Exploring the Challenges in the Availability and Utilization of the School Library Media Center of Imus Pilot Elementary School: Basis for Improvement

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Education Order No. 6, series 1998 specifies that a school library is very important in the attainment of the objectives of education. Its function is to make instructional materials available and provide basic services accessible to teachers and learners in order to develop positive reading/study habits and develop the ability to use those materials efficiently and effectively as tools for learning. In this light, Imus Pilot Elementary School complied with DO No. 6, s. 1998 through the conception of the School Library Media Center. It earned awards and recognition for being one of the Most Functional School Libraries in the Division of Cavite. As the years went by, the number of holdings of collection of the School Library Media Center and its other resources stagnate. Pupils no longer visit the SLMC and its main function is just to become venue for some academic gatherings. The existing facility has failed to deliver its basic school library services to its clientele.

METHODS

A mixed method of qualitative-quantitative approach was utilized. The data was gathered through analysis of the existing document-list of library collection and holdings and survey checklist done by the users. The respondents were 80 pupils and 34 teachers from Grades 3-4 and selected randomly to answer the checklist.

RESULTS

Based on the findings, 100% of the teachers use the SLMC only for monthly meeting whereas, 92.7% of the pupils totally do not have time to use it. It is recommended that the SLMC needs to be run/managed by a full time librarian to accommodate library users for 8-hours a day. Teacher-advisers should strictly observe/follow the library period to allow the pupils to use the School Library Media Center. Replacement of outdated library holdings and collection and installation of internet services for easy access to K to 12 teaching and learning materials should be done.

DISCUSSIONS

It is a sad reality that a school library which was hailed as one of the Most Functional School Libraries in the Division of Cavite is no longer functioning. Aiming to cater to the needs of the 21st Century learners, the collection should be updated and should provide good and updated source of information managed by a full-time librarian. It is expected that once the problem has been identified, ultimate solutions must follow.