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We participated in the cross-library study conducted by the User Experience Working Group of the BIB [Berufsverband Information Bibliothek e. V.] in June/July 2026, and we would like to thank you for your responses and your participation! We distributed approximately 480 survey booklets and received 239 back.

The analysis of these questionnaires is now complete, and we would like to share the results with you:

• Approximately 50 % of the participants who took part in the survey were Bachelor students.
• 50 % of the participants come to the library to study for their exams, while a good 30 % borrow materials and use the library’s digital and print collections. Two other important reasons for visiting the library are preparing for or reviewing a lecture or course and writing a paper.
• Just under 50 % of respondents visit the library several times a week. 32,2 % spend more than 6 hours in the library. Just under half of the respondents visit the library in the morning between 10 and 11 am; 23,4 % of participants leave the library between 4 and 5 pm, while 7 % do not leave until after 8 pm.
• It’s evenly split:
  IIn the library, some people study in the company of others (while working on their own assignments), while others study alone. Only a small percentage of survey participants study in a group working on a shared assignment.
• 31,4 % of the participants are satisfied with the status quo regarding existing media; 20,9 % would like to see more digital media, and 41,7 % would actually prefer more print media. The reasons cited are that the advantages of digital media lie in the fact that they can be accessed from anywhere and eliminate the need to carry heavy loads. However, there is evidence that learning with analog media is more effective and memorable.
• Lecture notes, books, and articles are the most important sources of information for the respondents.
• Around 40 % of the participants describe their study style as continuous..
• The following factors are most important to the respondents when using the library:
  
  • Atmosphere: Low noise level
  • Building: Temperature
  • Amenities: Electrical outlets
  • Amenities: Wi-Fi/Internet

Of particular note is the desire for a low noise level, which is considered a fundamental prerequisite for focused work and study. Unfortunately, we have only limited control over the temperature inside the building. Please read our article on this topic: Temperatures in the University Library building

Equally important are the availability of electrical outlets and reliable Wi-Fi/Internet, which are now considered standard infrastructure for digital work processes. We have it.services continuously monitor the Wi-Fi signal strength. Please let us know at the Information and Service Desk if there is a need for improvement in specific areas.

It’s clear that the expectations placed on libraries have changed: away from being mere book repositories and toward becoming modern learning environments with multifunctional spaces for learning and socializing. The participants’ responses show that the Bochum University Library has successfully undergone this transformation and is perceived as an attractive place to learn. Our goal is to continue developing and improving it.

Thank you very much for your responses.

Your UB Team

Photography news overview: © RUB, Ramisch