Application of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) in the Services of Public and Academics Libraries in Pangasinan

Abstract

The intensifying era of Information communication technology (ICT) really brought great changes, especially in libraries. Both positive and negative effects of the application of such are visible to librarians and to users. Different challenges regarding the application of ICT in libraries are also encountered.Considering the importance of ICT in libraries, the researchers conducted this study to determine the level of application of ICT in the services of public and academic libraries in Pangasinan in order to enhance the access, storage,and process of information and to improve the operation services of these libraries. This study used a descriptive method of research. A descriptive research method is used to describe, as well as explain, or validate some sort of hypothesis or objective when it comes to a specific group of people (McNeill, 2018). The questionnaire was used as the data gathering instrument aided with an interview technique in order to validate the answer. The researchers made use of frequency count, percentage, and mean as statistical tools. Results show that both public and academic libraries have available hardware facilities. Computer servers, workstations, net servers, and printers are 100 percent available in these libraries. Moreover, Online databases are the most available resources for information retrieval. On the other hand, Lack of funds/financial assistance was the most identified challenge by the librarians in the application of ICT. Further, a Pooled mean of 2.86 was rated and interpreted as moderately applied concerning the level of application of ICT in their respective libraries both in technical and reader’s services. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the application of ICT in the library services of public and academic libraries in Pangasinan is not yet at its highest, but advancing it to its fullest is possible if the school administrators and local government will give and provide their full support on ICT project of libraries.