Review of Related Literature: Aklatan Ko'y Kanlungan

 I am leading a panel/round table discussion in June - a month away. The topics that are up for discussion are safe spaces; inclusion and diversity; multicultural programming in school library and children's library services. Setting the tone of the panel is crucial so I am gathering articles, resources and materials.

My guiding questions are:

1.       What is safe space; inclusion and diversity?

2.       How are the concepts of safe space, inclusion and diversity present and applied in the school library and in children’s library services?

3.       What are evidences of safe space, inclusion and diversity in libraries – in general?

4.       What is the “ideal” safe space for children?

5.       How can libraries create, manage and sustain a library collection that is inclusive and diverse?

My keywords are: school libraries; children's library services; safe space; inclusion and diversity; school library programming. I use Wakelet to dump articles I browed through online. After three days, I go back to Wakelet and read - in depth and more deliberate. I begin to take notes.

This is what my Wakelet looks like:

When I realized that what Chat GPT can do, I can do better.

 I asked for references and sources from AI Smith.

“As an AI language model, I do not have access to specific databases or sources since I am designed to provide general information based on my training data. However, some sources that I can suggest for conducting research on the topic of gender fluidity in the songs and music videos of BTS are:

- Academic databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar

- Research publications and journals in fields such as Gender Studies, Musicology, and Cultural Studies

- News and media outlets that cover K-pop and BTS, such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Koreaboo

- BTS fan communities and forums, such as Reddit's r/Bangtan and BTS-related Twitter hashtags and accounts.

These sources can provide valuable information and insights into the topic of gender fluidity in BTS's music and performances, as well as the broader cultural and social contexts surrounding it. However, it is important to critically evaluate and verify any information found through these sources to ensure their credibility and reliability.

Hmm… what Chat GPT can do, I can do better.

Sadly, not every student and teacher know this. Librarians need to intensify library user education programming, Research Skills Instruction, Reference Services, Reading Guidance and Bibliotherapy.

Whoever said we don't need libraries and librarians in the age of AI?

Chat GPT 101 (2/2): On the Gender Fluidity and Neutrality of BTS per AI Smith

Here are some examples of research studies and articles that can provide insights into the topic:

- "Queening in K-pop: Performance of Gender and Sexuality in Girl Groups and (select) Boy Groups." by Anabelle M. Gamson, Anita S. Bateman, and Joy K. Lo

- "Queering K-pop: Sexuality, Agency and the Acts of Blackpink and BTS" by Rowan Oliver-O'Neill

- "K-pop, Gender Performativity, and Authenticity: Ideological Contradictions and Neo-liberal Futures in South Korea's Creative Industries" by Jinnie Y. Kim

- "BTS and the Performance of Masculinity in South Korea's Idol Industry" by Crystal S. Anderson

- "Queering BTS: The Performance of Masculinity and the (Un)necessary Fictions of Western Media Representation" by Joshua Chambers-Letson

These studies explore the various ways BTS's music videos, lyrics, and performances reflect gender and sexuality, challenge gender norms, and promote fluidity and diversity in representation.

Chat GPT 101 (1/2)

Trying out and testing Chat GPT alongside my attendance to an AI and Chat GPT Webinar by Steve Hargadon of Library 2.0.

I get asked often: Are BTS members gay?

I say: Their works show gender neutrality and gender fluidity.

And AI Smith gave me this when I asked.

“As an AI language model, I cannot browse the internet like humans, I can only present some examples of research titles that could relate to gender fluidity in the songs and music videos of BTS:

1. Exploring the Representation of Gender Fluidity in BTS Music Videos

2. The Performance of Gender Fluidity in BTS’ “Boy in Luv”

3. Queering K-pop: Analyzing Gender Fluidity in BTS’ Music Video “Blood Sweat & Tears”

4. Gender Bend It like BTS: An Analysis of Gender Fluidity and Performative Masculinity in Korean Pop Music

5. The Incorporation of Gender Fluidity in BTS’ Lyrics and Music Videos

6. Gender Fluidity and the Male Gaze in BTS’ “I Need U” Music Video

7. Beyond the Binary: An Analysis of Gender Fluidity in the Music Videos of BTS.”

1/2

From the PBBY FB Page: UP Teacher Wins PBBY-Salanga Prize

The Write Attack: Essay Writing for Grade 5,6 & 7

This Essay Writing Workshop for grades 5,6 and 7 is an intensive two-day workshop that focuses on skills development and writing strategies. It makes use of Direct Instruction and the Gradual Release of Responsibility Method so that learners are guided and given agency in their own their learning. 

REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/WqXspeHqu1iFUfYu7

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Album Review: Indigo

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PASLI General Assembly and Seminar:

BTS ARMYs Meet Up at Los Banos, Laguna

We get a lot of eye rolling and snobbery from those who could not and will not understand. We carry on knowing that loving oneself is a superpower. ApoBangPo!

@djahjumma

One sunny Sunday in Los Baños, Laguna 💜😊💜

♬ FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

𝗥𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁: 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼n Reading Intervention 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

 

Kuwentong Bangtan: Serve well, Jung Hoseok!

When Bangtan was starting out in 2013, Hobi had the least number of fans; received very few fan mails; judged and ignored by media. His looks and aesthetics did not fit into the Kpop mould. But Big Hit, being Big Hit knows what to do and puts it faith on seven extremely talented misfits.

Jung Hoseok being one of the seven worked hard and persevered becoming ARMY’s Sunshine and Hope. As one of the three rappers in Bangtan, his brand of poetics and prosody shine through tough times, even questioning the status quo and instilling peace and harmony within the self. In his mix-tape, Hope World and the solo album Jack in the Box, Hoseok examines the listlessness of youth, the struggle for independence and finally, the constant introspection and weighing in of the goodness and the evil that reside in the human heart.

(Yes powz. Hindi lang powz pa-eme-eme ang Bangtan)

His recent single, On the Street is a collaborative work with respected hiphop artist JCole. The song is many things. The layers of meaning can be peeled like an onion. One thing I truly love about On the Street is the allusion to a deep spirituality. Humans as we all are, we are capable of achieving divinity. This is a a message found in many of Bangtan’s songs.

(Yes powz. Hindi lang powz pa-eme-eme ang Bangtan)

And now, Hobi, Jhope, our Sunshine will begin military service leaving us with a song of faith, love and yes, Hope.

“Even my walk was made of your love and your faith.

As always for us!”

Serve well, Jung Hoseok! We love you!

April 15 is World Art Day (UNESCO)

@djahjumma It’s World Art Day and this happened! Congrats Ang INK! #AngINK #artheals #IllustratorsPH ♬ Heart Drawing Fusion (Full Size) - SOUND BANK

Slide deck: What Makes A Good Picture Book?

 

What makes a good picture book? by zarah gagatiga

Well, SLIA is already of legal age!

This is my first blog post back in 2005.

It's been 18 years and I see no sign of ceasing from blogging.

WOW. We survived a pandemic... and more!

I ask myself these questions:

1. What have I learned?

2. What have I sown and reaped?

3. How has the blog evolved in light of the technological trends and changes?

4. How did blogging change me?

5. Where do I go from here?

Ahaha. 

Am I having an existential crisis?

Ang INK Panel 2023: What Makes A Good Picture Book?

 

Ang INK will be having another group/organization exhibit and part of the event is a panel that discuss picture books. They have invited four industry thought leaders in the panel and it is an honor to be a part of it. It will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 3PM at the UP Fine Arts. 

For this purpose, the Inkies sent guide questions ahead of time. 

1. What is your favorite picture book? It can be foreign or local. Share why you think it is the best. 

2. What is your definition of a good picture book? 

3. What is NOT a good picture book?

I am assigned to answer more questions as a school librarian. Such questions excite me because, there are so many trends and movements in Children's Literature these days. Ang INK is one group I am excited to share my ideas and opinions with. 

For starters, here are some of  my thoughts:

* A picture book is a visual art. Consider the pages of a book as a canvas in sequence. It moves and it can be moved both by the creators and the reader/viewer. The intended reader for this matter, is the child. A well crafted picture book becomes the child's experience in appreciating a visual art. The picture book is an art experience or aesthetics. I think it is also important to ask, if the creators' intended audience is the child, how then can they communicate art and aesthetics to this specific audience? Now here is an amazing thing, even adults find joy in reading picture books.

* My response to definition of GOOD and NOT GOOD would be the question: who gives value to the picture book, especially if this is considered as a visual art?

* Primarily so, it is important to use the principles and foundations in the visual art or visual literature as criteria, guide or a standard when creating and evaluating picture books, vis-a-vis, the reader's intent and context.

* While there are principles of visual literature, as guide in selecting, reviewing and acquiring picture books, we need to expose our children and ourselves to different kinds of picture books.

These are all for now. I am putting them up here so I can remember. I hope to see you there, friends!  

Ang INK Asks: What makes a good picture book?

 

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Pandemic Poetry: Untitled

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Pandemic Poetry: Clay

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READiscover @theBALibrary: A Proposed Summer Reading Program

 The BA Library Bridging Program

Proposed Programs for Summer 2023

BRIDGING PROGRAM 1: READiscover at the BA Library

Informed by the results of the yearly research skills assessment of the BA Library among students from Grade 9 - 12 as well as observations, anecdotal and feedback of teachers during research skills instruction with the Teacher Librarian,  these proposals are presented for consideration and approval of the Academic Leadership Team.

TEACHER PROPONENT/S: Mrs. Zarah Gagatiga, Teacher Librarian (possible with LS, content area teachers in the Sciences and Humanities)

BRIDGING PROGRAM 1: READiscover at the BA Library

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: We often hear from teachers and mentors the merits and value derived and learned from reading. Researches and studies all through the ages have proven the benefits of reading for the holistic growth of the brain and the general well being. Formal instruction of reading skills is essential as well as the exposure to works of literature and a variety of media or non-literary texts that lead to independent learning. 

Adapting (and adopting) the American Library Association’s Young Adult Library Services’ Reading Without Walls Program, The BA Library’s READiscover is a four week reading program that immerses and engages the reader in the reading experience and expression of their responses to the literature of their choice. 

The program will specifically focuses on:

• Weeks 1-2:  Reading a book with a character who doesn't look or live like you.

• Week 2-4: Reading  a book about a topic you don't know much about.

• Week 4-6: Reading  a book in a format you don't normally read for fun.

• Week 6-8: Reading a book required of a subject in school

  

OBJECTIVE/S

The BA Library’s READiscover Program is aimed at fostering curiosity and sense of wonder; enhancing skills on introspection and self awareness; gathering of insights and taking note of these cognitive and affective sparks in a journal (print or digital).

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: No limit. Open to all BA students, faculty and non-academic staff, security and service crew and their dependents; Open to incoming grade 9 students and transferees; Open to students of BA’s partner schools.

MECHANICS:

For BA Students, Faculty and Staff, Incoming Students, Transferees

1. Sign up in the Google Sheet to receive a READiscover Journal;

2. Read the Guidelines in the READiscover Journal; recommended list of books and resources (print or electronic) and watch the BA Library Access to OPAC video;

3. Borrow books and resources from the BA Library; 

4. Readers will earn a badge and a token in completion of the journal;

5. Dates of borrowing will be announced upon approval of the proposal;

• Borrowing Guidelines over the summer is subject to the approval of the proposal

For Security and Service crew and their dependents; and Students from Partner Schools*

1. Sign up in the Google Sheet to receive a READiscover Journal;

2. Read the Guidelines in the READiscover Journal; recommended list of books and resources (print or electronic) and watch the BA Library Access to OPAC video;

3. Borrow books and resources from the BA Library; 

4. Readers will earn a badge and a token in completion of the journal;

5. Dates of borrowing will be announced upon approval of the proposal;

• Borrowing Guidelines over the summer is subject to the approval of the proposal

* A MOU may be needed between BA and the partner schools; an agreement on use and accountability of borrowed library materials may be needed for Service Crew and Security.

LOGISTICS/ DATE/ SCHEDULE: Kickoff and campaign on May 2023; Summer 2023 - four - five weeks

End of May - Sign up and borrowing begins

1st Week of June - Borrowing of library materials for the entire summer

2nd Week of June till 4th Week of July - READiscover is on!

1st Week of August - Returning of borrowed books from the BA Library

BA Library Staff: Flynn Felix

We are also open for volunteers from students under CAS and Community Service.

Book Review: Letters to a Young Poet

 

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