Live Blogging: LIS Congress 2011

Here's a working outline of my lecture for today's LIS Congress at UP Diliman.

School Libraries Are Cool! School Librarians Rule

A. Storytelling – The Library Mouse

- What was Sam’s great discovery in the library?
- Where did this lead him to?

B. The Process of Creation

- Reading / Writing / Speaking / Listening

These four translate into one word – literacy. Sam, the library mouse discovered literacy in the library. He may be shy in the speaking department, but he was able to influence others the way the library and the librarian inspired him to become an author.

Authorship – may refer to writing a book or an article, but in a bigger sense, it means involvement in the process of creation (not limited to creating a book)

The process of creation is a very HUMAN act. For the process of creation to happen, it has three fundamental things –experience, imagination and literacy.

The library is one of the many venues where children grow in life experiences and take flight in imagination.

The library is one vehicle for children to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills thereby, helping them exercise their right to LITERACY.

How are these things translated to library services?

a. Library programs and activities
b. Library collection
c. Collaboration with teachers
d. Communication with administrators and stake holders
e. Linkages with the community – parents, alumni, local, national and international

C. School libraries are cool

-Because they are part and parcel of a child’s development into becoming a human being.

Candy Gourlay’s story – I was a Librarian’s Pet

School Libraries Are Cool

Here's an abstract of my talk on 15 January 2011 at the LIS Congress 2011 in UP Diliman. 

School libraries are cool. School librarians rule.

School libraries open up a world of opportunities for students, teachers, and even parents. It's the place to go to find a great book or magazine, locate a cool Web site, watch a DVD, listen to a story, get help with a homework assignment or a video project, and participate in fun programs (like puppet show, read-a-thons, and book clubs). Something's always happening! School libraries are the place to be. And, who's in charge? That's right, school librarians rule.

The congress is targeting to pool in as many students of Library and Information Science (LIS) in Manila as well as graduating high school students. The event is a career-vocational talk alright, but it will give participants a good perspective of LIS as a discipline worthy of study and continuous development.

Innovate. Collaborate. Revolutionize!

I'll be speaking in this year's LIS Congress on the topic of School Libraries and Career as School Librarian. The congress is organized by the University of the Philippines Library and Infromation Science Students Association (UPLLISSA). This will be my second speaking engagement with the organization having presented a talk on Storytelling in 2009.

Below is a description and objectives of the 2011 LIS Congress -

The field of Library and Information Science (LIS) is diverse. As with any idea that branches out from its roots, it starts to develop and eventually becomes its own field of specialization. It is necessary that these fields be introduced and represented to aspiring LIS students so that, with common interest, their efforts would lead to the emergence of new ways in dealing with information. The theme "Innovate. Collaborate. Revolutionize." shows how librarianship evolved - innovations bring new fields of specialization, and collaboration among these fields revolutionizes the profession. This 2011, the University of the Philippines Library and Information Science Students' Association (UPLISSA) presents a bigger and better Library and Information Science (LIS) Congress.

Objectives:

To provide a venue for the further academic growth of LIS students.

To foster the scholastic, professional, and socio-cultural development of LIS students, educators, and library professionals.

Provide a venue for LIS students, educators, and professionals to network.

To introduce the profession and its respective fields of specialization to aspiring LIS students.

There are many conferences and lectures conducted by various professional organizations on the subject of librarianship and information science in the country. But sometimes, these lectures can be cost prohibitive for students. The UPLISSA in 2009, as part of its contribution to its beloved field, organized the first ever congress for the Library and Information Sciences for students by students.

The LIS Congress is envisioned to be the premier gathering of students of Library and Information Science in the Philippines. A gathering that would allow students to learn about the latest trends in their field, and to network with fellow students from different schools and some of the country's leading information professionals. LIS Congress is a learning opportunity which is the key towards the development of our profession.

I hope to see you there! Would love to meet readers of this blog in person. Don't be shy! Say hi!