IMAGE|
As the end of the semester approaches, ATU’s libraries sent out a survey for Spring 2024.
“The goals of the survey are to get feedback about how we are doing, learn what additional resources and services are needed, and to alert survey-takers of resources and services they might not know about,” said Eric Rector, library director.
The library has been conducting its annual survey since 2007. Changes have been made according to responses from previous surveys.
“On the 2023 survey, we received several suggestions to promote our resources, services, and events better,” said Rector. “In response, we created a graduate assistant position to help with outreach and social media, formed a Student Library Advisory Council, and began publishing ‘The Library Connection’, a newsletter aimed at ATU faculty.”
ATU libraries have a variety of resources, comparable to other libraries similar in size, but Rector says that the library staff is what makes them exceptional.
“They are dedicated to providing the very best to our ATU students and faculty. A not too distant second is the library building, which is open 98 hours per week during the semester and has spaces for quiet study, group study, and everything in between.”
Among the resources are things less known. Rector says the library is trying to promote the multimedia production lab, including an audio and video lab. Students can use it for artistic creation or to complete assignments that have a multimedia component. Another resource is the Overdrive service.
“It includes popular and scholarly books that can be checked out using the Libby app and read on Kindle, as well as online audio books and over 5,000 popular magazines,” said Rector. “It is a new service that we hope will be heavily used as people learn about it.”
Rector says the library is always looking for ways to improve students’ experiences and they are hoping to create an additional, more comfortable, study space on the first floor this coming year.
