Aklatanihan: Impact Assessment of University Libraries’ Community Extension Program

The Aklatanihan Program, a Community Extension Services (CES) initiative of the University Libraries of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF), aims to support and adopt libraries in Lucena City through book donations and collection organization. This research assessed the program’s impact on adopted school libraries using a descriptive quantitative method, with respondents being the principals and library-in-charge personnel from these schools. Data was gathered via survey questionnaires, employing total enumeration sampling, and fieldwork was conducted within schools located near MSEUF’s main campus in Brgy. Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City. Findings revealed that half of the adopted libraries were at the elementary level and the other half at the secondary level, with most having partnered with MSEUF for over three years under formal agreements and receiving substantial library material donations. Coordination between principals and library staff positively influenced library services, although frequent turnover of these key personnel and lack of space posed challenges to sustained implementation. The study recommends continuous collaboration between school staff, participation in librarianship training, and the establishment of partnerships with other libraries and MSEUF to ensure ongoing library development.