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Challenges, Opportunities and Community Needs in Library Service Delivery for Indigenous Communities in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro


Authors : Louise Irish Valdez; Ma. Lindie D. Masalinto

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yyepm4vd

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4euzp8jv

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May1391

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This study examined the challenges, opportunities, and community needs in library service delivery for Indigenous communities in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro using a descriptive-correlational research design. Libraries play a significant role in promoting equitable access to information, education, and lifelong learning; however, Indigenous peoples continue to face barriers such as limited digital literacy, inadequate access to technology and internet connectivity, insufficient resources, and library services that are not fully responsive to their cultural and linguistic needs. Findings revealed that municipal librarians encounter challenges in geographic access, cultural relevance, resources, and partnership needs, with cultural relevance identified as the most important factor in improving service delivery. Community members expressed the need for better internet connectivity, access to computers, educational support, culturally relevant materials, and more accessible library services. Results further showed significant relationships among challenges, opportunities, and community needs, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive, inclusive, and collaborative library programs. An action plan was proposed to strengthen accessible and inclusive municipal library services for Indigenous communities in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.

Keywords : Indigenous Communities, Library Service Delivery, Cultural Responsiveness, Community Needs, Municipal Libraries, Inclusion, Accessibility.

References :

  • Journals
  1. Black, R. (2022). Internet connectivity and access to library services in tribal communities. Journal of Rural Information Services, 18(1), 33–47.
  2. Garcia, L. M. (2023). Inclusive library programs for Indigenous communities: Bridging the digital divide. International Journal of Library Services, 26(3), 89–102.
  3. Garcia, P. (2023). Culturally responsive library programs for marginalized communities. Library Trends, 71(3), 389–405.
  4. Henderson, L. (2020). Inclusive library policies and funding initiatives: Supporting Indigenous communities through access to information and cultural heritage preservation. Journal of Library Policy and Equity, 8(1), 101–120.
  5. Meyer, A. (2021). Participatory service design: Engaging Indigenous communities in library development. International Journal of Library and Information Science, 10(4), 122–135.
  6. Mhlongo, T. (2020). Indigenous participation in South African library services: A study of use and relevance. South African Journal of Library and Information Science, 86(2), 98–110.
  7. Nguyen, T. (2022). Libraries in Indigenous communities: Enhancing digital access and learning opportunities for knowledge and cultural continuity. Journal of Indigenous Information & Learning, 10(1), 45–62.
  8. Patel, R. (2023). Participatory library programs co-designed with Indigenous communities: Fostering cultural engagement and equitable access to resources. Journal of Community and Cultural Librarianship, 11(2), 78–95.
  9. Vaidya, S. B. (2024). The role of libraries in preserving Indigenous knowledge and culture. International Journal of Advanced Research and Multidisciplinary Trends, 1(2), 151–161. https://www.ijarmt.com/article/view/185
  10. Ali, R., & Kaur, P. (2022). Multilingual and culturally inclusive library resources for Indigenous populations. Journal of Indigenous Education and Information Services, 17(1), 34–47.
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  18. Daniels, L., & Cruz, M. (2020). Access to culturally relevant information Indigenous communities: A path to empowerment. Indigenous Knowledge and Libraries Journal, 12(3), 88–102.
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  20. Gonzalez, L., & Smith, H. (2020). Engaging Indigenous communities in library services: Integrating traditional knowledge and practices. Indigenous Library Services Quarterly, 19(2), 88–101.
  21. Johnson, L., & Taylor, A. (2023). Libraries as cultural hubs for Indigenous communities: Promoting identity and access. Journal of Indigenous Library Services, 19(2), 101–115.
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  • Website
  1. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. (2020). IFLA statement on Indigenous peoples. https://www.ifla.org/publications/ifla-statement-on-indigenous-peoples
  2. International Telecommunication Union, & Department of Information and
  3. Communications Technology. (2022). Digital literacy training for Indigenous communities in the Philippines. https://www.itu.int
  4. UNESCO. (2021). Libraries and digital inclusion: Bridging the knowledge gap. https://www.unesco.org

This study examined the challenges, opportunities, and community needs in library service delivery for Indigenous communities in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro using a descriptive-correlational research design. Libraries play a significant role in promoting equitable access to information, education, and lifelong learning; however, Indigenous peoples continue to face barriers such as limited digital literacy, inadequate access to technology and internet connectivity, insufficient resources, and library services that are not fully responsive to their cultural and linguistic needs. Findings revealed that municipal librarians encounter challenges in geographic access, cultural relevance, resources, and partnership needs, with cultural relevance identified as the most important factor in improving service delivery. Community members expressed the need for better internet connectivity, access to computers, educational support, culturally relevant materials, and more accessible library services. Results further showed significant relationships among challenges, opportunities, and community needs, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive, inclusive, and collaborative library programs. An action plan was proposed to strengthen accessible and inclusive municipal library services for Indigenous communities in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.

Keywords : Indigenous Communities, Library Service Delivery, Cultural Responsiveness, Community Needs, Municipal Libraries, Inclusion, Accessibility.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - June - 2026

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