In a January 2015 survey we asked the question: “What improvements to library services would best enhance your research or scholarship?”
Of the answers mentioned, most in the Mapua community wanted…
- more library hours
- more areas with power strips
- more group discussion spaces
- fast access to baggage counter
…and we’ve made improvements based on your feedback:
- The Libraries are open approximately from 7 am until 6 pm on Saturdays and from 8 am to 5 pm on Sundays (before and during finals week)
which means more hours this academic year than in the 3Q January 2015 when the survey took place.
- In Intramuros Main Library, power outlets have been installed in the readers and circulation areas, and comfortable seating has been
expanded.
- You can now bring your bags and school supplies into the library. See our new baggage policy (pdf)
- And we’ve designated four collaborative spaces after an extensive renovation. This will add the amount of discussion space currently
available in the Libraries for group study. Four group study rooms can be reserved in advance and offer LCD screens with laptop connectors,
and glass writing boards.
