Course: Master in Library and Information Science
School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City
Subject Area: Academic Libraries
Year of Graduation: 2005
Statement of the Problem
The study examines scale economies in the U.P. Diliman academic libraries using two year cross-section pooled data on 26 libraries.
Methodology
The data was fitted into a cost function under a natural log linear model. Two collection outputs, nine service outputs and a dummy variable were included in the cost function. The choice of variables was intended to reflect library operations.
Findings
The study finds that significant economies of scale exist in the UP Diliman libraries with the sum of regression coefficients being equal to 0.64. The regression model explains 80.4 percent of the variation of total cost. The results show that the volumes held and circulation to be very important aspects of the UP library network and essential measures of library performance. The results also show a fairly strong association between total cost and the usage of Filipiniana materials, periodicals, audiovisuals and group presentations. The serials collection, as measured by the number of serial titles, the use of reserve materials, newspapers and the provision of reference services are not found to be significant contributors to the cost of UP Diliman Libraries. The results point to a set of economic factors that could assist in the analysis prediction of future performance of the UP Diliman Libraries. These results of the regression analysis may also be used for library management, operational planning and budget preparation, among others.
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