ULS Membership Survey Results
The survey was open for the month of July 2011 and was distributed to ULS members via the ULS listserv. Of those who responded to the survey:
– 57.5% have been a member of ULS for less than 5 years
– 64% “sometimes” attend ULS programs or events at ALA
– 49% indicated ULS “sometimes meets their needs” and 30% stated ULS “mostly meets their needs”
– 75% are not active in any ULS committees or discussion groups
– 38% have been a librarian for over 20 years.
When asked why they joined ULS the most common responses were they worked in a university library, networking, and the opportunity for continuing education. As for the respondents’ expectations of ULS programming, the majority stated they wanted programming geared towards academic libraries and librarians; programs which are intellectually stimulating and inspirational focusing on cutting edge and innovative trends and practices. Responses also included a desire for big picture programs which examined the role of academic libraries in higher education. Specific topics of interest for programs included instruction/information literacy, reference, scholarly communication, tenure and promotion, new services to users, library advocacy, management/leadership, and the future of academic libraries. Respondents also expected good socials and discussion groups. Some respondents indicated they would like more virtual/online programming. Several commented they were unsure of the mission and purpose of ULS, and how the section differs from CLS.
For future programs and events, the respondents’ statements were very similar to their expectations listed above. Some said they would like more joint programming with other sections (e.g. LAMA, ALCTS, LITA). Respondents also stated their desire for more virtual/online programming. Otherwise respondents would like programming which addresses best practices, the changing needs and worlds of academic libraries, and leadership.
In order to improve, respondents stated ULS should better define its mission and purpose, be more visible (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, more active listserv, e-newsletters,), make it easier to get involved, have more e-learning opportunities, produce more reports and disseminate scholarly material, and over-all be more active. As for how ULS compares with other sections, most respondents thought ULS was about the same or offered a little less than other sections. Several respondents commented they liked how ULS was becoming more relevant and finding its niche. Again, some respondents wanted to know how ULS differed from CLS.
Survey Sub-Committee Members: Jason Martin, Jenna Ryan, and Drew Smith
Click on the following for a copy of the full results of the survey.
ULS Membership Survey
