Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Higher education institutions (HEIs) are utilizing a user satisfaction survey to assess user satisfaction and reveal the strengths and weaknesses of their libraries. This feedback aids their policymakers to improve the quality of library resources and services offered. However, no studies have been conducted using a Six Sigma approach to assess the medical students’ satisfaction towards the library resources and services offered in the Saudi Arabian context. As an attempt, this study evaluated the medical students’ satisfaction towards the library resources and services offered at the selected Saudi universities using a Six Sigma approach. A total of 1000 medical students were randomly selected from four Saudi universities (i.e., 250 students of each). Those medical students were administered with a Library user satisfaction survey (LUSS), and 799 completed surveys were received. The survey consisted of 21 items, and the response for each item was rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Further, the sigma rating was calculated based on the non-conformance level using the Six Sigma analytical tool, namely the "Poisson distribution model”. The results showed that the sigma rating for the medical students’ satisfaction towards the library resources and services was observed between 2σ to 3σ. Based on the modified Six sigma performance scale, the library resources and services provided to those medical students are “adaptable” and are just sufficient to accomplish the learning resources requirements without hindering performance. This study recommended appropriate strategies to improve the medical students’ satisfaction towards the library resources and services offered at Saudi universities.