Tell us what you think of Library Services!

We want our students to have a great experience during their time at Cranfield. Each month, the University runs a short “Topic of the month” survey to focus on one service or facility and find out what you think of it. This month it is our turn!

If you are a current student, please take a few minutes to complete the survey and tell us what you think of our library services. All your comments will be considered carefully to help improve the quality and usefulness of the services we offer. We are starting to think about redesigning the teaching and support we offer and your feedback will really shape our plans. One lucky student will also win a £50 Amazon gift card for taking part!

Complete the survey and tell us what you think!

As a result of the feedback we received last year, we have made a number of changes to make your life easier:

• Returning the book stock to MIRC – We had to close MIRC during the pandemic due to the size of the space, and consequently the books were moved to the Kings Norton Library. We were delighted to finally be able to return them all late last year, along with additional study spaces.
• Opening hours – You asked us to increase the opening hours in MIRC. It is now open 24/7 and we have introduced a self-service machine so you can borrow print items whenever it is convenient for you.
• PCs – Post-pandemic we have been able to return the PCs to all the libraries now so you no longer need to bring your own device with you. We have also increased the number of plug sockets available to support anyone bringing their own device.
• Seating – Post-pandemic we have been able to return all the chairs to the libraries, creating additional study spaces. We have also removed and replaced all the broken chairs that were in Kings Norton Library.
• Extended loan periods – We have increased the loan periods for the MIRC print collection following requests from School of Management students.
• Noise – We have tried to increase student awareness of the zoning policies in place in the Kings Norton Library. We have introduced more visible colour coding to try to increase awareness of the acceptable noise levels in each floor of the Kings Norton Library. We have more plans in the pipeline as well. We still encourage you to let us know whenever you are being disturbed by others, so we can intervene, and you can also contact Security when Library staff are unavailable.
• Library workshops – You asked us for more Library teaching sessions to help you use our databases better and develop your study skills. We now have a dedicated Events calendar on our website so you can find out about the ones that interest you and book your place. We have also introduced an online Lunch+Learn series which runs regularly at lunchtimes.
• eBooks – You said we should have more! We have invested heavily in eBooks over the last two years, particularly in titles on reading lists.
• Improving the environment – We have introduced plants at Kings Norton Library and they will shortly be arriving in MIRC and Barrington Library too.
• Refreshments – We have replaced/upgraded the vending machines in Kings Norton Library and have also introduced a hot water only function on the hot drinks machine.

Other major developments we’ve introduced for you:

• Improving customer experience – We now have a dedicated team working across all three libraries, finding ways of providing more consistent in-person and online frontline support.
• 24/7 webchat – We have joined a global co-operative for our website chat service so you can now get help from a professional librarian any time, even when Cranfield library staff aren’t working.
• Fiction collection – We have bought a subscription to Libby, an app that provides access to a host of fiction and non-fiction books and audiobooks online. It complements our existing printed leisure collection, with the bonus of a host of foreign language titles, and you can access it from anywhere at any time!

Complete the survey and tell us what you think!

Image from Pixabay