The Operating of Community Learning Center in Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This current research was based on a mixed methodology aiming to explore the condition of management, problem, and service requirement in using the community learning center. The qualitative research was designed, and the samples comprised 1) seventy community libraries in Phitsanulok province. The research tools i.e., semi-structured Interview and observation form were included. Descriptive statistics namely frequency and percentage were employed.

It was revealed that 1) General condition of community leaning center, most community learning centers were situated at community leader’s houses as being on a single corner inside the building and have been opened for two years. Most supporters were district non-formal education. Most users were people in the community that the service time was uncertain. Besides, the community library had public relation via personal media. 2) Management condition for community library, physical aspect, communication in the location was very convenient. it was found that location atmosphere and building decoration, environment surrounding the community library were good. Management, it was proceeded by most of homeowner and its family member without participation of community. Volunteer, most community libraries had the homeowners as librarians/service providers to look after. Service and promote learning activity of community, the most service was reading service. Information resource, general knowledge books were the main books. Networking and community participation, most communities had collaborated with community learning center. Regarding the process evaluation, they had suggestion boxes and statistics of users. 3) Problem and service requirement in using the community library, most information technologies were insufficient, Meanwhile, those information technologies are still required most.