Children's PLUS 2010 (Public Library Users survey)

Overview

This is a national survey organised by CIPFA Social Research (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy). The consultation took place onsite at libraries and covered all twelve lending libraries across the borough. Children and young people up to 15 years old were asked to complete a survey during their visit, which asked a range of questions about the library service including book and computer usage and general attitudes to the library overall.

The information will be used to develop the library service and build a profile of service users.

Six libraries were surveyed in the first week (20 - 26 Sept) and the remaining six in the second week (27 Sept - 3 Oct) as per below:

Week commencing 20 Sept: Richmond Library, Twickenham Library, Whitton Library, Ham Library, Hampton Hill Library and Kew Library.

Week commencing 27 Sept: East Sheen Library, Teddington Library, Hampton Library, Castelnau Library, Heathfield Library and Hampton Wick Library.

What happens next

There were 2,063 unique visitors who were under 16 (repeat visits by the same child did not count). 1,551 filled in the survey. Of these:

- 52% were under 5

- 34% were 5-10 year olds and

- 14% were 11-15 year olds.

Headline findings

85% thought the library was open when they wanted to use it and 99% thought the library was a friendly place. Importantly, 87% rated their library as good overall.

What has happened as a result?

The survey takes place every three years and the branches' user profiles and comments will act as a guide when purchasing stock, training staff and refurbishing our libraries.

We have acted on any comments relating to stock by ordering more of certain books to put in the relevant branch.

There were also some comments on how the decor at Richmond Library could be improved, which has been re-carpeted and painted during November.