The Correlation between Library Resources and Services Utilization and the Academic Performance among Students of the Institute of Formation and Religious Studies

Theological libraries provide resources and services that support the students’ academic, research, and formative development. This study examines the association of library resources and services with the academic performance of students of the Institute of Formation and Religious Studies (IFRS). The study employed a convergent-parallel approach, including surveys, interviews, and direct observation of 57 IFRS students. Results revealed that library resources and services significantly influenced students’ academic performance and formative development. Moreover, the IFRS students are generally satisfied with the quality of print and digital resources in the library. Furthermore, library services such as reference, circulation, use of library space, digital library services, printing and photocopying, and library information literacy program reported high utilization, indicating students’ active involvement in library programs and services. The IFRS students occasionally use the OPAC service and computer and internet service, while the referral letter received the lowest utilization. However, challenges such as updating library resources, upgrading the institutes’ technological infrastructures, time constraints, and difficulty in navigating digital resources were identified. Recommendations include improving technological infrastructure, updating print and digital resources, strengthening research support services, improving library spaces, sustaining the theological librarian’s competence, and increasing promotion of library resources and services. The findings underscore the importance of continuously assessing and upgrading library resources and services to meet the evolving needs of theological and religious studies education.