ABSTRACT
This study determined the extent of manifestation of library practices rendered among public secondary school libraries in the Division of Batangas with the end view of proposing a library management plan. Specifically, it ascertained the level of adequacy of secondary school libraries in terms of library holdings, technology infrastructure, and physical facilities. It also assessed the extent of manifestation of library practices along the following dimensions: storage, retrieval, information dissemination, and procurement. Likewise, the study determined the relationship between the assessments on the level of adequacy of school libraries and the extent of manifestation of library practices. Problems encountered in library practices were also identified, which all served as bases for preparing a library management plan.
The study involved 60 teacher-librarians in the Division of Batangas Province for the School Year 2021-2022. This study utilized the descriptive method of research, with a researcher’s made questionnaire as the main data-gathering instrument, complemented by interviews and focus group discussions. On the other hand, the study delimited the participation of stakeholders outside the Batangas province. This study was limited only to the responses generated by the concerned target respondents.
Results from the findings revealed that there was a slight adequacy of public-school libraries in the Division of Batangas. Library practices concerning storage, retrieval, information dissemination, and procurement were moderately manifested among public school libraries. Generally, the study concurred that there was a significant and strong relationship between the assessments on the level of adequacy of library hubs and the extent of manifestation of library practices. Insufficiency of ICT infrastructures, lack of training and commitment of the library staff, and the lack of access to the internet were the topmost problems in public school libraries. The proposed management plan aims to capacitate teachers and other personnel for effective library practices.
Keywords: Library Practices, Public School Libraries, Secondary Schools