What Kind of Librarian Leader Are You?

Last March 23, 2018, the University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Science (UP SLIS) hosted the 39th Gabriel A. Bernardo Memorial Lecture. There were three invited panelists who expanded and expounded on the theme, Library Leadership at the Crossroads. The respected licensed librarian panelists for the lecture were Dr. Vernon Totanes, Director of the Rizal Library; Mr. Michael Pinto, President of the Philippine Librarians Association; and Mrs. Fides Abad, licensed librarian, retired school librarian and administrator, and professional skills trainer. They were tasked to discuss leadership in the Library and Information  Science (LIS) profession today, particularly looking at the issue of the appointment of Mr. Gilbert Adriano, a Human Resource manager from the Davao City Hall as the director of the National Library of the Philippines.

I was not there at the lecture in UP Diliman, but peers and colleagues in the UP SLIS posted photos, snippets, sound bites and a live video of the panelists' input on leadership. If you are following the issue of the #NationalNonLibrarian in social media, and you have seen and/or heard Totanes and Pinto during the lecture,  both gentlemen were consistent on their stand on the issue though each has a different approach in dealing about it. I will not flesh this out because much has been said already. What we need to hear are more voices other than the ones we have heard over and over again.

The links and history of the #NationalNonLibrarian issue can be reviewed and revisited in Totanes' blog and the PLAI's Official Facebook Page. I encourage you to go back and reread, if you need a refresher. For this blog post, I am focusing on the leadership styles that I took away from the three panelists. More than the pressing issue at hand, the three library leaders have displayed their brand of leadership. For LIS professionals, this would make for an interesting research and study. Younger LIS professionals may find a mentor, a coach or a lodi (idol) LIS professional to follow or emulate.

1. From Dr. Totanes, I realised how important communication skills can be in a position of leadership. Totanes knows how to use language and in great effects to media marketing and promotion. I have a friend who is a poet and philosopher tell me once, that a man who can wield language has the most power in this world. How true!

A leader knows what he is thinking about and is able to clearly and lucidly communicate this to his or her intended audience.

Totanes is also quick to action, decisive and approaches an issue in a let's-get-this-done-because-really-it's-as-simple-as-123. No beating around the bush. The agenda is laid down. Take it for what it is. No room for sentiment or emotions. Trabaho lang. Ang pikon at balat sibuyas, ay...sorry na lang!

A leader sticks to the issue and faces it head on.

2. From Mr. Pinto, I realised the value of listening and consultation in leadership. This recognition of working in teams, collaborating with different people and allowing each to lend a voice in the conversation are all hallmarks of a compassionate and creative leader. As President of PLAI, Pinto must really listen to his co-leaders. Pinto is not PLAI and PLAI is not Pinto. He knows what public service entails after making the shift from private institution to government agency.

A leader listens. A leader works with people. A leader does not think he is the only one fighting a cause or running a project all by himself.

Now I know where this man from Cagayan gets his charm.

3. From Mrs. Abad, I realised the relevance of taking things into perspectives not just one's own, but from others and factors that influence them too. The approach she used to analyse the issue on leadership as applied to the issue of the #NationalNonLibrarian is the Iceberg technique where patterns of behavior, socio-cultural trends and aspects are considered as well as mental models that play a role in decision making. I like this technique because it makes for a good start in clarifying biases and prejudices. Then, one can move on to a more informed process of filing a complaint and in the issuance of statements of concern.

A leader looks at the big picture. Always considering the systems, structures and politics that shape human behavior.

In the 21st century, much is expected from us, LIS professionals. There are events and occasions where, like Dr. Totanes, we need to be decisive. We need to master language and the nuances of communication. Our profession is people oriented, thus, we need to learn how to listen well like Mr. Pinto. The mere act of sincere listening is an act of leadership. And then, like Mrs. Abad, we need to first examine our motives and see how it fits in the greater scheme of things. Leaders reflect and discern on actions that can contribute to the greater good.

What leadership style or approach do you adhere or believe in? What kind of librarian leader are you?

Filipino Librarian: Bily Alejo

Topnother, Bily Alejo has graciously agreed for an interview in the blog. He shares with us his dreams of becoming a librarian specializing in marketing and promotion of library services and programs. He looks up to Mrs. Venus Ibarra Guyos and Mr. Michael Pinto who both mentored him in the Univeristy of St. Louis, Tuguegarao.

Congratulations, Bily! May our tribe increase!

Complete name: ALEJO, BILYSON y DOMINGO
Degree: Bachelor in Library and Information Science (Graduated as Magna cum Laude S.Y. 2012-2013)
School/University: University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao



* What do you feel now that you've passed the LLE, and topnotcher at that?!

When the results came out, it was really difficult for me to absorb this life-changing moment – life of a topnotcher. At first, I really did not know if I am going to ace in the exam because I wandered on the questions of the LLE. The questions were flabbergasting that for me were “Between Life and Death” questions. Now, I had survived my life’s toughest point and had been recognized as a topnotcher. I know that my success has a reason that comes from God – a reason that remains to be beautiful. If you continue to believe in what God can do to turn impossibilities into unlimited opportunities, you will be guided by His light towards the path of your success!

* How did you prepare for the LLE?

My batch mates had landed on jobs after graduation. I was in a dilemma whether to work or to prepare for the board examination. When I floated my application to one private school, I asked God for a sign that if I will not be hired, I will review for the LLE. Otherwise, I will concentrate on my work. He gave me a sign not to work and just review. So for the remaining months before the board exam, I was jammed in our house as a part-time housekeeper and part-time reviewee.

* Why did you major in LIS?

I enrolled in Library and Information Science by accident and by God’s will. Why LIS? I observed half of my classmates enrolled Accountancy and the rest on Health and Allied Sciences. I did not have any idea about the profession and that posed a challenge – a challenge to discover what is in store for me and to make a difference in our batch.

* Who are your librarian heroes?

I was about to quit and shift into another career during my schooling because I could not find myself in Librarianship. Then, I came to meet and greet Miss Venus Ibarra, now Mrs. Guyos, where I was able to find myself from her. I was inspired by her actions, personality and wisdom to continue to become a Philippine librarian. She supported me like a mother in every endeavor I wish to achieve. I sincerely thank her for the inspiration, love and support she shared to me though I was only her student. To Sir Michael Pinto for the words of encouragement to soar high and to contribute positively in the profession, a big thanks and applause for what he had done. And to many librarians who inspired me in whatever way to become the person I ought to be, I thank you so much! You already know yourselves; I don’t have to enumerate.

* What specialization or tracking in LIS do you wish to take?

My buddy professor, Mrs. Guyos, knew already what I want to become and that is to become a model. Since I am a frustrated model, I want to employ my creativity, intellect and passion into the profession through library marketing. I have a strong sense of passion for library marketing because of my experience as a project manager back in college. A model is about influence and inspiration to people; thus, marketing for me is my choice and my heart.



* What is the most pressing issue in Philippine Librarianship that needs to be addressed? Why? How can this issue be addressed?

I wish to address the stereotypes of librarians as perceived by the younger generations. If we, librarians, are aware of our actions and sensitive to what our users are thinking of us, then we could provide an immediate solution in correcting their wrong discernment and enlightening them about the profession. This is what makes Librarianship unattractive to the younger generations as a career because they do not see the significance of the profession to the society and the opportunities to become successful in life. This draws the obliteration of the growth of the number of librarians in the country which results into high demand and low supply of librarians. Librarians should join hands to make an effort in promoting and realizing the image of the profession in the 21st Century and to the future to come.

* What is your advice to LLE takers in the future and to students of LIS?

Thomas Edison, Father of Invention, once said, “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” I am a product of difficult challenges, failures and doubts. I struggled, but I never quit. I continued to dream and trust God’s will. If I was able to make it, you too can! Always remember that despite and in spite of everything, God rewards those people who believe in Him. With God, nothing is impossible!

Sabi ni Korina Sanchez, “Balang araw wala ng batang naka-paa,” para sa kanyang Tsinelas Campaign.
Ako naman, “Balang araw wala ng library na walang librarian,” para sa aking More Librarians Campaign.

I look forward to the influx of competent and virtuous librarians in the country!

Live Blogging: At the 3rd National Congress of Special Libraries in the Philippines

It is day 2 of ASLP's (Association of Special Libraries of the Philippines) 3rd National Congress of Special Libraries. I came in mid-day and Randolf Mariano was giving his presentation. Right now, the three speakers are engaged in an open forum with participants. What is interesting is that, the participants have so many questions and responses. This fuel discussion that go beyond library services and operations.

I am amused listening at the responses of the participants and how the speakers take in these responses. The issue on cultural promotion through library services and through the librarians managing libraries is a complicated one. I think this issue is one specific topic that librarians can talk about further in another congress or seminar.

One advocacy librarians can push for is the promotion of Filipino culture through library services and programs. Mechanisms to promote culture through libraries would be a good starting point for discussion.

Author of the Month: Michael Pinto

Author of the month is Mr. Michael Pinto, Filipino "male" librarian whose book, Layb Life: Mga Kwento at Karansan ng Isang Librarian hit the bookstores last year. In this interview he answers questions about writing, the profession in general and his publishing dreams for the future. Mr. Pinto hails from Cagayan, Tuguegarao.

a. What prompted or inspired you to write? Any back story on the book and your writing journey?
 

 At the age of 25, I became the Director of Libraries of our university and I know that this experience is one of a kind since only few can be in that position at an early stage of my career. Since my experience is one of a kind, I thought of writing my experiences being the head of the library, from the day-to-day experiences up to the things I observed during seminars and conferences. All of these prompted me to write the book. At first, writing articles was just a past time for me especially when I feel stressed in my work. Eventually, I did not noticed that I already have a handful of articles so I decided to publish it so that others can be inspired (I hope so). 

b. Other than being the youngest administrator of USL, what would you consider as the most remarkable thing that happened to you as a librarian?

I believe the most remarkable thing that happened to me is when I meet new people in the profession and in my work. In fact, I learned a lot from the people I meet. Other than that, I think other remarkable things that happened to me are: First, after 3 years of being the Director of Libraries, we were able to get the Outstanding Academic and research Library Award in 2010 by PAARL. Second, I became active member of PLAI and organized a library association in Cagayan, Kalinga and Apayao. Lastly, I was able to help a lot of people through the position I handle.



c. What are the challenges faced by a librarian writing about his/her profession?

First, that others might misinterpret what I am writing. Not everyone can appreciate what you are doing. Second, there are still traditional mind who don’t want to acknowledge new things.  Lastly, my bashers who always look for my mistakes. But I thank them because through them, I was able to write the book.

 
d. Do you have another book project? What is your dream book?

Yes I have. I am currently on the verge of writing another book. I hope to publish it before November of this year. As to my dream book, I want to write a book based on the outline of subjects in the BLIS Program. Maybe a textbook for BLIS subjects.

e. What are your favorite books? Who is your favorite writer?

I don’t have favorite book. I read if it interest me.
Favorite author: Og Mandino, Bob Ong       

f. If you were a book, what kind are you?

Satirical book 
g. Describe your writing process/creative process.
As I have said, I write when I’m stressed. I write during my leisure time and I only write if there is something that triggers me.


h. Any message to young aspiring librarians and librarians who wish to be published in the future?

Do not be afraid of writing, just write. Don’t mind your grammar, that’s the work of an editor. Write what you think can open the minds of your reader. Write what you love and love what you wite. That’s the secret.

Today is International Book Giving Day!

Who will get these books?

Lost and Found by Rica Bolipata-Santos, Layb Life by Michael Pinto and Looking Back 6 by Ambeth Ocampo

Assorted picture books! YAY!