Philippine E-Journals

An Online Tracer Study of The Master of Library and Information Science Graduates of Baliuag University

Juan C. Buenrostro Jr. | Lynderlitte M. Maglaque

 

Abstract:

This is the first tracer study for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program of Baliuag University, intended to fill the literature gap on the subject matter of the present career and professional status of its graduates. The objective is to track the demographic and career profile of the MLIS graduates to determine how their chosen degree in librarianship had influenced their career as information professionals and, in the process, provide feedback on the effectiveness and relevance of the MLIS program of BU. To collect the data for this descriptive research, survey questionnaires were distributed to 250 MLIS graduates for the 10-year period, 2003 to 2013. Inputs were also derived from e-mails and other social networking sites, like Facebook. It turned out that a substantial number of the survey-participants resided in Bulacan and the NCR. The profile of the respondents showed that majority of them were married women within the age range of 36-40, and were board passers of the librarian examination. All of them were employed as professional librarians, mostly in private academic libraries, and were occupying various library positions. Self-fulfillment was singled out by the participants as the principal reason for pursuing the MLIS program in BU. Most of them expressed no regrets in choosing librarianship as a profession, and affirmed that the said program had helped them grow professionally in their chosen occupation. Most of them had been promoted to the next higher rank, with corresponding salary increases and additional benefits. Because they were satisfied with their present jobs, most of them preferred to remain in their present places of employment.