User library service expectations in health science vs. other settings: a LibQUAL+ Study.

OBJECTIVES

To explore how the library service expectations and perceptions of users might differ across health-related libraries as against major research libraries not operating in a medical context; to determine whether users of medical libraries demand better library service quality, because the inability of users to access needed literature promptly may lead to a patient who cannot be properly diagnosed, or a diagnosis that cannot be properly treated.

METHODOLOGY

We compared LibQUAL+ total and subscale scores across three groups of US, Canadian and British libraries for this purpose.

RESULTS

Anticipated differences in expectations for health as other library settings did not emerge.

CONCLUSIONS

The expectations and perceptions are similar across different types of health science library settings, hospital and academic, and across other general research libraries.