Patron Surveys Research Articles

Beyond taste: examining sustainable value, perceived CSR and consumer behaviour in the restaurant industry

PurposeAs perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become one of the long-term sustainable development strategies for many companies, this paper investigates the interrelationships between sustainable values (SVs), perceived CSR and customer behaviour in the restaurant industry.Design/methodology/approachTo gather data needed to meet the study aims, we conducted an online survey of restaurant patrons in China, and used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the proposed models and test the hypotheses.FindingsThe obtained findings confirm that the three studied SV dimensions (equality, respect for nature and shared responsibility) have positive effects on perceived CSR, which in turn significantly affects word of mouth (WOM). Moreover, perceived CSR mediates the relationship between the three SVs and WOM but has no impact on the relationship between SVs and revisit intention.Practical implicationsThe results of this study have practical implications for managers in the restaurant industry. Restaurant managers can prioritize their CSR efforts based on the relative importance of SV dimensions, which is useful in generating positive WOM.Originality/valueEven though the importance of CSR is widely recognised, it is insufficiently studied from the perspective of restaurant customers. This research not only addresses this gap, but also expands the current understanding of SVs and their impact on CSR.

Sexual violence in nightlife and positive bystander intervention in an English city

BackgroundNightlife environments are high risk settings for sexual violence and bystander intervention programmes are being developed in response. However, more research is needed to understand nightlife-related sexual violence, and factors that influence bystander interventions. This study examined nightlife patron’s experiences of sexual violence and associated factors; and relationships between attitudes towards, awareness and experience of sexual violence, and confidence to intervene.MethodsCross-sectional on-street survey of nightlife patrons (N = 307, aged 18+) on a night out in an English city. Surveys (7.30pm-1.30am; Wednesday-Saturday) established sexual violence awareness, myth acceptance, and experience, and confidence to intervene. Participant’s socio-demographics, nightlife alcohol consumption, and frequency of nightlife usage were collected.Results58.0% had ever experienced sexual violence whilst on a night out. In adjusted analyses, sexual violence was higher amongst females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.0; p < 0.001), and regular nightlife patrons (AOR 2.1; p < 0.05). The majority agreed that they would feel confident asking someone who has experienced sexual violence if they are okay/would like support (92.2%). In adjusted analyses, confidence to intervene was higher amongst those who agreed that sexual violence was an issue in nightlife (AOR 3.6; p < 0.05), however it reduced as sexual violence myth acceptance increased (AOR 0.5; p < 0.05).ConclusionSexual violence is a pertinent issue in nightlife. Programmes aiming to address nightlife-related sexual violence must address the wider social norms that promote sexual violence, and ensure patrons understand the extent and significance of the issue, to increase confidence to positively intervene.

Ongoing Assessments: Benefits and Challenges of Using Patron Surveys during the Pandemic

This column discusses the benefits and limitations of continuous assessment by reporting on the authors’ perspectives of ongoing assessment using examples from patron surveys designed to understand user experience in the physical library and to measure whether needs were met throughout the pandemic. This column will be helpful to anyone involved in assessment or who is interested in what factors to consider while carrying out ongoing assessment or using evidence-based data for decision-making.

Shifting to a high impact practice-centered student worker staffed research desk: a Hispanic serving institution perspective

PurposeThe authors seek to demonstrate, from a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) perspective, the importance of utilizing High Impact Practices (HIPs) for not only more meaningful student employment initiatives, but to benefit the campus community and prepare Hispanic students for success post-graduation.Design/methodology/approachEvaluation of current practices in academic libraries aided the design of the new staffing model, location and name. A survey of research desk student assistants was designed and implemented approximately one academic year after changes were executed. Survey data combined with follow-up interviews summarized the qualitative-focused assessment of the research desk's evolution and verified the validity of maintaining HIPs in libraries for Hispanic student success.FindingsThe transition of the reference desk to a student-staffed research desk was successful in that librarians were able to dedicate more time to other endeavors, such as campus outreach and collection development. The High Impact Practice (HIP)-focused desk model, along with new, customized onboarding and training materials, fulfilled their goals of giving student assistants meaningful employment on campus while also bridging the gap between the library and the mostly Hispanic, first-generation student population. An assessment from the student assistants' point of view helped them further analyze the new research desk model. They found that student assistants noticed the ease with which their peers approached the desk and how their skills learned on the research desk transferred to their classes and future careers.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restructuring of library personnel the authors were unable to implement library patron surveys to evaluate the new desk model.Originality/valueMany academic libraries and partners have made the transition to student-staffed help desks or offer peer-to-peer tutoring or mentoring services. HIPs positively impact marginalized student populations scholastically, but no current studies discuss the effect on the Hispanic student population from an HSI perspective. This study illuminates the wholistic influence HIPs have on Hispanic student assistants, not only their work and peers, but the affect on their academic and personal lives.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Cryptosporidium Among Public Swimming Pool Patrons and Staff in Western Australia.

There is a dearth of research conducted on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of swimming pool patrons and staff to determine their understanding of the importance of Cryptosporidium and its transmission in swimming pools. We conducted a KAP survey of public swimming pool patrons (n = 380) and staff (n = 40) attending five public swimming pools in Western Australia (WA). Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Cryptosporidium varied between patrons and staff but were generally limited. Only 26.1% and 25.0% of patrons and staff had heard of Cryptosporidium, while 17.4% and 10.0% knew that it causes diarrhoea, respectively. Thirty-one percent of patrons were aware of their pool policy concerning gastroenteritis and Cryptosporidium, compared to 62.5% of staff. Less than 50% of patrons demonstrated awareness of how features within the pool environment were relevant to the control of Cryptosporidium. Only about a third of patrons (35%) and staff (37.5%) were aware that showering before swimming reduced the risk of gastroenteritis. Raising awareness about hygiene-related practices through the delivery of targeted health education messages to the general public is essential to reduce the burden of Cryptosporidium infections in aquatic environments.

Responsible Gambling in Canada: An Analysis of the RG Check Patron Surveys.

This study analyzed the Responsible Gambling Check patron survey data from Canadian casinos and racinos collected from 2011-2019 (18,580 patrons and 75 venues). The results indicated increasing awareness and use over time of harm minimization tools among more frequent patrons. Despite these promising trends, it is concerning that a substantial percentage of gamblers are still unaware of the harm minimization tools available. Further, the actual impact of this awareness on responsible gambling behaviour is largely unknown. We suggest greater efforts are needed nation-wide to promote the awareness, utilization, and evaluation of these harm minimization tools.

Virtual barriers: unpacking the sustainability implications of online food spaces and the Yellowknife Farmers Market\u2019s response to COVID-19

BackgroundThrough their support of local agriculture, relationships, and healthy diets, farmers markets can contribute to a sustainable food system. Markets like the Yellowknife Farmers Market (YKFM) are social spaces that support local food, yet the COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to their current model. We explore the potential of online marketplaces to contribute to a resilient, sustainable food system through a case study of the YKFM.MethodsIn 2019, a collaborative mixed-method evaluation was initiated by the YKFM and university partners in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada. The evaluation included an in-person Rapid Market Assessment dot survey and questionnaire of market patrons from two YKFM dates prior to the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, a vendor survey and interviews were deferred. Data collected from the two patron surveys, alongside researcher observations, available literature, public announcements, and informal email and phone discussions, inform the discussion.ResultsFor the patron surveys, 59 dot survey and 31 questionnaire participants were recruited. The top motivators for attendance were eating dinner, atmosphere, and supporting local businesses, and most patrons attended as couples and spent over half of their time talking to others. The YKFM did not move online; instead, they proposed and implemented a “Shop, don’t stop” market. Informal conversations suggested the small scale of the market and technology challenges were perceived barriers to moving online. The physically-distanced market was well-attended and featured in local media.ConclusionsNWT food strategies rely on farmers markets to nurture a local food system. Data suggest a potential incongruence between an online model and important market characteristics such as the event-like atmosphere. Available literature suggests online markets can support local food by facilitating purchasing and knowledge-sharing, yet they do not replicate the open-air or social experience. The decision not to move online for the YKFM reflects market patron characteristics and current food context in Yellowknife and the NWT. While online adaptation does not fit into the YKFM plan today, online markets may prove useful as a complementary strategy for future emerging stressors to enhance the resiliency of local systems.

The library as a liminal space: Finding a seat of one's own

Although library seating plays an undeniable role in the use and arrangement of multifunctional spaces, it rarely is the sole focus of scholarly inquiry. However, we were able to study the topic more extensively after furniture was moved and integrated into another building during an initial phase of an ongoing renovation project at our academic library.We conducted a written snapshot survey of patrons in the main circulating stacks, asking them about their primary use of library space, but more specifically about their furniture preferences, including type and location. Ninety percent of respondents indicated that they actively sought out a particular type of seating. These and other data collected have potential implications for evaluating the cost effectiveness of furnishings and the optimal use of existing spaces.

Examining taste testing and point-of-purchase prompting as strategies to promote healthier food selection from food trucks.

To examine the feasibility of taste testing and point-of-purchase prompting to promote healthier food choices at a food truck event. A pre-/post-study was conducted where food trucks provided samples of healthy food items to patrons and implemented point-of-purchase prompting (promotional signage; verbal cues). Implementation fidelity, acceptability and initial effectiveness were assessed via observation, patron surveys and sales data. A linear mixed model with a random effect for subject (food truck) and fixed effect for time point (baseline, intervention and post-intervention) was used to assess changes in relative sales of promoted healthy items as a percentage of food items sold. Weekly food truck event in Buffalo, New York. Seven food trucks; 179 patrons. Implementation fidelity data illustrated that all food trucks complied with manualised procedures. Approximately one-third of surveyed patrons accepted a healthy sample, with the majority rating the sample positively. There was no main effect of time when examining changes in relative sales of promoted healthy items across all periods (P = 0·32); however, effect sizes representing changes between individual time points are consistent with an increase from baseline to intervention (d = 0·51), which was maintained through post-intervention (d = 0·03). The change from baseline to post-intervention corresponded to a medium effect size (d = 0·55). Findings generally support the feasibility of implementing taste testing and point-of-purchase prompting to increase the selection of healthy food items from food trucks; implications for future research in this novel setting are discussed.

An Approach to Reducing Problematic Data in an ACASI Sexual Behavior Assessment

ABSTRACT Minimizing error in self-reported sexual behavior could reduce investigators’ likelihood of rejecting truly successful interventions to decrease HIV and STI transmission risk. Sexual behavior assessments can elicit problematic data. This may manifest in the form of elevated levels of non-response, inaccurate point estimates, or misclassification errors resulting in inappropriately answering or, perhaps more importantly, skipping questions. We programed conversational interviewing elements into 20 sexual behavior questions in an exit survey of gay bathhouse patrons (N = 459) administered using ACASI. Those elements, called alternate pathways, included follow-up questions to responses to confirm that operational definitions were applied in the answer (with return to the initial question if confirmation failed), and assurances of confidentiality and requests for best guesses in reaction to non-response (including “don’t know”). These elements were invoked in nearly 10% of participants, and approximately 74% of all invocations resulted in a usable numeric response, or 87% if the data need only estimate prevalence. Almost two-thirds of the problematic data issues occurred in answers to sexual contact questions, with others related to follow-up questions about specific sexual behavior. It is at this level of important filtering questions where the benefits of the approach are likely to be maximized.

Mixed-methods library evaluation integrating the patron, library, and external perspectives: The case of Namibia regional libraries

The article presents a mixed-methods evaluation of regional libraries in Namibia, which incorporates three perspectives: the patron perspective (library users), the library perspective (library staff, management, and related officials), and the external perspective (including evaluators and monitoring data). Seven data collection methods were used: patron surveys, patron panel studies, focus group discussions, key informant and staff interviews, secondary data analysis, media analysis, and observations. The goal of the evaluation was to assess library performance for both formative and summative purposes by addressing evaluation questions on areas such as library services, use, and operations. Building upon the literature review of how mixed-methods approaches can contribute to library evaluation, the aim of this article is to show how a mixed-methods evaluation can be designed to examine multi-faceted library performance and to illustrate how the evaluation design allows information complementarity and can be utilized to present diverse viewpoints of the above three perspectives. The evaluation design, analysis process, and lessons learned from this study may be useful to evaluators engaged in evaluation of public services or programs (including public libraries) that examine multiple aspects of service performance and involve a variety of stakeholders.

Transitioning Online Reference Staffing Models: Assessing and Balancing Needs of Patrons and Practitioners

ABSTRACTAs staffing models evolve for academic library service points, online chat reference services require strategic analysis to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This paper will examine the perception of chat reference before and after staffing changes from faculty librarians, staff, and graduate assistants to non-MLIS library professionals and graduate assistants at Florida State University’s a large, public research university library. Our survey explores satisfaction levels and perception of both patrons and library personnel before and after the staffing change.Our analysis of 197 patron survey results determined that patrons are equally satisfied with non-librarian provision of chat reference services and found chat interactions to be comparable in quality and timeliness to chats staffed by librarians. Our research into staffer survey results revealed a slight decrease in satisfaction with operation of the service, notably in terms of confidence after the staffing transition even though this was not reflected in the patron satisfaction levels. This assessment indicates that library workers are equally as competent in staffing chat reference services as librarians from patron perspectives. As academic libraries continue to measure the value of staffing service desks with librarians, this study will provide relevant insight into how patrons and staffers are affected by changes in staffing models.

The Power of Communication: Increasing Patron Engagement through Outreach and Assessment

ABSTRACTNational trends suggest that many library services are under-used due to lack of effective marketing, as opposed to lack of community interest. This paper uses Dibner Library’s instructional workshop program as an example of a low-attendance library offering transformed by assessing a number of communication efforts. In order to tailor outreach to Dibner patrons, librarians tracked patron surveys, Bitly clicks across all forms of digital publicity, and registration and attendance statistics. The resulting increase in engagement shows that customized communication is at the root of successful library programming.

Performing Arts Library Patron Behavior: An Ethnographic Multi-Institutional Space Study

ABSTRACTThis multi-institutional research study used hourly sweeps and patron surveys to examine patron behavior at three institutional libraries catering primarily to performing arts students. Researchers examined: (a) areas visited, (b) technologies used, (c) types of work, (d) stay duration, and (e) work accomplished alone or together. Study areas were most popular, followed by computer labs. Patrons frequently used print and electronic technologies, often in combination. Patrons frequently worked alone. UMKC’s library (within the main library) experienced longer visit length and fewer personal/leisure visits than KSU and ECU’s libraries (within performing arts buildings.)

Problem Gambling in Greece: Prevalence and Risk Factors During the Financial Crisis.

In Greece no study has ever been conducted on the prevalence of problem gambling. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was carried out amid the recession aiming to (1) estimate past year prevalence of problem gambling, (2) explore socio-economic and demographic differences among gamblers and non gamblers, (3) explore socio-economic and demographic differences among gamblers who started gambling prior and during the downturn and (4) identify its risk factors with a special interest in the influence of the recession. To this end, data emanating from a telephone and patron survey were combined. A random and representative sample of 3.404 people participated in the telephone survey and 2.400 in the patron survey. The interview schedule was the same in both studies. The presence of problem gambling was assessed with the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Information on participants' socio-economic and demographic characteristics as well as their ways of dealing financially with the crisis were collected. Findings indicated that 2.4% of respondents met criteria for problem gambling. Male gender, minority status, living with family of origin, low educational level and low to zero income were found to constitute the risk factors of the disorder. Moreover, having started gambling during the recession increased the odds of suffering from problem gambling; however this finding was gender-specific. Thus, people end up in problem gambling through various pathways, with these trajectories being different for men and women. Any intervention should address the complexity of the issue and be tailored by gender.

Public Library Users: Perspectives of Socially Vulnerable Populations

Modern public libraries strive for inclusivity. Part of this effort involves enhancing staff capacity for engaging with socially vulnerable populations. This paper presents the outcomes of a study on library use by homeless adults, one of the most vulnerable of populations. The study employed a mix of methods. Part one was quantitative: a survey of library patrons. A second, qualitative phase involved focus groups – two of which were comprised of homeless patrons. Several areas of concern and need emerged, including physical space, safety, library services, and interactions with the library staff.

Patron Survey of Acceptable Wait Times at Transit Bus Stops in the District of Columbia

The wait time of bus patrons at bus stops is one of several measures for assessing reliability of transit services, especially in urban areas. The uncertainty associated with waiting affects bus patrons’ perception of quali of the service provided. Studies in this subject area have therefore been of interest to transit service agencies and officials. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to determine patrons’ maximum acceptable wait times (beyond the scheduled arrival time) at bus stops in an urban area. In all, 3387 bus patrons at 71 selected bus stops were surveyed over a period of 9 months. The results of the survey showed that the least acceptable wait time beyond the scheduled arrival time was 1 minute, while the maximum acceptable wait time was reported to be 20 minutes. Also, only one-third (33%) of the total number of patrons surveyed were willing to wait up to 5 minutes beyond the scheduled arrival time of buses. In addition, patrons are willing to wait longer in warm weather. On average, white patrons were found to have the least maximum acceptable wait times, followed by Hispanics, Asians, and then Blacks.

Biking to Ride: Investigating the Challenges and Barriers of Integrating Cycling with Regional Rail Transit

Integrating bicycling with public transport can potentially benefit cyclists and transit operators. Successfully coordinating these transport modes, however, can be a difficult task when so little is known about the social and environmental barriers to this type of multimodal travel in the North American context. Using data derived from a survey of regional train service patrons in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton regions of Ontario, Canada, this study examines the challenges faced by those who cycle to/from the train, the barriers that keep passengers from commuting to/from the train by bicycle, and the sociodemographic characteristics of those cycling—and not cycling—to/from the train. Safety concerns, worries about bicycle security, and rules restricting when bicycles are permitted on trains were among the top challenges identified by individuals currently cycling to and/or from train stations. Among those who do not cycle to or from the train, appearance and comfort were the two primary concerns. Results also indicate that certain groups were more likely to cycle to/from the train than others. Notably, a large gender gap exists, approximately two-thirds (67%) of those cycling to their local train station were male. Results from this study may inform policy makers on how to successfully, and equitably, integrate cycling with regional rail transit.

Soda intake and tobacco use among young adult bar patrons: A cross-sectional study in seven cities.

Young adults are among the greatest consumers of sugar sweetened beverages, and they also have high smoking rates. However, few studies address the relationship between these risk behaviors; this study examined the relationship between soda consumption and smoking among young adult bar patrons, a high-risk understudied population. A cross-sectional survey of young adult bar patrons (between January 2014 and October 2015) was conducted using randomized time location sampling (N = 8712) in Albuquerque, NM, Los Angeles, CA Nashville, TN, Oklahoma City, OK, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, and Tucson, AZ. The survey found the prevalences of daily regular soda intake ranged from 32% in San Diego to 51% in Oklahoma City and current smoking ranged from 36% in Los Angeles, CA to 49% in Albuquerque, NM. In multinomial multivariate models with no soda consumption as the reference group and controlling for demographics and location, non-daily (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.47) and daily smokers (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.66) were both more likely to drink regular soda compared to not drinking any soda. No effects were found for diet soda consumption. These linked risks suggest that comprehensive health promotion efforts to decrease sugar sweetened beverage consumption and tobacco use, among other risky behaviors, may be effective in this population.

Evaluation of Maryland's state police impaired driving reduction effort (SPIDRE)

ABSTRACTObjective: Alcohol-impaired driving is a significant factor in fatal and serious injury-producing crashes in the United States and many other countries. In 2013, the State of Maryland implemented an anti-driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement program, called the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE). This enforcement effort consisted of a select team of 7 police officers from the Maryland State Police who engaged in high-intensity driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine the impact of the SPIDRE program on impaired-driving crashes, DUI arrests, DUI adjudicative outcomes, and public perceptions of DUI enforcement.Methods: Data from alcohol-related crashes, arrests, and adjudicative outcomes of those arrests were used, along with data obtained from public opinion and bar patron surveys, to compare counties where the SPIDRE program operated and non-SPIDRE counties where it did not. The evaluation period extended from 2010 to 2016 in monthly intervals. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) methods were used for the data analyses of crashes and arrests.Results: There was no significant reduction in alcohol-related crashes as reported by the police associated with the SPIDRE program. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the ratio of single-vehicle nighttime to multiple-vehicle daytime crashes in the SPIDRE counties but not in any other counties, suggesting a positive effect using this surrogate measure of impaired-driving crashes. The specific comparison counties as well as the other non-SPIDRE counties in Maryland experienced a statistically significant decrease in DUI arrests during the evaluation period, whereas the SPIDRE counties did not show such a decrease. Further, the arrests made by the SPIDRE team resulted in a significantly higher rate of positive adjudicative outcomes than arrests made by non-SPIDRE officers in those counties where the SPIDRE team operated. There was no evidence that the public was more aware of DUI enforcement efforts in the SPIDRE counties than in the non-SPIDRE counties.Conclusions: The SPIDRE program appeared able to prevent a downward trend in DUI arrests, experienced by the rest of the state, and achieved higher quality arrests resulting in more positive adjudicative outcomes. The way in which the SPIDRE team was deployed may have lacked sufficient duration and intensity (e.g., only 2–3 months of activity in any given county) to achieve a reduction in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes as reported by the police. It is recommended that the SPIDRE team increase its enforcement activities for at least 9–12 consecutive months in the county where they are employed.