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sessions and pick up
library guides. The helpdesk proved
very popular again this year and acted
as an important focal point for new (and
returning) students.
Following student feedback on the 2003
programme, we changed the times of
information sessions and tours, and
increased the number of sessions, in an
attempt to fit in better with students'
already packed timetables. There was,
in fact, an overall increase in numbers
attending this year. However, in
order to get a real
sense of how useful and successful this
year’s programme was we produced a web
questionnaire which was sent via email
to all new students.
So what did we find out? Firstly we were
delighted with the level of response to
the questionnaire. In the main,
respondents found the sessions and tours
really useful. In fact a number felt the
sessions should be compulsory for all
new students. Some students suggested
that sessions should be delivered during
the official orientation week. Timing
again this year was problematic for
some, mainly because students found it
difficult to find a free hour to attend
library sessions once their lectures
began.
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“Make the
Discovery Programme a compulsory part of
orientation week for freshers”
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“Timetable it into a
slot in orientation week where we
actually have time to do things”
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“Make the
tours/sessions compulsory - not an
option
to sign up for later”
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Students were very happy with the
content of the sessions and tours. Some
indicated that they would like to see
additional time devoted to some
practical exercises in actually finding
books on the shelf.
There were many comments on the advance
advertising of the Discovery Programme.
Most respondents heard about the
programme from the library website and
library flyers. A useful suggestion made
by one student is to send out the
programme details to new students in
advance of them actually arriving on
campus.
Students felt Library guides were really
useful and relevant. Indeed, over 1,000
were picked up by students during the
four -week programme.
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“very useful and comprehensive”
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“information in guides is bang-on”
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A useful suggestion, which we will
certainly consider for next year, is the
production of a Library Discovery Pack
for new students.
We also received many complimentary
comments about the library itself and
the library staff, for which we say a
big Thank You!
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As always, we value your comments and
suggestions, and feedback on this year’s
programme will be used to further
develop and enhance next year’s
programme.
A special thanks to all who responded to
the questionnaire, and congratulations
to Michelle Molloy who won the draw for
the €50 music/book token. |
Michelle
Molloy being presented with her prize by
Paul Sheehan, Director of Library
Services |
