Library Services and Pupils' Library Utilization Competencies in Selected Public Schools in Rodriguez, Rizal

Researcher: DIANA V. PADILLA

Course: Master of Arts in Library Science

School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

Subject Area: Library usage, Library services, Public schools

Year of Graduation: 2009

Abstract:

The study assessed the profile of seven (7) selected public elementary school libraries in Rodriguez, Rizal in terms of their facilities, collections, and services and the corresponding library utilization competencies of their pupils. Data were gathered through a researcher-made questionnaire, referred to as the Library Knowledge Skills Inventory (LKSI), which covered five domains, namely: library services, parts of the book, use of reference materials, use of card catalog, and the use of the Dewey decimal classification system. The researcher also made an ocular inspection of the school libraries, conducted interviews with school administrators, teachers and library personnel, and asked the pupils to rate the effectiveness of their school libraries in terms of its Physical Facilities, Holdings and Library Services. Three hundred twelve (312) grade six pupils were involved in the study, although only 180 (57.68%) of them came from schools (4 out of 7) with existing libraries. Data were treated in-depth with the use of statistical tools such as percentages, ranking, mean, standard deviation, chi square test of homogeneity, and one way analysis of variance.

Results revealed a seemingly low level of competency of the pupils in library utilization as shown by their mean percentage ratings in the LKSI (40.19 to 66.27). Ironically, the students gave a "very good" rating to all the components of determining the effectiveness of their school library despite the fact that these school libraries do not seem to adhere to the Guidelines on the Implementation of School Library Policies and Programs set by the Department of Education. Significant agreements were noted in the pupils' assessment of their school libraries in terms of the size of the reading area, seating capacity, ventilation system, general and reference collection, library staff, orientation and circulation services, and reader's guide. Significant differences were also noted in the LKSI mean percentage ratings with regard to the physical condition of their school libraries. Knowledge of library services was more evident when the library is located at the second floor and non-profit materials are made available. Presence of audio-visual materials enhanced their knowledge on the parts of a book and skills in the use of reference materials and the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Based on the results, a Library Instructional Program must be developed to assist pupils so they can become more competent in using their respective libraries and be effective users of information.

Undergraduate Students' Use and Non-Use of the Nueva Vizcaya State University Library as Related to Certain Variables

Researcher: JUVY B. PALIS

Course: Master of Arts in Education major in Library Science

School: Saint Mary's University, Philippines

Subject Area: Academic Libraries - Nueva Vizcaya

Year of Graduation: March 2006

Rationale

In this present continuously changing environment, modern libraries are no longer mere depositories of all past, present and future knowledge. They have become information-oriented. As a result, they have become more of information service centers reaching out to readers who are actively involved in the development of the society - in contrast to the traditional libraries that simply waited for their readers.

Statement of the Problem

This study explored the phenomenon of undergraduate college students' use and non-use of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and the factors that influence such phenomenon. Specifically, the study determined the following: (1) distribution of the (a) users and (b) non-users of NVSU Library (based on enrollment) across the following variables: 1.1 college; 1.2 curriculum year; 1.3 sex; 1.4 residence while studying; and 1.5 academic classification; (2) significant differences in the distribution of users and non-users of NVSU Library when grouped according to the aforementioned profile variables; (3) On the part of the users: extent of their self-reported use of NVSU Library based on: 3.1. attendance, 3.2. use of the a. Circulation, b. Filipiniana, c. Reference, d. Periodicals, and e. Graduate School Sections; (4) the extent of the students' use of the library (based on actual book loans) with respect to the subject classifications; (5) significant differences in the extent of (a) attendance, (b) book loans when grouped according to the following variables: 5.1 college; 5.2 curriculum year; 5.3 sex; 5.4 residence while studying; and 5.5 academic classification; (6) primary (a) purpose/reasons and (b) motivators of the student library-users in using the library resources; (7) significant differences among the users' (a) purpose/reasons and (b) motivators in using the library resources when grouped according to their profile variables; (8) On the part of the non-users: their a dominant reasons (de-motivators) and (b) classroom instruction-related alternatives for their non-use of the NVSU Library, and (9) significant differences among the non-users' (a) dominant reasons (de-motivators) and (b) classroom instruction-related alternatives for their non-use of the NVSU Library when grouped according to their profile variables.

Methodology

The study used the descriptive survey method, particularly the following sub-types: normative, comparative, and correlational analysis. The primary data were obtained through a survey questionnaire. Secondary data came from documentary sources, particularly library records on student's use of NVSU-Main Campus-Library. The study covered the schoolyear 2004-2005, particularly June 2004-March 2005.

Research Instruments

There were two sets of questionnaires – Set A for the identified library users, and Set B for the non-library users. Both questionnaires had the same first part which ask common information such as personal profile variables, namely: college, curriculum year, gender, residence while attending school, and academic classification. Part 2 of Set A (for the users) asked data on the following attendance, reported use of the different sections purposes/reasons for the use of the library, and the motivators in using the library resources. Part 2 of Set B (for the non-users), asked data on the following: (a) dominant reasons (de-motivators) and (b) classroom instruction-related alternatives for their non-use of the NVSU Library. Library records, monthly statistical summary reports on loans, book cards, and circulation files, were used as sources of data on the following variables: (a) individual student's book loans (or number of materials borrowed), in the different sections, such as the following: Circulation Section, Filipiniana Section, Reference Section, Periodical Section, and Graduate School Section; (b) kinds/forms of materials (namely, books, periodicals, reference books, non-book materials) borrowed, (c) subject classification of book loans. Based on the records of the use of the library, the users and non-users were identified. The identified library users were given Survey Questionnaire, Set A. The identified library non-users were given Set B.

Treatment of Data

The data were analyzed using the following descriptive statistics: 1. frequency counts and percents were used to describe the profile and distribution of the respondents; 2. means and standard deviations were used to describe the users in terms of attendance; and 3. reported use of the different sections, purposes/reasons for use of the library, and motivators in using the library resources and the non-users in terms of (a) dominant reasons (de-motivators) and (b) classroom instruction-related alternatives for their non-use of the NVSU-Library. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) were used to test significant correlation between the students' profile variables and their respective variables indicative of use and non-use of the Library. Analysis of Variance, t-test, and chi-square were used to test the significant differences between/among the users and non-users (with respect to certain indicators or descriptors of use and non-use of the library) when grouped according to certain profile variables. The null hypotheses were tested at 5% level of significance. Statistical analyses were done through the Statistical Package.

Findings

1. Users and Non-Users of the Library. Only 36.7% of the total average enrollees per semester during the School Year 2004-2005, used their library, that is borrowed a library material at least once during the semester. The proportion of the non-users of the library is bigger (63.3%), indicating minimal use of th library. The highest proportion of users (based on average enrollment) came from the students in the colleges of Engineering and Agriculture, first year, and females.

2. Significant Differences in Proportion of Users and Non-users Across Variables. There were no significant differences on the proportions of users and non-users across colleges, academic classification, residence while studying, house staying in while studying, and sex, except across curriculum year level where there were significantly more users in the first and third years than in the other year levels.

3. Reported Use of the Library. In general, the reported attendance in the library regardless of the variables, was 3 to 4 days a week. The most frequently used section of the library was the Circulation Section.

4. Actual Book Loans and Library Attendance Among the Users. On the average, the users borrowed 4 to 5 books in NVSU Library. But the highest number of book loans were made by the students in the colleges of Engineering and Agriculture (7, and 6, respectively), and fifth year students (8). The males and females borrowed almost the same number of books (5 and 4, respectively). Most of the book loans were in the pure sciences, applied sciences(or technology), and social sciences – in that order.

5. Significant differences in Actual Attendance and Book Loans Across Variables. The library users from the Colleges of Engineering and Education had significantly more actual library attendance (library visits) than those in the other colleges. But extent of user's library attendance (frequency of library visit) did not significantly vary across sex, year level academic classification, residence while studying at NVSU, and house staying in while studying.

6. Purposes/Reasons and Motivations for Using the Library. The leading purposes of the users in going to the library were: (1) to borrow library materials for research work, term papers, and assignments; (2) study their lessons, read their own books, and notes, and (3) Read books and periodicals in advance for future lessons. The leading motivations for the library use are: (1) to learn and to understand one's subject well; (2) to be regularly prepared interact actively with one's teachers and fellow students in classroom discussion and dialogs; (3) to get good grades in quizzes, examinations, recitation, assignments, (4) to make quality well-prepared research papers, term papers, reaction papers and project by using library resources; and (5) to good academic image among one's teachers, friends, and classmates.

7. Significant Differences in Reasons and Motivations When the Users are Grouped Accordingly to Variables. There was no significant difference in the extent of almost all of the reasons identified by respondents when they are grouped by sex, and college, except for “reading magazines and newspapers” as a reason or purpose. There was no significant difference in all of the reasons when the users were grouped by year level, residence while studying, house staying in, and academic classification. There were also no significant differences in the extent of all the motivators when the respondents were grouped by college and year level.

8. Reasons for Non-Use. Among the non-users, their leading reasons for non-use of the library are: (a) difficulty of looking for library materials; (b) inadequacy of existing library materials especially for one's course and field of specialization; (c) unavailability in the library of reading materials assigned by teachers; (d) unapproachable library personnel; (e) assignments,projects, term papers, reaction papers assigned by the teachers can be done without using the library; (f) lack of adequate knowledge and skills in using the library; inadequate reading space, poor lighting and ventilation in the library; and (g) pressure from one's peers/classmates not to go to the library.

9. Alternatives for Non-Use. The non-users leading alternatives are: (a) buying one's own textbooks and references; (b) book loans one's classmate books references, and notes; (c) relying principally on one's teacher's handouts and lectures; and (d) using the Internet sources outside the NVSU Library. The non-uses do not differ significantly in their demotivators when they are grouped according to year level, house staying in, and academic classification. They also do not significantly differ in their alternatives when grouped according to sex and house staying in.

Conclusions

1. Minimal use of the NVSU Library by the students, vis-a-vis the total enrollment. Very few students use the NVSU Library. In general they do not find using the library resources as necessary in their studies. They can go on with their schooling without Book Loans library materials. Using the library has not yet become a culture in college students' academic life. This is equally true for students regardless of college enrolled in, academic year, sex, and residence while studying, house staying in while studying, and academic classification.

2. Library attendance and Book Loans are minimal. On the part of the users, there is not much use of the library with respect to attendance and book loans. However, Education and Agriculture students go to the library more and borrow books more than the students in other colleges. Other variables such as academic year, sex, residence while studying, and house staying in while studying are not significant sources of variation among the users in terms of attendance, book loans, reasons for use, and motivations for use. However, regular or ordinary students tend to use more the library than the academic scholars, dean's listers and Working Students.

3. Inadequacy and availability of library resources and difficulty of looking for library materials are the leading causes of non-use of the library. Consequently, the non-users leading alternatives are (a) buying one's own textbooks and references; (b) book loans one's classmate books, references, and notes; (c) relying principally on one's teacher's handout and lectures; and (d) using the Internet sources outside the NVSU Library.

Recommendations

On the strength of the foregoing findings and conclusions, the researcher offers the following recommendations:

1. Students should be given activities, which will trigger their interest and develop positive attitude towards the use of the library, e.g. conduct of a Library Week.

2. Instructors should integrate library work in their syllabus by giving them assignments and enrichment activities to be accomplished in the library work

3. Administrators support and encourage the librarians to engage/attend to seminar – workshop and/or trainings to update their knowledge in the new trend of approaches techniques and skills in managing the library and must develop program and strategies for the promotion of the library use.

4. The librarian should revisit and revise the policies on library use.

5. There is a need to improve the utilization of library resources through library marketing and cooperation with the faculty.

6. Information storage and retrieval system must be enhanced to improves access to library materials.

7. The NVSU library collection should be developed based on the needs of faculty and students.

8. Further research similar to the one is recommended to follow up to the librarian profile to access their needs in their work.

An Evaluation of the MEDLINE Database of U.P. Manila Medical Library: Its Coverage and Usage

Researcher: EMELORNA C. ESTEBAN-DELGADO

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Medical Libraries, Library Use

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

MEDLINE has long been appreciated as a major resource for those with academic or research questions. More recently, it has been recognized that MEDLINE supports informed clinical practice as well. A number of published studies report that MEDLINE literature searchers have a significant positive effect on clinical problem-solving and patient outcomes.

Statement of the Problem

The study primarily assesses the MEDLINE database, its coverage of periodical titles and its usage in the Medical Library of UP Manila. The objectives of the study were to: 1) evaluate the MEDLINE database based on the following criteria: consistency, coverage/scope, accuracy, output, customer’s support and training, accessibility/ease of use, and timeliness; 2) determine the UPM College of Medicine practitioner’s areas of specialization that are covered by the MEDLINE database; 3) identify the medical journal titles in MEDLINE database that were most heavily used for the school year 2003-2004; 4) determine if the users use databases other than MEDLINE; 5) Determine methods of delivery (electronic mail and online display) and delivery formats in accessing journals in MEDLINE database; and 6) come up with recommendations regarding the MEDLINE database.

Methodology

The 785 medical practitioners of 27 departments of the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital as of June 2003 to March 2004 comprised the respondents of this study. The descriptive method of research was used. The data from the statistics of use of the library users of UP Medical Library from June 2003 to March 2004 were used and consulted for additional data needed in the study. The data gathered were organized and tabulated, tallied, analyzed and interpreted using percentages and ranking.

Findings

The findings of the study proved that MEDLINE database is useful in retrieving information in the areas of specialization of UP Manila College of Medicine practitioners. The availability of online databases affects internal library use, particularly when databases can be accessed through the Internet. Librarians at the UP Medical Library must endeavor to keep abreast of the range of options that are available to them and their users, and should be well-equipped to evaluate those options effectively. Using the SCOUG criteria as a guide when examining different versions of the same database, librarians and other information professionals should be able to make an informed assessment of the relative value and usefulness of a range of services of databases. The UP Medical Library does not need to subscribe to the MEDLINE software since it is available for free from the Internet. If there are funds allotted for the subscription of the said software, it is better to divert the funds to other library expenses. Users of the MEDLINE and other medical databases are encouraged to access the electronic journals. Since full-text versions of many medical journals are being offered via the Internet, it will be increasingly easier to locate the original papers, which will be linked to the results of the user’s search. A user should be aware that MEDLINE does not cover all the medical literature in the world. Users are advised to use other databases like EMBASE, MD Consult, Ovid MEDLINE, and other to cover a wider collection of the world’s medical literature.

Usage of Library Materials and its Impact on Students’ Academic Performance: A Case Study of the St. Stephen’s Elem School Library’s Most Avid Reader

Researcher: MARIVIC R. FLORES

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Library Use, School Libraries

Year of Graduation: 2005

Statement of the Problem

The study basically aimed to conduct an exploratory study of St. Stephen’s Elementary School’s Most Avid Readers (MAR). In examining and comparing the general average of students with different gradations of usage of library materials, the study sought to reinforce the argument that increased usage of library materials helps improve the academic performance of students. The study also sought to examine whether frequent usage of the library materials is a characteristic that can only attributed to outstanding students. This research also aimed to examine whether the proximity of students’ residence to the school and their parents’ occupation were intervening factors in students’ being MAR. Inclusion in the MAR List implies a very high frequency of usage of materials in St. Stephen’s Elementary Library’s collection.

Methodology

Following a record linkage method, the researcher used the names in the two MAR lists as ‘lead’ in looking up the scholastic records (for purposes of data analysis, the general average obtained by non-MAR students for each grade level during the two school years were also tabulated) of the students included in the listings. Having complied the general average obtained by students in the MAR lists; these were compared with that of non-MAR students to find out whether the general average they obtained were higher / lower from that of the general population of students in St. Stephen’s Elementary School.

Findings

1. The mean general average obtained by SY 2002-2003 MAR and SY 2003-2004 MAR were consistently higher for all grade levels compared to the mean general average obtained by non-MAR students.

2. The general average obtained by second-time-MAR have a higher minimum value, maximum value and mean as compared to the minimum value, maximum value and mean general average obtained by first-time MAR. Standard deviations from the mean general average obtained by second-time-MAR are lower as compared to the standard deviations for first time MAR.

3. More than one-fourth of MAR population in each of the two annual lists were recipients of the Principal’s Evaluation Award and that the population of MAR awardees in the Principal’s Evaluation Award constitute less than one-fifth of the total population of awardees.

4. MAR also reside in areas where non-MAR students enrolled in St. Stephen’s Elementary School usually reside and the occupational distribution of parents of MAR is just as heterogeneous and fairly resembles the occupation distribution of parents of non-MAR students. The findings of this study dispel the myth that only outstanding students appreciate reading and library services. This tell librarian that the library’s collection and services must be promoted to all students and the habit of reading can be developed by everyone – not only by those whom we call ‘nerds.’

Library Usage of Undergraduate College Students in Xavier University: Proposed Customer-Oriented Library Service

Researcher: ROMAN V. ELLOVIDO

Course: Master of Science in Library Science

School: University of San Carlos, Philippines

Subject Area: Library Services

Year of Graduation: 1999

Library Usage Patterns of the Pangasinan State University, Bayambang Campus, as Affected by Students’ Personal Attributes, Library Resources...

Title: Library Usage Patterns of the Pangasinan State University, Bayambang Campus, as Affected by Students’ Personal Attributes, Library Resources, Facilities and Services.

Researcher: BLESILDA QUINTOS IGLESIA

Course: Master of Library Science

School: University of the Philippines

Subject Area: Library Usage

Year of Graduation: 1994

Research Problem

The library usage patterns of the students of Pangasinan State University (PSU), Bayambang Campus were analyzed. The study aimed to: 1) determine the relationship between the personal attributes of the students and their library usage pattern; and 2) determine the status of the resources, facilities and services of the PSU Bayambang Campus Library as assessed by the students.

Methodology

This study used the normative survey research method with the questionnaire as the tool in gathering data. The subjects of the study were the students of the PSU, Bayambang Campus enrolled in the second semester school year 1992-1993. The respondents were randomly sampled from about 20 percent of the total population. Although the students are all education students, majority of them are taking up Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEEd) and belong to the first and second year levels. They are predominantly females, aged 18-19 years.

Findings

The findings of the study show that 44.4 percent of the students seldom use the library while 43.5 percent frequently use the library. Majority of the respondents judge the help given by the library staff as fair. Majority of them perceive the library staff as more helpful than effective. Likewise, majority of the respondents consider the book collection inadequate. However, the periodicals collection is found to be adequate. Reading room was judged as narrow/small. The personal attributes of the students, such as course, year level, gender, distance of residence from school, academic performance, use of other resources, presence of personal library and attendance at library orientation have partial significant relationships with the dependent variable, i.e., library use pattern. Thus, the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant relationship between the students’ personal attributes and their library usage patterns was not fully rejected. With regards to the presumed relationship between the personal attributes and their library use patterns, the results of the statistical test reveal that there is partial significant relationship. Thus, the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant relationship between the two variables is not fully rejected.

An Assessment of NCR Accredited Private Secondary School Senior Students Competencies in Library Use : Implications for a Library Instruction Program

Researcher: BELEN JAMORA RAMOS

Course: Doctor of Philosophy In Education

School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

Subject Area: Library usage, Library instruction

Year of Graduation: 1993

The Library Resources and Usage Patterns of Government-Managed Agricultural Colleges and Universities in Region I

Researcher: NORA J. CLARAVALL

Course: Doctor of Education

School: University of Baguio, Philippines

Subject Area: Academic Libraries-Region 1

Year of Graduation: May 1986

Introduction

It is often accepted that the best colleges/universities have the best libraries. Consequently, unless a college or university library continues to maintain its library resources in response to the present academic and research needs as well as in anticipation of future needs, such library ceases to be effective in performing its functions in the academic community.

The Problem

This research work aim to describe the libraries of agricultural colleges and universities in Region I in terms of their library resources and usage patterns; to compare the existing resources with those set in the Criteria for Minimum Standards for Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Program by the Technical Panel of Agricultural Education (TPAE) of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports; and finally, to determine the relationships between the usage patterns and certain variables i.e. Age, sex, civil status, residence, course load, educational background and academic performance.

The following hypotheses were formulated and tested: (1) The government-managed agricultural colleges and universities in Region I do not significantly vary in their present conditions of library resources and usage patterns: (2) There are no significant differences in the existing library resources in government-managed agricultural colleges and universities in Region I and the Criteria set by the TPAE Library Standards: (3) There is no significant relationship between the usage patterns and the following variables like age, sex, civil status, course load, educational background and academic performance.

The study was limited to assessing the resource-capabilities of government-managed agricultural colleges and universities in Region I with emphasis on the BSA Program. Likewise, in assessing the usage pattern, there were respondents involved distributed as follows: students enrolled during the first semester of school year 1985-1986 and faculty members of the government-managed agricultural colleges and universities in Region I.

Methodology

The study used the descriptive statistical tools of frequency counts and percentages to describe the data and to answer the specific problems. The extent to which the different items under the library resources were available in each school were determined by actual data gathered. The analysis of such data involved the use of the t-test.

To determine the degree of relationship between the usage patterns and selected variables of faculty and students, the point biserial (rpb) was used. The t-test in relation to the correlation coefficient was used to test the significance of rpb. Where there were only four (4) elements in a contingency table, the phi (Ø) coefficient and its Z-transformation were used to determine the degree and significance of relationship.

For the interpretation of the results of the tests of hypotheses for their acceptance or rejection, the five percent probability level was the point of reference.

Findings

The present conditions of the government-managed agricultural colleges and universities in Region I vary considerably in the different aspects of library operations, i.e. sufficiency of library resources, facilities and equipment, services, and personnel.

After a comprehensive consideration of the results specifically in relation to the TPAE Library Standards, a considerable number of government-managed agricultural libraries in Region I are below standards in the following areas: Books on Fundamental Agriculture and Journal Titles on the Major Fields of Agriculture.

On the relationship between usage pattern and certain variables. i.e. age, sex, residence, civil status, course lead, educational background and academic performance, for faculty respondents, only age and academic performance have significant relationship with the usage patterns, while for the student respondents, the variables an age, cause lead the academic performance have significant relationship with the usage patterns.

Recommendations

The variations on the present conditions of the agricultural libraries in Region I maybe improved with the following suggestions: (1) Careful consideration should be provide for the provision of sufficient, realistic, and workable budget for the library especially the allotments for books and periodicals. (2) The library plays a central role in the institutions' educational background; hence, to allow the library to fulfill this role, the librarians should be free of other added responsibilities in the institutions. Likewise, they should be given academic or faculty status without loads to enhance their role in the instructional process an the academic community; (3) In order to meet the minimum TPAE Requirements, it is recommended that the national government services its governmental rules and auditing procedures on the procurement of books and periodicals. Unless this is done, the problem on inadequacy of books and periodicals are specifically on the major fields of agriculture will never be solved. On the part of the TPAE Technical Staff, it is further recommended that they should provide assistance on how to acquire the needed book titles per major field specially in the BSA program.

Finally, on the relationship of usage patterns, it is recommended that the efforts of administrators, faculty and library staff be directed toward a various effort to lessen the gap between the actual and the potential contribution of the instructional program which they can begin by examining the total program of course offerings and trying to determine roughly what kind of library contribution is appropriate at each level for each subject

Information Needs and Patterns of Information and Library Use of College, Faculty, and College Senior Students of VISCA: A Survey ...

Information Needs and Patterns of Information and Library Use of College, Faculty, and College Senior Students of VISCA: A Survey with Implications for Collection Development

Researcher: REBECCA B. NAPIERE

Course: Master of Library Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Collection Development

Year of Graduation: 1980

Practices and Problems of Saint Louis University Students in the Use of the Library

Mendoza, Marivic L. (1980). Practices and Problems of Saint Louis University Students in the Use of the Library. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Saint Louis University, Baguio City.

Introduction

The library under girds the instructional program in the college. It is an important tool in improving college instruction. It cannot be separated from the professors or the curriculum. While the faculty stimulates intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, the library through its resources, can provide the intellectual sustenance which can be found only in books and other forms of literature

The Problem

The study aimed to determine the status of the library practices of undergraduate students in Saint Louis University during the first semester of the school year 1978-1979. More specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1) What are the purposes of students in using the libraries? Are there differences in these purposes according to their sex, colleges to which they belong, academic year and level of academic achievement?

2) According to these same variables, how do the students differ in the following library practices: a) locating the materials which may provide the information they need; b) determining what facts and which generalizations are important and should be remembered from the materials they collected; and c) utilizing the materials which they read in areas where these are deemed needed for school or community use.

3) Do the variables sex, college academic year and level of academic achievement affect the acceptability or unacceptability of the students’ library practices?

4) What are the difficulties of students in the use of the library?

Methodology

In determining the sample, the researcher used the formula of Mildred B. Parten for each college population. The researcher made an open-ended survey on library practices and problems to help her structure her questionnaire items, after which, a pre-test had been administered to validate her questionnaire. After an item analysis on the questionnaire items, the final questions were framed to fit the purposes for which the research was intended.

Discussion

The variable sex is not an operant variable on the purposes of students on the use of the library but the variables, college, academic year and level of academic achievement appear to influence students’ library purposes.

A great number of students use the library only when required. This is a sad fact because it means that very few use the library for their personal growth which is in consonance with the finding that the smallest number and percentage of students go to the library for personal development. This may be due to lack of information on the value and use of the library facilities.

The variables such as sex, college, academic year and level of achievement are not significant determinants of the students’ library practices: a) in determining what facts and which generalizations are important and should be remembered from the materials they collected; c) in utilizing the materials which they read in areas which are deemed needed for school and community use.

Findings on hypothesis three showed that sex does not affect the quality of students’ library practices. However, the variables college, academic year and level of academic achievement account for the difference in the quality of students’ library practices.

Difficulties of students in the use of the library range from locating to utilizing information which are: a) the use of the indexes to periodical literature; b) use of the card catalo; c) use of the textbooks’ learning aids; d) use of the encyclopedia; e) use of the dictionary; f) determining the important points from what is read; and g) relying the important information read.

The Philippine Women’s University (PWU) Library services Utilized by Day College Students

Researcher: ESPERANZA DE ALBAN STA. CRUZ

Course: Master of Arts in Education major in Library Science

School: Philippine Women’s University, Manila

Subject Area: Library Usage

Year of Graduation: 1971

Research Problem

This study was designed to determine the extent to which the day college students use the PWU Library facilities and services and the relationship between the courses pursued and curricular years to the extent of library use.

Methodology
The subjects of the study were 1,010 day college students of the PWU during the first semester of the school year 1969-1970 chosen by stratified random sampling to represent the various courses offered in the University as well as the different curricular years. Two sets of check-list questionnaires with thirty items each were used to gather data on the frequency of use of library services and students’ awareness of the availability of physical facilities and the organization of the library materials.

Findings and Conclusions
Among the findings are: 1) the day college students do not make full use of the library’s services and facilities; 2) the General Education students make the least use of the library whereas Elementary Education and Education students make the most use of the library; 3) first year students are the most infrequent library users while the fourth year students are the most frequent library users. The results of the study indicate a strong need to develop basic library skills in the students for efficiency in their use of the library. For this purpose, a program of instruction on library use is recommended. Revision of the organization of materials and facilities of the PWU Library is likewise recommended to facilitate their use.
Source: Journal of Philippine Librarianship (4: 153-154) 1971