Researcher: ERLINDA GARCIA BAGTAS
Course: Master of Library Science
School: University of the
Subject Area: Academic Libraries-Evaluation-Pampanga
Year of Graduation: 1993
Statement of the Problem
The status of the 16 colleges and universities in the Province of Pampanga were examined in relation to the different academic library standards of institutions, namely: Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS); Fund for Assistance to Private Education/Private Higher education (FAPE/PHE); Philippine Association of Academic and research Libraries (PAARL); and Philippine Accrediting Agency for Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). The physical facilities and equipment, collection resources, financial resources, use and services, organization and care of materials, and personnel of these libraries were compared against the standards or criteria set up by these different institutions. This study was undertaken to assess the academic libraries’ strengths and weaknesses on specific areas to serve as a guide for the librarians and administrators in establishing plans for the development and improvement of the academic libraries.
Methodology
In appraising the library resources, the descriptive method was used. Secondary sources such as college or university bulletins of information, catalogs, anniversary publications and faculty manuals were used in gathering information about institutional profiles. Informal interviews were also conducted for additional information. Simple analysis of variance was used to determine the status of the different library resources of each college and university.
Findings
Results of the comparison made against the different standards for academic libraries reveal that most of the libraries occupy quarters for the library. All are strategically located and accessible and fairly attractive. Very few libraries, however, conform with DECS, FAPE?PHE and PAASCU standards in providing enough seats and space for their students. Most of these libraries have no provisions for the increase in enrollment over a period of five years. Based on PAARL standards, 50 % of the libraries conform with the provision of enough seats and space for its students. Most of the libraries of the province are deficient in equipment and furniture. Space provided for specific work areas in most libraries is inadequate. The staff members are not provided with necessary facilities for more efficient and effective services.
As for the collection and organization of materials, it was found out that the library collection in all institutions consists basically of books and very few periodicals. Non-print materials and the more sophisticated resources are unavailable. A small number of Filipiniana and Asian materials are available in all the libraries. There are still libraries which maintain integrated libraries for secondary and tertiary levels. Very few libraries weed their collections. A few libraries do not maintain a continuous program of organizing their library collections. Card catalogs are not maintained in some libraries.
On the aspects of financial resources, the library budgets show a wide range of inadequacies. However, eight (8) institutions have definite budget allocations.
As for use and services, majority of the libraries have flexible library schedules which offer services to their graduate students and evening classes. Majority of the libraries have equitable and flexible lending policies.
Majority of the libraries have full-time head librarians with MLS (Master of Library Science) units. Very few librarians are assigned to other positions and responsibilities in the institution. Almost all the libraries lack full-time support staff. Majority of the libraries rely heavily on student assistants. All the head librarians have faculty status. A few institutions provide scholarships and study benefits for their staff as part of the staff development program. There are no library committees acting in an advisory capacity for library development in most libraries of the province.
