INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
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Utilization of Print and Electronic Resources in a Private University
Menalin C. Viador, Ph.D, Adelen L. Ondoy, RL, Jonalyn G. Padua, RL
STI West Negros University, Bacolod City, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1208004122
Received: 08 Oct 2025; Accepted: 15 Oct 2025; Published: 24 October 2025
ABSTRACT
The integration of print and electronic resources in Philippine academic libraries has gained importance as
students’ learning preferences evolve. Rodriguez (2020) observed that while learners appreciate the
convenience of digital resources, they continue to value print materials for deep reading and note-taking.
Similarly, Esposo-Betan and Fresnido (2022) highlighted that academic libraries in the Philippines adopted
hybrid service models during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing institutional readiness and resource
investment as key factors influencing sustainable digital engagement. This study examined the factors
affecting students’ use of print and electronic resources at the STI West Negros University (STIWNU) Library.
Employing a descriptive-quantitative research design and survey method, data were collected from 371
students across seven colleges. Results revealed that most respondents were young adults aged 17–20,
predominantly male, and enrolled in various academic programs. Internet resources (M = 3.77) and books (M
= 3.66) were the most utilized, while CDs and DVDs were least used. The most influential factor in resource
use was relevance to academic needs (M = 4.10), with unstable internet connectivity (M = 3.21) and
overcrowding (M = 3.16) identified as major challenges. The findings affirm that accessibility, infrastructure,
and resource relevance significantly shape library utilization. It is recommended that the STIWNU Library
enhance internet connectivity, expand study spaces, strengthen user training and faculty collaboration, and
allocate increased funding to update print and electronic collections, upgrade technologies, and improve
facilities to better support learning and research needs.
Keywords: Library, Use, Print, Electronic, Resources, Students, academic libraries.
Bio-profile:
Menalin C. Viador, Ph.D is the University Librarian of STI West Negros University since 2006 up to the
present. Her research interest is in the field of Library and Information Science. Graduated Bachelor of
Secondary Education major in Library Science at University of San Jose-Recoletos, Masters of Library and
Information Science at Cebu Normal University and Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management
in STI West Negros University.
Adelen Ondoy, RL, is the Periodical Librarian of STI West Negros University since 2023 up to the present.
Graduated as the Bachelor of Library and Information Science at Northern Negros State College of Science
and Technology.
Jonalyn Padua, RL, is the Circulation and Reserve Librarian of STI West Negros University since 2023 up to
present. Graduated as the Bachelor of Library and Information Science at Northern Negros State College of
Science and Technology.
INTRODUCTION
Nature of the Problem
Over the centuries, libraries have been the keepers and distributors of books, journals, maps and other
materials that are used by users in the learning process. Libraries function as a vital central component in any
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academic institution which serves information needs of its clientele.
Information is an important aspect of strengthening human knowledge. Information in the treatment of the
library means preserved knowledge for use. Users acquire knowledge from library sources. A library is a
collection of sources, resources and services. The library is a central part of the university and is an important
academic body, the scholar workshop etc. The activity of reading has undergone, recently, some technological
changes. A large number of library are available electronically in the second half of the 20th century
dominated the information world with the electronic revolution. The role of the library has been changing with
the passage of time, in the past human beings used to record information on clay tablets, papyrus rolls, palm
leaves, bamboo etc. After the advent of the printing press when the production and multiplication of
the documents became easy, the role of a library changed to the promotion of the use of documents. Rapid
technological development promoted the information needs of the users. Users get a vast amount
of information in different formats that provide the options to meet their information needs. (Mohan and Mini,
2021).
The rapid growth of web information technology has expanded the range of information sources available to
users. University libraries collect a variety of materials for preservation and use. These resources include print-
on-papers media like books, journals, newspapers and maps but also audiovisual materials like records,
audiocassettes, videocassettes and project. Libraries maintain collections that include not only printed material
but also are reproductions, map, photographs, microfilms, CD-ROMS, computer software, online databases,
internet, electronic books and e-journals and also other media. The thriving growth of electronic publications is
reshaping the nature of collectors and the mode of delivering and accessing information by students for
academic purpose. The traditional print resources nowadays take challenges from their electronic counterparts
in faster and timely delivery of information, as well as unimproved access.
Print resources, including books, journals, and other tangible materials, remain essential components of
academic libraries, particularly in facilitating deeper, more concentrated reading. In recent years, despite the
dominance of digital resources, print materials have continued to be valued for their reliability, accessibility,
and ease of use in extended reading contexts. Many students still prefer print resources for academic purposes,
citing better focus, comprehension, and retention when reading printed materials compared to digital versions.
In addition, print resources are preferred because they are more reliable and long-lasting than electronic
resources, which are more vulnerable to technical problems like computer breakdowns. For subscription
suspensions. Students report fewer distractions when reading from print resources, which helps them
concentrate better during challenging research assignments, according to a study by Baron (2021).
Electronic resources have revolutionized academic research by providing users with quick, convenient access
to a wealth of information. These resources, which come in the form of databases, multimedia, e-books, and
online journals, have completely changed how researchers and students interact with information. According to
Keshavarz et al. (2022), students place a high value on electronic resources because of their immediate
information retrieval capabilities, accessibility, and ease of use. Large volumes of data are available to students
at any time and from any location, which improves the effectiveness of their research and the flexibility of
their learning.
Libraries are essential educational resources that give users access to a vast range of resources both print and
electronic that promote learning, research, and personal growth. The library at STI West Negros University
(STIWNU) provides a wide range of resources, including books, scholarly journals, electronic resources like e-
books (EBSCOhost, Wiley Online Library) and e-journals (ProQuest), as well as research support services
adapted to the needs of researchers, faculty, and students. It has been observed that for how many years, most
of the students of STIWNU prefer to use print formats compared to electronic formats available in the library.
With this blended learning modalities, the researchers find the importance to investigate whether print formats
are still the preferred choice of students compared to the electronic formats.
With this concern, the researchers feel that only an investigation will unravel the mystery, whether the students
prefer to use the print or the electronic resources available in the library.
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Current State of Knowledge
The integration of print and electronic resources in Philippine academic libraries has been a growing area of
research, particularly as students' learning preferences evolve. Rodriguez (2020) conducted a study on resource
usage in various universities in the Visayas region and found that students appreciate the convenience of
electronic resources but still value print materials for deep reading and note-taking purposes. The study
highlighted that students prefer print resources when conducting in-depth research, as they feel less distracted
compared to when using digital formats. However, the increasing accessibility of electronic resources, such as
e-books and databases, has been essential for quick access to research materials, especially during the COVID-
19 pandemic when physical libraries were closed (Rodriguez, 2020).
Building on this, Esposo-Betan and Fresnido (2022) examined how Philippine academic libraries adapted
during the pandemic. Their study, COVID-19 and Philippine Academic Libraries, revealed that most
institutions adopted hybrid models that blended digital and physical services. Digital resources gained
prominence as students and faculty increasingly relied on online databases and e-books for research and
learning. However, challenges related to funding, staffing, and collection development limited the full
implementation of digital initiatives. These findings highlight that institutional readiness and adequate resource
investment are crucial mediators in determining whether digital literacy shifts translate into sustained changes
in resource preference.
Similar trends have been observed internationally. Alshammari and Alzahrani (2023), in their study
Preferences for Printed Books versus E-books among University Students in a Middle Eastern Country, found
that while majority of students preferred e-books in terms of portability, ease of access, and up-to-date content.
However, a substantial portion still preferred printed books because they found them more comfortable for
note-taking, extended reading, and overall study efficiency. This supports the idea that digital literacy alone
doesn’t fully shift preference: other factors like learning habits, ergonomics, and reading format also matter. In
“Investigating Students’ Perceptions of Digital vs. Print Reading Materials” by Fenny and Perdhani (2024),
students in Indonesia showed a slight preference for digital materials, citing convenience, update-ability, and
ease of access. But students also acknowledged advantages of print in terms of note-taking, concentration, and
possibly retention. This mixed preference highlights that post-pandemic shifts in literacy may lead to more
balanced use of both formats, depending on purpose and context.
Since many databases are available from anywhere in the world, Howard and Yates (2021) point out that the
use of electronic resources has also increased collaboration and research sharing throughout institutions.
However, while the convenience of electronic resources is undeniable, some studies suggest that students may
experience digital fatigue, especially when engaging in long periods of reading or research. Baron's (2021)
research reveals that while electronic resources are favored for quick access and search ability, many students
still prefer print for deep, focused reading, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in academic libraries.
Baron (2021) contributes to this conversation by examining the effects of electronic reading on students’
cognitive functions. Her research revealed that many students prefer print materials for more focused and
prolonged reading efforts, even though electronic resources are faster and more convenient, especially for tasks
like searching for specific themes or keywords. According to Baron's study, learners who use electronics for
extended periods of time frequently experience "digital fatigue," which is a major factor impacting their
decision between print and electronic resources. Students may also feel overwhelmed or distracted as a result
of this.
On the other hand, Smith and Jones (2021) explored the dichotomy between print and electronic preferences
among library users. Their research indicated that while digital resources are popular for quick information
access, many students’ still value print books for immersive reading and better concentration, particularly in
academic settings. In addition, Hindagolla (2021) states that in today's digital age, academic libraries are
crucial in facilitating teaching, learning, and research activities. With the global digital revolution, the
landscape of academic libraries has significantly transformed. A growing collection of electronic resources
now complements traditional physical resources like printed books and journals. Keshavarz et al. (2022)
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conducted a study to investigate the efficacy of electronic resources in higher education environments. Their
findings indicated that although electronic resources offer crucial advantages like instantaneous updates and
comprehensive search functionalities, they may not be optimal for all types of learners. According to this,
libraries should keep a balance between print and electronic resources to accommodate a range of academic
activities, including research and in-depth study.
Williams (2022) reviewed multiple studies that assessed learning outcomes associated with print and
electronic resources. According to the results, students who used print books instead of e-books did better on
retention tests overall, which suggests that using print materials during study sessions may improve
comprehension and attentiveness. It is possible to optimize access to knowledge and accommodate various
learning styles by utilizing both printed and electronic resources. Libraries can serve their communities more
effectively, encourage a love of reading, and improve educational outcomes by utilizing the most beneficial
aspects of each format. However, Johnson's (2023) in an increasingly digital world, research examined the
print books' continued significance. According to this study, some populations—such as older persons and
people living in remote places with poor internet access—continue to rely heavily on print books.
Statement of the Problem for Quantitative
The purpose of this study is to examine the use of print and electronic resources by students in a private
university. Specifically, this study finds answers to the following questions:
1. What are the extent of utilization of students on print and electronic resources when grouped according to
their demographic profile?
2. What preferred resources used by Students for their study and research?
3. What factors determine the choice of students in the use of library resources?
4. What are the different challenges encountered using the following:
4.1. Print resources?
4.2. Electronic resources?
5. Is there a significant difference in the student’s utilization of print and electronic resources when group
according to their demographic profile?
Methods
This section presents the research design to be used, the subject of the investigation, the sources of data
utilized to serve the purpose of the study, the data gathering procedure, conduct of the study, analytical scheme
and the statistical data.
Research Design
This paper used the descriptive research design to determine the extent of library utilization and challenges in
the new normal. Descriptive research design is a research method that aims to accurately and systematically
describe a population, situation, or phenomenon without manipulating variables. This type of research design
involves observing and describing the behavior of a subject without influencing it in any way. Descriptive
research design is often used to gather information about the characteristics of a particular group or to measure
trends within a population (Prime, 2024).
This study is a descriptive research design employing a survey method to measure the library utilization of
print and electronic resources. The measurement tools consisted of different parts, including the demographic
profile and library utilization of print and electronic resources.
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Descriptive Research The main purpose of descriptive research is to describe the state of view as it exists at
present. Simply stated, it is a fact finding investigation. In descriptive research, definite conclusions can be
arrived at, but it does not establish a cause and effect relationship. This type of research tries to describe the
characteristics of the respondent in relation to a particular product.
Subject-Respondents
The respondents of this study are the 371 students of STI West Negros University who are using the print and
electronic resources of the library. These students are from the STI West Negros University students are
currently enrolled for the school year 2024-2025. This study used Cochran formula.
Research Instrument
This research instrument of the study will utilize a survey method using a self-made questionnaire, which
comprises five (5) parts, namely: I—demographic profile of STI West Negros University students; II—
preferred resources used by the students in the library; III—factors that determine the use of resources in the
library; IV—challenges encountered by the students in using electronic resources; and V—challenges
encountered by the students in using print resources and is measured through a scale of (5) strongly agree, (4)
agree, (3) neither agree nor disagree, (2) disagree, and (1) strongly disagree. The questionnaire is designed in
English format, and it consists of standardized questions and Likert scale questions.
Validity and Reliability Testing
Validity is a measuring instrument is said to be valid if it measures what its purports to measure. Validity may
be defined as the extent to which an instrument or a test does the job desired. Determining an instrument’s
validity is difficult because there are different kinds of validity. The kind of validity and the extent or degree to
which it should be established are the major consideration while establishing validity.
Reliability is a test like measuring instrument. One of the important characteristics of any instrument or
evaluation device is how reliably it measure. In simplest term, reliability means consistency. If the instrument
is reliable, it should give consistent results.
In order to make sure that its scope and content were adequate and that it consistently produced findings, the
self-made instrument was put through validity and reliability testing. Three (3) validators with expertise in
library research were presented with the survey questionnaire to provide further review, feedback, and
recommendations. Everything is rated as "essential" by all experts. Since all experts agree that it is essential,
this indicates that the item has the highest content validity and that it’s essential. This study's data were
counted and processed using the relevant statistical methods. After consulting a coding manual, the raw data
was converted into numerical code. Due to this, tabular presentation, statistical derivations, and computer
processing were made possible. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized to process the
encoded data on a computer.
Data Collection
In gathering the data, the researchers distributed copies of the survey questionnaire to 115 students from the
College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM), 71 students from the College of Criminal Justice
Education (CCJE), 49 students each from the College of Information and Communication Technology (CICT)
and the College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA), 40 students from the College of
Education, 28 students from the College of Engineering, and 19 students from the College of Arts and
Sciences (CAS), representing the sample population of the study. A total of 371 completed questionnaires
were retrieved. All responses were treated with the utmost care and confidentiality. The statistical results from
the respondents were summarized and interpreted, and a descriptive statistical technique was employed to
analyze the collected data.
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Ethical Consideration
For ethical consideration of this study, participants will receive a thorough briefing and essential information
about what the study is all about before it begins. By obtaining informed consent, the researchers make it clear
that joining the study is completely voluntary. To ensure that everyone’s identity is kept safe and to prevent
any potential harm, their personal information will be handled with care, and all collected data will be kept
confidential. This is in line with RA 10173, commonly referred to as the Data Privacy Act.
Data Analysis/Statistical Treatment
The analysis and interpretation of the acquired data will be performed using the following statistical tools.
Objective1, Used to determines the demographic profile of the STI West Negros University students in terms
of identified variables, frequency, percentage, and table were used.
Objective 2, Used to determines the preferred resources used by the students in the library in terms of printed
and electronic resources. Mean and standard deviation were used. To interpret the results, the following scale
and Interpretations were used.
Scale Interpretation
3.21- 4.00 ---------------------------------- Very High
2.41- 3.20 ----------------------------------------- High
1.61- 2.40 -------------------------------------- Average
0.81- 1.60 ------------------------------------------- Low
0-0.81 ----------------------------------------- Very Low
Objective 3, Used to determines the factors that determine the use of resources in the library. Mean and
standard deviation were used. To interpret the results, the following scale and Interpretations were used.
Scale Interpretation
3.21- 4.00 ---------------------------------- Very High
2.41- 3.20 ----------------------------------------- High
1.61- 2.40 -------------------------------------- Average
0.81- 1.60 ------------------------------------------- Low
0-0.81 ----------------------------------------- Very Low
Objective 4, Used to determines the challenges encountered by the students in using the electronic resources.
Mean and standard deviation were used. To interpret the results, the following scale and Interpretations were
used.
Scale Interpretation
3.21- 4.00 ---------------------------------- Very High
2.41- 3.20 ----------------------------------------- High
1.61- 2.40 -------------------------------------- Average
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0.81- 1.60 ------------------------------------------- Low
0-0.81 ----------------------------------------- Very Low
Objective 5, Used to determines the challenges encountered by the students in using the print resources. Mean
and standard deviation were used. To interpret the results, the following scale and Interpretations were used.
Scale Interpretation
3.21- 4.00 ---------------------------------- Very High
2.41- 3.20 ----------------------------------------- High
1.61- 2.40 -------------------------------------- Average
0.81- 1.60 ------------------------------------------- Low
0-0.81 ----------------------------------------- Very Low
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents, analyzes and interprets the data that were gathered to carry out the objectives of the
study.
Variable Groupings Frequency Percentage
Age 17 – 20 years old 169 45.6
21 – 22 years old 132 35.6
23 years old or above 70 18.8
Sex Male 227 61.2
Female 144 38.8
Course 1 116 31.3
2 29 7.8
3 49 13.2
4 19 5.1
5 69 18.6
6 42 11.3
7 47 12.7
Year Level First Year 75 20.2
Second Year 104 28.0
Third Year 89 24.0
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Fourth Year 103 27.8
Total 371 100.0
Table 1. Profile of the Respondents
The demographic data shows that among the 371 sample respondents, 169 (45.6%) are aged between 17 – 20
years old, 132 (35.6%) aging 21-22 years old, while 70 (18.8%) are 23 years old or above. For sex, 227
(61.2%) of the respondents are male, while 144 (38.8%) are female. In terms of the respondent’s course, 116
(31.3%) are in “course 1”, 29 (7.8%) in “2”, 49 (13.2%) in “3”, 19 (5.1%) in “4”, 69 (18.6%) in “5”, 42
(11.3%) in “6”, and 47 (12.7%) in “7”. Moreover, 75 (20.2%) of the respondents are first-year students, 104
(28.0%) are second-year students, 89 (24.0%) are third-year students, and 103 (27.8%) are fourth-year.
Library Resources Mean Std. Deviation Verbal Description
Internet Resources 3.77 1.275 High
Books 3.66 1.185 High
Theses and Dissertations 3.46 1.284 High
Journals 3.40 1.216 High
Magazines 3.33 1.254 Neutral
E-journals 3.25 1.283 Neutral
Vertical files 3.16 1.285 Neutral
E-Books 3.13 1.272 Neutral
Newspapers 3.10 1.282 Neutral
CD’s/DVDs 2.82 1.319 Neutral
Table 2. Preferred Resources Used by the Students in the Library
Table 2 illustrates the resources used by students in the library. Internet resources are the most favored, with a
mean score of 3.77 (highly preferred), followed by books with a mean score of 3.66 (highly preferred), while
CDs/DVDs are the least used. This suggests that, on average, respondents prefer to used Internet resources and
books over other materials, aligning with previous studies showing that students prioritize accessible, current
digital resources alongside traditional print materials (Abubakar & Haruna, 2022).
Factor Mean Std. Deviation Verbal Description
Accessibility of Resources 4.01 1.086 Agree
Reliability 4.08 0.997 Agree
Availability 4.08 1.006 Agree
Convenience 4.08 1.006 Agree
Ease of Use 4.08 0.965 Agree
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Familiarity 3.94 1.038 Agree
Suitability 4.03 0.960 Agree
Relevance to User Needs 4.10 0.976 Agree
Technological Infrastructure 4.00 1.004 Agree
Quality and Currency 4.04 1.033 Agree
Table 3. Factors that Determine the Use of Resources in the Library
Table 3 indicates that all factors determining library resource usage scored between 3.94 and 4.10—falling
within the “Agree” range. Respondents generally view library resources as accessible, reliable, available,
convenient, easy to use, suitable, relevant, supported by adequate technological infrastructure, and of good
quality and currency. Relevance to user needs had the highest mean score (M = 4.10), followed by availability
and reliability (both M = 4.08), highlighting the importance of both practical access and high-quality
information in encouraging resource use. These results align with previous local research showing that student
engagement with library services is strongly influenced by how well resources meet their needs and how
accessible and dependable they are (Tagarda et al., 2025).
Factor Mean Std. Deviation Verbal Description
Unstable Internet Connectivity 3.21 1.187 Neither Agree or Disagree
Lack of ICT facilities 2.97 1.136 Neither Agree or Disagree
Lack of Skilled ICT Personnel 2.81 1.122 Neither Agree or Disagree
Not easily accessible due to restricted access or
complicated login procedures
2.88 1.163 Neither Agree or Disagree
Outdated Technology 2.76 1.163 Neither Agree or Disagree
Lack of Awareness of Available E-Resources 2.71 1.091 Neither Agree or Disagree
Constant Power Failure 2.68 1.071 Neither Agree or Disagree
Lack of Computer Knowledge/Skills 2.66 1.129 Neither Agree or Disagree
High Cost of Internet Access 2.73 1.148 Neither Agree or Disagree
Lack of Devices (laptops, smartphones, etc.) 2.86 1.207 Neither Agree or Disagree
Table 4. Challenges Encountered by the Students in Using the Electronic Resources
Table 4 shows the problems that students face in relation to the use of electronic resources in the library. All
factors received “Neither Agree nor Disagree” ratings; however, unstable internet connectivity (M = 3.21) and
lack of ICT facilities (M = 2.97) emerged as the strongest technological limitations. The conclusion indicates
that although these situations are not exceedingly difficult, they still pose significant hindrances in terms of
fully optimizing the resources available. Other issues include lack of skilled ICT personnel (M = 2.81),
restricted access and complicated login procedures (M = 2.88), and insufficient access to devices (M = 2.86),
reinforcing the findings of recent local research, which suggests that the accessibility of e-resources continues
to be adversely affected by inadequacies in the region’s technological infrastructure and support systems
(Lagas & Isip, 2023).
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Factor Mean Std. Deviation Verbal Description
Lack of Books in the Library 2.51 1.177 Disagree
Time Consuming 2.70 1.101 Neither Agree or Disagree
Not Easily Accessible 2.55 1.090 Disagree
Obsolete Materials 2.66 1.120 Neither Agree or Disagree
Lack of Assistance from Library Staff 2.49 1.163 Disagree
No Audio/Visual Elements 2.56 1.138 Disagree
Inconvenient Library Hours 2.47 1.118 Disagree
Borrowing Restriction/Library Rules 2.69 1.173 Neither Agree or Disagree
Overcrowding 3.16 1.320 Neither Agree or Disagree
Lack of Awareness of the Available Resources 2.64 1.216 Neither Agree or Disagree
Table 5: Challenges Encountered by the Students in Using the Printed Resources
Table 5 shows the challenges encountered by students in using printed resources in the library. Most of the
challenges were rated as "Disagree" or "Neither Agree nor Disagree," suggesting that printed materials are
typically well-supported and accessible. However, overcrowding (M = 3.16) reveals the most common
challenge. Lesser yet notable issues such as time-consuming (M = 2.70) and obsolete materials (M = 2.66) may
make printed resources less appealing compared to the immediate accessibility and up-to-date nature of digital
alternatives. These findings are in line with previous studies showing that user satisfaction with physical
collections is influenced by space availability and the timeliness of materials (Ezeala & Yusufu, 2011; Ugwu
& Okoro, 2020).
CONCLUSION
This study examined the descriptive analysis of library utilization of print and electronic resources in a private
university for School Year 2024-2025.It specifically examined the demographic profiles of the students, what
resources they preferred, and the challenges they faced while using these resources. The data came from 371
students at STI West Negros University, collected through a carefully crafted questionnaire that went through
thorough validity and reliability checks.
The findings showed that most respondents were young adults aged 17 to 20, with a majority being male, and
they were spread across various courses and year levels. When it came to resource preferences, internet
resources (M = 3.77) and books (M = 3.66) topped the list, highlighting students' desire for easily accessible
and up-to-date information, while CDs and DVDs were the least used. Furthermore, the most influential factor
determining library use was the relevance of resources to academic needs (M = 4.10), highlighting the
importance of aligning library collections with the curriculum and students’ learning requirements.
Challenges, however, remain evident. Unstable internet connectivity (M = 3.21) was the most frequently
reported issue when accessing electronic resources, while overcrowding (M = 3.16) was the most significant
challenge for using print materials. These results indicate that even though students see the value in both
electronic and print resources, issues with infrastructure and accessibility are still impacting their overall
learning experience. These findings align with previous research that highlights the importance of accessibility,
technological infrastructure, and resource relevance as key factors in effective library use (Aharony, 2020;
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Kumar & Singh, 2020; Ngugi & Njue, 2021). By tackling these challenges, the university library can enhance
its role as an essential center for learning, research, and academic achievement.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In view of these conclusions, it is hereby recommended that:
1. STI West Negros University Library should enhance the library's internet connectivity so students can
easily access e-resources and make the most of the online databases and materials available to them.
2. For more students to have access to both print and electronic resources, STI West Negros University
Library should expand the physical facilities to address the overcrowding by providing more seating
and study areas.
3. It suggests that STI West Negros University Library strengthen resource alignment. It's important to
keep both our print and electronic collections up to date, ensuring they align with academic programs
and the changing needs of our students.
4. Additionally, Library of STI West Negros University should faculty members and library staff should
be trained regularly on integrating library resources into instruction and guiding students in research
and information literacy skills to promote library awareness. Regular orientations, workshops, and
training sessions can help students become more aware of and skilled in using the library's resources
effectively and also propose and promote programs and activities that will enhance and develop the
student’s genuine love for reading.
5. Finally, STI West Negros University Library should allocate a higher portion of its annual budget to
library operations and development. This funding will support the acquisition of updated print and
electronic materials, technological upgrades, and improved physical facilities that meet the learning and
research needs of students and faculty.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This endeavor will not become successful without the concerted effort and support of the following
personalities. To the Research and Publication Office Staff Mr. Raymart Abella and Dr. Randolf Asistido,
Research Director for their endless effort and time given to the researchers with their helpful insights,
suggestions and recommendations which contributed to the betterment of this work; To the respondents, the
students of STI West Negros University for giving their precious time and for answering the questionnaires to
the best of their abilities; To our beloved respective families, for their support and assistance for the
completion of this research. And above all, to the amazing God Almighty, for sending the Holy Spirit to
enlighten the researchers at all times.
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