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.

Professional Competencies, Continuing Education & Training Needs of Library Personnel in the Division of Nueva Vizcaya as Related to Certain Variables

Researcher: GERALDINE M. PONCE

Course: Master of Arts in Education major in Library Science

School: Saint Mary's University of Bayombong, Philippines

Subject Area: Librarians - Nueva Vizcaya

Year of Graduation: 2005

The Weeding Process in Metro Manila Public Libraries: Basis for Development of a Weeding Guide for the Quezon City Public Library

Researcher: FE B. GOMEZ

Course: Master of Arts in Education Major in Library Science

School: Philippine Normal University

Subject Area: Public Libraries

Year of Graduation: 2005

The Relationship of the Readers Services and the Reading Interests of the First Year High School Students of Jose Rizal University

Researcher: MERCEDES G. DIZON

Course: Master of Arts in Education Major in Library Science

School: Philippine Normal University

Subject Area: Readers Services

Year of Graduation: 2005

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.