Surveys

The most effective data-collection efforts build on a clear understanding of the decisions the data should inform.

ITS at Mississippi State University has created an efficient and secure online survey instrument used in the university's portal survey channel. The campus portal, onCampus, enables the instrument to be delivered to a precise target population in a secure, stable environment that produces quick, accurate responses.

Ithaka's 2006 survey of faculty members sought to determine their attitudes related to online resources, electronic archiving, teaching and learning and related subjects.  This study affords the opportunity to develop trend analysis of many measurements collected in the 2003 and 2000 faculty surveys. As in the past, Ithaka developed a robust set of disciplinary and other demographic analyses that have allowed them to learn more about how best to serve the needs of different types of faculty members. Findings include;

• Attitudes towards the possibility of a transition away from print format, both for scholarly journals and monographs
• Perceptions of libraries and their value, including specific library functions, and how these perceptions are changing
• Preferences in research practices, including disciplinary differences and changes over time
• Attitudes towards archiving of both print and electronic resources
• Preferences that lead authors to choose among scholarly journals in which to publish their articles, as well as attitudes towards digital repositories

Surveying the university community taught us about the importance of the process as well as the survey results.

With data from 960 participating institutions, the EDUCAUSE Core Data Service helps campus planners make informed decisions.

"If you were responsible for a college's network and were faced with infringement notices from the recording and motion picture industries, how would you handle them? That's the question Elliot Kendall, network security architect at Brandeis University, faced. He decided to ask his peers how they handled P2P traffic on campus networks, as well as DMCA takedown notices and prelitigation settlement letters."

This session will summarize the highlights from the 2006 EDUCAUSE Core Data Service survey data. These analyses will identify key findings, important trends, and similarities and differences across different types of institutions. This year more than 940 institutions participated in this collaborative effort. A discussion period will conclude this session to understand concerns and issues from the audience, as well as discussion of future directions.

Five-year trends revealed by an annual residence hall survey help campus technology planning.