LIBRARY RESOURCES AND FUNCTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ACADEMIC LIBRARY: MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE DIGITAL AGE

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The study evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of a library system in a state-owned university to ensure that the information needs and services of clients are adequate. It looked into the available resources and required facilities to assess changes and improvement. Likewise, the functional effectiveness of the academic library was also determined. Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey method to describe available library resources and the extent of the functional effectiveness of academic library services of the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) Philippines. The 175 respondents came from the most frequent library users. This study utilized the purposive sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the adequacy and functional effectiveness of the library. Result: The result revealed that the library services surpassed the minimum requirements on holdings and Filipiniana collection, but did not meet the required library collection published within the last five years. Periodicals needed to increase subscriptions and ICT required improvement. Librarians are qualified to manage the library. The respondents perceived the functional effectiveness of library services to be useful and very effective. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research study gives an empirical data as bases on the provision of Sustainable Development Plan to cater to the nature of users in the digital age with the consideration to balance the physical and virtual resources. Practical implications: This paper will be most helpful to academic libraries to continually revisit the resources and services to be responsive to the vision and vision of the university, demand for curriculum change, and research endeavour.