An Assessment of the Philippine Normal University Library: Basis for the Development of a User-Focused Library Program

Researcher: EVANGELINE T. MACEDA

Course: Master of Arts in Education Major in Library Science

School: Philippine Normal University

Subject Area: Library Programs

Year of Graduation: 2005

Development and Validation of Automated System for School Libraries

Researcher: JESSICA F. MACATANGAY

Course: Master of Arts in Education Major in Library Science

School: Philippine Normal University

Subject Area: School Libraries, Libraries-Automation

Year of Graduation: 2005

A Proposed Ateneo Libraries Purchasing Consortium: A Feasibility Study

Dizon, Fernan R (2004). A Proposed Ateneo Libraries Purchasing Consortium: A Feasibility Study. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.

Introduction

Libraries in developing countries, like the Philippines, have to find ways and means to maximize their meager book budgets. However, the increasing costs of books, together with the devaluation of Philippine peso, only made the situation worse. Forming a library-purchasing consortium is the key in facing these challenges.

The Problem

This stud aimed to determine the feasibility of establishing a purchasing consortium for the Ateneo libraries. This study was conducted to identify the possible benefits of forming a library-purchasing consortium and to ascertain whether the different Ateneo academic libraries are purchasing books at publisher’s list price.

Methodology

The study was limited to books published abroad and purchased through foreign or local book sellers. Library directors and an acquisitions librarian from five Ateneo academic libraries namely, Ateneo de manila, Ateneo de davao, Ateneo de Naga, Ateneo de Zamboanga, and Xaxier University, served as respondents for this study.

Findings

This study determined that most of the Ateneo academic libraries acquire foreign books from local and foreign book vendors and publishers; that most of the Ateneo academic libraries are not satisfied with the number of books they purchase annually; and that most of the Ateneo academic libraries do not pay the actual publisher’s list price of books purchase. Some forms, guidelines, and procedures were provided to help the respondents in starting a library-purchasing consortium.

Current Awareness Program of Saint Louis University: An Assessment Based on Users’ Perception

Diaron, Rina Hemedez (2004). Current Awareness Program of Saint Louis University: An Assessment Based on Users’ Perception. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.

The Problem

The study looked into the methods of current awareness services being employed in Saint Louis University Library as perceived by the library users composed of the non-teaching personnel, faculty members, and students. It also looked into the basic requirements of the different methods of current awareness services and the various perceptions of library users with regard to the availability of current awareness services as an alerting service.

Methodology

The descriptive method was used with the survey questionnaire and unstructured interviews as the research instruments. The respondents of the study included seven (7) non-teaching personnel, thirteen (13) faculty members, seventeen (17) graduate students, and three hundred fifty eight (358) undergraduate students. In the interpretation of data, the weighted mean was used.

Conclusions

1. Bulletin boards play an important role in extending the level of current awareness services;

2. Methods of current awareness services are not widely read nor scanned by library users; and

3. The library users’ “library literature” or the commitment to find time in keeping up to date is not very good.

Recommendations

1. Bulletin board should include recent events annotated list of new books, table of contents, and abstracts of newly published and unpublished library materials;

2. Technological advances should be introduced and utilized in commencing methods to library users in order to encourage members to make use of recent information;

3. Newsletter, organized and written by the University Library, should exist to keep the library user’s readership up to date;

4. “Ball game” technique can be used to increase the chance of journal routing wherein each client returns the issue to the library after reading it then sends the issue to the next client on the list. Six people on a circulation list are a useful maximum;

5. Provide comprehensive orientation on current awareness services to library users in terms of its functions and significance on their fields of interests;

6. Develop document delivery in order to be more responsive to the needs of the profession;

7. Librarians dedicated to supplying information to other members of the academe should be knowledgeable in information handling and dissemination;

8. For further study, inclusion of new methods of current awareness services in Saint Louis University Library and assessment of needs based on the different college departments.

Collection Survey of Xavier School Archival Materials Towards the Development of a Preservation Program

De Luna, Ruth O (2004). Collection Survey of Xavier School Archival Materials Towards the Development of a Preservation Program. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.

Introduction

Archives are threatened by a massive problem of deterioration and loss of collections they contain. Many collections are becoming increasing fragile and some are in danger of being lost forever.

The Problem

The problem of deterioration has several interrelated causes: inherent chemical instability of the components of archival records; unsuitable environmental conditions in areas where collections are stored; storage and handling practices; natural disasters; and theft and vandalism. For most libraries and archives, professional conservation treatment as a way to rectify the problem is, and ways will be, prohibitively expensive.

Methodology

This study made use of two instruments namely, the survey questionnaire and checklist form. The questionnaire was used to identify the archival record series present in the different offices of Xavier School and to enumerate the preservation practices employed by each office. The checklist form was used to determine the state of deterioration of each archival record. Ocular inspection was also used in gathering data. Fifty one department heads from the school’s various offices were used as respondents in this study.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that the print or textual archival records of these offices are the following: minutes of meetings, annual reports, articles, attendance sheets, budget statements, correspondence, development programs, directories of officials/employees, photographs, programs and invitations, speeches and messages, students’ grades, results of tests/exams, training programs and yearbooks. The non-print materials are: audio cassettes, compact discs and video cassettes. It was also found out that most of these archival records are handled by persons with zero knowledge of archives. Likewise, this study revealed that a small number of offices believe that they are employing preservation practices. These practices include the following: binding and repair; duplication and copying; digitization, fumigation, and lamination and encapsulation. Lastly, it was found out that a significant number of archival records in Xavier School need to be treated immediately. In general, it can be concluded that these archival records can still be preserved and restored since the records are kept in an air-conditioned room.

Recommendations

1. An organizational component like Archives Office, Archive Mandate and appointment of person-in-charge of archival records in each department be made immediately;

2. A comprehensive Archival Policy Manual be drawn to effect a well-guided community on the importance of school archives;

3. A structured training program be made for the persons who are responsible in keeping the archival records so that they will become competent in their work;

4. A thorough study on the location of the other relevant archival records such as the different blue prints of the school and its buildings should be made; and

5. A preservation program for all school archives should be formulated to preserve and restore all the school’s archival records.

Evaluation of the Book Collection and Periodical Collections of the College of Allied Medical Profession

De Leon, Rosa I (2004). Evaluation of the Book Collection and Periodical Collections of the College of Allied Medical Profession. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.

Introduction

The College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines was the first school in the Philippines (UP CAMP) to offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Pathology, Masters in Clinical Audiology and Masters in Rehabilitation Science. In its 40 years of existence, the College has always maintained a quality of standards in its graduates who are unparalleled in the practice of their future profession. The profession must provide a vast amount of knowledge for each student. This basic theoretical knowledge must be translated into the practical clinical setting in which all students must go through. Through the College’s 39 years of servicing the Filipino public, the College Library has been at the forefront in providing the necessary, adequate, well-selected and organized information for its major clientele, which includes students, faculty, researchers and other users. The College Library is an essential source of information for the intellectual advancement in the health sciences.

The Problem

This study evaluated the library collections, namely the periodical and book sections qualitatively and quantitatively. It determined the strength and weaknesses of the collection through a descriptive comparison of the collection of the College Library in relation to two foreign institutions that have similar objectives. The study compared the collection to the Brandon-Hill List that is the standard list used by health libraries as basis for the contents of their collections. It also compared the College Library standards to the University of the Philippines Library standards. Lastly, it evaluated the Library collection according to the perceptions of the faculty and students.

Methodology

The main areas focused on the recency, adequacy and comprehensiveness of the collection. The results of the study may serve as guidelines in the planning and formulation of the Library’s collection development program. One hundred twenty three (123) respondents were asked to answer the questionnaires. There was 100% response rate, which may be attributed to the method of data gathering.

Discussions

The average age of the respondents is 22.7. Around 68 of the respondents are females while 32 are males. More than half (55% of the sample) came from the undergraduate level, while almost 20 percent came from the faculty. A little over 16 percent of the sampled library users were alumni. The top four (4) purposes in visiting the library was research (109), borrowing and returning library materials (90), studying (58), and leisure reading (49). Other purposes noted by the respondents were using the computer and internet, along with conducting group discussions and meetings. An assessment of the standards by UP System for UP Libraries revealed that the book collection of the UP CAMP: Library does not meet the set standards. UP CAMP only meets around 53 percent of the total volume of books required. On the other hand, the current listing of UP CAMP periodicals exceeds the requirement of 50 titles for a student population of less than 1000. It can be noted from the graph that the University of the Philippines College of Allied Medical Professions Library collections are greater in number compared to University of Queensland and University of South Alabama in all categories, Occupational therapy. Physical therapy, Speech Pathology and the journals. The University of Queensland was second and the University of South Alabama had the least amount of materials in all categories listed. Overall, the University of the Philippines, College of Allied medical professions Library had the largest collection of 1624, followed by the University of Queensland at 1179. The University of South Alabama had the smallest overall collection at 400. This comparison was done without regard to the Brandon/Hill List of recommended books and periodicals. Furthermore, the UP CAMP Library has in its acquisition 63 percent of the selected Brandon/Hill List of printed books and journals in allied health, while University of Queensland has only acquired 43 percent of those materials suggested in the Brandon/Hill List. The University of South Alabama had the lowest percentage of acquired materials in the Brandon/Hill List at 31 percent.

Recommendations

The CAMP Library collection be maintained and more books be added to continually be at par with the other institutions with the same specialization and to fulfill the standards set by the university and international boards.

The Agricultural Book Collection of Ladislao N. Diwa Memorial Library and Museum: An Evaluation Through Collection Mapping

Costa, Leonita C (2004). The Agricultural Book Collection of Ladislao N. Diwa Memorial Library and Museum: An Evaluation Through Collection Mapping. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.

The Problem and Methodology

The collection of an academic library is largely based on the degree programs offered by its institution. To determine if the agricultural book collection of Ladislao N. Diwa Memorial Library and Museum collection adequately support the degree programs offered at the University, the researcher evaluated the book collection. By assigning call numbers to agriculture courses of the degree programs using the Library of Congress Classification system (LCC), the researcher mapped the collection to the courses to determine the total number of titles and volumes per subject area.

Findings and Conclusions

The researcher found out that ninety six percent of the collection is relevant to Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and only four percent, for other courses offered under College of Agriculture. The decade of 1991 to 2000 had the highest number of collection was acquired during this decade (474 titles or 49.63 %). The reason for this is that the majority of the major course offerings of the College of Agriculture were offered during this decade. The decade 1981 to 1990 had the highest number of collection with 275 and 605 volumes, followed by the decade 1971 to 1980 with 134 titles and 451 volumes. A very small number of collection was acquired in the decade of 1961 to 1970 with 26 titles, and 16 titles from 1951 to 1960. The collection showed strong support for the subject areas of: Marketing of Agricultural Products, Agriculture, Finance, Development, Mechanics and Utilization and Operation of Credit Institution, Fundamentals of Agronomic crop Production; and Farm Management. The collection in these areas, though, need to be continuously developed, most especially for required courses to serve the increasing student population more efficiently. More books should be acquired in areas where collection is deemed weak. To evaluate the collection quantitatively, the researcher utilized the Guidelines on the Establishment of new Libraries. Data showed that library holdings for College of Agriculture only had 955 titles which are very much lower than the required number of book collection in the guidelines. It further indicated that the library of Cavite State University does not have enough resources in terms of book collection to support the curricular offerings of the College of Agriculture.

Recommendations

After evaluating the library, researcher offered the following recommendations:

1. Faculty must be encouraged to look into the areas of their own expertise and recommend book titles or suggest ways to further develop the specific collection;

2. Study the pattern of enrollment statistics and take into consideration the course with high enrollees and courses that are not taken by the students. Thus, book collection must be developed in the subject areas actually needed by the students;

3. The decline in collection building in the year 2001 and onwards can be attributed to the high prices of books and lack of adequate budget. It is recommended that financial resources be tapped for collection development. These include friends of the library, agriculture alumni and other similar organizations. In this regard, the librarian will know what collection needs to be developed so that the library budget for book acquisitions maybe better allotted.

4. Standards or formulas to measure the library’s collection and services be required as one of the criteria that agricultural schools must meet before they are given accreditation. Standards should be realistic, taking into consideration the Philippine setting for collection development.

An Assessment of Public Secondary School Libraries in the Division of City Schools, Manila

Castillo, Kathleen N (2004). An Assessment of Public Secondary School Libraries in the Division of City Schools, Manila. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.

The Problem

This study aimed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the public secondary school libraries in the Division of City Schools, manila and the extent of their compliance with the DECS Order Number 6 series of 1998, Policies and Programs for School Library Department.

Methodology

The study utilized the descriptive method of research. Likewise, observation and ocular inspection were used in this study to determine if the standard set by the Department of Education (DECS Order Number 6 series of 1998, Policies and Programs for School Library Development) were complied with. The study focused on the twenty-eight (28) public secondary school libraries in the six districts of the Division of Manila. Respondents for this study constituted the faculty, students and the librarian of each of the twenty-eight schools.

Findings

Of the twenty-eight public secondary school libraries, twenty-four have their libraries located in a separate room. The twenty-eight public secondary school libraries offer library orientation, circulation, cataloging, indexing services, reference service, and current awareness services. Majority of the school libraries have insufficient collection. Twenty-seven (27) public secondary school libraries complied with what have been stated by the standards set by DECS with regard to librarian’s qualifications; Majority (24) of the school libraries concerned do not follow the standard with regard to library funds. Modal frequencies show that teachers from the twenty-eight public secondary school libraries use their library mainly for research purposes, followed by “for lesson plan preparation, report, group meeting, and curriculum preparation.”

Conclusions

It can be concluded that this study attests to the fact that limitations in resources, especially monetary or financial resources, exert a great influence on the ability of the libraries to meet the demand and information needs of their faculty and students. It is due to this limitation that the twenty-eight libraries have not been able to meet their clientele’s needs’ satisfactorily.

Recommendations

The study recommends the following measures: a) since the 28 libraries do not completely comply with the standards stipulated in the DECS Order Number 6 series of 1998, librarians together with the principals and the members of their respective Library committees, must formulate policies and regulations to the above DECS Order; b) Libraries of the Manila City Division must be provided with adequate and continuing budgetary support as a separate item from the budget allotted to the different public secondary schools; c) The need to have a more organized collection is needed. It must be indexed, cataloged and classified properly; and lastly d) That the DECS Order Number 6 series of 1998 guidelines should be revised with the purpose of updating these to keep up with the latest developments and trends in school media centers.

Computerization and Modernization in Government Agricultural Libraries within Metro Manila: A Survey

Cañezal, Jennifer Cabangan (2004). Computerization and Modernization in Government Agricultural Libraries within Metro Manila: A Survey. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.

The Problem

The objectives of the study are: 1) To identify government agricultural libraries in Metro Manila that are computerized, not-computerized and/or planning to computerize their operations; 2) To identify the predominant computer configurations as well as software employed and/or planning to be installed by these libraries; 3) To determine the conditions of access to the computerized systems; 4) To determine the extent of computerization in the government agricultural libraries in Metro Manila; 5) To identify the specific library functions/services/areas that are currently being computerized and/or planning to be computerized; 6) To determine from among the non-computerized libraries, the primary services that should be given priority in computerization; 7) To determine from among the computerized libraries the benefits derived from computerization; 8) To identify the major factors that influence and/or hinder the computerization of the government agricultural libraries in Metro Manila; and 9) To recommend innovations to further improve the computerized libraries.

Methodology

The head librarians of the 21 government agricultural libraries in metro Manila comprised the respondents of this study. The descriptive research method was used with the survey questionnaire as a data gathering instrument. The questionnaire was composed of two types: Questionnaire A was intended for computerized libraries and Questionnaire B for non-computerized libraries. All of these questionnaires were personally distributed to 21 libraries in metro manila for one week and were personally collected the week after. These were supplemented by interviews and observations during the actual library visits. The data gathered were organized, tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted using frequencies, percentages and ranking to carry out the objectives of the study.

Findings

A total of 18 head librarians responded out of the targeted respondents. Three out of the 18 reported that they were already computerized while the remaining 15 are still in the process of planning computerization. Two of the computerized libraries implemented their system in the late 1990s while the other one started only in January 2002. Although they are partially automated, the process of implementation had been proceeding smoothly. Cataloging and indexing were mostly the processes that are computerized in these libraries. The main factor influencing the decision for computerization was the goals and objectives of the library/organization whereas, financial resources seemed to be the common factor influencing the non-implementation of the non-computerized libraries computerization plan.