The Cambridge Libraries Survey
The 2026 Cambridge Libraries Survey is running from Monday 02 March to Friday 27 March. We will be asking all users of all Cambridge libraries to tell us how they find accessing information, resources, help and training opportunities in our libraries, as well as what they think about library spaces.
What is the Cambridge Libraries Survey?
Cambridge University Libraries and Archives are continually focused on the changing needs of our academics, students and visitors. We strive to deliver a flexible and inclusive working environment for the benefit of our students, scholars, staff – and the world. The Cambridge Libraries Survey provides an opportunity for all users of Cambridge libraries to provide their feedback and opinions on the services those libraries provide. The data gathered through the survey on library users’ views and experiences are used to inform service provision and planning and to ensure that our libraries are able to fully meet users’ needs.
Previous iterations of the survey used the LibQUAL+ survey instrument, which has now been retired. For 2026, the survey has been redeveloped locally to better reflect Cambridge’s context, priorities, and service model, while retaining continuity where appropriate to support comparison over time.
Why do CUL conduct the survey?
The aims of the Cambridge Libraries Survey are:
- to provide a picture of the overall user experience of Cambridge libraries
- to provide the opportunity to benchmark with peer institutions, and to measure the progress of Cambridge University Libraries over time
How do CUL use the survey data and results?
Data gathered from the survey will be used in the following ways:
- Informing strategic thinking, planning and prioritisation at Cambridge University Libraries, at a service-wide level and also in individual library action plans, highlighting opportunities for immediate response and for further investigation
- Ensuring that library services at the University are aligned with users’ needs and expectations, making sure the libraries provide a high-quality user experience, aligning to the University’s goals and ensuring that Cambridge continues to be a world-leading and attractive destination for students, researchers and academics.
- Data and analyses related to Cambridge College and Department/Faculty libraries and their users may be made available to those libraries, pending enough responses and without risk of identifying an individual respondent. Further, the results of the survey may be of use in informing University policy in areas such as use of space.
Data and privacy information
Contact
If you have any questions about the survey please email librarysurvey@lib.cam.ac.uk
