CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (CMSS) OF SELECTED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN THE PHILIPPINES: TRENDS ON LIBRARY WEBSITE

Abstract

The pandemic has forced academic institutions to make unprecedented use of technology, especially when it comes to research, learning, and information content to students, faculty, and staff. This study aims to assess the content management systems (CMSs) of the academic libraries of the top four (4) Philippine universities based on the 2020 QS Asia University Rankings HEIs. In this study, the researchers examined the academic libraries’ websites and the CMSs they were using, the various functions and features, and how it helped in research, learning, and information dissemination especially in this time of the pandemic. Other challenges and advantages of CMS for library website management were also determined. Criteria from various related literature were used to assess their respective CMSs. Based on the analysis, it was found out that all four academic libraries use CMS as a tool such as WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Muse and Microsoft ASP.Net for website management and as software support for web-based applications. SpringShare was also being used as an additional library CMS. Moreover, these libraries found their CMSs as a useful tool for communicating with their library patrons as it is customizable and easy-to-use. Although information related to their services, collections, and policies were already included in their websites, only one library has a dedicated library guide on making use of the library and its services in the new normal. Since their websites alongside their various social media platforms serve as their main communication channel, all four libraries have tried their best to utilize their CMS and ensure that information about collection and services were made available to their patrons in just a click away.