Library competency of the basic education learners: a basis for the development of the K to 12 library instructional program of the University of San Agustin

Abstract

This is a qualitative-quantitative descriptive study to determine the factors associated with the level of library competency in terms of knowledge and skills of the 209 pupils of the University of San Agustin - Basic Education Department in the Grade School as basis in the formulation of the K to 12 Library Instructional Program. An analysis of the external and internal factors affecting the operations of the USA Grade School Library was done with six (6) faculty members and the former Grade School librarian through a focus group discussion (FGD). The study revealed that the pupils of the USA Grade School are mostly males, in Grade 5, are performing well in their academic performance, and have been enrolled in the University for 4 to 6 years, The study noted that the family is influential in the use of the library for school information needs together with the teacher librarian. However, it is the teacher librarian who influences the pupils to use the library for their personal information needs. The Grade School pupils are knowledgeable of the library facilities and the Information and Communication and Technology, and are armed with the intermediate library and information skills. As a whole, the pupils are library competent. The level of knowledge among the pupils when grouped according to sex did not vary but varied according to the number of years enrolled in school, grade level, and their grade point average. The level of library and information skills varied among the pupils when grouped according to sex, grade level, and number of years of enrollment in the University but not in their GPA. There is no variation in the level of competency when pupils are grouped according to sex, grade level, number of years enrolled in the University, and GPA. Finally, the USA Grade School Library has the strengths and opportunities in all the library areas to face the challenges of the K to 12 curricula. The P.A.G.S.A.L.I. (Program for Augustinian Grade School on Alternative Library Instruction) reflects the Augustinian way of education and the vision of the K to 12 curricula to arm the learner to be a person of knowledge and skills dedicated to the service of God, country and fellowmen.