Profile and Challenges of Learning Resource Centers (LRC) In Secondary Schools in Northwestern Cagayan

Abstract

According to the National Library of the Philippines, most resource centers affiliated with it “have problems accessing records of the library, access to the latest book collections, and incomplete facilities. These problems are considered a hindrance to making the library accommodating to the needs of the readers/researchers and catering to the needs of the students/researchers by providing them with up-to-date source materials” (Status of Philippine Public Libraries and Librarianship, 2018). This significantly affects the academic performance of students and teachers’ performance in the delivery of instructions (Heinrichs, 2017). This study examined the relationship between the LRCs profile and librarians' challenges within Northwestern Cagayan. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered through questionnaires from 18 librarians within the respondent schools. The profile of the LRCs includes library holdings, manpower, budget, physical facilities, linkages, number of expected users, and frequency of utilization. An assessment of the challenges faced by the schools in the operations of their LRCs was also described. Lastly, a significant relationship between the profile of the LRCs and their assessment of the challenges faced by the schools in the operations of their LRCs was determined. In this light, most of the LRCs have a low profile regarding library holding, manpower, budget, physical facilities, linkages, number of expected users, policy adoption, and frequency of utilization. The data indicated a low utilization of library resources among students, considering the time schedules set for the closure of schools during the recent pandemic and the advancement of technology, which brings easier access to information. Manpower and the number of expected users is positively related to the challenges experienced by the users. When LRC personnel face challenges such as high demand for resources or inadequate staffing levels, it can indicate a mismatch between the resources available and the workload or expectations placed on the LRC. This suggests a need for better resource allocation and staffing strategies to meet the demands effectively. Insufficient manpower and resources can affect the quality and efficiency of services provided by the LRC, potentially leading to delays in fulfilling requests, limited support for users, and reduced overall effectiveness of the LRC in supporting teaching and learning activities.