Known as the Electronic Public Library User Survey (ePLUS) - this survey is the third in the set of national public library user surveys, its purpose is to provide evidence to help assess the value of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) facilities in libraries to users. Our survey ran during November 2005.
3,458 individual computer users were asked to take part in the survey and we received a total of 3,152 completed questionnaires. 90% of you rated the computer facilities as good or very good and 96% of you rated staff helpfulness as good or very good. This survey provides useful data for the County Council about ICT customers and ICT service delivery and development.
A big thank you to all who took part - your feedback is much appreciated and will help us develop the service for you.
Results are available here and in your local library. Below are highlights:
- The top 3 most used ICT facilities were Internet (83.4%), Email (65%) and Printing (13.9%)
- Your Comments - our actions. We received over 2,000 comments. The top three were:
- About charges and free time - we have maintained the e-library service as free for all.
- Positive comments about the service ranging from fine to excellent to perfect - Thank you. We aim to offer the best service we can.
- Suggestions for new or extra equipment -These have been forwarded for our ICT Strategy 2006-08
- Use of the ICT Service:
- 46% use the facilities because they are free
- 45% use the facilities because they do not have internet facilities at home
- 12 % use the facilities because of the help from library staff
- Have we made a difference to your life? We had over 1,500 comments. These are typical:
- 'Given me confidence to use a computer'
- 'Gave me a chance to find information that I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else'
- 'Thanks to the library's computer facilities I can keep in touch with my family'
- 'It has taught me to use my brain and do things I didn't know I could'
The results show that ICT services have brought new users into libraries:
- ICT customers in libraries are more likely to be male than general adult library users.
- They are younger – in the 20 - 34 age range.
- ICT customers three times more likely to be looking for employment than general adult library users.
- 26% are from an ethnic group other than White British compared to 6% for general adult library users
- Just under a quarter are normally resident outside the UK.
The results show that ICT services in libraries benefit communities:
- They provide free access.
- They provide access to ICT for those who do not have access elsewhere.
- They provide hands on help at point of use.
- They enable access online information worldwide.
- They facilitate job hunting.
- They facilitate personal participation in global communication.
For results and action plans please use the links below. If you require further information please use the contact details on the right.