The 2025 University of Virginia Library User Survey results are in, helping us understand what matters most to our community. User surveys guide decisions about how our spaces are used, how our collections grow, and how we can support the research and learning needs of our students and faculty.
A new landscape
When the first user survey launched more than 30 years ago, the library landscape looked entirely different. Some libraries that once defined our system no longer exist, and electronic journals and books were not as prevalent as they are now.
The last library user survey was conducted in 2019, and the world — and the Library — have changed dramatically since then. From the impact of the pandemic to the renovation and reopening of Shannon library, the last few years have reshaped how our community studies, works and engages with library spaces.
This year’s survey also marked a shift in how we listen to our users. Unlike past surveys that targeted a representative sample of users, the 2025 survey invited all UVA students to participate, along with a representative sample of tenured, tenure-track and academic general faculty, and post-doctoral researchers. Professional schools such as Darden, Health and Law were not included in this iteration.
Insights from the 2025 Library User Survey
Library staff were appreciated
Survey respondents consistently described UVA Library staff as welcoming, knowledgeable, and eager to go the extra mile. Our users described these as qualities that help build deep trust and meaningful connections. Many patrons even called out staff members by name, highlighting just how much personalized support matters. Users said the Library feels like a place where they truly belong, thanks in large part to the warm, supportive interactions they experience with our staff.
Satisfied with services and spaces
When asked about their overall satisfaction with the UVA Library, a question carried forward from previous survey cycle, users rated the library higher than before. The 2025 survey saw a notable jump, rising to 4.62 from 2019’s 4.35 (out of a maximum of 5), and many respondents went out of their way to express their gratitude. Their comments reflected strong satisfaction not just with individual services and spaces, but with the collaborative, supportive experiences that shape their day-to-day interactions.
Are users interested in research support services?
Library patrons were asked whether they were aware of certain research support services, as well as whether they were satisfied with the services depending on their usage. While most users were familiar with the support for rare and unique materials, awareness dropped noticeably for many of the other research support services, particularly funding discovery, qualitative research support, and Libra Open/Data. However, interest was quite high. Respondents expressed a strong desire to learn more about these services, suggesting real potential for greater engagement and future use.
Learning about Library services
When asked how they discover Library services, respondents pointed overwhelmingly to word of mouth. Conversations with friends, faculty and Library staff remain the most common way users learn what the Library offers. The main Library website also stood out as a trusted and frequently used source of information.
What are users saying about the Library?
The survey’s open-ended questions gave users space to share what they value most about the Library, as well as where they would like to see improvements.
Library users mentioned strong appreciation for the:
- Helpfulness of Library staff
- Availability of study spaces
- LEO delivery service
Users also pointed to several opportunities for growth, including:
- Higher availability and visibility of librarians in Library spaces to continue providing their appreciated assistance to patrons
- The expansion of certain journal subscriptions
- More explicit noise regulation and signage in study spaces to distinguish quiet areas from collaborative areas
Most open-ended questions were framed neutrally. Even with neutrally worded prompts, respondents used these sections to share more positive reflections of their Library experiences, offering thoughtful insight into what is working well and where we can do better.
Looking Ahead
The results of this year’s user survey remind us that the Library remains an essential part of the academic experience, valued not just for its collections and services, but also for the staff and spaces that sustain learning experiences.
As Library staff look ahead, we remain committed to expanding access to the resources users depend on, enhancing the availability and usability of our study spaces while providing better environments for productive work (collaborative or individual), and investing in services that our users show interest in. The insights shared in this survey will help build a Library experience that is more accessible, more sustainable, and more responsive to the evolving needs of our students, faculty and staff.
The full 2025 University of Virginia Library User Survey Report is available on our website.