Optimizing library services: A development study for a library information system at Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a Library Information System (LIS) for Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC) to replace its inefficient manual library operations and enhance service delivery for students, faculty, and staff. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research employed surveys, interviews, and usability testing to identify user requirements and evaluate the system’s performance. Guided by the Rapid Application Development (RAD) model, the LIS was iteratively designed and tested to ensure user-centered functionality. Results revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the existing manual system, with over 75% of users expressing concerns about its usability. Usability testing of the newly developed LIS showed a task success rate exceeding 90% and satisfaction scores above 4.5 out of 5, particularly in search efficiency and navigation. The novelty of this work lies in its localized, data-driven approach, tailored to the specific needs of SLSU-MCC while incorporating best practices in library management. This study demonstrates that a well-designed LIS can significantly improve resource accessibility, operational efficiency, and user satisfaction, providing a scalable framework for similar implementations in other academic institutions.