- By Irving Domingo L. Rio and Allana S. Delgado
ABSTRACT
This study explores the experience of academic librarians in private universities in Iloilo City who have not conducted internally-funded research. While research is mandated for academic librarians with faculty status, most academic librarians are not active in research. Interviews were conducted online with 7 academic librarians from 3 private universities; which were transcribed, translated, and analyzed. Qualitative descriptive phenomenology was used to analyze the data. Five major themes were discovered: Research competency; Inadequate formalized support from the administration for librarians; Research mentorship; Library routine work/multitasking functions; and Coping with self-pity and disappointment. It was found that librarians lack research skills and there was no clear support for research with the help of experiences mentors. They cite that library routine work and multitasking take up their priorities and they have no time for research. Some are disappointed with their lack of research output while others are neutral since it is not required in their institutions. It is recommended that HEIs and university administrators involve librarians in research with a clear plan for developing their research skills and provide the same benefits and incentives at par with teaching faculty. Training and mentoring programs should be in place to encourage research among academic librarians.