Monday, October 8, 2007
Week 4 - Feedback Thingies
Blogs seem like an easy way to solicit feedback from library patrons. Of course, you are only getting feedback from the technologically literate population and those who have computer access. It would be important to provide access via several means, ie. print and electronic. There was recent mention by staff to add a link for patron suggestions to our homepage. This would nicely compliment the paper suggestion box we have at the Circulation Desk. Of course we still would not be obtaining suggestions from non-library users. What ways have other libraries found to acquire feedback from people who are not actively using the library?
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5 comments:
Hi Amy, When I make visits to the local mall, or local senior citizen center,to take part in a community information/services fair, I have use paper surveys (usually just one or two questions) to get some feedback from people who may not be regular library visitors. Maria
That has always been the trouble! One way to get feedback from non-users is to go out to meet and talk to them. First you have to identify who they are and where they may congregate. Our town is very small so I know that if I meet with the Lions, American Legion, Motorcycle & Snowmobile Club, Sportsman Club and Volunteer Fire Department, I'll talk to most of the population. Sure, some of them will be regular Library users (but that's a plus because I have cheer leaders in the crowd). Non-users aren't going to come to you--you have to go out to hear from them.
I just got a phone call for a radio survey. Even though I am on the "do not call" list. But because it was a survey, I talked to them, and I hope my answers were helpful.
At a former library where I worked, we had paper surveys that we distributed to YAs through the school to find out what sort of programming they were interested in. We also did a community-wide survey that was mailed out with the Village Newsletter (if I am recalling correctly).
At my current library, whenever I have been asked to give talks to service groups or organizations, I leave ample time for questions and suggestions at the end of my talk. I've only done about 5 talks though.
Hi Amy,
Good point about getting feedback from ALL your patrons - not just those with access to a computer.
As others have said, making those personal contacts is key - whether it's in the library or out in the public.
I think it's also important to encourage all library staff to report on the feedback they get - whether they're shelving books or manning the reference desk. Too often, those comments never make it to the next level.
Keep on playing!
Jean
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