ABSTRACT
This descriptive-survey study employed a mixed-method approach to assess the accessibility, availability, and service performance of the Iloilo City Public Library. Data from 60 adult users were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Wallis H test, and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the library is perceived as very highly accessible, highly available, and providing very high service quality. No significant differences were found in accessibility and service quality across user profiles, while availability differed significantly by age. Despite favorable evaluations, users reported issues related to space limitations, outdated resources, insufficient technology, absence of an online catalog, ventilation concerns, and restricted operating hours. The study concludes that while the Iloilo City Public Library remains a vital and relevant public institution, strategic improvements are necessary to better meet the evolving needs of its library users.
Keywords: Iloilo City Public Library, Accessibility, Availability, Services
INTRODUCTION
Public libraries have long played an integral part in the promotion of our society’s education, culture, and literacy. It is one of the sources of knowledge and a home for learners. It offers free access to numerous learning resources, reference and educational materials such as magazines, newspapers, scientific publications, journals, encyclopedias, periodicals, fictional books, and others. Moreover, public libraries have been providing extensive access to knowledge and information to individuals of various ages, backgrounds, educational levels, income levels, and occupations long before electronic and online technologies were established. With libraries, the insatiable pursuit for life-long learning is now feasible.
Apart from disseminating information, public library also is a peaceful learning and recreation space for the general public. Not just a learning space, but it’s also a space for relaxation and working for both students and employees. Utilization of the public library has varied in the ages. Public library has now offered many services, and amenities to cater the dynamic needs of library users. But still, despite the changes, the main aim to disseminate and collect information for the benefit of the masses is still applied.
The Iloilo City Public Library serves as the primary public library among the reading centers and public libraries in Iloilo City, providing services to the Ilonggo community. It is located at Arguelles-Fajardo Street, Jaro, Iloilo City. The main goal of the library is to promote learning among youths and to support students in their research study. Furthermore, the said library is a tribute to the Ilongos’ national hero.
Because there is a growing demand for a secure and comfortable place to work and study, most individuals choose coffee shops, study hubs, and computer shops as their learning environment for group activities, discussions, study sessions, and paper works. On the other hand, the original and traditional place for learning and studying is gradually overlooked. It costs money for the utilization of these said facilities, while public libraries are free of charge. Public libraries are intended to be a facility for learners, students, and employees. It serves as a study and working hub for them.
The abrupt shift in learning location among students, employees, and other users raises concerns. Thus, this study aimed to identify and describe the status or current condition of the public library by determining different variables such as its accessibility, availability, and services performance, in order to present its current utility value.
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