A proposed collaboration for UCCP seminary libraries in the Visayas-Mindanao area

Abstract

This study aimed to propose a library resource collaboration for theological education and leadership among UCCP seminary libraries in the Visayas-Mindanao area. Specifically it answered the following questions: a) What are the available resources and services of each library? b) What are the resources and services that each library receives and shares with other libraries? c) What services that each library receives for UCCP and other institutions? and d) What facilitates and constrains in sharing and receiving library resources and services. Findings showed that resources are mostly available except in few areas such as the newly emerged topics and disciplines in theology, resources in the national language and locally- produced materials. Sharing practices are common among libraries but constraints are reasonable to some libraries due to geographical distances, lack of technology and lack in programs for collaborative activities. From the study, it is recommended that a library collaboration model or system for the five UCCP theological libraries in the Visayas and Mindanao area be established. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the proposed project be provided in support of the UCCP one-seminary system which will focus on taking advantage of the benefits of information technology in sharing the resources, in the collection of locally-produced materials in different formats, in bibliographic sharing and in seminars and trainings in theological librarianship thru linkages with other organization.