Bridging Standards and Services: Utilization, Compliance, and User Satisfaction at the St. Paul University-Surigao Learning Resource Center

Abstract

This study assessed the extent of regulatory compliance, resource utilization, and user satisfaction of St. Paul University-Surigao (SPUS) Learning Resource Center (LRC) against national regulatory standards for basic and higher education libraries. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered from 355 stakeholders (students, faculty, and alumni) through a validated researcher-made questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.99) and institutional document review. Results showed the LRC exceeded Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 56, s. 2011 requirements (overall mean = 3.35) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) CMO No. 22, s. 2021 requirements (overall mean = 3.65), with the strongest performance in financial management, vision-mission alignment, and information technology infrastructure. Human resources and collection management were the weakest domains under DepEd standards, while collection management and services/utilization were comparatively weaker under CHED standards. Utilization and satisfaction were both rated favorably across collections, services, and facilities, with electronic resources and internet connectivity emerging as the most utilized and most satisfying components. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in utilization and satisfaction when respondents were grouped by classification, sex, age, and department, while Pearson correlation confirmed a significant positive relationship between the extent of utilization and user satisfaction across all resource categories (r = 0.44-0.59, p < .001). The findings suggest that while the LRC functions as a highly effective academic support facility, targeted investment in staffing, collection currency, and academic integrity tools would further strengthen its contribution to the institution's teaching, learning, and research mission.