Does the promotion of leisure reading still exist in academic libraries? A closer look of reading programs in Philippine universities

• Main Authors: Flores, Roana Marie L., Soriente, Vivian C.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: Literacy programs—Philippines; Reading—Philippines; Information Literacy; Library and Information Science
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/12960
• Institution: De La Salle University

This exploratory study examined the status of reading programs of top Philippine universities cited in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, including universities with ‘reporter’ status. Specifically, the researchers uncovered whether academic libraries still provide programs encouraging reading in their communities. If they are providing such programs, what strategies did they employ, and what are some lessons learned that other academic libraries could learn from them? If reading programs are not apparent, will they still be considered in future library programming? This research will be significant to library managers and programming librarians as they can reflect on and evaluate their current library programs, specifically reading programs, as they navigate the post-pandemic future. The research will remind them of the libraries’ critical role in creating a nation of responsible and analytical readers. The findings of the study will also benefit the library and information science professional associations and partner organizations related to reading advocacy for them to develop evidence-based programs and find solutions to issues surrounding reading program initiatives in academic libraries.