DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Public Library has administered a survey to determine how patrons and residents view its services and facilities.

The survey — which asks participants to rate the library’s performance, collections and quality of services — can be obtained at the library.

Responses can either be dropped off at the library at the corner of Whispering Pines Road and U.S. Highway 98 or mailed to the facility at P.O. Box 1225 Daphne, AL 36526.

“We want to confirm that the programs we currently have are meeting the needs and expectations of our customers,” reference librarian Anne Morris said.

For example, “Do they want a greater emphasis with helping with schoolwork or with jobhunting?” she said.

The idea for conducting the survey originated with senior staff members.

“We welcomed it,” Morris said. “We wanted to get a more formal read on what people’s likes and dislikes were.”

She added that part of the inspiration for the survey was so the staff could gauge how to best utilize the library’s new computer lab under construction. The 3,191-square-foot addition will house at least 15 computer work stations.

Another reason for the survey is that the library has seen an increase in readership.

“Every month, we’re seeing increased numbers in circulation and interlibrary loans,” Morris said, “so it was a good time for us to check in with our patrons.”

Further, she said, “Since we’re expecting our budget to be tighter in 2010, we designed the survey to help us refine our program offerings, make sure that the library spaces and resources best meet any new needs of our patrons, and help us spend wisely.”