Wauconda library launches customer survey
Wauconda Area Library patrons can share ideas for improving the facility by taking a brief survey this month.
One key question asks participants how much they'd value a drive-up window for picking up books and other materials, an outdoor reading area, or easier access to the front entrance from the parking lot.
"We are working on a master plan that will include each of these projects, and we wanted the community's help in deciding how to prioritize these, moving forward," library Director Tom Kern said.
The survey also aims to determine why people use - or don't use - the library. For example, it asks patrons if additional quiet rooms or eliminating overdue fines would prompt them to visit the library more often.
"Our goal, as always, is to increase library usage by improving the library experience, from checking out materials to attending a program or class," Kern said.
Library customers can take the survey online by going to wauclib.org. Paper copies can be picked up at the library and filled out, too.
The survey launched Sept. 29 and concludes Oct. 31. Kern hopes to hear from 1,500 customers.
"We've receive more than 900 completed surveys so far," he said. "The more the merrier."
People who finish the survey by the deadline will be entered in drawings to win an iPad computer tablet, a GoPro camera or a $250 Visa gift card.
Three winners will be drawn randomly from completed surveys. Prize winners must reside in the Wauconda Area Public Library District and be at least 18 years old.
The survey uses cloud-based software from a company called SurveyMonkey and will incur "minimal cost" to the library, Kern said.
The results could be made public in December, he said.
The library last did a comprehensive public survey in 2001, Kern said.