The Ithaka S+R University of Iowa Faculty Survey on Library services and space will help the Libraries evaluate faculty use of our facilities, resources and services.

All UI faculty are invited to participate in an important study designed to inform the University of Iowa Libraries’ strategic decision-making as it moves forward with plans to engage campus, provide resources and services, and renovate the Hardin and Main Libraries. The study, conducted by Ithaka S+R on behalf of the University Libraries, asks faculty about their perspectives on the Libraries’ resources, services, and spaces. The survey is completely anonymous, and the results will be reported only in the aggregate.

Faculty members will have received a link to the survey in an email from Ithaka S+R. During the week of November 18, 2019, faculty will receive another link to the survey in a second email.

Q: Why is the University of Iowa Libraries participating in this survey?

A: This survey is designed to inform the University of Iowa Libraries’ strategic decision-making as we move forward with plans to engage campus, provide resources and services, and renovate the Hardin and Main Libraries.

Q: What kinds of questions will be on the survey?

A: The survey will ask faculty their perspectives on a range of topics, including how you engage with and perceive the Libraries’ resources, services, and current spaces, as well as how we can best meet your current and future needs by altering the Libraries’ infrastructure. The survey is completely anonymous, and the results will only be reported in the aggregate.

Q: What will be the impact of the survey?

A: The survey will help shape the future of the University of Iowa Libraries’ resources, services, and spaces, including but not limited to the renovation of the Hardin and Main Libraries. Additionally, The University Libraries will donate $2 per completed survey to ComUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank. Your participation will help support community members in need.

Q: Who designed the survey?

A: Ithaka S+R designed the survey. Ithaka S+R is a research consulting service that helps academic, cultural, and publishing organizations consider how to shift their policies, services, and holdings to meet the needs of the digital future. Ithaka S+R is a part of ITHAKA, a not-for-profit organization that also includes JSTOR and Portico. Their survey was reviewed by the University of Iowa’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) and given exempt status.

Q: Will a summary of the survey’s findings be shared publicly?

A: Yes.

Q: How long does the survey take to complete?

A: 15-30 minutes.

Q: Is the survey compatible with mobile devices?

A: Yes. The survey is responsive to device type. Our survey platform can detect respondents’ devices and automatically adjust the questionnaire and questions into an appropriate format.

Q: Can participants stop and later continue their survey from the same point?

A: Respondents will be able to save their responses and continue later by clicking on their individualized link, even if they close their browser, use a different browser, or use a different device.

Q: Can participants back up and change their responses?

A: No. Because the survey may branch based on participants’ responses, allowing respondents to back up and change their responses will confuse the survey software.

Q: Is the survey accessible to respondents using screen savers or other Accessibility technology, such as JAWS?

A: Yes. The survey questions we use in our platform have been tested for compliance with the accessibility standards contained in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and are compatible with screen readers and similar software.

Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

A: Please contact Linda Walton, Associate University Librarian, at linda-walton@uiowa.edu.