Resources, services, and usage of municipal libraries in the Province of Iloilo

Abstract

Libraries, as service-oriented organizations, are being guided on every aspect of their operation by local and international standards. In the Philippines, public libraries are expected to adhere to the stipulations of the Philippine Standards for Public Libraries. This descriptive study was conducted, specifically, to assess the 11 municipal libraries in Iloilo Province in the areas of library administration, collection management, services and utilization, physical facilities, financial resources and linkages, networking and collaboration. Findings of the study revealed that almost all of the libraries were non-compliant to practically all aspects of the areas of the Standards. Specifically, most of the municipal libraries lacked support from their local government units. Hence mostly were managed by non-professional librarians who lacked knowledge and skills in successfully managing a library. Likewise, most libraries did not have enough budget to purchase updated resources of various types and formats and appropriate facilities and equipment. Thus, they remained underutilized and undervalued. Furthermore, almost all of the libraries lacked networks and linkages and collaborative activities that could have helped librarians enhance their skills and improve library resources and services, and increase their visibility and value to their stakeholders. Based on the study's findings, a municipal library development plan is recommended to guide the library manager and the LGU in developing their library.