TRUMBULL --ctpost.com *** The good news is that patrons of theTrumbull Library System are getting their money's worth out of the facilities' collections, programs and staff. The not-necessarily-bad news is that these same patrons want more of everything they like about their town's libraries.
That's according to a study recently completed by library system program coordinator Nicole Cignoli. Cignoli, a graduate student in Southern Connecticut State University's Department of Information and Library Science, conducted the study as part of her pursuit of a master's degree in library science. She decided an evaluation of Trumbull's library services and programs would not only satisfy her degree requirement, but would benefit the library system, for which she has worked since 2007.
"I think that all nonprofits and all service entities need to (look at) how they're fulfilling the needs of their customers," she said.
Cignoli's research included an anonymous survey of library patrons, many of whom praised the system's services and programs. However, they also offered a variety of suggestions, such as improving parking, upgrading computers and providing a wider variety of programs for toddlers and elementary school-aged children.
Library Firector Susan Horton said one of the most frequent words to pop up in the survey was "more." Patrons, she said, seem to like what the libraries have to offer, but want more computer classes, more services -- more of everything.
Though she cautioned that the library system has finite funds and space, Horton said she and other library officials are looking into how to better serve the public. Many of the suggestions offered by users are either already being implemented (the library system has replaced its computers) or being given serious consideration. For instance, one recommendation was to provide an orientation program that teaches patrons how to use the library's databases and other services. Horton said she liked that idea and hopes to offer such a program down the road.
The study, she said, "was a very good process that woke us up to things we need to do better."
In addition to the survey, Cignoli's study included a cost-benefit analysis that weighed the monetary value of Trumbull's collection, services and programs against the money used to fund the facility. Cignoli found that, during the three fiscal years studied (2006-2009), for every $1 spent to operate the library, taxpayers received an average $5.35 in benefits from library services.
During the first two weeks of April, surveys were made available at both the main library branch, 33 Quality St., and the Fairchild-Nichols Memorial Library, 1718 Huntington Turnpike. About 165 patrons responded to the survey and offered their opinions on which services they liked best, and what they would like to see changed.