Professional library associations in Central and Western Visayas: Their contributions to the development of librarians and librarianship

Abstract

This study traces the historical development of the professional library associations in Central and Western Visayas from its organization up to the year 1983, and to determine whether or not these associations contribute to the development of librarians and librarianship. The objectives of the study are: 1. to provide information to the respective professional library associations on whether or not their programs and activities contribute to the development of the librarians and librarianship in the regions under study; 2. to help faculty and school with the library science program in order to inculcate in their student’s heart and mind the importance of affiliating to a professional library association; 3. to assist the national library association in determining the needs for the development of librarians and librarianship in these regions and to have programs and activities geared towards these needs; and, 4. to enlighten professional librarians in all regions that they cannot develop their social and intellectual functions in their own capacities as individuals without their affiliation to a library association and that active membership is an indication of professionalism. Findings of the study revealed that the associations were able to provide fulfillment in the two levels of man’s needs - the (1) belonging and social needs 2) esteem and status as described by Maslow. The member-librarians of this association experienced continuous education through seminar-workshops that had enhanced the self-esteem and status fulfillment of one’s potential skills in their fields of expertise as professional librarians. It was found out that much of the successes or failures of the library associations’ program and activities lay upon the association officers and the whole-hearted support of the bona fide members of the said association. The result of this study presented some recommendations and suggestions for the furtherance of the successes in the objectives of the association, program and activities. The following are the recommendations: 1. The association should write a short term or long-range plan to guide them in their future activities in the attainment of their objectives. (Philippine Library Association, Inc. (PLAI) plans are recommended to be followed specially in planning various activities of the different sectors of the association membership). 2. The library association should be more active in its professional endeavors. 3. The association should consider its members’ specific needs and interest as the first priority in planning and implementing the activities. The contents of this plan would not only be intended for those who were not formally trained librarians but, for those who are professional librarians as well. 4. Library Association Officers should provide every member a copy of its constitution and by-laws to make them aware of their respective obligations; thus, encouraging them to be actively supporting the programs and activities of the said association. 5. The library association should have a constant communication between the officers and members, through any form of information dissemination in order to hold and help increase the involvement of group member.