Month/Year of Graduation

5-2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Library

First Advisor

Cathy Thorsen

Abstract

Academic libraries serve many purposes and many users, and no one library is exactly alike. This project seeks to begin pinpointing the value of UNO’s own academic library, Criss Library, through the voices of students, faculty, and staff. These primary users will be the focal point, and their responses will aid in analyzing the common concerns, appreciations, and themes surrounding a library’s value. There will be an analysis and synthesis of insights that is based on both user perspectives of the individuals who have offered responses and broader trends in the perception of academic libraries. It is evident that academic libraries hold many purposes, and through a combination of oral interviews of eight students and seven faculty and staff members, online surveys with 107 respondents, and external pieces of literature from around the United States, it will become apparent which purposes people see merit in. With this, a more complete picture will begin to emerge of what people value about their academic library. The result brings actionable insights to library staff and clarity of what things they should focus on for the future.

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