Volume 5, Issue 4, April – 2020 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Perceived Problems on the Library Information

Resources for Research among Graduate Students in
Higher Education of Southern Mindanao, Philippines:
It’s Contribution to Academic Library Profiling
EDWIN M. PUHAGAN, PH.D.
OFFICE OF THE PRODUCTION
Graduate Studies Department, TTRAC.
NURSHIMA H. JULJANI, NARCISA J. CADUNGOG, ALSADAM I. PUHAGAN, RASHID HALIPA
Agricultural Education, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College

Abstract:- This was conducted randomly to investigate I. INTRODUCTION

perceived problems on the Library Information
Resources for research among graduate students in This study endures learning about Perceived Problems
higher education institutions of Southern Mindanao, on The Library Information Resources for Research Among
Philippines and its contribution to academic library Graduate Students of Higher Education in Southern
profiling. There were four research questions and three Mindanao, Philippines and it caters contribution to
hypotheses used with 1000 copies of questionnaires academic library profiling. At the same time, caters
administered to the respondents spotted in and out of description of the information resources in the new
school premises through face to face method. A simple scientific arena as presented in the cited literatures and
random and stratified sampling procedure was used due readings. Information Resources are the materials that
to large number of the population. The frequency provide necessary information, contents and information
counts, simple percentages, mean, standard deviation services to the user. IR is an element of every organization
and Pearson product moment correlation were used for that gives valuable and significant information including all
the statistical analysis. Parameters of this study evolved relevant data generated and collected from human activities
only on the indicators that spell out the perceived communicated directly to the user. In most recent trend of
problems like nature of awareness and usage of the education, multidisciplinary information resources for
availability of the information resources for research study and research like government information, databases,
among graduate students in higher education literatures and images, journals and articles, maps,
institutions in southern Philippines where is resulted to multimedia, newspapers, patents, streaming videos and
high level. Meanwhile, the use of information resources music, theses and press contents in Information Resources
among graduate students in higher education as tandem in educational pursuit of all disciplines.
institutions resulted high level where textbook is the Education in our modern world is coupled with the
most used information resources for research. The invention of new technologies which believe information
following indicators revealed as the perceived problems resources is the life blood in any academic activity. These
such as insufficient current resources, derisory loaning are in the form of printed and electronic materials available
period, continues power shortage and slow internet in the libraries and in the internet, which could be accessed
connection speed implied the challenges encountered in manually and electronically anytime by the end-users.
the use of information resources in the libraries. This Information resources includes books, journals, theses and
study resolved that perceived problems could bounce dissertations, technical reports, e-books, and all related
difficulty to the students in doing research writings and materials either in print format or electronic gadgets in
become the reasons of their indolence in making online access. According to Okki, electronic gadgets stores
necessary information sourcing prior to their research and provide information worldwide without any serious
work which certainly leads to plagiarizing the previous geographical barriers capable of satisfying the diverse
writings completed by the former students. This study information needs of researchers.
recommends academic libraries to be equipped and
upgraded of new information materials as inspiration Every higher learning institution now requires
for the students in carrying out their imminent research students to conduct research, write notes, assignments, term
work in the future. papers, feasibility studies, empirical studies, reaction papers
and other writing activities relative to their respective
Keywords:- Awareness, Use, Information resources, course requirements and do presentation as such they need
Research, Library Profiling. information to concretize their ideas and claims. In essence,
information resources help them communicate the
knowledge about the event or given condition derived from
observation, experimentation, experience, instruction or

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Volume 5, Issue 4, April – 2020 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
study where academic libraries are performing gateways to Accordingly, ancient and modern libraries depend on
information storage package of the world. Academic a variety of resources to provide researchers and patrons
libraries as gateways to information, however, this in with best-in-class services where information resources
returns are being challenged todays because growing mostly found. Information resources are the nerve and spirit
numbers of researchers are turning to googles although of all research activities carried out by advocates, believers,
there are many latest research materials in the libraries promoters, academicians, scientists from individual to
provided for them. The fact for several decades, academic group in the organizations and learning institutions,
libraries played critically important roles in proving relative Olubunmi, et.al. [20]. These resources contain reports of
information supporting the research in all subjects and studies, inventions, development, investigations and
disciplines within their institutions where they are officially discoveries that are being reported through researches all
enrolled. College libraries as academic library are available and organized in the library. These serve as
established with the primary goal of providing information instruments containing information-base in all academic
to the students, staff and workers of the college community institutions and offer to both faculty and students in
where one of its objectives is to develop and maintain carrying out their researches Olubunmi, et.al. [20].
collection of information resources in all formats like print However, several observations have shown that students
and nonprint reading materials in a more available and mostly repeat what has been written in by the students in
accessible at all times. the previous years. In other words, plagiarism is
customarily recurring in the present students’ researches
A continuous interaction between information undertaking.
resources and the users promotes awareness of its services
and activities which can be influenced both by factors In this regard, the researchers deem it more necessary
directly related to the library such as how efficiently and to conduct this study by enthusiastically investigating the
effectively it operates, how relevance is the information it problems perceived using these pointers such as awareness,
provides and the communication channel it employs. The usage, and availability of information resources, the
learning process of the students or the researchers and their important challenges and the considerable solutions to the
abilities to search and obtain information from the library challenges encountered by the graduate students in Higher
could be enhanced by having extensive awareness of Education Institutions in Southern Philippines while using
information provided in the library. According to Olubunmi information resources for research.
et.al., library provides the needed materials, data,
information and literatures for research. Further, research B. Scope and Delimitation
and the library are interrelated that are not mutually This was delimited to graduate students in both public
exclusive. Researchers should go to the library and and private identified higher learning institutions in the
converse substantially their research problems with the southernmost part of the Philippines. 1000 copies of
librarians before engaging on any research work. This questionnaires were distributed to 1000 respondents. This
process will help them to have a link with the relevant was conducted in one academic year (2019). This study
information resources available in the library. Good adapted questionnaires written by Olubunmi, et.al. [20]
research could not be possible without library because with slight modification to prove its claim to realize its
library is the storage package of information relative to prerogative.
research. However, library is now used in different aspects,
e.g. public libraries are now changing in dynamic context to C. Objectives of Study
digital library by helping researchers find the best source of This study aimed to:
information whether in book, a website or database entry.  Determine the level of awareness on the availability of
The Librarians Book of Lists (Chicago: ALA 2010) defines information resources among graduate students in
library is a collection of resources in a variety of formats higher education, Southern Philippines;
organized by information professionals or experts who  Dissect evidence on the use of information resources
provide convenient physical, digital, bibliographical or among graduate students in higher education, Southern
intellectual access, offer services and programs in Philippines in terms of gender and degree program;
educating, informing variety of audiences and by  Find out what are problems perceived by the graduate
stimulating individual learning and advancing society as a students in higher education, Southern Philippines, and
whole.  Suggest solutions to the perceived problems in the use
of information resources for research among graduate
A. Significance of Study students in higher education, Southern Philippines.
This study is very significant to the incoming
graduates, professors and faculty members in every higher D. Statement of the Problems
learning institution in the southernmost part of the This study was an attempt to find answers to the
Philippines, advocators and catalyst who wish to be following problems:
equipped of the important usage, nature and availability of  What is the level of awareness of the availability of
information resources elsewhere including its perceived information resources for research among graduate
problems. students in higher education institutions in Southern
Philippines?

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 What is the level of use of information resources for  Library Profiling – the process of installing all
research among graduate students in higher education together the complete upgraded necessary reading and
institutions in Southern Philippines? information components in the library to include skills
 What are the problems perceived in the use of in human and technology management.
information resources for research among graduate
students in higher education institutions in Southern II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Philippines?
 What are the considerable suggested solutions to the A. Information Resources in the Library
perceived problems among graduate students in higher Olubunmi, et.al. [20], mentioned constitute a range of
education institutions in Southern Philippines while materials and equipment gathered by the library to meet the
using information resources for research? information needs of both intended and anticipated users.
Meanwhile, Asogwa, et.al., [5] as cited by Maidabino,
E. Hypotheses et.al., [14] referred information resources as any
 HO1. There is no significant relationship between the information in electronic, audiovisual or physical form.
availability and the level of use of information resources This could be in the form of either hardware containing
for research among graduate students in Higher limited capacity or in software device which is sometimes
Education Institutions of Southern Philippines. referred to chip capable of storing huge volumes of
 HO2. There is no significant relationship between the information that can be retrieved for use anytime in the
use of information resources for research and genders internet.
among graduate students in higher education institutions
in southern Philippines. Amidu, et.al., [3] information resources in the library
 HO3. There is no significant relationship between the are journals, maps, proceedings, abstracts, textbooks,
level of use of information resources for research and encyclopedia, dictionaries, gazettes, past examination
the degree program among graduate students in Higher question papers, government publication, technical reports,
Education Institutions of Southern Philippines. student projects, CD ROM etc. Accordingly, there is
positive correlation between availability of information
F. Definition of Terms resources and the services provide to students as well as the
To gain common understanding of this study, the quality of education being acquired.
following terms were operationally defined:
In addition, Maidabino, et.al., [14] asserted that the
 Information Resources – is basically referred to any provision of standard information resources in form of print
material that provides information content and and non-prints (such as books, journals, and audio-visual
information services for the users and typically collection, e-books, e-journals, and services) will help
considered as an element of infrastructure that enables academic libraries to attain their noble objective. In
the transaction of certain selected significant, important addition to this claim, libraries are now shifting to digital
and relevant data to provide content and information transactions due to growing electronics containing
services that can be used directly by the end-users. availability of information both in local and global
networks and many libraries are now turning to provide
 Graduate Students – generally those individuals who access rather than building local collections which is
are pursuing formal academic endeavor in either master contrasting phenomenon between earlier times where
level after gaining baccalaureate degree and doctoral information resources mainly presented in paper formats
level after completion of their masters’ degree. while now information is generated in exponential rate.

 Awareness of IR – pertaining to the continual Libraries have a critical role to play in successful
interactions of students toward availability and usage of research by providing a place for students and faculty to do
resources as influenced by factors related to the library their research, Kumar D. t.al., [13] cited by Oluwabiyi,
such as the veracity of the relevance of information it et.al., [19]. Moreover, libraries play collection of
provides and the communication channels it employs information resources and reference services that help
and how efficiently and effectively it engages. escalate knowledge and capability of the users in doing
research and other academic related works.
 Research – it pertains to a man’s systematic and
empirical investigation of existing but hidden elements The use of different types of library services shall be
in nature. It is a process of discovering, exploring, and subjected to the following conditions: general references,
studying phenomenon with a purpose of proving and books and materials like encyclopedia, dictionaries, atlases,
disproving certainty of ideas, knowledge and theory by etc. shall be for room use only. General references may be
unearthing, restructuring explanation of such issued for classroom use upon the request of a faculty
implausible phenomenon. member or a teacher but must be returned within the day.
Dissertations, theses, periodicals, journals, and other
printed reading materials like flyers, leaflets, special
collections such as rare books, personal papers of the
Filipiniana and Achieves Sections, AV materials,

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microforms, diskettes, art collections and Fine Arts shall be B. Awareness of Information Resources for Research.
for room use only. Reserve books and reading materials for According to Akpojotor [2] cited by Olubunmi, et.al.
courses offered shall be lent for room use only and be [20] awareness can be knowledge or perception of situation
recalled 2-3 hours after the issue. There are also books that is concern and well-informed about interest or
usually loaned for two weeks if these are borrowed for familiarity in a particular situation. Therefore, awareness
home use. becomes paramount if students are to harness the resources
that are available in the library.
In the University of the Philippines College Libraries,
the use of archival materials e.g. official record, personal Sejane [22] also cited awareness of the existing library
papers, manuscript, diaries, legal papers, etc. imposed with resources is crucial in influencing the usage of the
particular records by the originating office or the donor as resources. When a user is aware of resources it would
stipulated in the deed of donation. usually lead to greater use of the it. Usage of information is
not only confined in the printed materials but others are
Library resources are basically sources of information stored in e-resources materials provided in the websites.
included mostly the books, journals, newspapers, However, according to Wijetunge [24] there are students
periodicals, editorials and encyclopedia stored in traditional not aware of the online public access catalogue and e-
storage but digital sources of information becoming resources provided through the Webpages. Study conducted
prevalent because of the advent of internet technology. in resulted not high in terms of students’ level of access,
Digital sources of information include but not limited to usage and awareness of electronic information resources at
online libraries and journals, online encyclopedias, the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.
Wikipedia, blogs, video logs, YouTube, e-books, etc.,
Anthony [4]. A study also conducted by Namugera [15] in
Makerere University Library, Uganda, East Africa reported
Maidabino, et.al., [14] mentioned that movie clippings rate of awareness of some library services was low yet
from history have played a large role in modern research usage of library and information services has a direct
and are classified under ‘library resources. linkage to awareness of users. Roberts posited that lack of
awareness was caused by poor communication and
Schweibish [8] also cited in addition to what Anthony inadequate interaction between users and the library
[4] has mentioned library resources include DVDs, CDs, all coupled with the library’s failure to apply marketing
types of programs for adults and children, concerts, quiet strategies in promoting services. However, Ahmed et.al.,
study spaces, maker spaces (think 3D printers), help for job [1] mentioned that awareness among the users about the
seekers, help for senior citizens, tax preparation help and so availability of online journals was highly satisfactory in
much more. There was a table set up by the League of Indian Institute, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
Women voters for voter registration where young people while Sejane [22] indicated that awareness of e-resources
using trying out the virtual reality setup. These are all was mainly through formal engagement in library
resources that are found in current public libraries. orientation and through information engagement such as
colleagues and peers.
Sayed [21] said one should not be confused of Library
Resources with Library Services because the nature of C. Uses of Information Resources in Research.
services in the library are determined by the allocation of The measure of academic success in research
resources. There are many types of resources in a library, productivity requires information resources through
as: 1- Physical Resources (e.g. building, furniture, pieces of research process, the process of finding ideas, facts and
equipment, etc.), 2- Human Resources (e.g. staff of new information by systematic study as cited by Olubunmi
different categories of people required to run a library) and, et.al., [20]. Information retrieval skills are crucial for
3- Intellectual resources (print materials, books, journals, retrieving information in this era of technology where
magazines, newspapers, etc., non-print materials, majority is found in e-resources in the academic libraries
multimedia materials, and e-resources, etc.). While there and the ability to use e-resources efficiently depends on
are many types of services in a library (e.g., training basic computer skills and knowledge of what is available
sessions, opening hours, help with citing sources, programs and how to use it. According to Wejetunge [24] an effective
for adults and children, concerts, help for job seekers, help use of electronic information sources for retrieving needed
for senior citizens, tax preparation help and so much more). information will have a profound impact on the learning
and quality of research output by the student. Bamigboye,
Attam [6] there are many types of resources in a et.la., [7] reported high percentage of students and faculty
library. They may be described as Physical Resources (e.g. members are using e-journals and e-books for their studies,
building, furniture, equipment etc.), Human Resources (e.g. research works and teaching though they still use a variety
staff of different categories or people required to run a of resources including print collections. A survey done by
library) and Intellectual resources (print materials, books, Liew, et.al., [13] students tend to use e-books and e-
journals, magazines, newspapers etc., non-print materials, resources because of its ability to link additional
multimedia materials and e resources etc.). Major functions information in searching out current materials. There is an
of a library may be described as to collect, to process and increasing trend in the use of internet as an information
organize and to disseminate. source. In a study carried out by Dilrukshi cited by

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Volume 5, Issue 4, April – 2020 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Wejetunge [24] reported 52% of fourth year undergraduates can consist of different types of material providing
preferred online journal usage while the remaining 48% background information. this material can either be general
prefer printed materials. This is due to the absence of or related to specific subject areas. 3) Dictionaries – use to
training in using online resources, lack of time to engage in define terms, subjects or topics. Use to determine the
searching, poor knowledge of online journal and subject context of new topic to help with further searching.
insufficient computer facilities in the faculty access room. Dictionaries provide definitions of specialist terms, gives
translation of the foreign languages into English or vis-à-
Hussain, et.al., [6] found that books, newspapers and vis. 4) Encyclopedias – contains more details than
periodicals are the most used information resources by the dictionaries. It provides concise overview of the key
users. Therefore, today’s generation have transformed aspects of the topic, review of the history of the topic,
books and other information resources that are managed by provide references to further information, and
libraries and information professionals into electronic bibliographical details of key figures. 5) Wikipedia – a
platforms where information users are now becoming more well-known online encyclopedia that provides more
perceptive and practical as well as sophisticated in their information and references to other sources to check the
information needs. Users tend to ignore libraries and the factual content of the information depending on the subject
services of the librarians and becoming vast in the use of area. 6) Other Reference Materials that are use for
search engines in quest to satisfy their information needs. collection of numerical data in statistics, scientific data
In this information age, Wikipedia is an information source compilations, bibliographies which are collections of
trending historical period in the Twenty-First (21st) century references on a subject. 7) Books or more detailed
characterized by the rapid shift of traditional industry monographs in the schools or university level containing
resulted from industrial revolution to an economy that is in-depth overview of a subject, a good grounding in a new
based on Information Communication Technology or ICT discipline, comparison of differing and conflicting ideas,
which is referred to a Computer Age, Digital Age or New theories and opinions, facts and figures. 8) e-Books –
Media Age. According to Nwalo [24] this is a period when available in electronic formats or the exact copies of the
information is expected to be delivered at the doorsteps of print version. It contains additional features like videos,
every human since all decisions and actions are information quizzes, self-learning test that can be downloaded onto
driven. hand held devises for more comfortable reading. However,
only a part of an e-book can be printed due to copyright
Oketunji [20] stated that libraries are facing many protected and reserved. 9) Journals – these are periodicals
challenges and threats due to the internet and digital or serials published at regular intervals in a year generally
revolution and globalization. Today, library resources are represented by a volume number containing individual
being made available in a variety of digital formats and issue reflecting the frequency of its publication. Its contents
media filtering the right information. An online search basically include reports of the original research, literature
access through Internet increases speeds and conserves time reviews of current subjects of interest, news and comment
of users where information is just on a click of everyone’s on topical issues, and list of forth coming events. 10)
mice or device. This is what we call a paradigm shift or a Journal articles – typically the research papers. These are
revolutionary challenge, the challenges of new technologies good source of references to other relevant literature. They
that bring one’s attention to adapt and innovate something are more up-to-date than books as publication is faster.
for the libraries. Some calls it disruptive technologies that These are assessed and evaluated by experts or usually peer
drove the transition from manual to electronic library that review to ensure validity of the research and its
needs new service models. Consequently, there has to be conclusions. These are usually short, factual and contain
innovation in the libraries and in the profession generally. precise research methods and results. 11) Websites – it is
Librarianship has to be strengthened to be relevant in the easy access and mostly up-to-date (but check the reliability
contemporary world, embrace the new technologies and of the information provided therein). These include various
integrate them into its engagements with communities. types of media with access to worldwide information. 12)
Innovative technologies are extremely important and Newspapers – this contains several important features like
indeed supports most of the new products, services and eyewitness accounts, currency or immediacy, opinions and
management that are introduced in the libraries. These are comments on topical issues, editorials, contemporary
the demands in the libraries where all organizations have to culture, obituaries of famous people. Newspaper can be a
meet in order to sustain their own existence, remain good source of information for good research but its
responsive and relevant to the demand of every new disadvantage is lack of accuracy checks or peer review,
generation. there is bias ingredient as it is written in political point of
view, this is not usually written at an academic level. 13)
Olubunmi, et.al., [20] presents the following types of others include: Conference proceedings, Reports,
information resources such as: 1) Information flow – Standards, Patents, Dissertations and Theses, Manuscripts
following a discovery or event, information flows through and Special Collections, and Social Media.
different publications over time. 2) Reference Material –

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Volume 5, Issue 4, April – 2020 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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III. METHODOLOGY and collected the data from individual respondents and
conduct a personal individual interview. This workout
 Research Design. This study used was a descriptive lasted for two months.
survey design which allowed collecting and analyzing
data from only a sample considered respondents  Data Analyses. The data generated were interpreted
representing the entire population. using percentages and frequencies; mean and standard
deviation through Likert scaling of the responses where
 Population and Sampling Technique. The population applicable.
comprises graduate students in any degree program who
are registered users of the information resources found IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
in the libraries. This employed a simple random and
stratified sampling procedure. Thirty percent users Perceived Problems on The Library Information
(graduate students) were sampled from each degree Resources for Research Among Graduate Students of
program. Higher Education in Southern Mindanao, Philippines: Its
Contribution to Academic Library Profiling.
 Instrument. For data collection, a structured
questionnaire entitled Awareness and Use of Library A. Demographic Information of Respondents
Information Resources for Research Questionnaire Table 1 below shows 1000 graduate students were
(AULIRRQ) was used. selected as sample for this study where 33% male while the
remaining 67% female. This implies that there were more
 Procedure of Data Collection. The researchers female respondents participated in this study than male.
personally administered the constructed questionnaires

GENDER FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Male 330 33.0
Female 670 67.0
Total 1000 100.0
Table 1:- Profile of Students based on Gender

Table 2 below shows 50% of the participants were graduate students who finished Non-Board or Non-Licensure required
Degree program (Technical Education) and 50% were graduate students who gained Board or Licensure required Degree
program. This result indicates that graduate students were selected equally from both programmes.

DEGREE PROGRAM FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Degree Course (with board or licensure eligibility required)
500 50.0
Degree (without board or licensure eligibility required)
500 50.0
Total 1000 100.0
Table 2:- Distribution of Graduate Students based on Programme

B. Answers to the Research Problems / projects (Ñ=1.69), journals (Ñ=1.64), newspapers /

Research Problem 1. What is the level of awareness magazines (Ñ=1.65), map / charts / diagrams (Ñ=1.52),
of the availability of information resources for research library catalogue (Ñ=1.71), indexes and abstracts (Ñ=1.69),
among graduate students in higher education institutions in monographs (Ñ=1.43) and online public access catalog
southern Philippines? (Ñ=1.47) while conference proceeding/papers obtained the
lowest mean score of (Ñ=1.26). Basing from the value of
Table 3 below shows the level of awareness of the the weighted average (1.61 out of 2.00 maximum value that
availability of information resources for research among can be obtained), which fall for decision value of high, it
graduate students in higher education institutions in can be inferred that the level of awareness of the
southern Philippines. The table shows that the graduate availability of information resources for research among
students have response to the items on the table as follows: graduate students of Higher Education Institutions in
references books (Ñ=1.79), internet facilities and online Southern Philippines is high.
resources (Ñ=1.75), textbook (Ñ=1.73), dissertation / thesis

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No. INFORMATION RESOURCES M Std. Remark

1 Conference Proceedings/Papers 1.26 .43 low

2 Dissertation/Thesis/Projects 1.69 .28 high
3 Indexes and Abstracts 1.69 .37 high
4 Internet facilities and online resources 1.75 .36 high
5 Journals 1.64 .26 high
6 Library Catalogues 1.71 .33 high
7 Maps/Charts/Diagrams 1.52 .39 high
8 Monographs 1.43 .21 low
9 Newspapers/Magazines 1.65 .32 high
10 Online Public Access Catalog 1.47 .41 high
11 References 1.79 .30 high
12 Textbooks 1.73 .20 high
Weighted Average 1.61 High
Table 3:- Awareness of Information Resources for Research

Legend:
N = No, Y = Yes Decision Value: 0.00-1.44 = Low
1.45-2.00 = High

This finding relates correspondingly in agreement score, library catalogue (Ñ=2.45) and indexes and abstracts
with Amad and Panda (2013) as cited by Olubunmi, et.al. (Ñ=2.57) and monographs (Ñ=1.95) and online public
[14] who discovered awareness on the availability of online access catalog (Ñ=3.25). The table also shows that the
journals among students in Indian Institute in Dubai students mostly used textbook (Ñ=3.57) which obtained the
International Academic City (DAIC) was found highly highest mean score among items. This is line with Hussain
satisfactory found highly satisfactory. Relatively, Indian and Kumar (2013), cited by Olubunmi, et.al. [14] who
University mentioned and the Higher Learning Institutions found out that books, newspapers and periodicals are
in the Southern Philippines are both located in Asian frequently used by users for research.
continent.
Furthermore, table shows that the students rarely use
Research Problem 2. What is the level of use of the following: dissertation/thesis/projects (Ñ=2.02),
information resources for research among graduate students journals (Ñ=2.00), conference proceeding /papers
in Higher Education Institutions in Southern Philippines? (Ñ=1.14). Basing from the value of the weighted average
(2.54 out of 4.00 maximum value that can be obtained),
Table 4 below shows that the students in Higher which fall for decision value of high, it can be inferred that
Education Institutions in Southern Philippines fairly use the graduate students in Higher Education Institutions in
following: references which gained (Ñ=3.15), internet Southern Philippines showed high level of use of
facilities and online resources obtained a mean score of information resources for research.
(Ñ=3.37), the newspapers / magazines have (Ñ=2.97) mean

No. INFORMATION RESOURCES M Std. Remark

1 Conference Proceedings/Papers 1.14 0.18 low

2 Dissertation/Thesis/Projects 2.02 1.03 average
3 Indexes and Abstracts 2.57 1.12 high
4 Internet facilities and online resources 3.37 1.20 high
5 Journals 2.00 0.15 average
6 Library Catalogues 2.45 1.18 high
7 Maps/Charts/Diagrams 2.05 0.23 average
8 Monographs 1.95 0.06 average
9 Newspapers/Magazines 2.97 1.11 high
10 Online Public Access Catalog 3.25 1.17 high
11 References 3.15 1.01 high
12 Textbooks 3.57 1.93 high
Weighted Average 2.54 High
Table 4:- Level of Use of IR for Research

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Volume 5, Issue 4, April – 2020 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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Legend:
NU = Not Used
RU = Rarely Used
FU = Fairly Used
MU = Mostly Used

Decision Value:
0.00-1.94 = Low
1.50-2.44 = Average
2.45-4.00 = High

Research Problem 3. What are the perceived indicate the following as the challenges encountered: lack
problems in the use of information resources for research of current resources(Ñ=2.57), inadequate resources
among graduate students in Higher Education Institutions (Ñ=2.79), inadequate loaning period (Ñ=2.19), constant
in Southern Philippines? power outage (Ñ=2.45) and slow connection speed
garnered the highest mean score of (Ñ=3.12). The table also
Table 5 below shows the various perceived problems shows that the students disagreed to the following:
in the use of information resources for research among inadequate library services (Ñ=2.19), inadequate library
graduate students in Higher Education Institutions in space (Ñ=1.37), inadequate library skill (Ñ=1.23) and
Southern Philippines. The table shows that the students inadequate search skill (Ñ=1.21).

No. PERCEIVED
PROBLEMS M Std. Remark
1 Constant Power Outage 2.45 1.12 agree
2 Inadequate Library Services 2.19 0.95 disagree
3 Inadequate Library Skills 1.23 0.98 disagree
4 Inadequate Library Space 1.37 1.30 disagree
5 Inadequate Loaning Period 2.55 2.19 agree
6 Inadequate Resources 2.79 2.01 agree
7 Inadequate Search Skills 1.21 0.84 disagree
8 Lack of current resources 2.57 1.17 agree
9 Slow Connection Speed 3.12 1.23 agree
TOTAL 2.16 1.31 Disagree
Table 5:- Perceived Problems in the Use of Information Resources

Legend:
SD = Strongly Disagree Decision Value for Remark:
D = Disagree Agree= 2.45-4.00
A = Agree Disagree = 0.00-2.44
SA = Strongly Agree

Research Question 4: What are the considerable be well carried out (Ñ=1.93), library services should be
suggested solutions to the perceived problems in using improved (Ñ=1.82), new library building should be built
information resources for research among graduate students (Ñ=1.58), loaning period should be extended (Ñ=1.46), and
in Higher Education Institutions of Southern Philippines? training on internet skill should be organized (Ñ=1.87).

Table 6 above is showing the various suggested This result corroborates the finding of Oluwabiyi,
solutions to the perceived problems encountered by the et.al., [13] cited by Olubunmi, et.al. [14] that there is a need
graduate students in Higher Education Institutions of to update print collections with latest books and journals in
Southern Philippines while using information resources for the Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan so that
their researches. The table shows that the students agreed students could get the newest information for their research.
on all the Considerable suggested solutions in table 6 as Further cited from qualitative point of view, students
follows: adequate resources should be provided (Ñ=1.53), mentioned during interview that each school to have at least
alternative power supply be devised (Ñ=1.65), current rehabilitate necessary internet connectivity to lessen their
resources should be acquired (Ñ=1.67), improvement on problems in any research activities.
internet connectivity (Ñ=1.49), library orientation should

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Volume 5, Issue 4, April – 2020 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
No. CONSIDERABLE SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS M Std. Remark
1 Adequate Resources should be provided 1.53 0.30 agree
2 Alternative power supply should be devised 1.65 0.35 agree
3 Current resources should be acquired 1.67 0.14 agree
4 Improvement on internet connectivity 1.49 0.28 agree
5 Library orientation should be well carried out 1.93 0.30 agree
6 Library Services should be improved 1.82 0.21 agree
7 Loaning period should be extended 1.64 0.47 agree
8 New Library Building should be built 1.57 0.49 agree
9 Training on internet skill should be organized 1.87 0.36 agree
Total 1.69 Agree
Table 6:- Solutions to the perceive problems in the use of Information Resources

Legend:
SD = Strongly disagree
D = Disagree
A = Agree
SA = Strongly agree

Decision Value for Remark:

Disagree = 0.00-1.44
Agree= 1.45-2.00

C. Test of the Hypotheses

Ho1: there is no significant relationship between the availability and the level of use of information resources for research
among graduate students in Higher Education Institutions of Southern Philippines.

Table 7 below shows the availability and the level of use of information resources for research among graduate students in
Higher Education Institutions of Southern Philippines where there is significant relationship existed between information
resources availability and the level of their use at (r = .193; p < 0.05). Therefore, hypothesis 1 is rejected.

ARIABLES Mean Sd N r Sig. Remarks

Availability of Information Resources 21.29 2.72 1000 0.193 .036 Significant
Level of Use of Information Resources 37.71 8.13
Table 7:- Pearson Product Moment Correlation showing the relationship between the availability and the level of use of
Information Resources.

Ho2: There is no significant relationship between the use of information resources for research among graduate students of
Higher Education Institutions in Southern Philippines in terms of gender.

Table 8 below shows the relationship between the use of information resources and gender of graduate students. The table
shows that mean score of male students is 43.56 while that of female is 43.93. These mean values reveal no appreciable
difference. Therefore, there is no significant relationship between the use of information resources for research and gender of
graduate students (df = 96; t = -.509; p > 0.05). Hence, hypothesis 2 is accepted.

Use of Information Gender No. Mean Std. D. Df T Sig (P) Remarks

Resources
Male 470 43.56 9.10 96 -.509 .758 Not
Female 530 43.93 9.03 Significant
Table 8:- Summary of T-test showing relationship between the use of information resources and gender of the respondents

Ho3. There is no significant relationship between the level of use of information resources for research and the degree
program among graduate students in Higher Education Institutions of Southern Philippines. Table 9 below shows the relationship
between the level of use of information resources for research and the degree program among graduate students in Higher
Education Institutions of Southern Philippines where graduate students on degree program with board examination programme
obtained a mean score of 42.86 while graduate students on degree programme without board examination garnered 41.94 mean
score. Its (df = 98; t = 1.713; p > 0.05) values reveal no significant difference. Therefore, the null hypothesis stated “There is no

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Volume 5, Issue 4, April – 2020 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
significant relationship between the level of use of information resources for research and the degree program among graduate
students in Higher Education Institutions of Southern Philippines is accepted.

Degree Program N Mean Std.D. Df T Sig(P) Remarks

Use of Degree with Board Exam 500 42.86 8.59 98 1.713 .127 Not
information Degree without Board Exam 500 41.94 8.19 Significant
resources
Table 9:- Summary of T-test showing relationship between Information Resources use and Degree Programme

V. SUMMARY resources and ensure their efficient use for the

accomplishment of the library’s objectives.
This study was carried to find out perceived problems
on the level of use and nature of the availability of One of the components of the library is the human
information resources for research among graduate students resources that must be blended by the heads of libraries.
in Higher Education Institutions of Southern Mindanao, Leadership and management are important to the success of
Philippines: its contribution to academic library profiling. libraries in today’s challenging global environment. So that,
This carried one thousand copies of modified library planning and profiling must be wrapped by
questionnaires distribution to 1000 respondents in one principles of leadership and succession planning as tools to
academic year (2019). Respondents were categorized be used in sustaining its integrity in addressing necessities
according to their gender and degree program they are of the end-users.
possessing. The result inferred nature of awareness on
availability of information resources for research is high. RECOMMENDATION
The level of use of information resources for research
among graduate students in Higher Education Institutions This study recommends the following in line with the
of Southern Philippines is high. Although there were findings:
perceived problems encountered by the students but from  Academic libraries should be stocked with the newest
qualitative point of view, students mentioned each school to information materials to inspire students and
have at least rehabilitate necessary internet connectivity to researchers to carry out their research work and other
lessen their problems in any research activities. academic writings.
 Training on internet exploitation should be organized by
VI. CONCLUSION the library for the final year students to assist them in
their project work
It was concluded regardless of what gender and  Librarians should make their services accessible to
degree program those graduate students possessed have students in terms of assisting them to get relevant
encountered problems in the process of sourcing out materials for their research work.
information for their researches and academic works due to  Through Library Instruction Programme more
insufficiency and lack of current resources, inadequate awareness should be created on the importance of
resources, inadequate loaning period, constant power library in research activities among students.
outage and slow connection speed. According to Olubiyo  Alternative power supply (e.g. Solar energy) should be
et.al [18] these probably be the reasons indolence of built that can provide electricity power to the library for
students to do necessary information sourcing before at least 6 hours a day.
embarking on their projects and academic assignments
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