Library Users’ Expectations and Needs in the Digital Age Jozon A. Lorenzana Ateneo de Manila University

Problem Statements What do students, teachers and researchers expect from academic libraries in the digital age? How should libraries respond to these challenges?

Trends  Shift from print to digital format: computerization of library services, availability of catalogue online;  Remote and on-site access to digital sources (local area networks/databases/online subscriptions);

Trends  Shift from collection (its preservation) to needs of the user;  Establishing linkages/consortia with other libraries;  Promotion of library services and collection

Trends  Free information access  Role of informed citizens in a democracy  Role of libraries in a democracy

Respondents 26 undergraduate and graduate students one teacher one researcher all from the Ateneo

Results: Students Library Services Qualities Frequency Collection Complete20 Accessible 10 Updated5 Free Access3

Results: Students Services/Facilities Frequency Technology Enabled 6 Fast and Efficient6 Conducive environment 5 Photocopying 3

Results: Students QUALITIES OF A LIBRARIAN Frequency Technical Competencies Techno-savvy13 Information-seeking10 Knowledgeable6

Results: Students QUALITIES OF A LIBRARIAN Frequency Personal Traits Approachable 3 Fast/Efficient 3 Others 3

Results: Teacher Library Services A wide range or repertoire of sources in different formats (print, CD-ROMS, films, maps) relevant to teaching. Must have primary and secondary sources or textbooks and supplementary materials for students.

Results: Teacher Librarian Must have research knowledge so that s/he knows where to get materials. S/he may not be knowledgeable about the topic but s/he can lead you to it.

Results: Researcher Library Services Subscription to recent journal articles on a focused field of interest A variety of formats: microfilms, CD- ROMs, databases, Internet-based sources Good archival services for historical data and research Good printing services

Results: Researcher Librarian Technical assistance: operating programs, performing online searches Respondent rarely asked help from the librarian

Implications Libraries should have relevant and complete collections that are readily accessible. The librarian is integral to the information seeking process of users.

Implications Computerization has proven to be an effective organizing tool in libraries. The Internet is becoming the standard and platform through which information is stored, produced, and retrieved. Users demand more.

Proposal Library users are greatly considered in crafting a library’s policy, which then informs how technologies are utilized, how collections are developed, and how librarians perform their tasks

Policy Equitable access to information Supports the school’s curricula and goals

Collection Complete and comprehensive in various formats Relevant and updated Accessible

Technology Utilizes digital technology to enhance storage, retrieval, and reproduction of information Internet-based

Librarians Information literate Technology literate Customer-oriented

Conclusion Users and librarians should work together to develop the collection and improve on the services.