Factors Affecting Library Engagement in the Digital Era

Abstract

The third industrial revolution has shifted libraries from book-centered repositories into hybrid environments that integrate digital technologies, multimedia resources, and user-centered services. This study investigated library engagement in a local college in Cavite City, focusing on levels of engagement, influencing factors, and strategies for service enhancement. A descriptive-quantitative design with qualitative support was employed, sampling students and faculty through stratifies sampling using Slovin’s formula to determine size. Data were gathered through a validated online survey with Likert-scale and open-ended items, and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and thematic analysis. Results show moderate-to-high engagement, strongest in academically oriented activities such as studying, assignment completion, and course-related support. Engagement in orientations, library events, and digital resource use was moderate. Correlation analysis revealed positive, significant relationships between engagement and all factors, where contextual factors were the strongest, followed by individual, organizational, and technological. Thematic responses highlighted needs for reliable internet, mobile and self-service access, updated collections, flexible hours, improved physical spaces, and digital literacy promotion. In other words, to sustain engagement it requires integrated approaches covering infrastructure, organizational practices, user capacity, and contextual support. Suggested strategies include upgrading digital infrastructure, diversifying collections, embedding library resources in curricula, redesigning spaces, and enhancing literacy and outreach programs.