Exploring the landscape of librarianship in the Philippines: Establishing the profession’s population parameter estimates

Abstract

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the librarian profession in the Philippines through an extensive examination of various population parameters. Focusing on demographics, professional landscapes, educational attainments, affiliations, roles, challenges, aspirations, and the financial landscape, this research seeks to create a holistic picture of the current state and future prospects of librarianship in the country. Utilizing a descriptive approach, the study gathers data from a diverse range of libraries across the Philippines. The demographics section analyzes age, gender, ethnic background, and geographical distribution, offering insights into the workforce composition. The professional landscape assessment includes an exploration of employment types, roles within libraries, and job statuses. Educational attainments are evaluated to understand the academic backgrounds and continuous professional development engagements of librarians. The study also delves into the librarians’ professional affiliations and the roles they play in their communities and organizations. Moreover, the research provides an in-depth analysis of the financial landscape, including salary structures, benefits, and economic challenges faced by librarians, thereby shedding light on the economic sustainability of the profession. The study’s findings are intended to serve multiple stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and professional organizations. For researchers, it offers a rich dataset for hypothesis formulation and gap identification in literature. Policymakers can utilize the insights for tailoring policies to the specific needs of the library sector. Professional organizations can leverage the findings to align their programs and initiatives with the actual needs of librarians.