Course: Master of Library Science
School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City
Subject Area: Special Libraries
Year of Graduation: 1969
Research Problem
The United States Information Service operates three libraries in the Philippines, in Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City. To find out what functions the libraries perform and to what extent they duplicate the services already being provided by local libraries are the purposes of this study undertaken in 1968-1969.
Methodology
After a brief historical study of the development of overseas American libraries, the three USIS libraries are analyzed in terms of size and type of collections, staff, physical plant and services. Major local libraries are likewise surveyed to determine to what extent their resources and services are duplicated by the USIS libraries.
Findings and Conclusions
The USIS libraries in the Philippines are shown to be playing a dual role. They provide free public library services available to everyone, and also try to reach specific audiences with their specialized collections. While doing so they render a service which is unique in many ways, and do not duplicate what the local libraries are either trying to do or are in a position to do. It is concluded that because the activities of the USIS libraries are geared to disseminating information about the United States, its people and its culture, and to helping explain and support specific U.S. foreign policy objectives, it is neither feasible or appropriate to expert local libraries to assume this role.
Source: Journal of Philippine Librarianship (3: 179-180) 1970
The United States Information Service operates three libraries in the Philippines, in Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City. To find out what functions the libraries perform and to what extent they duplicate the services already being provided by local libraries are the purposes of this study undertaken in 1968-1969.
Methodology
After a brief historical study of the development of overseas American libraries, the three USIS libraries are analyzed in terms of size and type of collections, staff, physical plant and services. Major local libraries are likewise surveyed to determine to what extent their resources and services are duplicated by the USIS libraries.
Findings and Conclusions
The USIS libraries in the Philippines are shown to be playing a dual role. They provide free public library services available to everyone, and also try to reach specific audiences with their specialized collections. While doing so they render a service which is unique in many ways, and do not duplicate what the local libraries are either trying to do or are in a position to do. It is concluded that because the activities of the USIS libraries are geared to disseminating information about the United States, its people and its culture, and to helping explain and support specific U.S. foreign policy objectives, it is neither feasible or appropriate to expert local libraries to assume this role.
Source: Journal of Philippine Librarianship (3: 179-180) 1970
