In May 2026 we invited 361 library users (those with active accounts) to respond to a user survey, and 101 people replied. We will share the findings, their responses and our comments (where appropriate) to this user survey 2026.
For the third post in the series, we focused on access to specialist faith-based resources.
One of the questions we asked our users was, to what extent does limited access to specialist theological, philosophical, or faith‑based resources (e.g. uncatalogued journals or archives) restrict their work and study. The majority (33 users) answered ‘not at all’, which was encouraging as this meant they had full access to the resources they needed, possibly from within the Heythrop collection. But 24 users answered ‘significantly’.
Most respondents took the question to mean the ways in which limited access to specialist resources would restrict them in general. Some respondents said they would have trouble completing postgraduate and postdoctoral research without access to specialist resources. Some said they would be unable to complete their work as priests or spiritual directors.
Other respondents interpreted the question as how they are restricted by limited access to specialist resources within the Heythrop collection. They expressed the desire for increased access to journals (of which limited issues are kept in the reading room due to issues of space). They also wanted to be able to take journals home, to further aid their studies. Currently journals are reading room access only. Some respondents expressed interest in e-resources, of which we have none. We do however offer onsite access to JSTOR religion package.
Interestingly, few respondents expressed frustration with not being able to locate uncatalogued resources within the Heythrop collection. This is possibly because it is difficult to find resources that for all intents and purposes do not exist, as they cannot be found on our online catalogue.
Then we asked users, if dedicated funding enabled improved access to specialist faith‑based resources (e.g. through cataloguing, indexing, or preservation work), what difference would this make to your work or the community you serve? A majority (48 users) answered that it would make a significant difference. This result really validated all the work we do here at Heythrop, processing uncatalogued specialist materials and making them visible through our online catalogue. It is especially rewarding to serve our community and fulfil a need for improved access to faith-based resources.
Of the respondents who answered that dedicated funding for improved access to specialist faith-based resources would make a significant difference to their work and community, most commented that this would allow them to access the full breadth and highest quality of faith-based resources. Respondents highlighted how these resources improve their pastoral ministry and enhance their research as well as personal spiritual development.
Overall, library users gave the library a satisfaction score of 4.75, a solid result. The majority (76 users) gave a level 5, the highest level of satisfaction. We are constantly striving to improve the service and strongly encourage questions and comments.
AL
What are your thoughts about the above?