LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

In November 2005, we distributed a Patron Survey along with our annual fund raising appeal.  We wanted to know how you feel about the material and services we offer, about library hours and facilities and about our staff. The survey is part of our long-range planning effort. The following are some conclusions and comments from the survey, 75 of which have been returned so far:

Who are the respondents?  Most are couples (76%), full-time Sharon residents (81%), have Internet at home (82%), and visit the library on a frequent basis (i.e., more than 10 times per year).  About half use other libraries, notably the Scoville Library and the Hotchkiss School Library. Over half  have requested an inter-library loan at least once. It was unfortunate we had so few respondents with children (12%), although they rated children’s programs highly.

What Services do they use?  Clearly, most patrons (89%) come to borrow books, and almost half indicated it’s the most important reason they come.  Half  borrow audio books and said it is an important service. Movies are not far behind. Only four respondents noted computer usage as a reason for visiting the library. Reading, studying and research were also important reasons for coming to the library. 

What improvements are patrons looking for?   More fiction, more audio books and more adult programs are at the top of the list.  More Author Readings and more Book Reviews are also noted.  And a surprising 20% want more Art Exhibits. Space is an issue, as well as noise.   A few would like more hours in the evening. 

Staff knowledge and helpfulness:  The most gratifying result is the near unanimous praise for Louise and her staff as evidenced from the survey data as well as from written comments from more than 15% of the respondents.  No indicator is more important than this one.

I want to thank everyone who responded and to assure them that their input is most appreciated and will make a difference. 

Harding Bancroft, President

January, 2006