Higher quality for less: IT user surveys over the web.

ABSTRACTEven in tough fiscal times, competitive educational institutions must quickly assess the changing technology needs of the academic community and deliver appropriate services. As funds prioritize their services. A Web-based user survey is an economical tool to determine what existing services are most important to and most used in the academic community, as well as to determine potential services of interest to users. A Web survey also facilitates a quick exchange of information, giving IT administrators more data on which to base time-sensitive decisions. The presenters will discuss how a multi-campus University's annual user survey has evolved from a costly, time-consuming paper questionnaire to a more efficient, less expensive Web-based format. The Web survey provides higher quality results, due to less opportunity for human error, and an equal or better return rate than a traditional paper survey. With input from all service units in the University's IT department, the survey asks the most important, relevant questions. The answers provide a broad base of information on which the University's IT administrators can base their strategic decisions. This presentation is geared toward information technology administrators and managers who are interested in a cost- and time-saving method for determining an academic community's vital information technology needs.