Public libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities but how do you ensure your library stays relevant and valuable? The answer lies in asking the right public library survey questions. A well-designed survey can reveal hidden insights, uncover unmet needs and guide your library’s strategic decisions.
But it’s not just about gathering feedback, it’s about doing it effectively. In this post, we’ll share our SurveyStance 14 essential survey questions that will help your public library survey gather meaningful data, plus actionable best practices to design and distribute your survey like a pro. Whether you want to assess patron satisfaction, understand why some people don’t visit or plan your next big program, these tips will set you on the path to success.
Get ready to transform community feedback into actionable insights and take your library services to the next level!
Top Public Library Survey Questions
General Library Use
- How often do you visit the library?
- Daily
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Rarely
- Never
- What is your primary reason for visiting the library?
- Borrowing books or materials
- Using computers or internet
- Attending programs or events
- Quiet study or work
- Other (please specify)
Collection & Resources
- Does the library offer the materials you need?
- Yes
- No (please specify what’s missing)
- How would you rate the library’s digital resources (e.g., eBooks, online databases)?
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Facilities & Accessibility
- How satisfied are you with the library’s physical environment (e.g., cleanliness, comfort)?
- Very satisfied
- Satisfied
- Neutral
- Dissatisfied
- Very dissatisfied
- Are the library’s hours convenient for you?
- Yes
- No (please specify preferred hours)
Staff & Services
- How would you rate the helpfulness of the library staff?
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
- Have you ever sought assistance from library staff? If so, how would you rate the experience?
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Programs & Events
- Have you attended any library programs or events?
- Yes
- No
- What types of programs or events would you like to see offered?
- Storytime for children
- Technology workshops
- Book clubs
- Author talks
- Other (please specify)
Technology
- Do you find the library’s computers and internet services adequate?
- Yes
- No (please specify concerns)
- How easy is it to access the library’s online catalog?
- Very easy
- Easy
- Neutral
- Difficult
- Very difficult
Open-Ended Feedback Questions
- What do you like most about the library?
- What improvements would you suggest for the library?
Additional Survey Category Ideas:
- Gauging Interest in a New Program:
- Example: “Teen Tech Hub” (3D printing, coding, game design)
- Gathering Feedback on a Recent Event:
- Example: “Summer Reading Program” (story times, special guests, activities)
- Assessing Patron Satisfaction with a Specific Service:
- Example: “Library Wi-Fi” (speed, reliability, usage frequency)
- Evaluating Library Resources:
- Example: “E-book collection,” “Online databases,” “Physical book selection”
- Understanding Patron Needs and Expectations:
- Example: “Desired library hours,” “Accessibility needs,” “Preferred program formats”
- Measuring Staff Performance:
- Example: “Staff helpfulness,” “Ease of checking out materials,” “Resolution of patron issues”
Best Practices for Designing & Distributing Library Surveys
1. Define Your Goals
Start by clarifying the purpose of your survey. Are you assessing patron satisfaction, identifying areas for improvement, or conducting a needs assessment? Knowing your objective will shape the questions you ask and how you analyze the results.
2. Target the Right Audience
Decide whether your survey will focus on regular patrons, non-users, or a combination of both. This will influence where and how you distribute your survey.
3. Keep It Simple & Focused
• Limit your survey to one or two pages to avoid overwhelming respondents, especially with public library survey questions.
• Use a mix of fixed-response questions (e.g., Likert scales) and a few open-ended questions for qualitative feedback.
4. Choose Your Distribution Methods
• In-person: Hand out surveys at the library or set up a survey station.
• Online: Use platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms, and share links via email or social media.
• Community Outreach: Partner with local businesses or organizations to distribute paper surveys.
5. Promote Your Survey
Advertise your survey through newsletters, social media, and local newspapers. Highlight the importance of community feedback and consider offering incentives (e.g., a prize drawing) to boost participation.
6. Analyze & Share Results
Once the survey period is over, analyze the data to identify trends and actionable insights. Share key findings with stakeholders and the community, and outline steps the library will take to address feedback.
Why Library Surveys Matter
Surveys provide libraries with invaluable data, helping them stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. By understanding patrons’ needs, libraries can:
• Improve their collections, programs, and services.
• Justify funding and resource allocation to governing bodies.
• Foster stronger connections with their communities.
Public library surveys aren’t just a tool for gathering information, they’re a bridge for building trust, improving engagement and ensuring the library remains a vital community resource. So, whether you’re crafting your public library survey questions for a small-town library or a bustling urban branch, thoughtful design and execution will yield meaningful results.
Increasing Survey Response Rates with Feedback Kiosks
Capturing feedback is essential for public libraries, but encouraging patrons to complete surveys is often a challenge. Low response rates are one of the biggest hurdles libraries face when gathering feedback. To overcome this, many libraries are turning to modern solutions like feedback kiosks from SurveyStance, which can significantly boost participation and improve the feedback process.
Feedback kiosks are user-friendly, visually engaging, and strategically placed within the library to encourage participation. With features like smiley face buttons or quick survey prompts, they make providing feedback effortless and even enjoyable.
Benefits of Using Feedback Kiosks in Public Libraries:
• Increased Participation: Kiosks are quick and easy to use, leading to higher response rates than traditional paper or online surveys.
• Real-Time Feedback: Responses are captured instantly, allowing library staff to address concerns or celebrate successes in real-time.
• Engaging Experience: The interactive nature of kiosks makes providing feedback feel more like a conversation, fostering greater engagement.
• Accessible to All Ages: Whether it’s a child rating their experience at storytime or a senior sharing thoughts on resources, kiosks are designed for accessibility and ease of use.
By incorporating feedback kiosks into your library’s feedback strategy, you can capture a more comprehensive picture of patron satisfaction, helping you fine-tune services and advocate for your library’s value with solid data.
Library Surveys as an Advocacy Tool
Library surveys aren’t just for improving services, they’re also a powerful tool for library advocacy. When advocating for funding or resources, survey results can provide compelling evidence of the library’s impact on the community. By highlighting key data points, such as high satisfaction rates, frequent usage, or specific community needs, libraries can effectively demonstrate their value to stakeholders, governing bodies, and potential donors.
For example, if survey results show that a significant percentage of patrons rely on library internet services for job applications or education, this data underscores the library’s role as an essential community resource. Similarly, feedback on popular programs or unmet needs can help justify requests for expanded budgets or new initiatives. Be sure to draft the perfect public library survey questions in order to get the best results possible.
Tips for Using Survey Results in Advocacy:
- Highlight Key Metrics: Focus on data that aligns with your funding goals, such as high demand for specific services or the library’s role in bridging the digital divide.
- Include Testimonials: Incorporate quotes from patrons about how the library has positively impacted their lives.
- Visualize the Data: Use charts, graphs, or infographics to make your case visually engaging and easy to understand.
- Tailor Your Message: Frame the results in a way that resonates with your audience, whether it’s a city council, potential donors, or community members.
By using survey results strategically, libraries can not only secure the funding they need but also strengthen their position as vital community hubs.
Additional Resources
Click the button below and simply copy/paste your public library survey questions into our free SurveyStance AI powered tool and get an instant score along with specific feedback on how to improve your specific survey questions.
Additional guide from Library Research Service (LRS) on implementing a public library survey
https://www.lrs.org/data-tools/public-libraries/the-who-what-where-and-why-of-public-library-surveys/
