Academic Libraries in Pangasinan: Implications to the Private Higher Education Tentative Library Standards

Researcher: CORAZON M. NERA

Course: Master of Library Science

School: University of the Philippines, Philippines

Subject Area: Academic Libraries - Pangasinan

Year of Graduation: October 1978

Introduction

The increased demand for higher education during the past few decades has resulted in the expansion of almost all colleges in the nation, into multipurpose institutions. Before one can fairly judge the effectivity of the school's program, it is necessary to examine the existing library resources since the quality of the library is as important as the quality of the faculty, and perhaps the single most important factor influencing the quality of a student's education.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study was threefold: first to present a better picture of the state of academic libraries in Pangasinan; second, to evaluate the existing library resources against the Tentative Library Standards for Private Higher Education(PHE); and third, to formulate program /project recommendations by which these libraries could, within their financial means, arrive at these standards within a reasonable time. The three major areas of the programs studied were: a) objectives; b) administration; c) finance; d) collection and organization of materials; e) staff; f) services; and g) facilities.

Methodology

Data were collected from a survey questionnaire entitled "Higher Education Assessment and Development Survey on Library Resources." The schools selected for study totaled 13, and data were analyzed for comparison with Private Higher education Library Standards.

Findings

The Private Higher Education Tentative Library is at the moment an elitist standard among the thirteen academic libraries in Pangasinan. There are some institutions that are singularly outstanding based on the PHE Standards but there are a considerable number that fall below the desired standard of attainment prescribed by PHE.

Conclusion

The data concerning library objectives, physical facilities and equipment, library personnel, organization and administration, library collections and library budgeting revealed a condition that is almost tragic. Unless support from funding agencies are solicited these libraries can not attain the desired status. It is therefor strongly recommended that a College Library Assistance Program for the thirteen libraries be evolved to upgrade and improve their present status.

Recommendations

Recommendations formulated include a program of staff development, collection development and the improvement of the libraries' physical facilities for these libraries and the adoption of the PHE Standards by the Bureau of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture as the requirement for recognition of institutions of higher learning.