Beyond bookshelves: Measuring Library Service Quality and User Satisfaction at Quezon City University

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64807/zwfq9365

Abstract

This study investigates how students and faculty perceive the quality of library services and their overall satisfaction with the QCU Library. Using a descriptive-quantitative approach, data were gathered from 627 respondents through a structured survey based on the LibQUAL+ framework, which assesses three key dimensions of service quality: Affect of Service, Information Control, and Library as Place. Results show that most users visit the library daily, mainly to borrow materials, study, conduct research, and engage in collaborative activities or library programs. Respondents reported high satisfaction across all dimensions, highlighting the staff’s approachability and responsiveness, the accessibility and relevance of both print and digital resources, and the comfort and functionality of the library’s physical environment. These findings suggest that the QCU Library effectively supports academic work while providing a collaborative and engaging learning space. The study emphasizes the value of continuous evaluation and the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to maintain and improve service quality, ensuring that the library remains responsive to the evolving needs of its users. Recommendations include sustaining a user-centered environment, expanding digital access, and systematically monitoring service performance to strengthen the library’s role as a dynamic academic hub.

Keywords:

LibQUAL+ framework, user satisfaction, academic library, information control, library as a place

References

Acheampong, E., & Agyemang, F. G. (2021). Enhancing academic library services provision in the distance learning environment with mobile technologies. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47 (1), 102279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2020.102279

American Library Association. (2024). Findings from the ACRL 2023 Annual Survey: State of U.S. academic libraries. American Library Association.

Ariate, L., & Padohinog, E. (2024, January 30). User perception and satisfaction on library usage and services. Puissant, 5, 1819–1835. https://puissant.stepacademic.net/puissant/article/view/336

Aryee, R., & Apronti Tetteh, E. O. (2024). Library resources constraints, frustration, and user behavior: An empirical library operations study. Brain and Behavior, 14(7), e3627. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.3627

Association of Research Libraries. (2022). LibQUAL+® overview. https://www.libqual.org/about/about_lq

Azib, N. A., Abu, R., Rafie, S. K., & Mohd Tokiran, N. S. (2024). Evaluating User Satisfaction with Digital Library Services: A Study of Academic Libraries in Higher Education Institutions. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(12), 4511–4517. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8120379

Barfi, K. A., Parbie, S. K., Filson, C. K., Teye, M. V., Kodua-Ntim, K., & Ayensu, E. (2023). Assessing the quality of services at an academic library. Heliyon, 9(12), e22449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22449

Bennett, S., Agostinho, S., & Lockyer, L. (2016). Investigating university educators’ design thinking and the implications for design support tools. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, 2016(1), Article 9. https://doi.org/10.5334/jime.404

Bennett, S. (2009). Libraries and learning: A history of paradigm change. Portal: Libraries and the Academy, 9(2), 181–197. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.0.0049

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Creswell, J. W., & Guetterman, T. C. (2019). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (6th ed.). Pearson. https://www.proquest.com/books/educational-research-planning-conducting/docview/2461121289/se-2

Dagdag, J., & Galiza, C. (2020). Perceived use, satisfaction level, and benefits among student library users of a higher education institution in Isabela Province, Philippines. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24(5), 5630–5637. https://doi.org/10.37200/IJPR/V24I5/PR2020268

Donovan, J. (2020). Keep the books on the shelves: Library space as intrinsic facilitator of the reading experience. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 46(2), Article 102104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2019.102104

Dunbar, G. B., Aquino-Maneja, E., Flores, S. L., Squier, V. R., & Kim, R. F. (2024). Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and triangulation research simplified. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 55(7), 338–344. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20240328-03

Estrada, C. Y. E., Gutierrez, F. V. O., Valdez, M. G., & Alenzuela, R. C. (2023). Enhancing Academic Success through Utilization of Library Resources in a Public University in the Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 21, 71–83. https://doi.org/10.57200/apjsbs.v21i0.351

Etikan, I., & Bala, K. (2023). Sampling techniques for educational research: Principles and applications. Journal of Educational Studies, 11(2), 35–44.

Khan, A. U., Rafi, M., Zhang, Z., & Khan, A. (2023). Determining the impact of technological modernization and management capabilities on user satisfaction and trust in library services. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 72(6–7), 593–611. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-06-2021-0095

Mendoza, R. C., & Ramirez, M. D. (2023). Statistical tools in quantitative research for social sciences. Academic Press.

Panhilason, A. P. (2024). Access, utilization, and satisfaction with library resources, services, and facilities. E-Journals.ph. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=24009

Panhilason, A. P. (2024). Users’ Awareness, Utilization, and Satisfaction with Online Library Information Resources and Services: A case study at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2(3), 49–56. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10653984

Public Library Association. (2024). 2023 public library technology survey: Summary report. Public Library Association.

Rabelo, C. A., Teixeira, J. G., & Mendes, G. H. S. (2024). Student experience in academic libraries: analysis of intellectual structure and opportunities for future research. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(3), Article 102878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2024.102878

Ramesh, M. R. (2024). Enhancing academic library services through smart library applications: A patron-centric approach. International Journal of Innovative Practice And Applied Research (IJIPAR), 14(5), pages 101–109.

Raosoft, Inc. (2025). Raosoft sample size calculator. http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html

Seno-Sanoria, M. T. (2025). Aligning expectations and perceptions: Analyzing library user satisfaction in higher education in rural Philippines. Journal of Institutional Performance, 3(8).

Singh, A., & Masuku, M. (2022). Sampling techniques and application in social research. Social Research Digest, 14(1), 20–31.

Tuble, R. M., & Panhilason, A. P. (2024). Users’ access, utilization, and satisfaction with library resources, services, and facilities in a selected academic library. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2(7), 804–813. https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2024.0226

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries. (2024). Impact of digital technologies on resources and services of academic and public libraries. DigitalCommons@UNL.

Wang, J. (2024). User satisfaction enhancement strategies for intelligent library and intelligence services. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.2478/amns-2024-3146

Zheng, Z., Zeng, M., Huang, W., & Sun, N. (2024). The influence of university library environment on student interactions and college students’ learning engagement. Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 385. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02892-y

Zhou, Y., & Guo, W. (2024). Library user satisfaction survey: A review of measurement models and tools. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(2), 102678.

Downloads

Published

2026-03-12

How to Cite

Valencia, G., Viray, E. M., Giron, N., & Aquino, E. (2026). Beyond bookshelves: Measuring Library Service Quality and User Satisfaction at Quezon City University. QCU The Lamp, 4(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.64807/zwfq9365