Philippine E-Journals

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EXTENSION PROGRAM IN A STATE UNIVERSITY

Roaima Lynn B. Antonio | Helen A. Advincula

 

Abstract:

Universities are known to provide extension programs to their adopted communities, since community service is one of their mandates. These programs include planning, needs assessment, implementation, and evaluation. However, most evaluations of training conducted have only focused on the facilitators, venue, and the conduct of a particular session. This paper presents the assessment of the extension program offered by the university library to library aides and teacher librarians of the division office of a selected partner community. The study used a descriptive survey research design to evaluate the effectiveness of the outreach program. The participants were purposively selected to respond to the instrument developed by the researchers. Data were gathered on the extent of the learning of the participants and its application to their own libraries. Results show that the participants had gained basic knowledge of the practice of library and information science, but their application of the acquired skills in their own library was lacking. The study intends to contribute to the literature on the implementation and impact assessment of library-initiated programs in the local context. The findings are hoped to provide input to possible directions of future extension programs, and serve as a springboard to future outreach programs of the university library. Further studies that will enhance the sustainability of library outreach programs are recommended.