Evaluation of the compliance of Asho Chin Theological Seminary Library with the A.T.E.S.E.A standard: Basis for an action plan

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the compliance of Asho Chin Theological Seminary Library with the ATESEA standard which would be a basis for a proposed action plan towards the improvement of the library. The specific objectives of these study were to: determine compliance of the ACTS Library by a committee of experts in terms of collection, circulation and lending services, library cataloguing, library budget, library staff, library space and library administration; conduct a SWOT analysis pertaining to the ACTS Library; and to recommend an action plan for the improvement of the library as per the SWOT analysis.

The respondents of the study were the faculty of the Asho Chin Theological Seminary and the ATESEA accreditors. A structured survey questionnaires were distributed to the evaluators after it was tested for validity.

According to the study, the ACTS Library has a moderate compliance to the criteria of the ATESEA. The collection area had a mean average of 3.40, which represents moderate compliance level. This means that the evaluators perceived for that the library collections cannot yet qualify. The weaknesses and threats, which were identified by the evaluators, should be the main focus of development towards granting ATESEA accreditation status to the library. The level of compliance of Asho Chin Theological Seminary Library with ATESEA Standard in the various aspects of results of evaluation was failed high compliance only in the area of Circulation and Lending Services Area. The rest of the aspects evaluated which as library cataloging, Library Administration, Library Staff, Library collection, Library Budget, Library Space received a rating of moderate compliance with the standard. The area that received the lowest evaluation was budget and library space.

The SWOT analysis shows the specific areas of the library that need to be addressed in the action plan for improvement. That are collection, circulation and lending services, library cataloguing, library budget, library staff, library space and library administration. The collection area of national language was found to be accessible to the users, and the library cataloguing and classification area, circulation and lending services area are among the strengths of the library. Among the identified weaknesses are in adequacy of library collection for various programs, lack of updated books and other resource materials, insufficiency of materials on gender concerns and issues, library budget and library space. Among the opportunities identified are the possible collaboration with the library the seminary schools in Myanmar and to participate library seminar programs. The threats which the library face are decrease in funding for the library, natural disasters and economic change.