PPT: Designing an Information Literacy Skills Porgram for the New K-12 Curriculum

Il k 12-school_libs_aug2015.ppt from Zarah Gagatiga

The 2014 Book Spine Poetry Winners: Final Round

Our Book Spine Poetry Contest at school draws to a close.

Final round judge Ed Maranan picked five best poems from the fifteen finalists. Here are the poems:

Honorable Mention
"A World Undone
Embracing Defeat
Going Going
Gone"

Honorable Mention
"In the Country of Men
Seeking the Heart of Wisdom
Atlas Shrugged
...and a hard rain fell"

3rd Place
"Last Night I Dreamed of Peace
Looking Back
The First Escape
Before we were free
A Hero of Our Time
Jumped
Fences
Shaking the Foundation"

2nd Place
"In Defense of Women
It's Not Easy Being Mean
Cycle and Hatred
Bood and Rage
Ice Cream and Sadness
Maiden of Pain
A Woman's Life"

1st Place
"In the Country of Men
Things Fall Apart
Funny How Things Change
As I Lay Dying"

Judge's review of the poems will be posted in the blog tomorrow.

MUNPARLAS Presentation on Information Literacy Services

Il services & teaching programs munparlas from Zarah Gagatiga

My Author Visit in PAREF Woodrose

Thank you very  much to librarian Gay Reyes of PAREF Woodrose for inviting me last July 12 as librarian and published author. I had a wonderful time sharing with grade school students of Woodrose my books, the creative process of writing integrating it with the Big 6, an Information Literacy model. I had two sessions: one for grades 3 and 4, and another for grades 5 and 6. I prepared two different presentations.

The girls asked a variety of questions. They were smart and articulate. One grade 6 student asked how much I make as a published writer. I answered by giving her, with all honesty, the percentage I get from the total sales of my honorarium. They thought it was pretty small. So I quickly added that the reward for writing is not always measured by percentages and honorarium.

Sorry girls, I'm not JK Rowling.

At lunch time, I stayed a bit at the Woodrose library. It was small, cozy and snug. There, I signed autographs for eager grades 5 and 6 students who patiently lined up for a message of inspiration and my initials. Yes, I felt like a rock star.

Libraries for the Young (Repost)

Exhumed an old piece for an old book project that is rising like the phoenix.

A Letter From Tita Pilar is a piece I wrote in 2005 or 2006 (?). It helps to reread an old composition. Taking a step backward to jump two steps ahead. I hope.

A Letter From Tita Pilar

By Zarah Gagatiga

My dear nephew,

So you have indeed taken the path less trodden. When I heard the news that you have graduated from university with a degree in Library Science, I was greatly surprised. I thought your mother was only humoring when she broke the news that you have in fact applied for a

job in the local public library. And she even boasted that you have great dreams of helping children and teenagers in the community.  I thought you would have shifted to engineering or computer science, which is gaining quite a popularity among newly graduated high school students,

by your sophomore year.  But, you proved me wrong. So now, allow me to be blunt.

Only a few dare venture into the world of children and young adult library services in the country. For this, I admire your bravery and courage. You must be made of some stronger stuff to be in this place where support and funding is close to nil. There must have been a divine

inspiration that prompted you to take on a role deemed by many as irrelevant or non-existent.

In the corporate library, there is glamour. In the academic library, prestige. In school and public libraries, there are still so many things to be done. That’s why I tip my hat to you for making the choice, however, enthusiasm and idealism can only take you to a certain level. The academe may have prepared you well with theory and practice for the work that is ahead, but real life experiences on the job will be the true

test of your mettle.

Am I beginning to frighten you? Don’t be.

My intent is to help you anticipate the challenges that you will eventually face as you practice the profession. Honestly, there will be roadblocks and obstacles along the way. But once you’re able to overcome, if not, to accept and to learn how to deal with them you will discover how fulfilling it is to be working for kids and teens. I will not delay any longer. You may find out that these ten tips

are far from inspirational. They are more like a survival guide, actually, particularly for the young librarian starting out.

So, here we go.

1. You have many clients in the public library. But since you dream of serving children and young people, prioritize them. The collection, the services, the programs and the environment you provide them must be suitable to their developmental and learning needs. In the school, its vision, mission and goals, the curricular and extra-curricular offerings must all be taken in consideration when developing resources and in planning and implementing programs and activities. The same can be said in the public library however, there is the demand to continue and strengthen such services and programs to adults and senior citizens. 
   
   
2. In library school, you were taught how to catalog; to analyze and organize the collection; to conduct readers’ services; to prepare indexes and bibliography; to manage information and facilities – the works. These are all good and very practical indeed. Then again, there are tasks to meet a bigger goal that is universal to school and public libraries. Such tasks are means to an end. Your job, as librarian, is to function as agent of life long learning. It is essential that when you facilitate library services, your young users can derive meaningful experiences from it.

3. In the school library, you have teachers, administrators, parents and staff. In the public library, you have local officials, civic groups and community volunteers. All are members of the community, but they are your partners as well. Collaborate with them to reach your young clientele. Teachers and parents can be requested to tell stories on a weekly or monthly basis. Invite administrators and local officials to the library as resource persons to kids and teens. Civic groups may help in fund raising and book drives. Volunteers can keep technical and clerical work at bay. Running a library is a Herculean task and you need all the help you can get. Who ever said you have to do it alone?
   
   
4. Seek support from the administration and local officials. Most of them are not fully aware of what we can do. They can be clueless on how important our contribution is to the development of literacy for children and young adults. It’s not their fault, but if you don’t act early enough, then you’re to blame. They are the stakeholders and you have to make them see that libraries are not merely buildings and books. Buildings may rise and books may come in truckloads, but without a librarian to plan, implement and manage programs for children and teens, will they come to use the building or read the books? Let them know that we matter by gaining and winning their good side. Some are actually well meaning enough to grant your request for a new room or a bigger reading area; additional computers; bigger budget; approval and support for library programs. Take the risk. It is worth it.
   
   
5. Continue to grow in the profession and in related fields of discipline. Pursue graduate studies. Join professional organizations, not only in librarianship but also in allied fields like computers and information technology. These are buzz words that pose a challenge to the way we do things in the library. Learn it! Ours is a dynamic discipline. Changes in the profession is fast, rampant and at times, uncompromising. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skill needed to adapt to these changes. 
   
   
6. Strengthen communication skills. And I mean all facets – speaking, listening, reading and writing. Your library users must understand you and you must understand them. You must relay to your stakeholders what your vision and goal are for the library. The message you want to impress upon parents and community members must be clear and sincere. On library work, if you look at its cycle and flow, it is really about communicating with people. What we do is a means to an end. Cataloging a book is not simply for records purpose or for posterity. Circulation work is not all about statistics and reports; nor is it utterly about charging and discharging of resources. Selection and acquisition is not merely choosing books and resources that are cute and nice. What has these functions to do with communication? That I will leave for you to answer and discover. You don’t expect me to tell you everything, do you?
   
   
7. Avail of grants, local ones and those that are available abroad. Let me remind you of the three tenets in library management – budget, content and people who use the library. Budget is the most important among the three. Often, there is shortage of funds. If worse comes to worse, there is none at all. Then again, tenacity and resourcefulness can get you the budget that the library deserves. Patience and perseverance will aid you in raising funds and seeking grants. Tenacity. Resourcefulness. Patience. Perseverance. Such are the qualities of a leader. It is not enough to be brave. 
   
   
8. Manage time and human resources very well. Ah yes. You will get tired. You will feel burn out. So, relax. Leave the work at the library at day’s end. Focus your energy on matters that are truly important. Classify work as urgent, ASAP, important, critical, priority. Sit down and plan a three-year development plan. Evaluate it and communicate reports to staff and administration. Strategic planning is necessary for special projects like Book Week celebrations, installing a new service like a computer area or viewing and exhibit room. Delegate the work if you have people under your wing. Make it a team effort. Involve them in the planning as well as in the implementation of projects and programs. Library staff needs training too, so it’s not only you who must grow professionally and personally.
   
   
9. Read. Read anything. Read everything. You’re a librarian. If you cease reading, then it’s a sign to change careers.
   
   
10. Know when to hold on and when to let go. Pick your battles. Learn to say no. Be flexible. Bend a little at times and yes, compromise. It may cause you pain, but you will live. And that is essential, because you need to last another day.

These are all I have to say to you, my dear nephew. It is a mouthful. Did I give you indigestion? Well, eat it like an elephant - piece by piece.

With love and concern,

Tita Pilar 

MUNPARLAS Seminar-Workshop on Information Literacy

INFO-LIT POWER PACKAGES on July 19, 2013 @ De la Salle Zobel School from Roderick Ramos

Summer Reading List 2013

Summer reads 2013 from Zarah Gagatiga

Why do I Read? Establishing a Purpose for Reading

Purposefor reading 2 from Zarah Gagatiga

Field Trip to Rizal Library

Two weeks back, I accompanied a small group of teenagers, our students in grade 11, to the Rizal Library. Together with the DP Coordinator, we chaperoned the group to Ateneo de Manila University's esteemed library where they had a tour of the new and the old libraries. The group was able to do initial research on their Extended Essay as well. They were impressed to see the microfilm collection and the art gallery.

Our thanks go out to Ms. Karryl Sagun for facilitating the tour and to Dr. Von Totanes for keeping the doors of Rizal Library open to young scholars and budding academics.

Since our visit, I have received requests for letters of recommendation. This is a good sign.

Libraries are for all!

Electric Youth: Teens Speak of Marekting Strategies for the School Library

Bm g12 marketing_lib_feedback from Zarah Gagatiga

Easter Egg Hunt at the Library: The Conclusion

 It was fun!

Teenagers and food make a good mix. At some point reading must be required and rewarded. Looking for the eggs in the books was not easy. There were those who looked randomly and got frustrated. The more strategic thinkers consulted the OPAC. The theme, renewal and redemption, got some kids working and ended up finding a coupon or two.

The ones who got more than one egg coupon shared the rest with a friend. Those who participated realized that the library has interesting and good titles of books to read. Many wondered what the free "kwek-kwek" was all about.

I suppose, next time, they'll learn to read emails from the school's teacher librarian.

Easter Egg Hunt Promo at the Library

Sharing the library promo we're having this Easter:

April 3-8, 2013 is EASTER EGG HUNT @ the library!

There are eggs hidden in selected books in the FICTION, GENERAL COLLECTION, FILIPINIANA and TEACHERS RESOURCE. If you happen to borrow that selected book with an egg, then you get a coupon for a cup of quail eggs (aka kwek-kwek!). This can be redeemed from our cafeteria during PM snacks (2:45 - 3:30) on April 10, 2013. Just present your coupon with Mr. Flynn's signature to our cafeteria personnel :-)

Here's a clue: The eggs are hidden in books about RENEWAL and REDEMPTION.

For those who will borrow a KINDLE and DVD over the long Holy Week break, (begins on March 27 - April 2, 2013) the library will give away a special "Spring Basket" upon return of the resources on April 3, 2013.

Lastly, we will prepare simple handouts (EGG-CITING DISCOVERIES)  for when you find out a helpful info on the library's online subscriptions: EBSCO, The Day, World Book Online and Scientific American. For this, we have a spring token in exchange of your online review or feedback.

We hope that you participate for the fun of it, and for the joy of reading, of course!

Dear Librarian: On Bibliotherapy

Kevin Dhale dela Cruz, a LIS student from UP Diliman sent questions regarding Bibliotherapy. I answered them and sent him links on Bibliotherapy published in the blog.

What is the history of bibliotherapy in your area or in your institution?

The school is pretty new, just three years old, as well as the library. We've only started with a Bibliotherapy collection this school year.

How long has your institution been offering bibliotherapy? (if applicable)

The library is starting with a bibliotherapy collection. The guidance counselor has not used the collection yet. There are no sessions yet for bibliotehrapy in the library.

How long have you been in this field?

I have been a school librarian for nearly two decades already. I started bibliotehrapy, formally in 2009.

What kinds of patron avails your services?

High school students. Guidance Counselors. Teachers.

What are the schedules and the intervals of the sessions for bibliotherapy?

NA

Is there a fee for your services? If yes, how much?

          
            NA

What are the processes involved in conducting bibliotherapy?

Bibliotherapy is developmental and clinical. Developmental bibliotherapy can be done side by side with Reading Guidance. This should also be in collaboration with guidance counselors. Begin by identifying a need or a problem of the child. A book or books are recommended for reading. When the child engages in the text, the guidance counselor receives responses from the reading experience. If mirroring happens, then it is a sign that the techniques made an impact.

Two important things to see in a bibliotherapy process: catharsis (mirroring) and response that is proactive.

What kind/s of librarian/s can practice bibliotherapy?

Librarians who are interested in readers services and user centered programs are the better ones to practice bibliotherapy.

What are the advantages of being a bibliotherapist? Are there also disadvantages? If yes, what are those?

The advantages are: knowing the reader and what book he/she finds helpful; the image of a librarian doing bibliothsrapy conveys a caring and compassionate professional; use of books and literature is authenticated. The disadvantage is, no concrete measure or statistical data can prove that a bibliotehrapy session is successful. As therapy, bibliotherapy is just one way to heal or solve problems.

What other institutions can you recommend that offer bibliotherapy?

Counseling centers may use bibliotherapy, but I do not know of any. You may wish to contact Eric Ramos for he has done bibliotherapy in the college level. San Beda Grade School and High School libraries have bibliotehrapy collection, as well as Miriam College.

For those interested in Bibliotherapy, here are links to my blog posts on the topic:

bibliotherapy

-powerpoint-slides.html">Bibliotherapy Powerpoint

PAARL Bibliotherapy
bibliotherapy-collection.html

Dear Librarian: On Books & Reading Activities

Lou Rodriguez Miranda, school librarian of Collegio San Agustin, Binan Laguna sent me a query on book and reading activities. Here are some activities I thought of.

a. Have students create their own illustrated story books and include these in the collection.

b. Have a reading idol every month - feature a teacher or school admin and his or her favorite book.

c. Stage your own book award for best story of 2013 and best illustrated story book of 2013.

d. Integrate with a subject area an activity that will inspire literacy development, for example grade 2 Science class will read one non-fiction book a week or a month depending on lesson for the unit or the month.

e. Provide grade levels with recommended reading list from your collection.

Lou is assigned in the preschool library. So here's a new set for other school librarians out there who are working with children in the grade school and older kids in the high school level.

1. Reader's Choice - Read five books from the library’s storybook collection. Pick the top three from the five you selected. In your group, collate all your top three choices in one list. Include annotations for your book choices. Your annotations should not be longer than three sentences. Publish your list, Readers Choice, in the library’s bulletin board, in a blog, in a newsletter or send it via email to faculty, student and parent communities of your school.

2. Reading Passports - Read one story book. Log in your reading passport the title, author and publisher of the book. Do the assigned activity in your passport after reading the book. Share your output to others during book discussion time.

3. Story Theater / Puppet Show  / Storytelling / Kamishibai - Older kids can make their own story telling props and materials, puppets and flash cards. Have them perform for the younger set.

Involve the community in reading campaigns and activities as well. As I said before, a reading community is a learning community.
 

4. Family Read-in @ the Library - Parents and their kids come to the library for an evening of reading activities.

5. Book Trailer Making - Upper grade students create book trailers, videos, of their favorite books.

6. Read-in & Read-Out - Provision of reading materials for school helpers, yayas, drivers and caretakers / Mobile Library.

7. Book - Movie Tie Ups - Donate a book get a movie pass on library film viewing day. Donate two books, get a movie pass + popcorn.

8. Social Media for Books and Reading Campaigns - Create an account in FB or Twitter, Pinterest or any social networking site where books and reading are campaigned and advocated.

How do you celebrate books and reading in your school? How does the library contribute and participate in the celebration? Send over your ideas, activities and pictures for a feature on this blog!