Highlights of Staff Survey

Staff Survey Highlights

Customers told staff:

· Highest Ranking challenges that staff heard from library customers were related to way finding – not being able to locate particular materials because of a lack of comprehensive signage and a layout that “flows” meaning, for example, that a customer can follow the fiction from one end to the other without interruption from other collections.

· Not surprisingly, computer time and access are two of the most heard challenges from library customers.

· Noise was also a popular challenge that staff heard from library customers – both a need for quiet and a need for spaces to talk without feeling like it is distracting other customers. This is similar to the challenges that are being brought up directly by library customers when asked survey questions at random.

This demonstrates customers’ needs for:

· More computers

· Flexible computer time limits

· Areas with distinct noise functions (quiet rooms/collaborative spaces)

· Signage that is user-friendly and collection layouts that 'flow'.

What staff appreciates and finds most useful about current workspace:

· Access to computers

· Environmental conditions (windows, lighting, climate control, colour)

· Storage and equipment (such as sorting carts) are nearby

Popular changes that staff would like to see in order to create a more effective workspace:

· Necessary equipment and supplies need to be accessible to all members at the desk as well as off-desk, and needs to be updated so that it is functional and efficient. (I.e. updates on computer programs, wands at each work station)

· 68% of staff would like to have an off-desk workspace to complete tasks, especially because 72% did not believe that they could complete tasks well in a noisy or congested workspace.

· Similarly, 78% of staff would like to see more space for collaboration and informal planning.

· More storage spaces as well as space for personal belongings and work assignments were needed by more than 90% of staff who completed the survey.

· An approachable desk: one that is accessible to children, seniors, as well as people with disabilities.