Environmental and Personal Contexts as Predictors of Students’ Drive to Pursue Librarianship

Abstract

Identifying the factors influencing students' intentions to enroll in specific courses is crucial for developing effective strategies to attract prospective students. Career decision-making often poses challenges for potential college students. This research focuses on assessing Grade 12 students' perceptions of a career in librarianship, examining both environmental and personal factors and their motivation to pursue such a career. The study employs a descriptive-correlational methodology using a standardized questionnaire to collect data from 205 Grade 12 students at Saint Michael College of Caraga. Results indicate that environmental and personal factors significantly influence students' desire to enter the field of librarianship. Regression analysis revealed that the perception of the librarian's role and students' self-efficacy are strong predictors of their inclination toward this profession. This suggests that students' self-assessment of their abilities and how they manage situations with the skills they possess play a crucial role in their career decisions. Educational institutions should create targeted marketing campaigns to highlight the benefits and opportunities in librarianship, aligning with students' goals and the factors influencing their career choices. To boost enrollment, librarians and associations must employ effective promotional strategies. Additionally, recognizing library and information science as a priority by the Commission on Higher Education emphasizes the critical need for expanding the librarian workforce through strategic outreach and education.