What is your library concept?

My essential question to the participants of the LIS Congress 2014 yesterday was: what is your library concept?

Blog Posts on Information Literacy

A recent forum in an online workshop where I'm currently enrolled prompted me to go back to this blog's archives and cull out posts I've written about Information Literacy (IL).

This four-part post on IL is a paper I presented on a local seminar on IL by the Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science (PATLS) way back in 2006.

Information Literacy at the School Level

The Impetus for Information Literacy

Research on IL

IL in Philippine School Libraries

What follows are IL posts on actual library practice I've done through the years. Wow. It's a walk down memory lane, I tell you.

IL and the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm

IL for Grade 2 Pupils

Telecollaboration

IL Lesson Plan for Grade 6

Back in 2006, The Rizal Library at the Ateneo de Manila University hosted an IL Conference. Updates are linked here

With the Regional IASL Conference scheduled in April 2012 in Bacolod, IL is once again a topic for presentation and discussion. This should be exciting!

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!

Dear Librarian: SLIA's REPLY for Making the Right Decion

Here's my take on Confused Freshman's dilemma. Prof. Cabbab gave his piece of advice in a previous post.

Dear Confused Freshman,

LIS was not my first choice of a college degree. I wanted to major in English under the Bachelor of Secondary Education program at the Philippine Normal University. It was my mother who convinced me to take up LIS instead because, very few major in the discipline. It meant that I have little competition and bigger chances to get a job. She was right.

I love books. I love reading. I love being and socializing with people. If you, like me, have an affinity for all three – books, reading and people, then that’s a good start to base your choice in transferring to LIS. Other than these, LIS could offer you the following jobs or possibilities after graduation.

a. You can work as a librarian in a school, college, university, corporate and/or government agency.
b. You can take on a job as an IT specialist.
c. You can be a content developer.
d. You can work in a publishing house as indexer, abstracter or a subject specialist who prepares bibliographies and thesauri.
e. You can be an archivist and work along side historians and researchers

The good thing is, you can be anyone of the afore mentioned professionals here or abroad. Yes, LIS professionals are WANTED in the Philippines and the world.

As for your study habits, I think this is an area you need to improve on. I further suggest that you take some test on your learning styles and modalities so that you would know how to conquer your weakness of late submissions. If you’re succeeding in your sibling’s outsourcing project, there must be something about it that gives you constant and automatic motivation. Know what it is and use it to help you survive college and life in general. It would do you a lot of good if you seek your college’s guidance counselor especially with your academic history.

I’m all for a college degree, but you know, if a four year course is not for you, then there are options. I know of successful people who took TESDA (skills) courses and they’re happy, financially and personally. The important thing is that you know who you are, what you want and how to get it. Your confusion is a good start to self-discovery. Don’t quickly jump into another course. Instead, reflect on where you are at the moment and plan a strategy. You are not young forever. Time waits for no one, besides.

The good thing is, you are blessed with free will. Use it well. You’re free to follow the advice I gave you and that of Prof. Cabbab’s. At the end of the day, however, it’s what your heart’s desire that matters.

Do you know your heart’s desire? Do you know your passion? *Follow what it is and life will reward you!

Good luck and God bless,

Ms. Zarah

*From General Iroh of the Fire Nation, Avatar the Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender

Dear Librarian: REPLY for Making the Right Decion

The guest blogger who lent a reply for our letter sender, Confused Freshman, is none other than Prof. Igor Cabbab. He is from the School of Library and Information Science, UP Diliman. Prof. Cabbab is known for his tough and hi-tech online persona. He is an expert at fire breathing and a "jedi master" among yoyo enthusiasts. He collects comic books and reads children's and young adult literature.

Below is Prof. Cabbab's reply to Confused Freshman.

Dear Confused Freshman,

Most of these are inter-related. So here goes.

On decision-making: Usually at any university they require a career assessment exam from the guidance and counseling office before you consider shifting courses. I would suggest you use that as a starting point for decision-making. But then again, I know of some people who chucked the results out of the window when they came back negative (results said they're not for LIS). Putting their feet down they said they didn't believe in the results and would still want to pursue LIS. Some of them are quite successful at present.

On deadlines: The deadline issue may be a problem. It's not just an issue LIS-wise but for any course, or job, for that matter. The net-usage isn't, there have been studies (Australian, if I'm not mistaken) that found out that occasional net/socnet usage / net surfing even during office hours increases productivity. Keeps you on your toes and makes you faster.

On Psych and Educ: Actually you'll be able to use some of those units if you do pursue LIS, especially if you chose to work in school or public libraries upon graduation. A lot of us in LIS have Psych and Educ electives and cognates.

On shifting: I see scenarios and questions. Will I shift because of my friend? Will I shift because of the advice I'll read here? Will I shift because my friend is happy in LIS? Do I have any idea of what LIS graduates do? Just sides of a coin, in reality knowing the answers may or may not help... Yeah, it really will be up to you. Maybe more time to think about it? A little bit more research? Scenario simulations? What will happen if my friend graduates? Will I still be happy? Will I go on taking up LIS? Stuff like that.

In general: From what I read it seems you're still in the process of finding yourself. So your LIS friend is a factor, what you're reading now is a factor too, but then, the decision still has to ultimately come from you. Let me share with you one thing a friend of mine at my old workplace said to me before he left, "Don't stay because of the people." I didn't agree with him. I WOULD stay because of the people. Still, another case of two sides to a coin.

On a personal note, I fell in love with LIS and the people in the profession. That made me study and stay. But then... I left... for a couple of years. Then I fell in love with LIS and the people all over again. I returned. And now I'm staying. I am happy. On the other hand, I know of successful and happy people who didn't finish college and of some similar successful and happy people who work in fields not related to what they took up in college. So it's really more of life and what you make of it.

I don't know if the above have the answers or have actually made you more confused. I'm awfully sorry if it's liberally-tinged with my personal philosophies. Your epiphany could go either way at this point. It's fence-sitting at its finest. You pick a side either by waiting to fall on your butt or by deliberately jumping off. All I know is that you are not alone and all of us are, in one way or another, on a musha-shugyo (warrior's pilgrimage). What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. If life gives you lemons, make lemon juice (cliche-ish, I know). We're showing you the sides of the coin. Now it's in your hands. You don't have to flip it. Pick it up and choose a side.

All the best,
Igor

Dear Librarian: Making The Right Decision

As I have mentioned in a previous post, Dear Librarian will be a new feature of this blog. In time for the blog's 5th blogversary, the first letter sender is featured bellow. The translation follows after. My response and a guest blogger's will be posted in the next few days.

Dear Ms. Zarah,

I came upon your blog via my friend. LIS major sya at malapit na syang grumaduate. 3rd year iregular sya pero, mukhang sa 2011, may diploma na sya. As for me, 3 taon ng freshman. Terrible, I know. Ewan ko ba, lito talaga ako since kumuha ako ng Psych. Tapos, lumipat ako sa Educ. Then, nagtransfer ako sa Tourism. Ngayon, di pa rin ako satisfied.

Worried na ang parents ko, pati na ang friend ko na LIS major. Kaya naman, super help sya sa akin na magtransfer sa LIS. Maganda naman ang mga grades ko. Pero, problem ko ang pagmeet ng deadlines. Nakakawili kase ang FB at internet. Working student din ako sa isang outsourcing project ng kapatid ko. Alam ko na mahalaga ang isang degree, pero, confused ako kung lilipat ba ako sa LIS dept. ng university o titgil na lang sa pag-aaral. Mukhang happy ang friend ko sa LIS course nya. At sa dating ng blog mo, panalo! Parang happy ka din maging librarian.

Bigyan mo naman ako ng payo o clue kung ang LIS nga ay para sa akin.

Salamat and more power to your blog!

Confused Freshman

Translation:

Dear Miss Zarah,

I came upon your blog via my friend who is a LIS (Library and Information Science) major. My friend will soon graduate from college. She's in junior year, irregular, but it seems that she will finish by 2011. As for me, I have been a freshman for three years now. Terrible, I know. I don't really know what college course to take since I started Psychology. Then I transferred to Education. Now I am taking Tourism.

My parents are very worried as well as my friend. That's why she's convincing me and helping me transfer to LIS. My grades are good. But I'm very bad at meeting deadlines. I'm an netizen and a frequent FB user. I also sideline for my sibling who runs outsourcing projects. I know a college degree is very important but I'm confused whether to transfer in LIS or give up college entirely. My friend is happy taking up LIS and judging from your blog posts, it seems that you are satisfied at being a librarian.

Kindly give me an advice if LIS is really the course for me.

Thank you and more power to your blog!

Confused Freshman

Young Adult Literature for LIS Students

Here is a great development in Young Adult Library Services in Philippine school and public librarianship -- LIS students studying and reading the literature for Young Adults. Igor Cabbab of the School of Library and Information Science sent me a lengthy reply when I asked about the reading list he has in his LIS 115 class over at Facebook.

His class has an interesting array of Young Adult titles. Take note that the titles of books mentioned were chosen by readers in the collegiate level (age range of 16-21 years old). Below is Prof. Igor's reply to my query.

It's been some time since I've taught this subj. 10 yrs? I'm rusty. :( Plus they all beat me in the reading time department). I opted for a survey type initially, drawing from what the class is actually reading plus stuff they've already gone through. This is so I could build up the subject again for the coming years. (YA Lit concept-wise, we went ... Read Morefor both matls written specifically for YA and what YA actually read as a springboard for discussions) Local side, seems they read Young Blood (inq compilations), Bo Sanchez, Bob Ong, David Hontiveros, etc. Spec Lit and Cont Realistic Fic is strong with them. Not much on Hist Fic and Bio. They do read a lot of diverse stuff for Non-fic. Poetry? Not much, they do write stuff on their own and some frequent fic and poetry sites.

I was surprised with the reading list they came up with (I left it up to reporters as to what they would want their classmates to read). It was so diverse. Works like Asimov's Bicentennial Man, A String of Pearls (original Sweeney Todd), A Constant Princess (Catherine of Aragon), Thin (anorexia), Kite Runner, an excerpt from A Mary Magdalene Decoding Da Vinci book (title escapes me right now), The Bible, Nick Joaquin, etc.

We still have comics, graphic novels, LGBT, etc. up for discussion. :D
I actually learn a lot too. It's a nice insight on how they think. I'd teach this subject again in a heartbeat. (May mga mangiyak-ngiyak pa dyan habang nag-ci-cirle discussion... Aminin). :D

Oh, yeah. Sherlock Holmes, Paris Hilton, the Roald Dahl bio, Michael Moore on George Bush too. :D

Oh, and there was that local Scooby Doo type gang solving mysteries which was mentioned, the series title of which I can't remember. *sigh* I have the memory of a goldfish. :(

SLIA Essay Writing Contest Winner

Congratulations to Jason Balaqui for winning the first SLIA Essay Writing Contest. His essay on blogs, blogging and librarians opens the reader to his mindscape and personal views on the LIS profession in general. Jason graduated high school from Roosevelt College, Cainta.

Below is his winning essay (unedited).

The Blograrians: An Essay
By Jayson Balaqui

In every known human society, presumptions are often said and done in such a way that it misleads the public to what is really true or not. We cannot really state the exact definition of something unless we try to make a deep understanding about it.

As I have observed, librarians face the world as first class professionals but they are quite misunderstood in some ways. Why is this happening? Well, first of all, librarians are always prejudged as ill tempered individuals who become irritated by even the slightest sound in the library. Though, I must admit that I am one of those people who have this notion, but still everyone knows that there are really some librarians who are quite unentertaining or not enticing and sometimes they are the reason why some students who express interests in libraries even regret it after being abashed by some librarians for the noise that he never meant to do. On the other hand, because of those common notions and presumptions, some of the new bred of librarians who are active and much more accommodating also becomes a victim of that impression.

“I can’t change Filipino librarians, but I can change the way you look at us”. This is one great quote that I have read most especially when I was browsing the internet and landed into the blog site of Mr. Vernon Totanesof the filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com last January. The site really caught my interest because of the words “librarian” and “blog”. I love reading different blogs of different genres but it was my first time to see such a blog run by a full-fledged librarian. I never thought that there is a person like him, as a librarian, would be utilizing Blogs and the Internet to propagate his ideas. I also found their purpose for doing this as a very useful method. Now, even though I am only a student, I am beginning to understand the current situation of LIS professionals.

As I move on through the web page, I found out that there are also other blogs like his which are all aiming to transform the ideas that the common people had inscribed in their minds about LIS professionals. Blogging helps them reach out to more people most especially to those who do not favor the conventional type of reading. It also challenges them to strive more, think critically and creatively and develop themselves in the process.

Internet is a very powerful tool and Blog, as one of its product, provides an excellent way in sharing ideas. It does not only attract adults but also fascinates teenagers to write and to share their ideas. Blog, which is an online version of a static library, poses a great potential to the digitalization of libraries and this might as well as improve library services in schools and offices, help them to expand, and entice more and more people to embrace the love for reading and acquisition of new ideas including those who love new technologies.

One may consider his profession noble, if he no longer considers his work as an obligation, but as a motivation to live and to serve. This is what LIS professionals should put in their minds to continue with their lifelong journey as propagators of intellect and goodwill. They should act as versatile individuals who seek not only a good life but also

Storytelling 101 for Librarians* @ The LIS Congress 2009

*This is the abstract/description of my presentation for the LIS Congress on February 28, 2009 at the UP Diliman.

Storytelling is a proven technique to motivate children from coming to the library and for them to use its resources. In general, it is an effective marketing tool to promote the library. Through storytelling, the librarian’s role as an active player in literacy development is emphasized.

The paper discusses the nature of storytelling, its purpose and appropriate practice in library services for children and young adults. Simple ways to tell a story like reading aloud, oral telling and use of props and puppets will be demonstrated. A storytelling program that identifies the use of age-appropriate books for children is also included.

Sights @ the 3rd Rizal Library International Conference

Here are photos from the 3rd Rizal Library International Conference, from Classroom to Career: Roadmaps to A Library's Success. Enjoy the pictures. The inisghts I gathered from the two day conference will be posted soon.

From Classrooms to Carreers

I am attending the 3rd Rizal Library International Conference on October 22 and 23, 2007. Detiails of the conference can be viewed in the Rizal Library website.

A School Librarian's Pride (and Prejudice)

I have a sliver of memory from my undergraduate years that haunts me to this day.

Me: Good Morning, Prof. B! We’re students of Prof. O and she has assigned us to meet with you and your students on the topic and skill that we will be teaching in the grade 2 class.

Prof. B looked at us with a raised eyebrow. Arms akimbo, she spat these words—

Prof. B: Oh, I see! And what will you teach? Parts of the book? Any teacher in the elementary grades can teach that! We don’t need librarians to teach it!

This happened during my practicum year. I was a fourth year student then completing a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with Library Science as major. The degree meant completing 42 units of Education, plus another 37 units more for Library Science. A heavy course, really. It is only now that I wonder how I survived with extra-curricular activities and a very active social life on the side.

At that time, fulfilling all requirements before graduation entailed two kinds of practicum – the In-Service training and the On-Site training. I do not know how it is called these days, but students need to undergo observations, teaching demos, mentoring and actual practice in the laboratory school of the university and an affiliated elementary school. So it goes that upon receipt of diploma, all must take the board examination for teachers. My university made sure of that. For Library Science majors, there was another board exam to hurdle -- the licensure examination for librarians.

Looking back, it was not the task of teaching and providing library service that made things difficult. My teachers and mentors prepared me well. I had friends to share the pains and burdens of academic work. I had a mentor who guided me in the transition process of theory and practice. I have a mother who is a librarian so the support system was strong (plus, a boyfriend, now my husband, who worked on all my visual aids). What made the practicum experience harrowing was the prejudice on librarians and library science majors imposed by other professionals, classmates from other fields of discipline, and even the teachers and professors who were supposed to be allies. Early on I realized two things - that I must not stick with the traditional work and tasks; and that changing paradigms must be accommodated, adapted and adopted.

Upon my first foray into library work, I knew I would be exposed to the same bias and discrimination. And it is still happening, in fact, I have come to accept this sad reality. Embracing the truth, however, motivated me to assert my role in the community. It was not easy because I appeared very different from my colleagues in the profession. To them, they seem to take it as my natural personality - being proactive, collaborating with teachers, understanding the context of both the users and their environment, experimenting with technology, discovering potentials in spoken and written means of communication, promoting books and reading for the development of literacy among the young, telling stories, raising standards and going beyond theory and practice of the profession.

All these are advocacies I have promised to campaign for and live for right after taking the professional oath. My being a librarian is not merely a job. It is who I am.

Misplaced Librarian

There were many insights and issues that surfaced from my seminar-workshop with public and barangay librarians yesterday at the Filipinas Heritage Library. Public librarians, kin to school librarians, have their share of problems, concerns and what-nots. For many, funding and budget is not the number one challenge in meeting the objectives of library services, but, staff training and the availability of enough manpower to sustain the energy of the library. This was articulated by almost three fourth of the participants.

Although it was never identified what kind of training they needed the most, I have an inkling that the skills and competencies they must learn are those on library management, communication skills and the ability to integrate a variety of disciplines that will eventually lead to succesfull plans and programs for the public library. In this case, librarians must be given enough exposure to travel and bench mark with other librarians in the provincial and international settings. Those who are still in the academe earning the degree necesitate an interdisciplinary learning experience in their study of Library and Information Science.

Last I heard, teachers of LIS are revising and improving curriculum to give focus and direction to students. There may be students who would like to focus on IT development; public service; media and communications; education and training; etc. but with a foundation on LIS.

When job related issues began sprouting during the discussion, I was earnest to hear them out. I was interested to find out the paradigms and schools of thought these librarians subscribe to. Often, their comments and questions reflect their personal and professional philosophy.

One librarian was given the task as tour guide. And yes, it was a very uncomfortable task. Not the librarian's fault since she was trained to procure, organize, manage and circulate the library's collection. Then again, the role of a librarian has changed radicaly over the years that to maintain that set of tasks limits the moral, cultural and intellectual growth of the community. Public librarains have a special role in elevating literacy. And there are many kinds of literacy. Is the public librarian trained and prepared for this change. Is the public librarian equiped to handle emerging kinds of literacy for people of different age groups and demographics?

There are many librarians I know who did not take LIS courses but were lucky enough to learn and get units of LIS. Most pursue a graduate degree even. Some are quite succesful though their bachelor's degree is non-LIS. But what happens if the table is turned? What can the librarain do if he or she is expected to be teacher, curator, manager, events planner, PR officer, editor, web developer, even computer technician? Will he/she rely on God given wit and talent or learn new things to integrate with the old knowledge?

Library Customer Care

From friends in the PNU LISAA. Their seminar is a few months away so there is enough preparation time. Below is the list of Board Members and Offocers

Dear Colleagues:

Greetings from the Association!

PNU-LISAA, Inc. invites you to a 2-day seminar-workshop on LIBRARY CUSTOMER CARE on August 14-15, 2007 at the Library Conference Room, Edilberto P. Dagot Hall, Philippine Normal University.

The Association aims to: introduce customer care to the library profession; encourage all to utilize accepted customer care models in the practice of the library profession; and enrich the customers’ library experience while handled by the library personnel and other information professionals. Topics will include (1) professional care across all services; (2) marketing brands and library customer care models; (3) library customer care as an institutional marketing tool; and (4) enriching the customers' library experience.

This invitation is open to all and will entail a fee of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php 2,500.00) which will cover seminar kits, handouts, certificate of participation, certificate of appearance, snacks and lunches.

Reservation with partial payments of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php 1,500.00) on or before July 15, 2007 enjoys a ten-percent discount. For payments and other inquiries, please email any officer of the Association.

Thank you very much.

Truly yours,

RODERICK B. RAMOS (Signed)
Vice President/Conference Chair

Noted by:

ESTELA A. MONTEJO (Signed))
President

Council of Advisers: Dr. Linda M. Tayona, Prof. Miguel Cobaria, Prof. Ruben Marasigan and Dr. Mary A. Orendain

Estela A. Montejo, President, Ateneo De Manila University, Loyola Heights, QC (emontejo@ateneo. edu)
Roderick B. Ramos, Vice-President, Philippine Normal University, Manila (pnureferencelib@ yahoo.com)
Noemi Cabantog, Treasurer, St. Paul College, Pasig (noemi_cabantog@ yahoo.com)
Marifi E. Navarro, Secretary, Elizabeth Seton School, Las Pinas City (marifi77@yahoo. com)
Marites K. Chavez, PRO, Congressional National High School, Dasmarinas, Cavite (mvkc1015@yahoo. com)
Antonio Resurreccion, Auditor, Xavier School, San Juan, Metro Manila (tonyr@xs.edu. ph)

Board Members:
Jocelyn L. Ladlad, De La Salle University, Manila (ladladj@dlsu. edu.ph)
Consuelo Estigoy, Araullo University, Cabanatuan City (cjestigoy@yahoo. com)
Lorenza D. Oliveros, College of Veterinary Medicine, UP Los Baños, Laguna (lorenz_ph@yahoo. com)
Joy Perez, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Ayala Alabang Village (perezjm@zobel. dlsu.edu. ph)
Medina De Castro, Ex-officio, Sta. Isabel College, Manila (mdecastrous@ yahoo.com)

Taming the Web

Phoenix Educational Systems, Inc. is sponsoring a talk on Information Literacy, Research and Web Enhanced Teaching on April 21, 2007, Saturday from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.. Venue for the seminar is at the 5th flr. Galeria Corporate Center, Ortigas, PAsig City. Weminar Fee is Php 600.00. For inquiries, call May at 631-6368 or send SMS to Juvy at 09173731721.

DIR. LOURDES DAVID
Director, Rizal Library
ATENEO DE MANILA

"Importance of Information Literacy in Basic Education in Preparation for College."

MS. ZARAH GAGATIGA
Coordinator
GS Learning Resource Center
XAVIER SCHOOL

" Developing Information Literacy through the use of the Library - Print and Online. Teaching Strategies to Newbies and techies."

Summer has proclaimed its presence. It is warm in the day time but even warmer at night. For most of us, it means trips to the beach and to a coller place like Baguio or Tagaytay. For some, it is a time to take stock for the coming rainy days. Workshops abound, as well as seminars and conferences.

Here are some professional growth activities I've fished around the web and the blogosphere.

ASLP on Records Mnagement. The conference is aimed at increasing one's awareness on the benefits of a well organized record. Venue is at the El Cielito Inn, Baguio City. Conference will run from April 25 - 27, 2007.

PAARL on Emerging Trends in Library & Information Science. The conference will offer wys to deal with the ever changing landscape of library and information service. Venue is at Covelandia du Labrador, Pangasinan from April 25 - 27, 2007.

PLAI STRLAIC on Continuing Professional Education. Speaker is none other than the formidable, Prof. Cora Nera to talk about the importance of CPE for Librarians. Venue is at the Lyceum of Batangas, Le Cafe, Batangas City.

Among the three, I'm attending the one in Batangas because the invite came the earliest. Other than that, the venue piqued my interest. I love going and staying in coffee shops.

Last week, one of my librarians recieved an invitation from PASL to attend its Summer Conference in Teachers' Camp, Baguio City. It's in collaboration with PLAI and though it heralded veritable names in the field of Technical Services, we all found it very academic-library like. Who would be interested to do indexing and bibliography in a school library when our students in the garde school are emergent and beginning readers? Research is introduced in 7th grade and use of bibliography and indexes are taught in the context of a reading skill.

Perhaps, high school librarains may find it more useful since research is more intensive in the secondary level. Learners at that age and stage are being prepared for college life, thus, librarians in high school are more inclined to make indexes and bibliographies.

Crash Course Program for Librarians

I got this announcement from my inbox today.

1. The duration of the Crash Program: 8 hours a day, 6 days a week, or a total of 48 contact hours for one core subject equivalent to 3 units.
2. Methods of conducting the course: Lectures, review and practice
3. To be conducted by: UP ILS
4. Date of implementation to be announced later.

Ref .BFL Resolution No. 12, Series 2006

Here is the description of the Crash Course Program:

The Institute of Library and Information Science (ILIS) will hold a Crashed Program for non-passers of the Board Exam for Librarians and non-librarians working in the library with 18 units of Library Science taken before 1990 on the first week of February 2007 at 3rd Floor Gonzales Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon.

Transcript of Records (TOR), Certificate of Employment and Service Record and contact details should be submitted to the ILIS for evaluation as soon as possible to be included in the final list of participants. The participant may not have to attend all 6 sessions, as the ILIS will recommend the subject/s each participant will take so as to concentrate on the subject he/she is weak. Course fee is P1500 per week, wherein one subject will be covered each week. In addition, all requirements to be submitted to apply for the Board Exam for Librarians at the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) should be ready before the end of the course. ILIS will certify their attendance and completion of the Crash Program and endorse their application.

For more details, please contact Mrs. Josefina Cervas at (02) 921-8500 loc 2869/2870/2871 or email her at josefina.cervas@up.edu.ph or zorina.franco@up.edu.ph