Texas Tech University

Love Letters to Your Library 2023

In February 2023, we invited students to write a personal note—a "love letter" or "breakup letter"—telling us how they feel about the Library. We set up a space in the Croslin Room where people could post their handwritten notes. Students and faculty in the College of Architecture could write a letter at the Architecture Library. We also provided a link on the Library website for people to participate online. 

Wall displaying paper hearts with written comments

Photo credit: Kimberly Vardeman

We received about 200 responses. The Libraries' User Experience department transcribed the letters and organized them by "Comment Type"—compliments, concerns, or suggestions. Some letters had more than one type of comment.

Chart displays 180 compliments, 15 concerns, 4 suggestions

We also categorized each response by a topic and, if applicable, a sub-topic. Many letters commented about multiple topics.

Chart displaying results with number of comments per topic

These were the most talked-about topics:

  • Study spaces with 47 comments.
  • The University Library building environment with 25 comments.
  • General comments about the Library, e.g., "It's good" with 25 comments.

We heard what you enjoy about our library:

  • I love the library for all it offers, letting me meet with friends and study, a quiet place to succeed
  • ❤️❤️ I love to study late at night with my friends at the library -> so cozy ❤️❤️
  • Different vibes for studying. VR, creative places. Laptops, projectors.
  • I love the atmosphere of the library when everyone is working hard late at night and you can just feel very productive with fellow classmates around you. 
  • Thank you for always being so kind and helpful

We heard what you don't like, including spotty Wi-Fi in the stacks and uncomfortable chairs.

The Library is always looking for ways to improve, so thank you for helping us by sharing your opinions. Be sure to look for the love letters posted in the Croslin Room every year around Valentine's Day and our online inbox posted on our website. We welcome your feedback about the Library.

Candy conversation hearts