You Said We Did
Our Commitment
The Library is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming space that works for every single user. Which means that we regularly work with our users to enhance the experience and ensure that our users are the focus of every upgrade and improvement that we implement. This data is gathered from national surveys like the NSS and SCONUL surveys, along with other smaller targeted User Experience Projects run by our dedicated User Experience Team.
- 
        Discover Library ResourcesYou said that you struggled to find suitable resources... 
- 
        Helpful Videos and GuidesYou said you found searching for resources confusing... 
- 
        Databases in Library SearchYou said that databases are hard to find... 
Improvements to our Library Services
 
 
            National Student Survey (NSS)
This year the highest scoring group of questions were for ‘Learning Resources’ with a positivity score of 91%. This group of questions includes "How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?". And the positivity response for this question has gone up from 90.16% last year to 92.6%.
Discover Library Resources
You said that you struggled to find suitable resources...
We added three new ways to search for resources. 
LibKey - which works in the background while you search and helps you to select the best full-text article option, or sends you to our Get It For Me service.
BrowZine - which acts as a virtual newsstand and allows users to browse and read scholarly eJournals from multiple platforms and publishers in one place.
Summon AI Research Assistant - which is available through Library Search and uses AI to summarize search results and highlight the most relevant sources.
PG Tips
You said the timing of PG Tips was too rigid...
We changed the date and time of PG Tips to occur on either Tuesday or Thursday each week, allowing for a more flexible schedule that allows more postgraduates to join this free social networking event.
Helpful Videos and Guides
You said you found searching for resources confusing...
We updated the sidebar of Library Search to include links to helpful videos, subject support guides, where the classmarks are located in the Library, and to our Get It For Me Service. We're also investing in better searching software for the ease of everyone.
Databases in Library Search
You said that databases were hard to find...
We have integrated a vast majority of our databases into Library Search so that recommended databases will now appear at the top of the page when you're searching for items.
Visible Open Access
You said you wanted to easily search open access articles...
We added Open Access to the refinement criteria in Library Search so you can search for just Open Access articles. We also added the Open Access padlock icon to the catalogue entry so that you can quickly spot if an article is Open Access or not.
Assistive Technology
You said you wanted more assistive technology...
We upgraded the assistive technology area on the first floor with new assistive software. We also introduced a new assistive technology space on the 2nd Floor extension, featuring height-adjustable desks and specialised software in a quiet setting to support diverse needs.
Accessible Spaces
You said you wanted improved accessible spaces...
We’ve enhanced accessible spaces across all five floors of the library. We refurbished and repainted these areas to create a more welcoming atmosphere, introduced new height-adjustable desks, and upgraded IT equipment for improved access. Additionally, we installed sensory equipment, such as sensory lamps, to enhance comfort. A new accessible room and a bookable online meeting room will be coming soon to the 2nd floor extension!
Quiet Spaces
You said you wanted more quiet spaces...
We created a sensory study room on the 2nd Floor extension of the Main Library, designed for a calm and focused environment. This refurbished space features new furniture, including height-adjustable desks and all-in-one desktops. We’ve also added comfortable seating options and ergonomic pods to support individual learning.
Researcher Training
You said you wanted to help with research skills...
We created a variety of workshops which provide a range of training for University staff and students to enhance their research practice. We also introduced bespoke research training options. Our Researcher Training workshops are a mix of online workshops and hybrid workshops and are open to all staff and students at Warwick.
Improvements to our Accessibility Services
Accessible Study Rooms Feedback Summary
Following the distribution of our survey to users registered with Disability Services, we received 84 responses offering a range of valuable insights into the use and experience of our Accessible Study Rooms in and around The Library.
Most respondents reported using the rooms a few times per month, with Accessible Study Room 3 emerging as the most frequently used. The most appreciated feature was the ability to access a quiet, private space, which many found essential for focused study. Adjustable lighting and access to fidget items were also highlighted as important and well-liked features.
In addition to the Accessible Study Rooms, respondents noted positive experiences with other Library spaces, particularly The Breathing Space, as well as the Quiet and Silent Zones.
 
 
           You said there were not enough accessible study rooms and they are always booked...
We’re introducing Accessible Study Room 256 in Term 1. This additional space will increase availability and provide more options for our customers.
You said bookings are misused or left empty, other stay over time and there is no enforcement...
We’ve updated the arrival time policy to a 15-minute window. If someone doesn’t arrive within their allotted time, the booking will automatically become available for other students. This change helps reduce frustration caused by unused bookings and ensures fairer access for everyone.
Clocks have been installed in each Accessible Study Room to help users manage their time more effectively.
 
 
           You said there was lack of awareness about the Accessible Study Rooms, unclear eligibility and trouble getting into the rooms...
- Increased visibility through targeted posts and campaigns on social media.
- Updated information about Accessible Study Rooms on The Library website.
- Planned Term 1 events dedicated to raising awareness of The Library’s accessible services.
- Created an Accessible Library Handbook, available both at The Library Helpdesk and online via the Accessible Library homepage. This outlines where various accessible spaces are and how to access them.
- Produced step-by-step ‘point of view’ videos showing how to find and access each room, soon to be available on The Library’s Accessibility webpages.
 
 
           You said there was lack of clarity and confusion around height adjustable desks...
- The Accessible Library Handbook includes a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the height-adjustable desks, complete with images for clarity and ease of use.
- Additionally, all items connected to the plug sockets are now clearly labelled, making them easy to identify if they are unplugged or need to be moved.
Assistive Software and Accessible Technology Feedback Summary
We conducted an Assistive Software and Accessible Technology Survey, targeting users registered with Disability Services. We received 35 responses, providing valuable insights into their experiences with assistive technologies on designated Library PCs.
The findings highlighted that most respondents had never used the assistive software currently available in The Library, often preferring alternative tools such as MindView. Many reported difficulties in accessing the software, resulting in a neutral or unsatisfactory experience overall.
Respondents also shared constructive suggestions for improvement, including:
- Raise Awareness: Increase visibility and promotion of assistive technology services.
- Improve Access: Ensure software is available on more Library computers, particularly in accessible study rooms.
- Provide Support: Offer clear instructions, training, and access to higher-quality tools.
- Tailor Information: Recommend resources based on specific learning needs (e.g. dyslexia, autism).
- Train Staff: Equip staff to guide students effectively on available assistive technologies.
 
 
           You said you wanted increased visibility and promotion of assistive technology services...
- In Term 1, The Library will be hosting a series of Assistive Software and Technology Workshops. These sessions will give attendees the opportunity to explore the tools available, ask questions, watch live demonstrations, and take away practical resources to support their use of assistive technology.
- Awareness will also be promoted through scheduled social media posts throughout the term, helping to reach a wider audience.
- The Library Accessibility Specialist works closely with Disability and Wellbeing Services to ensure students are informed about the support available. They also attend the Disabled Student Champion Networks to share updates and highlight what The Library offers.
- To provide more tailored support, we have introduced a 30-minute one-to-one booking service with the Library Accessibility Specialist. These sessions can be used to discuss accessibility needs and explore assistive software in more detail.
- Finally, we are updating the Productivity Tools webpages to feature a range of current, user-friendly, and free/freemium software options, making them accessible to as many individuals as possible.
You said access could be improved and to ensure software is available on more Library computers, particularly in accessible study rooms...
- Over the summer, we updated all PCs in the Accessible Study Rooms and within the Assistive Technology Areas with a range of assistive software. While the software may vary between rooms and PCs, a full breakdown is clearly listed on The Library’s Accessibility webpages.
- To make navigation easier, we have also created floor maps for the Assistive Technology Areas. These maps highlight which PCs have which software, helping users choose the most suitable workspace for their needs.
- In addition, we have installed more Priority Seating stickers in Accessible Areas across The Library, ensuring that spaces remain available for those who need them most.
User Experience Portfolio
Interested in finding out more about what our Library User Experience team do?
The User Experience (UX) team is dedicated to enhancing how all users interact with library services, spaces and digital platforms. This work involves researching user needs through surveys, interviews, and usability testing, then using these insights to improve everything from website navigation and catalogue search functions to physical signage and study space design.
We Need You!
Want to help improve your Library? Fill out this feedback survey or send us an email to library at warwick dot ac dot uk. We are always happy to hear from you!
Library Community
The Library is invested in the Library Community.
We run events, work with students, and provide peer tips and tricks!
Follow Us
Keep up to date with the Library by following us on our Social Media channels!
 
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
            