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.