Filipino Librarian of the Month: Jessica Castro-Cristobal

Our featured Filipino Librarian this month is vlogger Jessica Castro-Cristobal. In this interview, Jessica shares with us her vlogging journey as well as tips for those who wish to start vlogging. 

1. Why vlogging?

I was inspired by celebrity Youtube content creators like Toni Gonzaga and Bianca Gonzales who film such motivational vlogs or videos. It’s funny how this pandemic made me decide to set up my own YouTube channel when in fact, I’m not a fan of it until quarantine happened.

And just to share, I chose LIS (Library and Information Science) Campaign as my pilot content so I can finally turn my MLIS (masters) thesis into a reality! This milestone is a blessing to me as I now found my comfortable platform to freely express myself and introduce BLIS Program and Profession! 

2. What are your gains and losses in vlogging?

I consider myself a “Wallflower” Librarian who would rarely attend librarians’ conventions and any professional gatherings, and who would usually distance herself from the crowd and actively avoid being in the limelight. In vlogging, I believe, I’m slowly losing that anxiety, or I must say, “finally got rid of it” and now, surprisingly, I gained my confidence in getting along with fellow library professionals. Aside from being grateful for the new faces I have met, I am also thankful for those new learned perspectives in librarianship from each episode’s guest.

3. So far, how has vlogging led you to an insight or a discovery of the profession?

Well, who could have thought that a librarian can also become a Vlogger?

In my 24 uploads, I have proven that Librarians speak and act from the heart. Without the presence of Librarian and BLIS (Bachelor of Library and Information Science) Student guests, every content would have not been such an inspiring story, a story not only about Library Science journey, but indeed unique life stories. This vlogging advocacy has also lead me to a discovery of the profession in a way that becoming a Librarian is “ A Blessing in Disguise”, “A Gift”, “For All”, “An Advocacy”, “A Redemption”, and “A Bread and Butter”.

4. Please share with us, some tips for others who want to begin vlogging.

Since this question falls #4, I have 4 tips to share for others (librarians or not, BLIS students or not) who want to begin vlogging.

1. You must be OPEN to show to the public your stories, your real personalities, you, YOURSELF. 

2. You must KNOW your content. Create a content that aims to inspire people, not just to gain more followers, views, likes, or simply a desire to monetize your channel.

3. You must FEEL comfortable. It’s okay to feel ashamed at first, that’s normal. What important is as you go along, you get to easy learn speaking in front of your own camera.

4. You must NOT require yourself to buy hi-tech gadgets or equipment, a smartphone and monopod will actually do, in the beginning. 😊

You can view Jessica's YouTube channel   for news, features and updates about Filipino Librarians in the time of the pandemic. She is also on Instagram as @justjess_1023 and on Facebook as The Vlogging Librarian.

Learn from Home Episode 3: Learning From Home with Luigi

 Learn From Home is a program of  YGoal. The aim of the program is to support parents, guardians, and those who take on a “parental” role on how learning can be facilitated efficiently at home especially in the modification of the delivery of education in this time of unprecedented change. 

Our guest for this episode is Ms. Rhodora Espiritu Valdez. She is a professional licensed librarian, working mom and solo parent to Luigi. Luigi is 10 years old and he has autism. In this interview, Mommy Dang shares with us her parenting adventures in the time of the pandemic. How did Mommy Dang manage the many responsibilities on her plate? How is she teaching Luigi at home? What discoveries has she made about herself in the process?

Let’s listen to Mommy Dang!

That was an insightful and inspiring interview with many takeaways.

1. It is important to acknowledge the feelings and emotions of our children.

2. Validating and affirming accomplishments big and small builds the confidence of the child.

3. A recognition of the child’s love language can lead to trust.

4. Our trust for each other will always keep the lines of communication open.

5. Remember to COACH

1. Commitment - stay committed to the role and responsibility of being a parent

2. Open Mindedness - bear in mind that we can learn from our children too and that the possibilities of learning together is endless

3. Always be there - presence matters a lot. This can be shown through guidance and mentoring

4. Care and support  your children in their chosen endeavors

5. Have a lot of patience!

And now we end this season of Learn from Home. We hope to see you in the Parents’ Hour on December 19, 2020! 

Vlog: Blogging Tips 2020 (2 of 2)

Vlog: Blogging Tips 2020 (1 of 2)

I was asked to give blogging tips for teachers and librarians in a conference in Palawan. This is for the DepEd Regional training on literacy and the management of their Learning Management System. Here is part 1 of my tips for blogging.

Books. Technology. And, Design Thinking!

Since my summer began in early June, I have been to several round table discussions and meet-ups with friends in the education sector and in the book industry. Our topics of conversation range from reading, to books, the creation of information and knowledge, ways to communicate these resources to them and the behavior we apply as we consume them. I discovered and validated three things.

One, technology unceasingly advances in an unbridled manner. Information is continuously exploding. Flooding us in and out of our thinking process. We find ourselves swimming against the current. Well, except for the generation Z, who seem to adapt perfectly well in the ebb and flow of the tides of information. Then again, it seems that they could not go deeper into the heart of the ocean, where more nutritious information and amazing knowledge rest. The digital divide widens between generations, as well as the tech haves and have nots. You have the technology to fish, then you get them. Hook, line and sinker.

Already, there are talks of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But, there I was talking to publisher friends at how diverse today's readers and users are and this diversity affect the choices of reading materials created and produced. Long ago, their model for book and knowledge distribution follows a linear path. Books go to bookstores, schools and libraries. With the web, wifi and the cloud, everything is out there like an eat-all-you can buffet.

That's number two. Librarians and publishers need to work together to offer reading materials that are programmed to help, assist, aid and inspire readers make informed choices. We also share the same sentiments in the creation and provision of access of books to our readers. A publisher friend is looking at strengthening their research and development unit to channel production and marketing to realistic gains. I am considering demand driven acquisition and one of the concerns I have is whether to subscribe to an ebook lending system. Like my publisher friend, I will turn to research to find answers.

So it never ends - thinking, and finding out solutions to problems. I need to go back and review the Design Thinking principles I learned from my Head of School back in 2014. Because, in Design Thinking, compassion, creativity and critical thinking all come into play when finding out solutions to problems.

Singapore Sunshine Day 4: IBAP Librarians Workshop Academic Honesty

On my fourth day in Singapore and the last day of the IBAP Workshop, we had the opportunity to have a round table discussion with Extended Essay (EE) Supervisors attending the IBAP EE Role of the Supervisor Workshop.It became a session of sharing of best practises and teaching techniques that work. I shared how, as a librarian, I would help students identify the keywords in their research question and use them as strategies in searching, locating, accessing and understanding information and its sources. The teachers found this an interesting technique. Happy to help! That’s why librarians are placed at the core of the Diploma Program (DP).

Concerns on time, academic work loads of students and self-management in the DP surfaced too. There is just too much content to handle in such a short time. While structures and mechanisms are in place, teachers are left tired and spent as much as their students. I am not alone then. The challenge of teaching is always the pressure to keep up or to be abreast with the way students learn and live. Teachers grow old, but their students are always young.

Another interesting session on the last day of the workshop was the session on Academic Honesty. My workshop leader had us do practical activities to teach the skills. We also had a group presentation that simulated a 10 minute presentation to teachers about Academic Honesty. We ended the day with the  writing of our action plans.

Participants of the IBAP Librarians Workshop in Singapore

I appreciate attending this IBAP Librarians Workshop as it gave me a clearer direction to set new goals for the library. I went home with an action plan and with a readiness to face the changes necessary to update and upgrade our library services and programs.

Singapore Sunshine Day 2: IBAP Librarians Workshop 1

The first day of the International Baccalaureate Asia Pacific (IBAP) Librarians Workshop kicked off yesterday. This workshop is one of the many IB workshops happening simultaneously at the Canadian International School in Jurong, Singapore. There are 800 delegates from IB schools all over the world. In the librarians workshop, we are only 16 people and our workshop leader.

Day 1 was spent with knowing the fundamental IB terms, concepts and approaches to teaching and learning. The highlight of the day was a trip to the Jurong Regional Public Library. One of my takeaways in the workshop is this sentence I read in one of the IB documents, Knowledge will lead to caring and caring will lead to action (Davy, 2005). It sums up the holistic philosophy in teaching and the experiential benefits of constructive learning.

Another important concept that struck me is "international mindedness". I have heard this before from our academic coordinators, but it was only in the workshop where in I had a clear view of it. It helped that I had group mates to discuss this concept. At the end of the activity, we were asked to define it as we understood it. We said that, International mindedness involves multicultural thinking patterns where in a person perceives himself/herself as a global citizen.

The field trip in Jurong Regional Library was an enjoyable one for me because, I saw many literacy programs for kids and teens being implemented by the library staff. Clearly, the library is a community center because the programs involve parents in the reading development of their kids as well as people from different demographics in Jurong. Outside the book depository, a mother and her child were returning books while a younger child looks on. In the Young Adult section, there is a CHILLAX Zone, a stage for performances, an exhibit area and bulletin boards and display areas for teens to post their book reviews. In the magazine section, the elderly read quietly while few listen to audio books. While the availability of non-fiction books is not very visible, the library has a strong belief in community involvement and literacy development.

How I wish all our public libraries in the Philippines are like this. But, we have to deal with what life has to offer. And it's like dancing the cha-cha.

There are many challenges for Filipino Librarians to make the library system a sturdy one. With the rise of many non-government organizations and local government units with successful barangay and city libraries, perhaps the leaders in the public library system in the country can share these stories especially to schools and learning communities. This month is Public Library Awareness Month. How apt is this visit to Jurong and these ideas, thoughts coming into mind. On a positive note, I will do what I can and live life, one day at a time.

Singapore Sunshine

I flew in Singapore this morning along with three colleagues from the Beacon Academy. We are here for four days to attend the International Baccalaureate Asia Pacific (IBAP) Workshop at the Canadian International School. I will attend the librarians workshop while my three colleagues will attend their respective teachers sessions.

This is my second time in Singapore. I was here back in 2002 for the Storytelling Congress.

That experience was life changing. It was then that I realised the difference between reading aloud and storytelling. And so, while preparing for the trip a few weeks before the flight, I got in touch with Sheila Wee of the Storytellers Association Singapore (SAS) to touch base with her. She has been very active in the storytelling movement here and was a mover during the early years of the SAS.

Sadly, the meet-up didn’t push through. But Sheile made sure, I will be taken good care of . So she encouraged Swee Yean and Panna Kantilal to meet me for dinner instead. 

We did. It was like meeting old friends when in fact, it was my first time to personally meet Swee and meet Panna after seventeen long years! This is how things go with storytellers. More on the details of our conversation in upcoming posts.

Needless to say, this state city with its stringent rules, welcomed me once more with smiles and sunshine!

Pilgrim's Pit Stop: On the Journey to Midlife

One Saturday I was at the clinic of my primary care doctor. I was there so she could help me read the results of my blood chemistry (plan 12) and hematology. This reading helped me understand new terminology and words pertaining to my health in general. I was fascinated at the way my doctor read the results to me. Explaining every acronym such as SGPT, SGOT, BUN and what it indicates per reference value. Telling me about all the “philes” in my blood cells, what each of them mean and their difference with the “cytes”, the implications if results go over and beyond their value. It was a very informative and helpful session. I will never look at a blood cell the same way again.

Why I only learned about this now, I thought? The biology and health education I had back in the day didn’t sound this interesting. Aha. The folly of youth. If not for my mini-stroke two years ago, I would not pay attention to my changing body. Indeed, life is a bundle of experiences that needs to be unpacked, sorted and to make connections to new ones. Unknowingly sometimes, life experiences allow us to take random mental notes on imaginary posts its to be retrieved when the situation calls for it. And here, at the other side of the spectrum, I find myself being grateful for the benefits of ageing and growing old.

Long and short of it, the result of my blood test gave me reason to celebrate. Images of another cheat meal crossed my mind. Banana pancakes with a generous helping of maple syrup and whipped butter. Yummy. However, before I could run to the nearest branch of Pancake House, my doctor reminded me to drink plenty of water, take longer walks, spend more time in the sun, have enough sleep, 6-8 hours when possible, continue keeping a record of meals taken in a day and to keep smiling. Lastly, she gave me a list of medical specialists to see. Optlhalmologist. Cardiologist. Gynecologist. And my dear Neurologist. Sigh. The GIST saga continues. There goes my cheat meal ideas out the window. Salamat po, doktora!

Seriously, I have been thanking God for answered prayers. One of which is the provision for medical access with doctors who truly care for their patients. For two years now, I have seen doctors who dispense and prescribe medicines with utmost care, taking into consideration my medical history first of all. The other month, the dermatologist told me to anticipate changes in hormones as I age. The eye doctor I paid a visit to last week sensed my anxiety when he mentioned the need to use progressive lenses. He calmly said, Lahat tayo darating sa ganyang pagbabago sa buhay. He smiled and added, You are not alone. How comforting.

At that instance, I acknowledge God’s presence in my life. He is in all things and in all beings. I only need to humbly seek Him and ask Him for graces. He is all I need. He is enough.  

Pinoy Kuwentista: Melanie “Melai” Abad-Ramirez

Melai has found her center in storytelling!

The blog's Pinoy Kuwentista is Ms. Melanie "Melai" Ramirez. She is the section head of the Children's Library Services of the National Library of the Philippines. As a storyteller, Melai has told stories and performed in Bangkok, Singapore and Germany in conferences and festivals there. Get to know more of her storytelling journey in this blog interview.

Kailan at paano mo nalaman na isa kang storyteller?

Nagsimula ang propesyon ko bilang storyteller/kuwentista noon ika - 23 ng Abril 2005 sa Pambansang Aklatan ng Pilipinas na kung saan nagkaroon ng isang pagsasanay sa pagkukuwento ng isang grupo ng mga kuwentista at ito ay ang “Alitaptap Storyteller’s Philippines” na pinapamunuan ni Sir Manolo Silayan, isang batikang Kuwentista na sya naging mentor ko sa pagsasanay. Dahil dito ako ay naging miyembro ng grupo na ito. Nagsasanay at isinasalang sa mga aktibidades ng grupo na ito. Noong itinatag ang Children’s Section ng Pambansang Aklatan ng Pilipinas na kung saan ako ang librarian, ito ay naging daan para ipakita ang aking natutunan sa pagkukuwento at naging trabaho ko na ang magpasaya sa mga bata sa pamamagitan ng pagkukuwento.

Ano ang paborito mong ikuwento at bakit?

Ang paborito kong ikuwento ay ang ARAW SA PALENGKE na isinulat ni May Tobias Papa. Nasabi kong paborito ko ito dahil sa kuwentong ito nagamit ko ang mga natutunan ko sa Alitaptap Storyteller’s Philippines na pinamumunuan ni Sir Manolo Silayan. Itong kuwento na ito ang aking ginamit para mapasali ako sa Contest na Read Along ng Philippine Daily Inquirer na napasama sa finalist. Ito rin ang naging daan para makilala ko ang sumulat ng kuwentong ito. Ang “Araw sa Palengke” ang kauna unahang kinuwento ko na nilapatan ko ng orihinal na istilo sa pagkukuwento gaya ng mga salitang “Suki Suki Bili na Kayo” na may aksyon at mga salitang nakakaaliw sa mga bata.

Magbigay ka ng isang karanasan sa pagkukuwento na hindi mo makakalimutan?

Isa sa mga karanasan ko na di ko makakalimutan sa pagkukuwento ay noong inanyayahan ako na magkuwento sa mga batang may sakit na Kanser sa Philippine General Hospital (PGH) sa araw ng aking kaarawan. Ang nais ko ay mapasaya sila sa pamamagitan ng pagkukuwento ko at maibsan ang kanilang nararamdaman na sakit habang sila ay ginagamot. Ako ay nagulat na lahat sila ay may ngiti sa labi at humahalakhak habang nakikinig. Pagkatapos ko magkuwento sila naman ang naghandog ng regalo sa akin kinantahan nila ako na may Cake at Kandila para hipan ko, at niyakap para magpasalamat sa mga sandaling iyon na napasaya ko sila. Abot abot ang aking saya sa ginawa nilang pagbati sa akin.

Melai in action. At a storytelling event in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ano ang maibibigay mong “tip” o payo paransa kuwentistang nagsisimula pa lamang?

Ang dapat lang tatandaan ng mga kuwentistang nagsisimula pa sa larangan ng pagkukuwento ay isa PUSO at may PASYON sa pagkukuwento. Maging Interactive at Enthusiastic sa mga bata at higit sa lahat mahaba ang PASENSYA sa mga nakikinig.

Melai's activities in storytelling can be read through her Facebook account. Check Kwentista Ramirez and discover the many services and programs she help conduct in the National Library of the Philippines.

Library Orientation 2018: On Students' Library Experiences

Because our themes for this year are EMPATHY, INCLUSION and DIVERSITY, the library orientation I prepared for my students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 focused on their library experiences, past, present and the future. 

For grade 9, since they are new students coming in the Academy, I asked them of their ideas and concepts on what a library is. This is an assessment activity as well as a way of connecting what they know to the current library programs and services we have in the Academy. This was followed by the basic library protocols and guidelines. Circulation services, use of the Online Public Access Catalog, points of access when using the library's online databases and essential agreements in the library. These were all introduced to the new students but will be taken up in-depth in the subject and content areas through library sessions.

The grade 10s looked back at their library experiences from grade 9. Since they will be starting the year with their Personal Project (PP), I gave them a session on the use of our online subscriptions and how it can be of value to their research. It is an introductory session too, since the PP Coordinator and I have identified contact points and engagement activities focusing on research in the coming months.

The grade 11s had a Library Bingo that is very similar to a Library Scavenger Hunt. This is to prepare them for the library session scheduled for them during Foundation Week (more on that in a separate blog). Closing the morning run of orientations, I presented the Reading Without Walls campaign to the grade 12s as well as possible library projects where they can participate in earning them Community, Action and Services hours.

The grade12s will soon leave the Academy to pursue their academic careers. Out there, they will experience libraries that are embedded in the system of community building and knowledge creation. Here's hoping that their last year with me as their Teacher Librarian will be an insightful and fruitful year of inquiry, research and sharing one's time and skills for literacy development.

Filipino Librarian of the Month: Arvin Delen of the DepED Oriental Mindoro

Arvin Delen holding a copy of A Tale of Two Dreams

The blog's Filipino Librarian of the month is Mr. Arvin Delen.

Mr. Delen is 27 years old from Leuteboro II, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro. He finished elementary education at Leuteboro Elementary School in 2003 and secondary school at Leuteboro National High School in 2007. He graduated from the Philippine Normal University (PNU) Manila as scholar (Trinidad M. Albarracin Scholarship) with the degree of Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) last March 21, 2012. He took Librarian Licensure Examination last November 3-4, 2012 and Licensure Examination for Teacher last September 25, 2016. His first job was in Don Bosco Technical College as High School Librarian for almost a year.

He met a vehicular accident in  2013 thus, he stayed at home for almost 2 years. Once fully recuperated, he applied to the DepEd Division of Oriental Mindoro as Librarian II, where he is serving as Division Librarian up to the present.

1. As a Division Librarian in the DepEd, enlighten us on the nature of your work and community involvement in Oriental Mindoro. 

As Division Librarian, one of my tasks is to manage, maintain and monitor uploaded catalogue of materials in the LRMDS Portal. The LRMDS Portal is a web based catalogue and repository of learning, teaching and professional development resources. It functions as a clearinghouse. That is, it provides information about the location of resources (hardcopy and soft copy) and allows users of the system to access directly digitized versions of resources that are published and stored within the LR Portal repository. But, this portal is still in the process of upgrading the system and as Librarian, I only provide technical assistance and identify the needs of the division Library Hubs and Learning Resource Centers.

2. What has been the most challenging experience you had, so far? How did you overcome the challenge? 

The most challenging experience I had was my accident last June 6, 2013. I overcome the challenge by praying and believing that everything happens for a reason and (that) I can survive.

When it comes to my job right now, the most challenging part was the acceptance of the culture shock I experienced during my first year in working here in DepEd. I overcome this by simply being me and to get along with everyone. And also, being happy and loving my work. I pray always.

With Arvin Delen (L) and Karol Manalaysay (R), Alice Panares and Bernadette Solina-Wolf
Standing are public teachers of Oriental Mindoro 

3. As a Division Librarian, how are you helping the Indigenous Peoples (IP) in Mindoro? 

As a division Librarian, I am helping our IPs here in Mindoro by visiting and knowing their needs when it comes to reading materials. It is very challenging for me because sometimes there is no allotted budget for them for their reading materials. I have to be very versatile and ask for help from other stakeholders and other institutions which can give support for them.

4. Why Library and Information Science (LIS)? 

Library and Information Science for me is a God’s will. It is His profession for me. This profession helped me to flourish as an individual. It is very important because libraries provide scientific services and fullfil social needs. It is essential in our society because human skills can be developed without any formalized training for some. Moreover, LIS is vitally important for development. Therefore, librarians, libraries, and library associations, as well as information systems, all play a role in fostering creativity, innovation, and dealing with people's needs and expectations.

Thank you and God bless!!! ☺

Librarian Authors at the 9th PILF

And so it came to pass. 

The 9th Philippine International Literary Festival commenced last Apri 19 and ended on April 20, 2018. Held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, AUTHORities, was well attended by Filipinos from all walks of life and from different members of the book industry. From tne literati to the academics, teachers to students, aspiring authors and veterans, art enthusiasts to the curious, book nerds and gamers, the Natioal Book Development Board and the Cultural Center of the Philippines deserved praise and congratulations. It was no mean feat! A fitting celebration to Buwan ng Panitikan.

As for me, it was one memorable literary event because, as a librarian I was there to present a book project with friends, Darrel Marco and MJ Cagumbay Tumamac. I also ran a workshop on storytelling at the Little Theatre. That’s a first for me and a tick of my bucket list.

There were interesting coversations about book history after our panel presentation especially from the wonderful ladies at Ilaw ng Tahanan Books. Dr. Ina Castro, Vice President of the Nutrition Center of the Philippines came to support us too. Librarian friends, Audrey Anday and Ann Grace Bansig, had fun attending talks and watched a movie at the Festival. But most of all, they were present at our panel to cheer us on.

I hope that we have inspired more librarians to write, not just books about Library and Information Science, but also explore allied topics and subject related to the discipline. 

Filipino Librarian of the Month: Melissa Odono Naval

The blog's Filipino Librarian of the Month is Melissa Odono Naval, school librarian at Southville International School and Colleges. Known among peers and friends in Southville as Ms. Mel, she is a very colorful personality in the community and has earned the school's admiration and respect because of her dedication towards her work. She was second place in the recently concluded Search for Outstanding Librarian in the Consortium of the South.

How did you become a school librarian?

Staying in the library as a custodian or a full-time librarian did not cross my mind more so becoming a licensed one.

Yes, I have not asked myself what made me stay in the library for more than 10 years. If I am into superstitions, I would say it is my good luck staying in the library but unfortunately, I strongly believe that it is really God's plan that he put me in the field of librarianship for a greater purpose.
Let me share with you my short story.

This happened when our librarian in my previous work resigned and there was no one to stay or take care of our library then.  As tradition dictates, books were returned at the end of the academic year, clearing of teachers' accountabilities by the assigned librarian.  Since no one would do that anymore, books returned were placed anywhere in the library.  My heart felt bad seeing books scattered anywhere.  Without any knowledge, nor skills, I volunteered to our principal to fix the returned books while teaching, monitoring and mentoring faculty in the department. Even during that time, there was really a scarcity of licensed librarian and not one has applied yet for the position.

Lack of knowledge or lack of skills did not stop me to help and serve.  A great opportunity came when a PAASCU accreditor recommended that, at least, someone who has units in the field could man the library.

I embraced this new challenge and took units after finishing my Master's in Filipino. At that time  I was already in paper writing. I saw the urgency and weighed the need for our school.  In the journey of studying, I thirsted for more and little by little, I applied all the learning and skills from my professors but most especially from my classmates whom I  shared the same plight. I have realized, am I enjoying every bit of work, every bit of challenge and empathised with my friends and acquaintances' stories in the library.  

With passion, grit and determination, I was ready to move forward so I decided to take the board exam for librarians (which our batch was the last to take the exam as non-BLIS graduates).  As I have mentioned, it was indeed a God's plan because I passed the board exams.  I even pushed more for a bigger challenge and inspired by Sir Johnny Buenrostro, I enrolled in MLIS in Baliuag, Bulacan until I finally finished and graduated my MLIS in 2012.

In the year 2010, I have decided to leave my previous work.  I applied for a teaching position in various schools but there was  no vacancy in my field of expertise.  So I decided to apply as a librarian and Southville International School & Colleges gave me the opportunity to truly experience the role of a librarian in different facets. I have been an academic librarian and presently a school librarian. Being a librarian is challenging, yet fulfilling and exciting.

2. What have you learned from years of experience working with students and teachers?

Working with students and teachers in the library have taught me the real meaning of service on a wider scope and with greater responsibilities. Customers are different and unique in so many ways.  I have learned to tailor-fit the library services and activities on their needs and types.  Working with students in the library gave me the opportunity to wear different hats: a teacher, a friend, a parent, a counsellor. Working with teachers/faculty have taught me to improve and work on my relationship with them, to provide for their teaching needs and to always be on my toes.  To give in on their request without bending the library's policies and procedures but to meet them half-way. Working  hand in hand with them made some of my work easy. I have gained partners in promoting everything about the library and on personal note, I have even won friends.

Working with Southville’s students and faculty have taught me to develop, hone and live the true value and meaning of 5Cs,  Competence, Character, Collaboration, Creativity and Commitment to Achieve.

What is the greatest challenge school librarians face in this day and age?

Based from my experiences and conversations with colleagues, the greatest challenge of school librarians are budget related, manpower and support from management.

How can this challenge be overcome? 

a.  In order to get support from management, librarians must make a noise in the community to show and let everyone be aware that the library exist.  Forward to them all seminar invites pertaining to administration for them to attend and be with other administrations so they could understand little things about the library.  Involve them in all the activities.

b. If budget is really limited, work and coordinate with different publishing companies and initiate book fairs. Entice these publishing companies on different student-centered activities on major library celebrations.  Launch a book drive donation from students, teachers or parents. Benchmark with other schools and coordinate for possible book donation.

c.  For lack of manpower, librarians can coordinate with teachers or discipline head of the school and open the possibility of the library as a venue for students to do community service, SHS service learning and immersion.

Think of something we do not know about Melissa yet. How can this “hidden” self be a gift to PH LIS?

I am a passionate librarian and an event organizer.  I think, if I will be given the chance to be one of the organizers of any organizations, I could apply the skills and training I had with Southville.

I always wanted to turn my weaknesses into strength. I am scared of deep water however, I am doing ways to conquer my fear of water by going to beaches and pools and learning to swim with my loved ones. Turning my weakness/fears into strength can be a self gift to the LIS profession because it helps people in unlocking their potential and it makes them a successful one in every aspect of their lives personally or professionally.

Others would see me as a happy individual, very jolly, likes to mingle and entertain everyone, with a strong will and determination.  Others even perceive me with a strong personality.  But behind this, like any other human being, I am also vulnerable. However this won't stop me from doing my passion to serve others, to inspire and encourage people around me especially colleagues in the field of teaching and of librarianship.

Despite many challenges as a librarian, we can all soar high amazingly and conquer our fears and weaknesses to be servants of God.  Be a blessing to every all.

Effective School Librarianship: Successful Professional Practice From Librarians Around the World

Three years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Patrick Lo in Osaka, Japan for the IAFOR (International Academic Forum) Conference. We were both paper presenters on school libraries, school librarians and leadership. At the time, he was working on a manuscript on comparative librarianship. Dr. Lo moderated the session where I presented my paper on School Librarians as Literacy Leaders. From there on, we had regular conversations on school librarianship in the region. This conversations led to my participation in his book project.

The good news is, the book is already published and can be bought online since December 2017!

Effective School Librarianship: Successful Professional Practice From Librarians Around the World is published by Apple Academic Press. Check the link for information on the book's price, content and reviews.

Here is one review by Dr. Helen Boelens, of the International Association of School Librarians, Special Interest Group (SIG)

“Fascinating reading . . . The authors have collected interviews from school librarians throughout the world. Some of these people work under very difficult circumstances. Interviewees have mentioned a multitude of “secrets” of their successful work. . . . It is my hope that, after reading this book, educators, teachers, and librarians and also members of the general public will have a better understanding of school librarianship across the world and that they will be inspired to cooperate with each other in many different ways, assisting those who desperately need help and support. This would be in the best interest of the children whom they serve and relates to their duty of care as educators.” 

—From the Foreword by Dr. Helen Boelens, International school library researcher and consultant; Former Chair, IASL Research SIG, The Netherlands

The book is described as:

The school librarians’ best practices cover innovative ways to encourage students to (1) read voluntarily for pleasure and for information; (2) to gain basic information literacy skills for the navigation, evaluation and use of information; (3) and to develop competence as independent learners—a key factor for successful enquiry-based learning.

The books are jam-packed with information that can be used by school librarians, teachers, school administrators and others in a variety of ways. Readers can borrow best practices from the experiences presented in the book, and the volumes can also serve as a strong voice for the practicing school librarians and the profession, through expanding the opportunities for professional sharing in the international school librarian community.

There are fourteen school librarians and teacher librarians in Asia in PART 2 of the book and I am honoured to be one of them. Most of all, I am very much interested to get a copy of the book to read the stories of colleagues from outside the Philippines, their best practices and success stories, how they hurdle road blocks and break down walls. 

What we think is unique to us may actually be something we share in common to colleagues from outside the shores of this archipelago. 

Filipino Librarian of the Month: Neriza Delos Santos-Oraba (1 of 2)

The blog's Filipino Librarian of the Month is Mrs. Neriza Delos Santos-Oraba of the National Library. She is the project leader of the INELI-ASEAN Children's Literature Database. In this interview, she narrates the challenges she faces in the conduct of the project.

Briefly describe the objectives of INELI-ASEAN and the Children’s Literature Database and your role in the project.

International Network of Emerging Library Innovators-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (INELI-ASEAN) is a three (3)-year project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries (GL) initiative and implemented by the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) that involves ASEAN member countries to leverage appropriate solutions that will enable public library leaders who share a common vision for economic, political and socio-cultural development and integration particularly focusing and strengthening capacities of public libraries in the region.

The Collaborative Project’s general objective is to provide one gateway access to children's literature in ASEAN.  This is not only to bring the visibility of free online children and young adult literature from ASEAN to wider audiences and a way of meeting their needs, but also to promote better understanding between people of ASEAN through literature. Moreover, these resources can help instill multicultural understanding and appreciate the diversity of the ASEAN people. It also

I am the Team project leader.

How did you prepare for the project?

All of us are required to access the INELI-ASEAN online learning portal where we need to answer and complete the 10 modules that will help us to prepare and work towards the completion our project,  and be able to collaborate and communicate with the team members from different Asian countries.

The modules taught us on how to work on teams, develop innovation skills, manage team projects, develop communication skills, conflict management, time management, risk management, develop leadership skills, improve service quality and project completion.

What are the challenges you encounter and how do you overcome them?

The team encountered so many challenges that almost made the project unsuccessful. Pointing out  the major challenges below:

a. Copyright Issue
 - This is a major risk that challenged our team. Due to the Copyright Law, the team was not able to collect enough resources to be uploaded onto the database.

This resulted in the  shift, to create a resource list as part of the major content of the database.

b. Lack of concentration and focus towards the project - Submissions, targets, online meeting, and timelines were often neglected due to their full responsibility for the primary jobs that needs to prioritize and other concerns.

In spite of the problem with limited communication due to busy schedule, different time zones and unavailability of members, the team used and maximized communication tools available to communicate with available members, sending their concerns and queries at their most convenient time, responding with inputs or feedback as soon as matters/ideas/feedback were received/read.


c. Another challenge faced by the team was when Kolap, who was leading the team in the early stage, pulled out due to work commitments.

Through online discussions, the team  identified and selected a new leader. This was one of the tests of group dynamics amongst LIBRANOVATORS.

d. Inadequate skills for the project - A majority of the team lacked the knowledge and skills in information technology such as development, maintenance and troubleshooting of a database.

Creation of the ACL Database/Website was made possible with the assistance of professional IT personnel from Cambodia (Kolap's brother and colleague) who developed the ACL database/website for the team  free of charge. They also helped the team with the troubleshooting of any technical problems encountered during the test run.

e. Funding/Budgetary concerns
While the team was very lucky to get a temporary sponsor for the hosting of the database/website, however, the limited capacity/space available proved to be another challenge for LIBRANOVATORS.  Members were not able to upload all collected e-resources due to the limited capacity/space of the database.

The Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC) (Cambodia) temporarily hosts the database /website for the implementation and presentation of the project. We are hopeful that this challenge could be resolved if/when there is an institution that could fully host the database and provide sufficient space for the growing collection in the future. Currently, we are working out on a possible sponsorship for the hosting of the website/database

Filipino Librarian of the Month: Virgilio "Vjay" Medina Jr.

Our featured Filipino Librarian this month is Virgilio Medina Jr. He is currently working as a school librarian in an IB school in Qatar. In this interview, he shares his experiences working abroad in an international school. Vjay, as he is fondly called by friends and colleagues, tells us where he gets the time and inspiration to write research papers in spite of being a busy practicing school librarian.

What is it like for a Filipino librarian working in a foreign and international school?

Working in an international school is such an invaluable experience as I am dealing with a diverse community with different needs and demands. Aside from this, I also get the chance to understand their cultural background and to position myself on what type of library services I can offer to them. Its indeed a great blessing to be part of a vibrant community where lifelong learning is the utmost priority.

I love collaborating and working with young learners as I believe this is the best opportunity for me to engage and stimulate them in the process of learning.

What challenges and exciting things do you encounter in your work as a school librarian in an IB School?

The most challenging experience of working in an IB school is to implement programs and services that support the research needs of the community as an integral part of the IB curriculum. Some libraries that I had worked for, research was being done by the faculty, or in a higher education. In an IB-based setting, however, the library plays a significant role in helping students become an effective researcher by providing a library instruction program and promoting the library as a source of information.

Vjay with Dr. Ross Todd of Rutgers University and
Fadekemi Oyewusi of the University of Ibadan, Nigera

How do you manage to write academic and research papers, despite your busy schedule?

I am the type of person who prefers to stay at home and reads books during my free time. This could be one of the reasons why I can allocate my free time in making an academic paper and in writing professional papers. Lastly, I am active in participating in various school libraries-based meeting and networking as I believe this is a good start to further develop my skills and strategies in serving my community.

My research interest focuses on Digital Literacy and how this can be marketed in promoting libraries.

What is your advice for Filipino Librarians who wish to try their luck in working in a school library abroad?

For those who are aspiring to work abroad, I'd like to encourage you to just have faith and never underestimate your capacity in making a big difference. Just believe in yourself that being Filipino will not hinder you to conquer your dreams and even to be the best librarian you would like to be. Filipinos are known to be hardworking, passionate and most importantly, people who do not simply give up no matter how difficult the circumstances are. Hence, being a Filipino is something you should be proud of. "Kung nagawa ko, mas kayo niyo!" 

God bless you on your endeavor! Keep on dreaming and aiming for the best!

Filipino Librarian of the Month: Ma. Fatima D. Delfin

Our Filipino Librarian of the month is Ma. Fatima "Phia" D. Delfin. Phia graduated with a Bachelor in Secondary Education degree, major in Library Science at the PNU. In 2008, she earned her Master of Education in Library and Information Science at the same university. She is a librarian of the Makati DepEd Library Hub. 

Read more about her work and the challenges she face as a library hub librarian. Her story is pretty inspiring!

How long have you been working as a Library Hub librarian in the Division of Makati?

I started working on February 2, 2009; it has been 7 years now.  The Division Library Hub is serving the 28 Elementary and 10 Secondary Schools in the Division.  

What challenges do you face and encounter as a Library Hub librarian?

*Provision for New Books.  

Our Hub had the same books since it started its operation in August 2009. 

I often hear the question, “Wala na ba kayong bago libro?!” from teacher-librarians.  The ‘Sawa’ factor might kick in anytime soon.  Though there have been minimal donations from institutions and individuals, I believe it is still not enough to satisfy the need or demand.

There is a provision prohibiting the purchase of books through the MOOE (Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses)

*School Libraries/Teacher-Librarians Concerns.  

For seven years, I was able to build relationships with the teacher-librarians in each school.  I have heard all their sad stories and difficulties, and sometimes it saddens me that school libraries are always taken for granted.  I believe that supportive administrators always equate to beautiful and functional libraries.

How do you overcome these challenges?

It would be beneficial if you change the way you look at things and to never stop thinking and finding ways to overcome these challenges.   

What are you happiest about your job?  

Just the sight of a child reading makes me extremely happy.

Librarian On TV: Ang Pinaka Touching Random Acts Kindness

Once again, I am a panelist in the TV program, Ang Pinaka. The top ten this week is all about random acts of kindness. What a timely topic since tomorrow is Easter Sunday!

I myself was touched by the top ten choices that when the crew came over at home for the interview and taping, I was teary eyed. But I felt good. Really good. I hope that tomorrow's episode will inspire you or will make you think of the goodness that still resides in the hearts of people.

These acts of kindness may have been done by individuals and a selected few. It may not solve global problems and world hunger. In pastoral care, though, an act of kindness is a great deed because it uplifts the human spirit.

Ang Pinaka is telecast in GMA News TV, every Sunday at 6.30PM.