Summer Reading Promo: POP into READING!

I'm preparing for a summer reading promo since we only have a month left of school. Food is really a big hit among teens and I'm riding on its wake.

Have you started counting off the days to summer vacation? Are you thinking of summer activities that are worth your while? Before you set off for that well deserved break, consider borrowing books from the library between May 23 - 28, 2013.

For one book borrowed, I will sign your clearance. This is for students who have not borrowed any book for the academic year 2012-2013. Yes, we know who you are!

For three books borrowed, we will give you a popcorn pack for free!

For five books borrowed, we will give you two popcorn packs for free!

For ten books borrowed and/or a Kindle, we will give you two popcorn packs plus, bottled H2O.

POP into reading this summer! Who knows what AHA moments you'll discover in your reading time?

Thanks and see you @ the library!

Author of the Month: Michael Pinto

Author of the month is Mr. Michael Pinto, Filipino "male" librarian whose book, Layb Life: Mga Kwento at Karansan ng Isang Librarian hit the bookstores last year. In this interview he answers questions about writing, the profession in general and his publishing dreams for the future. Mr. Pinto hails from Cagayan, Tuguegarao.

a. What prompted or inspired you to write? Any back story on the book and your writing journey?
 

 At the age of 25, I became the Director of Libraries of our university and I know that this experience is one of a kind since only few can be in that position at an early stage of my career. Since my experience is one of a kind, I thought of writing my experiences being the head of the library, from the day-to-day experiences up to the things I observed during seminars and conferences. All of these prompted me to write the book. At first, writing articles was just a past time for me especially when I feel stressed in my work. Eventually, I did not noticed that I already have a handful of articles so I decided to publish it so that others can be inspired (I hope so). 

b. Other than being the youngest administrator of USL, what would you consider as the most remarkable thing that happened to you as a librarian?

I believe the most remarkable thing that happened to me is when I meet new people in the profession and in my work. In fact, I learned a lot from the people I meet. Other than that, I think other remarkable things that happened to me are: First, after 3 years of being the Director of Libraries, we were able to get the Outstanding Academic and research Library Award in 2010 by PAARL. Second, I became active member of PLAI and organized a library association in Cagayan, Kalinga and Apayao. Lastly, I was able to help a lot of people through the position I handle.



c. What are the challenges faced by a librarian writing about his/her profession?

First, that others might misinterpret what I am writing. Not everyone can appreciate what you are doing. Second, there are still traditional mind who don’t want to acknowledge new things.  Lastly, my bashers who always look for my mistakes. But I thank them because through them, I was able to write the book.

 
d. Do you have another book project? What is your dream book?

Yes I have. I am currently on the verge of writing another book. I hope to publish it before November of this year. As to my dream book, I want to write a book based on the outline of subjects in the BLIS Program. Maybe a textbook for BLIS subjects.

e. What are your favorite books? Who is your favorite writer?

I don’t have favorite book. I read if it interest me.
Favorite author: Og Mandino, Bob Ong       

f. If you were a book, what kind are you?

Satirical book 
g. Describe your writing process/creative process.
As I have said, I write when I’m stressed. I write during my leisure time and I only write if there is something that triggers me.


h. Any message to young aspiring librarians and librarians who wish to be published in the future?

Do not be afraid of writing, just write. Don’t mind your grammar, that’s the work of an editor. Write what you think can open the minds of your reader. Write what you love and love what you wite. That’s the secret.

Field Trip to Rizal Library

Two weeks back, I accompanied a small group of teenagers, our students in grade 11, to the Rizal Library. Together with the DP Coordinator, we chaperoned the group to Ateneo de Manila University's esteemed library where they had a tour of the new and the old libraries. The group was able to do initial research on their Extended Essay as well. They were impressed to see the microfilm collection and the art gallery.

Our thanks go out to Ms. Karryl Sagun for facilitating the tour and to Dr. Von Totanes for keeping the doors of Rizal Library open to young scholars and budding academics.

Since our visit, I have received requests for letters of recommendation. This is a good sign.

Libraries are for all!

Electric Youth: Teens Speak of Marekting Strategies for the School Library

Bm g12 marketing_lib_feedback from Zarah Gagatiga

From Tablet to Tablet: Completed!

PBBY Calls for Bidding for the Publication of the 2013 Salanga and Alcala Prizes

Invitationto bid2013 from Zarah Gagatiga

Easter Egg Hunt at the Library: The Conclusion

 It was fun!

Teenagers and food make a good mix. At some point reading must be required and rewarded. Looking for the eggs in the books was not easy. There were those who looked randomly and got frustrated. The more strategic thinkers consulted the OPAC. The theme, renewal and redemption, got some kids working and ended up finding a coupon or two.

The ones who got more than one egg coupon shared the rest with a friend. Those who participated realized that the library has interesting and good titles of books to read. Many wondered what the free "kwek-kwek" was all about.

I suppose, next time, they'll learn to read emails from the school's teacher librarian.

Looking for Andoy: Dominic Agsaway on Ngumiti si Andoy

Dominic Agsaway's winning work on the Salanga Prize story, Ngumiti si Andoy, portrays the child narrator and Andres Bonifacio together. They interact and engage in conversation. This is pretty much a literal rendition of the story. But the child, a little boy assigned to draw Andres Bonifacio for a school assignment, is shown with a personality that is playful and imaginative

The boy is seen walking into a park that's littered with trash. Apparently, this is the school's Hero's Park where the sculptures of Rizal, Bonifacio and other heroes are found. There is no doubt or suspicion in the boy's face, instead, there is a smile  and a curious glint in his eyes. When confronted by the moving statue of Bonifacio, he is surprised but unafraid.

Agsaway's illustrations depicted the child and his child like qualities. It made me remember how fearless I was as a young girl; how curious and unafraid. His rendition of the story fits the child character's ability to imagine and create. Thinking about it all, Ngumit si Andoy is not only the story of Andres Bonifacio, but that of the thinking child and his power to imagine.

I look forward to meeting Mr. Dominic Agsaway in person this coming July 2013 as he will receive his award and cash prize during the 30th National Children's Book Day at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Looking for Andoy: Sergio Bumatay III on Ngumiti si Andoy

Sergio Bumatay III's entries to the 2013 Alcala Prize were served in a platter. Literally. The clay sculptures depicted a young Andres Bonifacio and his Katipunero days. To me, his art works communicated dedication to the craft; taking risk and trying out something new. It worked on the concept of a talking sculpture. Impressive!

Filipino Librarian: Maria Cecilia Ingusan Ayson

The blog's Ms. April is Maria Cecilia Ingusan Ayson of the Filipinas Heritage Library. She graduated BLIS in UP Diliman and is currently pursuing MLIS in the same university.

She will be traveling to San Diego, USA to receive the "Diane K. Foster International Student Travel Award 2013" sponsored by Science-Technology Division & Special Libraries Association (SLA) - Asian Chapter. This award will be presented at the SLA Annual Conference on 9-11 June 2013.

a. What's your lib story? Describe how you made the choice of majoring in LIS and what was college life like for you as a LIS major. You can cite challenging stories and success stories while studying the course.

To be honest, my becoming a LIS major in UP Diliman was quite accidental.  It took me a while to discover LIS as I was originally an English major, then I shifted to Business Administration, until I found myself taking a career guidance exam.  The results said that I should consider a career in LIS, among other fields (which I really can't remember by now).  I felt that being a Librarian suited me since I'm an introvert (very stereotypical, I know), but I also thought it was a logical choice since it was based on a scientific test and so I pursued it.

I found college life more enjoyable as a LIS major than in my previous college courses. Since the UP Institute of Library and Information Science (UP ILIS) was a very small unit (compared to the other colleges in UP Diliman), the atmosphere was very friendly and homey.  I found new friends and many students like me who somehow had a second lease on college life--a chance I took full advantage of.  It was in LIS where I became a University Scholar (which I previously thought I wouldn't be able to achieve). Having a clean slate, I was inspired to excel in my studies once again.

b. What has been the greatest challenge you've faced so far as a licensed and working librarian? Why do you say it's a challenge?

Being in a corporate environment, the greatest challenge for me was the constant need to emphasize the importance of the library and the amount of work involved, especially the work behind the scenes because not many people are aware or appreciative of that. Also, there is always the need to challenge the librarian stereotype.

Our library also has a lean staff so multitasking is a challenge. I do all sorts of library work, from Technical Services to Reference Service, and many others, including handling of some special projects of the library. It’s a challenge to be able to perform and accomplish all those tasks but fulfilling as well because I’m able to learn a lot along the way.

c. What is your area of expertise in LIS?

In the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL) I perform various library tasks but the major ones are Selection & Acquisition, Cataloging & Classification, and Reference Service.  I also have some background and experience on Archives, particularly on paper conservation.  I could also handle basic website administration, particularly content management tasks. 

d. What do you think are the requirements and preparations necessary for becoming a LIS professional?

Apart from formal LIS education, a LIS professional should also have the following skills/traits: attention to detail, eagerness to read and learn, interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge management skills, adaptability to new technologies, and willingness to serve. Being a bookworm is also good because it means you are exposed to the literary universe and could recommend a lot of good reads or share bits of information to library users.
 
e. What rewards have you reaped from being a LIS professional?

Intangible rewards I get from being a LIS professional include unlimited access to a wide range of interesting books and materials, and discovery of random bits of information and knowledge that I encounter while helping clients find the information they need. Also priceless is the appreciation from the library users I was able to help.  I was also exposed to communities in the provinces through one of our special projects, the OurLibrary project, wherein we travel to different areas in the country to help develop community libraries.

Various opportunities also came my way… I was able to speak in conferences organized by professional library associations, worked with interesting personalities (including celebrities) for special projects, and in a couple of months, I will be able to attend an international conference due to a grant sponsored by an international library association.

The NLP's 2nd Summer Workshop for Kids

Posting this info on the 2nd Summer Workshop for Kids of the National Library of the Philippines.

The National Library of the Philippines- Children's Section, will hold the 2^nd “Summer Workshop for Kids” on April 25-26, 2013 from 9:00am- 4:00pm at the NIDO SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER (NSDC), SM MOA which aims to promote reading and love for books to children through storytelling and puppetry.

The NLP invites children ages 6-12 years old. Each participant shall be charged a registration fee of Two Thousand Pesos (Php 2,000.00) to defray the expenses for 2 lunches, snacks and materials needed. The fee is inclusive of gallery tour at NSDC and a Planetarium Show. Proceeds of the activity will be used in the renovation/acquire materials that will be use by our readers.

For further inquiries:
 please contact us at 3105033 / 5281972 or 3105035 loc 207-210; 09178718225;
 e-mail: childrenslibrary@nlp.gov.ph
 you may visit our website http://web.nlp.gov.ph

Skw program from Zarah Gagatiga

Looking for Andoy: Francin Cruz's Rendition for Ngumiti si Andoy

 The 2013 Alcala Prize winners have been announced! Congratulations to Dominc Agsaway for bagging first place! Honorable mention goes to Serj Bumatay III and Francin Cruz. Visit the PBBY website for the complete details of this year's Alcala awardees.

For the next three days, I'll post the winning illustrations of the three illustrators and provide annotations.

Let me begin by Francin Cruz's entry. She rendered an illustration of Andoy as very human by showing him with his father, a tailor by trade. She drew Andoy working in a printing press. This image fascinated me. Instead of the bolo or itak, Andoy is shown holding a quill, writing. Her last illustration is my favorite among the three. At the center is Andoy, selling abaniko and baston. We are familiar with this image. Our textbooks told us that Andoy peddled fans and walking canes. But, look at the mischievous glance Andoy has for the mestiza on his right. Typical teenager!

What thoughts Andoy had while writing on the poster?

Andoy with his father. I wonder what tales and stories his father weaved as the young Andoy listened.

See the look in Andoy's face. He had his eyes on the girl who just walked by. Selling fans and walking canes isn't that bad.

Congrats once more to Francin Cruz. I thank you for revealing to me a romantic side of the revolutionary hero!

From RAP Prezi to PBBY Chair

I got this email from Prof. Melissa Orencia, current President of the Reading Association of the Philippines.

Dear Zarah,

Greetings from the Reading Association of the Philippines!  

We would like to ask your assistance to provide us with a list of "must-read" tradebooks for Filipino children from K-12 both local and international. We would like to recommend these to public and privates schools that are setting up libraries. 

I whipped up a list of around twenty titles. I hope to send some more titles to her this month. Below is the recommended titles I put together for her request.

Recommended booksfork 12-1 from Zarah Gagatiga

    

Library Giveaways: Easter Baskets

Before: box, Easter Egg biscuits, chocolate eggs and pipe cleaners

After: Easter Basket! TA-DAH!

The Easter Baskets are ready to be given away! Who is the lucky library borrower who will get this Easter Basket?

PASLI Summer Conference 2013

Pasli program-2013-updated-jan-25 from Zarah Gagatiga