Philippine E-Journals

From Statistical Data to Solutions: Exploring Newspaper Readership in the Academia to Gear up for the Post-Covid World

Roana Marie Flores | Elizabeth B. Padilla

 

Abstract:

The study aims to (1) examine the newspaper usage at the De La Salle University (DLSU) Libraries, (2) determine if the print and electronic newspaper readership is increasing or declining, and based on the salient findings, (3) recommend feasible strategies for newspaper usage increase and in preparation for the post-pandemic world to better serve the academic community. The study will be useful primarily to the acquisition decisions of the DLSU Libraries. The Acquisition Unit will be able to recognize significant newspaper titles preferred by the community and therefore, allot budget more strategically. The Periodicals Section will also benefit from this research as this will provide an opportunity to create a more responsive approach to disseminating information and current news, as well as improved visibility in the community. Additionally, this study will be vital to the DLSU community, as the findings and recommendations will be targeted towards their information needs. Lastly, this study will also benefit the library and information science (LIS) community for them to explore and gain insights into the current and future landscape of newspaper readership in academia. This paper employed a descriptive research design in the form of a quantitative method. The main approach used is the use/user-centered collection assessment technique. The results reveal print newspapers are favored by the service population over the e-format. Though this is the case, there was still a perceptible downward trend in usage for both print and e-newspapers in 2020, as campus access was restricted. The low usage per capita for e-newspapers also signaled the need to increase the number of terminals and equipment i.e. computers with DVD readers and microfilm readers to accommodate more patrons. DLSU Libraries may also consider pitching in the collection a wide variety of online newspaper databases in order to offer limitless access to news resources. An intensive marketing campaign and promotional strategies may also be taken into serious consideration to encourage more patrons to use newspapers in various formats. This way, cost per use may increase making the subscription cost beneficial in the long run. The paper is highly focused on the quantitative data generated from the library system without taking into consideration the actual responses from the service population. The study provides a useful strategy of assessing newspaper readership from the viewpoint of an academic library to come up with solutions in preparation for the post-covid world.