Insights from the Library Student Sentiment Survey

12 Feb 2026

How your work impacts student experience.

Supported by Mike Douglas, Library Business Intelligence Analyst, the Library’s Our Students Steering Group has evaluated the results of the recent annual Library Student Sentiment Survey.

Almost 700 students took the opportunity to provide their feedback, with overall satisfaction with the Library remaining high at 81%.

Students shared that the Library plays a positive role in their wellbeing and helps them feel part of the wider University community. Your collective efforts, whether through welcoming interactions, maintaining calm and comfortable spaces, or ensuring students feel supported contribute directly to this sense of connection. We’ll continue building on this feedback as we develop our spaces and services, making sure the Library remains a place where students can feel part of a community.

Students continue to express strong satisfaction in our physical and digital resources, recognising the Library provides the resources they need for their programme. This reflects the expertise and care that goes into acquiring, managing and supporting access to such a wide range of materials.

Our focus over the last year on students’ awareness and satisfaction of Library Subject Guides and the Order resources has also contributed to positive results this year.

Students also responded with positive feedback when asked how our study spaces they meet their needs. This improvement speaks directly to the major improvements as part of the Main Library Redefined project, including 36 new bookable study spaces in the redeveloped Muriel Stott Building, toilet refurbishments and a new Cosy Campus space in Library Lounge with additional furnishings added to the Library Living Room.

Student feedback highlighted that finding help, both in person and online, can sometimes feel unclear. This gives us a valuable opportunity to strengthen how we support students across all our spaces and services.

The Our Students Steering Group are looking at ways to respond to this feedback, including increased promotion of how to access help and support, to raise students’ awareness of the improvements we’re making to facilities and services.

We will continue to invite student feedback and make sure they feel genuinely listened to, with clear and visible actions that show how their voices shape our improvements.

Together, these results show the value of the work happening in every part of the Library. Thank you for the continued dedication and care that make the Library a place where students can study confidently and feel supported throughout their time at Manchester.