Building Technology Services That Address Student Needs

Abstract

A 16-question technology use survey was conducted to assess incoming health sciences students’ knowledge of and interest in current technologies, and to identify student device and tool preferences. Survey questions were developed by colleagues at a peer institution and then edited to match this library's student population. Two years of student responses have been compiled, compared, and reviewed as a means for informing library decisions related to technology and resource purchases. Instruction and event programming have been revised to meet student preferences. Based on the number of students using Apple products, librarians are addressing the need to become more proficient with this platform.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic health sciences libraries
• device preferences
• health sciences students
• library services
• technology assessment

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the former Education Librarian, Amy Honisett, who managed the 2012 Technology Survey at the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeanne M. Le Ber

Jeanne M. Le Ber, MLIS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Associate Director for Education and Research, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah, 10 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5890.

Nancy T. Lombardo

Nancy T. Lombardo, MLS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Associate Director for Information Technology, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah, 10 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5890.

Erin Wimmer

Erin Wimmer, MLIS, MA, AHIP ([email protected]) is Teaching and Learning Librarian, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah, 10 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5890.