Senate House Library User Survey 2024: Members' feedback and our future plans

Earlier this year we carried out a survey of our members’ experience of the library.  

As in previous years, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with 95% of respondents saying they were either very satisfied or satisfied with our service – the same as in 2023.  

The survey also explored how our members use our growing collection of e-resources – and also why they don’t use them. We were pleased to learn that the majority of members access online resources through our catalogue or website and that only a small number experience problems with logging on or viewing material from home. Most of those who don’t use our e-resources say this is because the e-resources provided by their home institution are sufficient to cover their needs or that they simply prefer to use print material.

Additionally, we sought members’ views on possible future changes to the Library’s space as part of the Library Transformation Programme. Opinions were varied but demonstrated a definite appetite for more study spaces, especially collaborative spaces, spaces to attend online meetings or lectures, and quiet and silent spaces.

Additional findings:

• In-person visits remain high and continue to be the most common way that members access our services.
• There was much positive feedback about the refurbished seating and space for collaborative study in the Central Hall on the fourth floor, and the new bookable group study rooms in Bloom@SenateHouse. 
• Certain elements of our buildings and facilities still require improvement.

The lucky recipients of our prize draw, both of whom will be awarded a £100 John Lewis gift card, are: 

• Hannah from Kings College London.
• Thomas from Kings College London.

Get a more detailed insight into the findings by reading the full report: SHL User Survey 2024 [PDF].  A version compatible with read aloud software is also available: SHL User Survey 2024 (with tables) [PDF].