The Samuel C. Williams library is a place Stevens students know all too well. The library offers a multitude of services, including access to scholarly research guides, printers, study rooms available for reservation, and various archives and collections. Not only is the library a source of information, but it is also a place where students can spend time with one another, and finish their work. Nonetheless, in the spirit of innovation, the library constantly seeks to adapt to students’ needs. On November 17, 2021, the library announced schedule changes to the library hours in order to better accommodate the needs of the students. Included in the announcement was a link to a library satisfaction survey that sought student feedback for how the library could improve.
In an email to The Stute, Romel Espinel, Web Services and Teaching Librarian at the Library, provided information regarding the goals and feedback of the Library Satisfaction Survey. With a total of 204 students participating, including 164 undergraduate, 39 graduate, and one doctoral student, this was the “largest response to a Library survey yet,” Espinel stated. The purpose of the survey was to learn how students use the library’s abundant resources and what changes the students would like to see implemented.
According to Espinel’s response, “84.3% of the respondents gave their library experience 4-5 stars.” Moreover, from this sample of students, 72.3% gave a positive review of the library’s research services. In fact, of the first year respondents, “61.7% found the CAL 103 Library session… to be helpful.” Unequivocally, the resources the library provides are valuable and applicable to the lives of Stevens students.
However, the survey found that there were specific changes the students wanted implemented, namely the library hours. One student explained, “I always have work to do when the library is closed and would much rather be able to do it in the library than my dorm room, this would greatly improve my work and focus.” Additional changes included quieter study spaces, revised printing costs, furniture comfort, and more books for use.
Library Director Linda Beninghove reflected, “We are thrilled that so many students took the time to participate in the Library survey. It shows that students really care about the Library, and we will be sure to take student feedback into consideration as we move forward.” In response to the student feedback, Beninghove also shared that library hours will be expanded throughout the spring semester and quieter study spaces will become more available through the enforcement of “improved signage and protocols.” The library is also looking to expand study spaces by working closely with the Office of the Provost and the Division of Facilities and Campus Operations.
The library staff stated they are committed to enhancing the student experience at the Samuel C. Williams library. They aim for the changes to come to benefit the Stevens community, as a way of embodying their ongoing goal of “fostering an innovative environment with technology, education and culture.”
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