Post MIBF Insights on Forum & Talks

We need more librarians!

My attendance and participation in last week's MIBF is the most insightful yet. Here are my insights in random as I look back at the forum, conference and workshops I took part in.

At the ASEAN 2015 Integration Forum

In classic Lourdes David fashion, a complex topic such as the ASEAN 2015 was pared down to its most substantial content. The convergence of countries in South East Asia is a move towards globalization and internationalization, where knowledge is the base of the economy. Librarians are, therefore, necessary to keep this knowledge base economy, strong, thriving and healthy. This would imply a sturdy research management system, well funded educational programs and a paradigm that welcomes collaboration from all participating countries of South East Asia.

Librarians are living in very challenging times, indeed!

As my response, I can begin by assessing the programs and services I plan, implement and evaluate in the school library where I work in. Our curriculum is internationally K-12 compliant, so that would make the library a viable support system towards the attainment of curricular goals. How is the school library supporting this international K-12 curriculum?

The invitation to continuously grow and develop is very much open in the ASEAN 2015 convergence. A graduate degree and doctoral degree are of great advantage to further one's professional agenda. Librarians need to direct their own paths of learning based on international standards. Having said this, Filipino librarians need to look at how they are learning; where they get their learning from; and how they use learned skills and concepts.

Start 'em young on copyright!

Copyright and Repro Conference

Oh dear.

I left the conference with more questions than answers.

I do recognize that copyright and intellectual property rights are important, especially in a knowledge base economy. But these two carry on socio-cultural issues as well that would take time to resolve and conquer. How can copyright enforcement be made consistently possible when our research management system is utterly weak? And then there is that question on reading. Do Filipinos read. Filipinos do read. We read romance books. A lot. So, what kind of knowledge producers are we?

I find myself lamenting once again on the lack of support for library development in the country.

As a school librarian, I will support the school's Academic Honesty policy and strengthen ties with teachers in the instruction and teaching of Information Literacy Skills. But when students actually apply themselves in the bigger world, what structures are in place to continue this on?

Writing Workshop: Lampara Books Children's Writing Workshop

I enjoyed this workshop, because, I learned a lot from my co-speakers.

Prof. Rolly Dela Cruz's lecture on the historical and cultural profile of children's literature in the country was enlightening. His presentation on literary theory of Aristotle, Horace and Longinus are thoughts to slowly nibble on. Stuff to reflect on in little chunks. Prof. Eugene Evasco came next. He talked about Filipino picture books and how the structure of story is illuminated in the marriage of text and pictures. Then, I was next. I offered tips and strategies on how one can start writing; where to get stories from; and use a set of "values" in one's enjoyment and judgment of children's literature.

One participant was inspired to sketch "us".

A week after the MIBF, all I can say is this: perhaps the age of seeking magic in Philippine Children's Literature will always be pursued, but it is about time when we, book creators, teachers, librarians, parents seek truth through and create truth seeking through literature.