Course: Master in Library and Information Science
School: University of the
Subject Area: Library Services
Year of Graduation: 2000
Research Problem
This exploratory study was specifically aimed to investigate if service quality and overall library performance effect client satisfaction, to examine if the educational attainment of clients affect client satisfaction and perception of overall library performance, and to determine whether there are significant differences between and among university libraries regarding client satisfaction, overall library performance and service quality.
Top three university libraries in Metro Manila participated in the survey, namely: The University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila University and University of Santo Tomas (UST), with a total of 165 respondents. A purposive sampling technique was used in the study. Eighteen 5-point Likert scale with three open-ended questions and demographic data were in the questionnaire, 16 variables in the Likert scale were grouped and classified into personalized services, tangibility and reliability.
Results of the survey show that the following needs improvement and attention from the library managers: library facilities and equipment, manner by which questions are answered, and participation of clients in library decision-making. Survey also shows that libraries are good on the following: courtesy of personal attention of the staff, on scheduled library hours, location and atmosphere of libraries, and the professionalism and assistance received from the staff. Based on the objectives and problems of this study, the main findings on the tested hypotheses are the following: 1) Overall library performance and service quality positively affect the client satisfaction. The higher the service quality and the overall library performance, the higher the client satisfaction; 2) Educational attainment of clients does not affect the overall library performance and client satisfaction; 3) There are no significant differences between client satisfaction, overall library performance and service quality between and among the three different university libraries. Hypotheses were tested through the use of analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS). Mistake or errors in service encounters cannot be avoided even with the best strategic plans but an appropriate service recovery effort will always bring favorable results. Because of this, a more in-depth study on qualitative and quantitative data on library services helps us achieve service quality and client satisfaction for users. Service quality is extremely hard to measure and hard to control. Maintaining high quality is not a guarantee for success but a minimum requirement for survival especially if there are limited resources. Service failure can occur if service is unavailable and when delayed or below a minimum acceptable level. Hence, we can all learn from different business techniques like benchmarking, total quality management, just-in-time, continuous improvement, and acquiring adequate funds for value-added services.
Source: Journal of Philippine Librarianship (21: 95-96) 2000
