The Centro Escolar University Library Internet-Based Services: Status and Prospects

Researcher: HAYDEE MAPALAD CLEMENTE

Course: Master of Arts in Library Science

School: Centro Escolar University, Philippines

Subject Area: Library Information Networks

Year of Graduation: 2006

Use of Media Technology as an Instructional Tool in Inter-Institutional Consortium (I-IC) Schools

Researcher: VIVIAN C. SORIENTE

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Diliman

Subject Area: Media Technology-Usage, Consortia

Year of Graduation: 2005

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to: 1) determine the extent of use of the media technology among the I-IC school; 2) determine the perceptions of the students and teachers regarding the effectiveness of the media technology; 3) identify the problems encountered in using the media technology; and 4) find out possible solutions in resolving the problems.

Methodology

The study used the descriptive survey method, particularly the formal interview (Sanchez, 1986) where the respondents were asked questions from carefully prepared interview schedules and their answers were recorded in a standardized from. This enabled the researcher to acquire valuable insights and first hand information from the students and faculty members of the I-IC schools on their perception of media technology.

Findings

Results of the study revealed that the overhead projectors are still the most commonly used equipment and VHS tapes are very useful media materials. Borrowing of materials and equipment was most frequently done by DLSU and PCU whereas SPCM and SSC often reserved the viewing room. Few students used the modern type of technology due to lack of knowledge and expertise.

Recommendations

Some of the recommendations were to purchase more modern technology equipment; conduct a regular in-service media training to media staff; promote annual acquisitions of media materials and equipment; and create a standard policy of circulation and sharing of equipment to each member school.

The Development of a Library Instruction Program for the St. Stephen’s High School Library with Emphasis on Improving Specific Library-Related Skills

Researcher: JUDITH Y. SY

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Diliman

Subject Area: Library Instruction

Year of Graduation: 2005

Statement of the Problem

This study developed a library instruction program that aims to improve students’ competence in using library resources and in finding information that they need in the library by addressing specific library-related skills. In order to achieve this, the study measured the existing level of awareness or knowledge of students regarding these skills. Specifically, the study addresses the following questions: 1) What is the current level of awareness of students at St. Stephen’s High School (SSHS) of the following specific library-related skills: a) knowledge on the different parts of a book; b) knowledge on Dewey Decimal Classification; c) knowledge on card catalog; d) knowledge on the use of reference materials; and e) knowledge on conducting basic research?; 2) Which of the preceding specific library related skills need to be given emphasis in a library instruction program that aims to address and improve identified weaknesses/knowledge among the students' level of awareness of the said skills?

Methodology
The data required for this study were gathered into two phases. The first phase involved measuring the current level of awareness/knowledge of the students of St. Stephen's High School by means of administering the research instrument to both experimental and control groups drawn from the three year levels. Results of the pre-test were used to guide the development of the library instruction program. The prototype library instruction program developed using the result of the first phase of data collection was then used in instructing only the experimental groups. The second phase involved administering a post-test to both experimental and control groups.

Findings
The results of the pre-test showed that knowledge on the use of reference materials and knowledge on conducting basic research are the two areas that garnered the lowest average percentage of correct answers. Moreover, the average percentage of correct answers for these two areas is less than 50% which means that less than half of the sample respondents were able to answer the questions pertaining to these areas correctly. Moreover, it was also noted that each of the five areas had items that garnered low percentages of correct answers. using formulated concepts based on the results of the pre-test as guidelines, materials were compiled from various sources to constitute the library instruction program for SSHS Library. The three designated experimental group were then given the library instruction program developed using the results of the pre-test. Afterwards, a post-test was administered to both designated experimental and control groups. Results of the pre-test and post-test were examined and compared. It was generally found out that there is an increase/improvement in students level of awareness/knowledge of specific library related-skills upon being administered a library instruction program that is specifically based upon actual diagnosed instructional needs of the students.

Economics of Scale in Academic Libraries of the University of the Philippines Diliman

Researcher: NEVILLE C. CATAYLO

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.

A Profile of Government Archivists in Metro Manila

Researcher: JOCELYN P. BASA

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Archivists

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

As any organization, archives cannot exist without the appropriate staff. The size and type of personnel depend on the size of the institution and the archival program. Those seeking archives positions should be competitive enough not only to comply with the minimum standards but to surpass these.

Statement of the Problem

This study focused on people working in government archives. It aimed to construct a profile by looking into government archivists in Metro Manila with regard to the following aspects: educational background, work experience, task performed, and qualification requirements of their position as set by their institutions.

Methodology

There were eight (8) institutions surveyed namely: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), House of Representatives (HOR), Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Philippine Normal University (PNU), Records Management and Archives Office (RMAO), Senate of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines (UP).

Findings

Educational requirements of archives personnel have not been specific on what degree should applicant possess before they apply. Government archives hire archivists who are graduates of any course without the necessary archives training and experience. Qualification standards set by the Civil Service Commission are being implemented or used by the institutions. Otherwise, they use a different position title.

Conclusions

The study concluded that: position titles/designations of archives personnel depend on the kind of institution the archives is under; staff with permanent appointment status have second level eligibility; form of training readily available is informal; staff are sent to attend short courses, seminar-workshops, etc. on official time since formal education cannot normally be availed during office hours; informal training programs on archives offered locally and abroad seem appropriate to the needs of government archives/archivists in the performance of their duties; and necessary skills are acquired through in-service training programs. The qualification standards being used by government archives can be modified eventually when a formal degree on archival studies will be available locally. It was noted that certain government agencies were very protective of their institutions. No information was given for questions the administration decided were confidential with respect to their reputation as an archives office. They did not want to give information that may result in the conclusion that their personnel are unqualified or do not possess the ideal qualifications. It is also desired that offering a formal degree in archives studies be pushed through to equip future archivists with the necessary archival principles and skills prior to employment. In the absence of a degree, non-formal training could be considered to modify the qualification requirements for hiring archivists in the government. It is the desire of the author that institutions in the future are more cooperative in similar studies since the study only wants to help find ways to improve the profession.

A Study of the Acquisition Practices of the Member Libraries of the Mendiola Consortium

Researcher: PIA P. RESIDE

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Acquisition

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

The Mendiola Consortium is an organization of four institutions located in Mendiola, Manila namely: Centro Escolar University, College of the Holy Spirit, La Consolacion College, and San Beda College which have formally agreed to pool their manpower and physical resources to enhance their capability to provide quality education and public service, and to participate more actively in the attainment of national development goals.

Statement of the Problem and Methodology
The primary objective of this study was to find out the acquisition practices of the member libraries of the Mendiola Consortium. Forty (40) respondents were requested to answer the questionnaires. Respondents were full-time and regular librarians of the member libraries of the Mendiola Consortium. There was 100 percent rate of returns. This utilized the descriptive method of research. Through a descriptive document analysis of the gathered documents, a comparison of the the libraries' acquisition policies was also taken into consideration. Interviews were also conducted to ensure valuable information on the problem being investigated. The respondents' profiles were studied and tabulated. The acquisition practices of the four institutions were also studied and analyzed.

Findings
The study revealed that they have different written acquisition policies and have similar acquisition practices in acquiring books and other library materials. They acknowledged acquisition planning as an important phase of acquisition work. They acquire books through purchase, gifts/donations and exchange of school publications like journals but not book exchange. The member libraries of the Mendiola Consortium do not practice cooperative acquisition.

Recommendations
1. Member libraries of the mendiola Consortium must be updated with the current practices of the different progressive academic libraries in materials acquisitions, including online payment and materials selection;

2. Librarians must exert more effort to be able to solicit valuable materials to supplement regular acquisitions;

3. Involvement in other consortia or network to add to possible sources of library materils;

4. There must be a review of existing policies and procedures to be able to identify the aspects of acquisition work that are no longer applicable or beneficial to the library;

5. Provision for a feedback (evaluation) mechanism to determine effectivity of current acquisition procedures;

6. The chief librarians should discuss with their respective administrators the advantages that will accrue if they embark on a cooperative acquisitions program. The member institutions, more or less, have started cooperative endeavors in other aspects. Now is the time to think of library cooperation and networking.

Qualitative Analysis of the Institute of Library and Information Science Theses Abstracts

Researcher: RICHARD JONATHAN O. TADURAN

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Diliman

Subject Area: Theses-Abstracts, Library Science-Abstracts

Year of Graduation: 2005

Statement of the Problem

This study analyzed the technical and substantial qualities of the University of the Philippines Institute of Library and Information Science (UPILIS) theses abstracts.

Findings

Findings reveal that most them are indicative, either technically good or fair, and substantially fair. Common errors came out as redundancy, erroneous grammar, and incoherence, being too lengthy, unclear, and substantial, and lacking information. The relation of the technical quality varies with the student’s age, sex and degree and also with theses’ year of submission and numbers of pages while the relations of the substantial quality turned to be insignificant due to most of them are fairly written. The results attribute to the lack of theoretical courses offered and insufficient time allotted to teaching abstracting.

Recommendations

Recommendations include the separation of abstracting to indexing, the integration of philosophy in LIS matters, the revision of the UPILIS thesis manual, and the implementation of a subsequent study in 2010.

A Study of Selected Community Parish Archives Practices

Researcher: MA. BERNARDITA L. ROBLES

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Archives

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

Archives are needed as the primary source of identity and information of the past which continue to affect human rights. The value of archives is its accessibility. The archives, as ministry of evangelization in today's church, promote the use of its resources to strengthen spiritual lives and provide accurate documentation of the historical church. The voluminous collection of archival documents of the Philippine Church, particularly the parishes, is seemingly neglected and unattended. More importantly, the loss of records, whether diocesan or parochial, undermines, religious heritage.

Statement of the Problem and Methodology
The focus of the study is on the current record keeping practices of canonical documents and other archival collections of the four (4) community parish archives located in Metro manila. To attain the objectives of the study, qualitative method of research was employed. Ocular inspections and interviews were conducted to gather data in order to analyze and determine the archives practices observed and implemented by the parishes. A comparative analysis was made between the current practices and the standard and accepted archives practices with regard to the sacramental records and administrative archival documents, such as minutes of meetings, memoranda, correspondence, and other record series of enduring value which are generally appraised and preserved for future reference.

Findings and Recommendations
Findings reveal that insufficient knowledge, professional training, and technical skills of the persons designated and responsible for the archival records are the reasons why these selected parishes have not given priority to establish an official parish archives. Due to the absence of policies on standard and accepted archives practices, recommendations are presented which will hopefully help contribute in the area of archives practices in the parishes.

Archives in the Museum Context: A Case Study on the Application of Archival Principles and Practices in the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and ...

Title: Archives in the Museum Context: A Case Study on the Application of Archival Principles and Practices in the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman

Researcher: RICARDO L. PUNZALAN

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Archives, Museums

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

Although considered to perform similar and sometimes overlapping functions in society, archives and museums are two distinct institutions that follow different sets of standard principles and practices in managing their respective collections. In fact, the two have managed to survive for centuries without having to rely on each other. In reality, however, museums have been assuming the role of the archives in collecting historical records as evidenced by continued assimilation of archival records into museum collections. This is probably due to the absence of archival programs or facilities in the rural areas and the perennial problem of budget constrainsts for cultural institutions. More and more individuals and families throughout the country are donating their personal archives and private collections to museums. Other would establish their own family museums with their memorabilia and accumulated books and records forming the nucleus of collections on exhibit.

Statement of the Problem
With the main goal of exploring the context of the archival principles and practices in the museum setting, this study has focused on the case of the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filippiniana Research Center (UPVM).

The study also attemps to discover a way to situate the role of the archives in the museum by constructing the administrative history of the UPVM using available Museum records.

Historical Background
This museum has a rich collection of the personal archives of its donors, Mr. Vargas, who had served in various key positions in the government starting from the Commonwealth era, continued into the World war II and up to the 1960's. in 1978, the collection was donated to the University of the Philippines and, thus, serves as a University Museum. The UPVM is a site where archives exists within the museum structure and presents an ideal set up for an inquiry that looks into the archival collection of the museum.

Methodology
UPVM's archival collection may be grouped into two fonds or record groups; namely: 1) personal archives of jorge B. Vargas; and 2. institutional archives of the UPVM. these two fonds were appropriately arranged based on the archival principles of provenance and original order. Just like any other institution, the UPVM is also a producer or records as it performs its complex roles as both collector and preserver of material culture. The museum's archival records are its institutional memory.

Results and Discussions
The study illustrated how a particular record and its given recording and documentation processes and procedures perform this function of organizational memory and, at the same time, be an active agent of institutional activity. Foremost among its records is the catalog and documentation worksheet used to provide material description and account for the physical condition of the art collection. The study had emphasized that the UPVM catalog may be considered as an archival record by noting its great influence in musuem management and operations and its function of object representation. If museums are about representation through the display and assemblage of material culture, records that account for these objects must also acquire this level of cultural dimension. Records then become "representations" of objects of representations. Theis situation opens up a range of interesting inquiries for archival theory. As these museum perform their administrative and collection management functions, they naturally become records creators. Conversely, as collectors and repositories of archives and manuscripts, they become sites for records accumulation. Thus, museums assume the role of both records creator and record keeper while maintaining their unique institutional identity as distinct from archives. This phenomenon has a profound impact for archival practice and implies that a new paradigm must be developed to appropriately situate the place of the archives within the museum structure. Finally, a recommended standard was drawn to provide a code of practice with which the museum could refer for appropriate guidance and direction.

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.

The Information Search Process of Diliman Preparatory School Third Year Students

Researcher: ANGELEZ P. ORTEGA

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Information Seeking

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

Information seeking is defined by Marchionni (1995) as a process in which humans purposely engage in order to change their state of knowledge. Information seeking is a process of construction that begins with uncertainty and anxiety. The user’s experience in the process of information seeking needed to be carefully investigated.

Statement of the Problem and Methodology

This study attempted to replicate Kuhltau’s Model of the Information Search Process (ISP). Thirty-eight participants and their teacher for the academic year 2004-2005 participated in the study. Quantitative Process survey and Teacher’s Assessment of Focus were utilized in gathering the needed information. To verify the Model of the ISP, quantitative analysis and replication method were used. Likewise, two methods were applied for preparing the data for analysis. One, nominal data was treated as ordinal, assumed-level data in order to perform statistical measures. The order is that open-ended responses were coded into categorical data for data analysis.

Findings

Results of the survey reveal that the responses indicated that thoughts about the topic became clearer and more focused as respondents moved through the search process seeking more pertinent and focused information. It can be surmised that as the information search process moved through, the information became clearer. It can be supported by the data that 13 of the respondents have a “general description of the topic' during the initiation process; it became 19 during the Midpoint process and Closure processes. Twenty-four of the respondents had "unclear description of the topic" during the initiation process and eventually narrowed down to 2 during the Closure process. Responses revealed confidence steadily increasing with lowest confidence at Initiation, confidence rising significantly at midpoint, and with more significant increase at Closure.

In general, the findings indicate that the participants' thoughts about their topics became clearer and more focused as they moved through the search process seeking more relevant and focused information. Feelings accompanying the changes in thoughts matched those predicted in the model, with confidence steadily increasing. Uncertainty, confusion, and frustration decreased during the process as feelings of being satisfied, sure and relieved increased.

Recommendations
1. Assessment of perceptions of respondents must be done more often and regular monitoring of a research study to determine success or failure of information search process;

2. The model of the information search process needed to be verified in a larger more diverse sample of library users; and

3. The researcher strongly recommends that the findings of this study be validated by doing some longitudinal studies in the near future.

Tomas Del Rosario College Library: An Evaluation with Implication on the Improvement of Information Resources and of Library Services

Tomas Del Rosario College Library: An Evaluation with Implication on the Improvement of Information Resources and of Library Services

Researcher: FATIMA R. MONTANEZ

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Library Resources, Library Services

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

For the college library to carry out its function effectively, it has to have well-selected information resources, have adequate funding and efficient supervision and administration by a qualified librarian.

Statement of the Problem

The research study is intended to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the Tomas del Rosario College Library’s collection and services guided by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities – Commission on Accreditation (PACU-COA) standards. The focus of this appraisal is to find out whether the library’s collection is adequate enough o support the needs of its users and to know if its users and to know if its services are efficient and effective.

Methodology

The study makes use of the descriptive and evaluative research designs. The population of the study consists of 1,240 individuals, 1,175 enrolled college students and 65 college faculty members. Using stratified sampling method, the sample size became 235 for the college students and 65 for the faculty members.

Findings

Results of the study revealed that the majority of the students (60) and faculty members (56.92) were satisfied with the information services in the library. The Tomas del Rosario College Library was administered and supervised by a licensed and full-time librarian. The library has a strong “Collection Development Policy” that aids the head librarian and library staff in the acquisition and selection of the different library materials. The collection consists of relevant books, serials, pamphlets, documents, non-book and Filipiniana materials. Library materials at Tomas del Rosario College Library were catalogued and classified according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System. The library is furnished with functional and well designed standard furniture and equipment. The library was adequately lighted, properly ventilated and acoustically suited for quiet reading. The findings of this study attest to the fact that support given by the top-level management exerts a great effect on the ability of the library to meet the information need of their faculty and students. On the other hand, the library has been able to meet their clientele’s needs satisfactorily and complied with several PACU-COA standards (except for the control and security measures). Aside from the library is managed by a qualified librarian, having her would ensure the satisfaction of the information needs of the users through easy access of quality information (Ronquillo, 2003).

Recommendations

1. Assessment of perceptions of library users must be done more often and regular monitoring of facilities and resources must be done to determine success or failure of library services.
2. Tomas del Rosario College Library must be provided with adequate and continuing budgetary support as a separate item from the budget allotted for the different expenditures in the institution it belongs.
3. The findings of this study will be utilized in the formulation of a resource-sharing scheme among colleges and universities in Bataan.

An Evaluation of the Computerized Index to Philippine Periodical Articles (CIPPA)

Researcher: BERNADETTE C. MARIANO

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Periodical Index

Year of Graduation: 2005

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Computerized Index to Philippine Periodical Articles (CIPPA) as developed and used by the Filipiniana Section of the Ateneo de Manila University Rizal Library based on the International Organization for Standardization’s indexing standard.

Methodology

The descriptive survey research method utilizing a questionnaire was chosen as the most appropriate and effective method for collecting the data needed to answer the study’s research questions. Analysis of the results defined how the CIPPA complies with the ISO standard. The assessment of how much CIPPA conforms to the ISO standard was then determined in percentage. Analysis was simple and did not require any sophisticated statistical approaches. The fifteen (15) librarians of the Ateneo de Manila University Rizal Library served as respondents for this study.

Findings

Results indicate that the CIPPA generally conforms to ISO 999: 1996 standard. However, there are several areas where CIPPA does not conform and there are certain ISO criteria that are not applicable to a computerized index like the CIPPA, and CIPPA is a bit complicated to users to become familiar with. In fact, some librarians lack familiarity with the CIPPA.

Recommendations

1. Changes must be made in CIPPA to make it conform totally to ISO standard.

2. Improvements in the CIPPA database manual of procedures to make it conform to ISO standard.

3. Changes in the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of CIPPA to make user-friendly.

4. Librarians should be trained on how to use the system.

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.’

Faculty’s Perception of the Liaison Program of the Rizal Library of the Ateneo de Manila University

Researcher: EDUARDO Q. CORPUZ

Course: Master in Library and Information Science

School: University of the Philippines, Quezon City

Subject Area: Academic Libraries

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

Many academic libraries have increasingly extended their reach through strategic partnerships, collaborative relationships and mutually alliances and creative ventures to promote their services and successfully carry out and accomplish their missions and goals. The immediacy of access to information makes it very vital to enhance partnerships between faculty and librarian. Success in fostering faculty-librarian collaboration depends on the understanding the perceptions of such relationship.

Statement of the Problem

The focus of this study is to examine the faculty’s perception of the liaison program of the Rizal Library of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). The study had the following objectives: 1) to examine faculty awareness of the liaison program of the Rizal Library; 2) to ascertain whether the faculty support the liaison program; 3) to determine the important services that should be provided to the faculty by a liaison librarian; 4) to determine whether the faculty have seen any improvement in the library services as a result of the liaison program; and 5) to recommend ways of improving the liaison program.

Methodology

The study was confined to the full-time faculty members of the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools for the SY 2004-2005. There were 232 faculty members of the four schools/departments who were given the survey instrument but only 169 returned them. This is equivalent to 74.84 percent of the total population. The study used a survey questionnaire which was adapted with the permission from a previous study conducted by Yang. The instrument elicited both descriptive and categorical responses as follows: academic backgrounds of respondents, services provided by the liaison, communication between the liaison and the faculty and improvements of the liaison program. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean and percentage were used to present the data as well as the general trend of the perception under each item that were included in the questionnaire.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that faculty members of the Ateneo de Manila University are not fully aware of the liaison program at the ADMU Rizal Library. Hence, faculty perceptions of the liaison program at the ADMU Rizal Library are not effective. The non-awareness of the faculty on the existence of the liaison program in the library clearly indicates that the library failed to communicate effectively the services the library offers. On the other hand, the faculty has not fully utilized the library’s resources and services. Other reasons for the ineffectiveness of the liaison program according to some of the respondents are as follows: 1) the liaison librarian does not consult with the faculty with regard to library collection development; 2) faculty have not seen any improvements in the library services since the implementation of the liaison program; 3) faculty are not aware of the improvement of the library collection; and 4) the liaison librarian does not have the subject background to help build a quality library collection. Majority of the faculty members support the liaison program. Faculty who indicated support of the liaison program generally have positive views of the library and are aware of most of its activities. However, it was disappointing to find out that a great number of respondents indicated non-support of the liaison program. The following reasons were given for their non-support: 1) they have not seen any improvements in the library services since the implementation of the liaison program; 2) not aware of any improvement of the library collection; 3) the liaison librarian does not consult with the faculty in terms of library collection; and 4) the liaison librarian does not have the subject background to help build a quality library collection. Meanwhile, other respondents did not indicate any reason for not supporting the liaison program. The faculty acknowledged that they had received that they considered very important services of the library. Current awareness service was rank first among the services provided by the liaison librarian to the department. Several other services provided by the liaison librarian to the department. Several other services were deemed important namely, bibliographic instruction for undergraduate students, selecting books and serials, research consultant to graduate students, library orientation to new faculty members, inform the department of the changes in the library, update the department of the services and offer library seminar to faculty. However, the study revealed that other respondents were unaware of some of the services that their liaison librarian had provided for the department.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, it appears that there is inadequacy of information dissemination about the library resources and services and how it works. This is because the library does not offer a general library orientation program for new faculty. It is only during the Faculty Day where there are a great number of faculty attendees that the Library Director gets a chance to inform the faculty of the different resources and services in the library. Majority of the faculty indicated that they have not seen any improvement in the library services provided to their respective department since the implementation of the liaison program. Hence, marketing and promotion of the liaison program as well as the different library resources, services and policies are not sufficient.

Recommendations

1. The non-awareness of the faculty on the existence of the liaison program of the library clearly shows that the library failed to communicate effectively the services it offers. Hence, the liaison librarian needs to make every possible means to communicate with faculty members the different resources and services the library offers.

2. The Library Director and the liaison librarians need to meet and plan for a strategic way of strengthen the current library liaison program to keep the faculty directly informed of the new resources, services and policies in the library.

3. The liaison librarian and the Library Director need to redesign and restructure the liaison program to be implemented in order to appreciate both the faculty and the librarians’ expertise. The implementation of a redesigned or restructured program might not be that easy because it will take significant effort, lots of time and a desire to make things happen.

4. The effective faculty-library liaison system requires considerable planning and constant adjustment in order to remain relevant and to meet the ever-changing needs of the library users. It is important to note that delivering the right information to the right people at the right time underscores the values of librarians and libraries.

5. Frequent consultation meeting with the faculty members and students is necessary to implement creative responses to the fundamental challenges facing today’s academic libraries.

6. The Library Director and the liaison librarian need to forge their own strategic partnerships in order to respond effectively to the challenge of becoming more relevant and making that relevancy better recognized outside the library.

An Evaluation of the Lib Services in Relation to an Interdisciplinary Approach to Instruction at the Grade Sch Department of St. Scholastica's College

 Researcher: ANNABELLA M. REYES

Course: Master of Arts in Library Science

School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

Subject Area: Library Services - Evaluation

Year of Graduation: 2005  

The instructional program of the Grade School Department of St. Scholastica's College, Manila concretizes the school's philosophy and objectives in terms of its content, processes and approaches and the values intrinsic to the subject areas, current realities grew into maturity and expressed themselves in a "living curriculum." The "living curriculum" became the heart of an innovation called "interdisciplinary Approach to Instruction" (IAI). This new paradigm calls for the decentralization of teaching-learning into workplace settings, a greater emphasis on collaborative teaching strategies among teachers and librarians on solving real world problems using concepts and skills for multiple subject areas. The study aims to determine the efficiency of the different library services of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) in relation to an inderdisciplinary approach to instruction at the Grade School Department of St. Scholastica's College, Manila.

                                                               

An Investigation into Determinants of Service Quality (Servqual) of the Colegio De San Juan de Letran Library

Researcher: CAROLYN P. RULONA

Course: Master of Arts in Library Science

School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

Subject Area: Library Services - Quality

Year of Graduation: 2005

Introduction

Library is frequently referred to as "the heart of the institution" or "the mind of the society." In carrying out its responsibility in the academic program effectively, the library performs certain activities and offers certain services. Because libraries are services, they exist to provide service to people who need it. Library service is an effort to improve the quality of services open to library users such as the means to derive customer input and satisfaction and organizational response mechanisms. It is a common practice for any type of library concerned with services to support the educational and research objectives of its parent organization. The library, however, does not function alone. A library, above all, is a human enterprise and it depends ultimately upon the skilled minds and talents of librarians to perform its proper role in our changing society. Libraries must retain the timeless service of equity of access, personal service, and services tailored to the needs of individuals while exploring new values. As the "heart" of the academe, the library is expected to give quality rather than quantity library services to the internal and external customers of educational institutions that are considered best judges of quality service.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to assess the library clients' expectations and perceptions of library service quality as actually experienced at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran using the service quality (SERVQUAL) instrument designed to measure total quality service. The focus of this study is on the efficiency and quality of library services provided by the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Library. The study is limited to the findings of a descriptive, quantitative and qualitative method.

Findings

Findings revealed that there is a significant difference among the five (5) SERVQUAL dimensions. Of the five dimensions, Assurance ranks first, followed sequentially by Empathy, Tangibles, Reliability and Responsiveness. Using the CRBANOVA and Turkey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD), Assurance differs significantly with other variables such as Tangibles, Reliability and Responsiveness. Findings also reveal that the Colegio de San Juan de Letran library conformed with all the five (5) SERVQUAL dimensions such as Responsiveness, Assurance, Tangibles, Empathy and Reliability. But, although, the library customers are satisfied there remains a need for periodic evaluation to achieve total quality service.

Recommendation

The adoption of the five (5) dimensions of SERVQUAL as a survey instrument is likewise recommended for future evaluation since it has proven to be effective in the assessment of quality service.

An Assessment of the Nueva Vizcaya State University Main Campus Library: Towards Library Information Storage and Retrieval Services Development

Researcher: EMMA RUTH G. FRONDA

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: April 2005

Introduction
The challenge to librarianship is to motivate and encourage wider and deeper reading of books and to make these other resources available to meet the growing demands both for an intellectual and cultural frame of reference and for specialists' information. It is important for any institution of higher learning to improve its ability to chart its direction in the foreseeable future in order to contribute better to the development of the entire academic community. There is a need to institute a systematic guide by which its programs and all the necessary resources support college programs.

Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted to provide an empirical basis for a five-year Library Information Storage and Retrieval Services Development Plan for Nueva Vizcaya State University Library. It also evaluated the extent of the problems encountered regarding the different content areas of NVSU library. To achieve this goal, the study pursued the following: (1) determined of the NVSU Library in the following aspects as assessed and evaluated by the students, faculty, and librarians: (a) Administration, (b) Personnel, (c) Collection/Holdings, (d) Services and Utilization of the Library, (e) Physical Set-up and Facilities, (f) Financial Support, (g) Linkages: (2) determined the profile of the users: (3) described the librarians' information technology capability: (4) drew the information technology resources profile of the University; (5) identified and described the problems commonly encountered in the library in terms of the seven (7) aspects; and (6) developed a Library Information Storage and Retrieval Services Development Plan for NVSU Main Library.

Methodology
The study made use of descriptive-survey method. Data were extensively drawn using a survey checklist based from the new instrument of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered College and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP, 2002). Mean scores and standard deviation were used to describe the status of the NVSU Main Campus library and the problems encountered in the use of the library along the different content areas or aspects. A modified six-point scale was to describe the numerical and descriptive rating of the different content areas, while a modified four-point scale was used in the problems encountered. The respondents of the study included 30 students, 30 faculty and seven librarians of the University Main Library . The student and faculty respondents were purposively selected from among the regular users of the library. The librarian-respondents constituted a total enumeration of all librarians of the University Library.

Findings
1.Status of the NVSU Main Campus Library. Based on the documentary data, the NVSU Main Campus Library generally complied with the requirements as prescribed by the AACCUP. All the seven content areas or aspects were rated very good which meant that the provisions were moderately extensive and functioning very well.
2. Profile of the NVSU Main Campus Library Users. The College of Education had the highest student population in the University, and among the curriculum year level, first year students constitute the bulk of the enrollment, both during the first and second semester. The Reference Section, Filipiniana Section, and the Circulation Section had more users during the first semester of SY 2003-2004, as compared to those of the second semester of the same school year, The Periodical Section and the Graduate School library had more number of users during the second semester than in the first semester.
3. Librarians' information technology capability. The librarians had capabilities to use word processing program. Their knowledge on other application software was very limited.
4. Information technology resources of the University. Only 19 computer units were available for faculty members' use. These were distributed in the seven colleges/academic units of institute. More than 80% of about 204 faculty members were considered computer literates, having various levels of computer knowledge.
5. Problems encountered in the NVSU Main Campus Library. The problems encountered by the users of the NVSU Main Campus library along the seven content areas or aspects were described as encountered up to a little extent, meaning these problems were seldom encountered. From the different problems presented, two came out to be moderate in extent. These were the following: limited quantity of books and library materials, and non-replacement or non-repair of old and/or torn books, journals or magazines. These two problems were under the area of library collection/holdings.
6. Proposed NVSU Main Campus Library Information Storage and Retrieval Services Development Plan. Two priority areas are given emphasis in the plan. One is the setting up of electronic sources where on-line access of library materials and the use of CD-ROMs are available. The other areas is the interconnection of the NVSU library to the PHNET and the Internet to have immediate access of up-to-date information and knowledge. Under these connectivity, electronic mailing, file transfer, information search and retrieval, and remote login can be possible.

Conclusions
On the basis of the results of the assessment made on the status of the NVSU Main Campus Library based on AACCUP standards, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. The NVSU library has tired to cope up with the standards prescribed by AACCUP. But the need for state-of-the-art computers, multi-media and audio-visual equipment is very evident. During the last three years (2001-2003), no amount was allocated for the procurement of multi-media equipment.
2. the collections of the NVSU Main Campus Library, especially journals, needed in the different areas of concentrations or disciplines is very minimal.
3. The linkages of the NVSU Main Campus Library, particularly foreign, are not sufficient.
4. The librarians are qualified and licensed but their information technology capability is relatively low. Further more, they do not academic ranks.
5. The information technology resources of the University, especially among the different colleges are wanting.
6. The most pressing problems encountered by the NVSU Main Campus Library users are the limited quantity of books, and other library materials, and the dilapidated state of existing books, journals and magazines.
7. The NVSU Main Campus Library has not yet started any automation and/or computerization activities on holdings.

Recommendations
1. Computers. Multi-media and audio-visuals equipment / facilities should be immediately procured. The University should allot annual budget for this purpose.
2. Additional journals, particularly foreign issues / editions, needed in the different areas of concentrations / disciplines should be subscribed by the NVSU Main Campus Library.
3. Networking and linkaging with other research agencies and institutions, particularly those based or operating abroad, must be extensively established to increase the foreign source of library materials like journals, research bulletins and the like.
4. The librarians should be obliged to increase their information technology capabilities. The University must allot funds for their formal and/or informal training on computer applications in library operations.
5. The librarians should be allowed to hold academic commensurate to their education and other qualifications.
6. The computer needs of the faculty members should be addressed by procuring additional computer hardware and licensed computer software to be distributed to the different colleges or units. These computers, if possible should be linked up with the Internet facilities of the Institute and to the library for on-line access of library resources.
7. The quantity of books, particularly the professional textbooks, should be increased and the edition must be the most recent ones. Regular repair and replacement of torn and old issues should be carried out.
8. The library should start automation and computerization immediately. It should have new computer units that are connected to the Internet or PhilNet for on-line access of NVSU Main Campus Library holdings and the collection of other Institutions.