Library Improvements

2020... What a year

Like many others we moved to remote work in early 2020 as everyone here at TTU transitioned overnight to online learning. But true to form, we found ways to reach out to YOU to identify how we might make remote and online research and learning support as helpful as possible.

From virtual focus groups to short online surveys, we heard a lot from you all throughout the year. So let's look back on that.

You asked. We delivered.

Here are some of the ways we improved the Libraries in 2020!

Replaced group study space furniture and technology on the ground floor (phased approach because of COVID-19).
Installed QR codes for all bathrooms and improved cleanliness.
Launched the new Databases A-Z interface that is integrated with our Journal A-Z and OneSearch interfaces.
Improved the accessibility of our main website.

More improvements planned

Beyond the existing improvements, we are working behind the scenes to improve three other areas:

Move similar services closer together, making it easier for people to know about our more unique services (VR Lab anyone?).
Revitalize the basement as a true group study space.
Continue to improve the accessibility of our online services.

You said...

These improvements would not be possible without your feedback. So here is a sample of your comments we've heard over this past year:

What we're doing well	What was a concern
Assistance from Library employees. "The library staff has been very helpful this semester with giving resources to some of us that are not taking classes in Lubbock."	No food or drink allowed. Many people missed being able to eat and drink while studying here during COVID-19 restrictions. We began allowing food and drink again as of March 2021.
Interlibrary loan. "Glad it's there. It helps with the online discussion parts of the class. If the library doesn't have it, they can request it."	Lack of reservable study rooms. Many people missed the privacy and whiteboards that came with group study rooms. These will be open again in the Fall (hopefully)!
Online databases. "It has been really great because I had the opportunity to use the database from the library for some of my essays and research papers [and] download some books for free that I needed for my classes."	Not knowing about all the resources offered by the Library. "Promote the databases more in general because I didn't find out about the databases before a student or professor [told me about them]."

Participate!

Your opinion matters. To get involved, look for the UX Café to tell us about your User eXperiences in the Library. Take the annual student services survey—especially the University Libraries portion.Or apply to join the Library Student Advisory Board.

It's never an individual in libraries—it's always a team. We're working to improve your experience at the Libraries, and we'd like to hear from you. Your feedback is important to us and impacts decisions we make. Please send your comments and suggestions to libraries.ux@ttu.edu.