Dear SLIA: On the Depth and Breadth of a School Library's Collection

A year ago, more or less, an interesting query started out on the Facebook Page of librarians from IB schools worldwide. The question grapples with the evaluation criteria for collection development in schools, especially the ones who are running the IB program. The question came from Ms. Mikee Chan and with her permission, I am putting out our extended conversation on chat regarding the matter.

Mikee Chan (MC): Hi Ms Zarah, I was the one who posted in IB Librarian group regarding the distribution of books in each area. If you can remember me, I was Raya School's Junior High School Librarian. I am using the DDC % rate attached in DepEd School Library Guidelines and from what I have understood, our collection should grow based on the recommended growth rate. For example if we have 500 books in the 100s for this school year we will need to add 5 book next school year since the recommended growth rate for 100s is 1%. And I am still actually confused on how am I going to deselect the books using the recommendation by DepEd though I have established basic standards/guidelines when it comes to weeding which are 1. Timeliness of the book -- I am following the 10 year rule for STEM 2. Physical look (if the book is already worn out, damaged, etc.)

ZarahG: Yes. And you can also use it (the DDC standards) as the baseline or mean for each division. that's the standard. A DDC division can go below or beyond the percentage. Also, a balanced collection is not the norm in the IB Library. IB authorization visitors would look for depth and breadth of a collection. This is what I am grappling with because, for a student population of 110 plus, we have a total book collection of 9000 titles. And in the last IB authorization visit, the authorization officers told me that we need to grow the collection further. And this makes sense because we run the MYP and the DP, programs that put great value on collaboration and inter disciplinary studies.

MC: So does that mean that we cannot say that "oh I have too much books in this certain area and I lack in this other area". I am new to my work and right now I am trying to figure out the gaps in our non fiction collection and I am thought looking at the distribution of non fiction across different areas is a good step.

ZG: Your collection analysis can always inform you of the numbers. And if you subscribe to a library management system, it will compute the numbers for you. This data can serve you in reporting and in meeting the quantitative standard. But where is the reader in all of in this? Start asking the questions how does my collection reflect the school curriculum? How does my collection support the learning needs of the community?

MC: I am trying to look if we need to add more books in certain subject area specifically in our 600s coz the number of books in the 600 is only half of the 700s.And if we also need to update the STEM books

ZG: What informs your decision to add titles other than statistics and standards? Of course you will have to update the sciences. Once you have met the standard % management of the collection should no longer be a numbers game but a knowledge management issue. Use the curriculum to analyze the content of the collection.

Any thought you wish to share on the discussion? It will add to the growing practice on collection development and programing. Type in the comment space or send me an email. This is how we learn online.

PASLI's Call for Papers: School Library Collection Development for Generation Z

Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc. (PASLI)

Call for Papers 2020

42nd National Conference

Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City

April 22-24, 2020

Theme:

“IntenZfied” School Libraries: Optimizing Diverse Collection Development Practices for the Generation Z

Topics of Interest

·         Collection Development

·         Collection Management

·         Selection issues and challenges

·         Collection analysis

·         Consortial collection development

·         Patron-driven acquisitions

·         Electronic resources

·         Outreach, Liaison activities, and Marketing

·         Policy, Planning, and Fiscal Management

·         Trends and future of collection development

·         The collection, collection development, and the community

·         Selection tools and selection criteria

·         Collection assessment

·         Preservation and conservation of library resources

·         Censorship

·         Legal Issues in collection development

·         Engaging students to read

Important dates:

December 18, 2019- Announcement of Call for Papers

January 31, 2020- Deadline of abstract submission

February 21, 2020- Acceptance notification

April 13, 2020- Submission of Full Paper and Presentation

April 22-24- PASLI Conference

 Instructions for submissions:

1.        Abstract for paper presentation should be submitted using this format:

a.        Title of Paper (in capital letters, Arial Narrow font size 14)

b.        Name of author/s (including official designation. Use * for the presenting author)

c.         Institution/Company Affiliation

d.        Contact details (email address and contact number)

e.         3-5 keywords

f.         Abstract (300 to 500 words only, Arial Narrow font size 12)

Abstract must include the following sections:

o   Research purpose

o   Research methods

o   Research findings

o   Research impact

g.        References (Please use APA format)

2.        Abstract must be attached (in pdf format) and submitted to kelvin.samson@gmail.com or salvecadenas@yahoo.com

3.        Use PASLI Call for Papers 2020 in the subject line.

4.        Deadline of submission of abstracts is on January 31, 2020.

5.        Notifications of accepted abstracts is on February 21, 2020. If you are not selected, you will also be notified as well.

6.        The authors of accepted abstracts will be asked to submit the full paper and presentation on or before April 13, 2020.

7.        The author/s of accepted papers will be asked to present it on PASLI’s 42nd National Conference at Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City on April 22-24, 2020.

8.        Each presenter will be given 20 minutes to present their paper and 10 minutes for question and answer during the plenary session.

9.        Please note that accepted paper presenters still need to pre-register and pay the necessary registration fee. The association will only provide the food and corresponding CPD points for each paper presenter.

10.  If you have any questions, please contact kelvin.samson@gmail.com or salvecadenas@yahoo.com.

Dear School Librarian In Action: The Benefit of Print and Planning a School Library Development Plan

I was fortunate to meet School librarians of the Raya School early this month. We had a fascinating and interesting conversation about students, the way they learn and read books, and the work librarians do to help teachers. Here are questions that have kept them awake at night. This is part 1 so come back to the blog for part 2!

1. With the emergence of information technology we have today, I wonder if it is still relevant to teach students how to use the dictionary if they could just google or use an online dictionary instead.

Yes. Print is still relevant because, it promotes and keeps the reading experience alive particularly, long and deep reading. These are the kinds of reading the human brain needs to function well. Ebooks and online sources rob the brain of so many things, and one is the development of a physical memory. Print provides that physical landscape so that the brain’s capacity to remember becomes stronger. Print is good for MEMORY and REMEMBERING.

Second, we need to provide different forms of media to our readers because they learn in varied ways. Their modalities for learning is not one dimensional. Learning through visuals may be strong for one person, but his/her aural skills do not mean it is non-function at all. So, develop whole brain learning by providing an array of learning materials and employing varied and appropriate instructional strategies.

The availability of online references provide ease of access to information. Print sources help in retention and in stretching one’s attention span. Both are cognitive skills needed to navigate and understand different media formats and technology.

2. There was a time where grade 6 students borrowed reference materials in the library so they could practice citing of sources for their AP class. There was also a time where grade 4 students searched for "pabula" in the library for their Filipino class.

I know that one of the library's main roles in the school is provision of books to the students for the enrichment of their learning but what else could I do to help?

Notice that the information needs of your students differ from one grade to another. Why is it that grade 4 students are searching for pabula? Why reference materials for grade 6? 

Know the students, the teachers who teach them, the school’s curriculum and pedagogy. From here, you can create a collection development plan. Then, budgeting comes into play. This is long term, progressing and continuous. A three year library development plan identifying targets and strategies need to be in place, as well as a library procedural manual.

Include a library instruction program or an Information Literacy program. This is ideally, integrated in the language arts skills program. So, work with teachers to make this happen.

Part 2 is all about collaborative work with teachers.

School Library Coll Dev: Maps and Posters

This academic year, I am figuring out ways and means to extend our library's multimedia and audio-visual collection, particularly, the library's map collection.

What works for us at the moment is the "recycling" of freebie posters and maps from print magazines and journals we subscribe to. National Geographic constantly has posters and maps that are pull outs. These posters are often folded to the size of the magazine and are perforated making it easy to tear away from its original binding. The magazines we subscribe from Scholastic: Choices, Action, Upfront, Ahora, Science World and Art come with freebie posters and maps too.

Once the magazines have been circulated for two months, we tear posters and maps in preparation for lamination. For this process, we seek an outsourced service that is accessible with in our community. The cost is 15-20% cheaper than the maps and posters bought from dealers and bookstores here and abroad.

As soon as the posters and maps are laminated, it goes to the cataloging section and then to circulation services for promotion to teachers who shall use them as visual aids in the classrooms. Electronic versions may be downloaded from online sources for a small fee but having a visual representation of an idea that is non-projected from a gadget or a screen, trains the eyes and the brain to see and think with more flexibility.

Catching Up: The 5th Filipino ReaderCon Panel on Readers Take the Reins

 Aside from missing the PLAI Congress and the seminar-workshop at the University of Perpetual Help Laguna, the Filipino ReaderCon was another event I skipped due to follow up consultations with my doctors. The Readers Take the Reins panel was a session I hoped to take part in along with GFF, Tarie Sabido and book blogger extraordinaire, Blooey Singson. The panel is like a dream sequence where readers assert their needs and their vision of a reading revolution in the country. The question to answer is, if readers have the power to transform the book industry and readership in the country, what would be our environment and behavior towards reading and books?

Paolo Chikiamco has a recording of the session. I still have to listen to the entire thing. I am excited because there is a lot of talk on library development. So I was told.

Feel free to visit and download the recording. Go to Paolo's blog for the MP3.

Setting Up a School Library: Assessment (1 of 2)

I good starting point when setting up a library is to assess the readiness of the school for a school library. Areas to look at would be administrative responsibility, staffing  and manpower, finance and budgeting matters, physical and virtual structures, curricular offering, students and learners profile, community support and linkages.

Some questions that lead to assessment of some of the identified areas are listed below:

a. Administrative Responsibilities

- Are there national standards and guidelines on school libraries that are defined by the government?

- Where does the library fall under the school's organizational chart?

- Who is the librarian reporting to: academic coordinator or school principal?

b.  Library staffing

- Is the school capable of assigning a full time/part time library staff for the library?

- Is the staff knowledegable in keeping documents of library records?

- Is the librarian a trained professional?

- How big is the school population vs. librarian and staff?

c. Building and room that is accessible to all students and teachers

- Is the library space near or central to the school community who will use it?

- Is the library space well lighted and ventilated?

- Is the library space fire, flood and termite resistant?

- Is the library space near a fire exit?

- Is the library space big enough for 2 classes at a time?

- Is the library space near a computer room, comfort room/rest room, emergency exit?

- Is there a technology infrastructure that can be used to begin a virtual or digital service by the library?

d. Support from school leaders, teachers and parents

- How can parents support the library?

- In what way can community members show his/her help in the development of the library?

- Envision how the principal and teachers plan to use the library as a learning center.

e. Assistance from government and other organizations

-Are there programs by the government and civic organizations that can be tapped so that library will further develop?

Pre-CONSAL ASEAN School Library Workshop: Proposed Action Plan from the Philippines

This is going to be quick, just so the ideas on our Plan of Action are documented. This is not set in stone and the tentative plans are up for discussion.

Focus of Development: Human Resource Development
Identified Task: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of School Librarians

Concrete Plans of Action:

1. Echo this workshop to PASLI and conduct continuing discussion on school library development;
2. Plan a regional workshop for school librarians; seek a grant to make this possible;
3. Propose a regular CPD for school librarians to regional library associations;
4. Assist the Library Hub in book procurement.

Time Frame: 2015 - 2017

PPT: Philippine School Libraries Today Bridging Gaps! Crossing the Divide!

My PPT for the workshop today. Thank you to the DepEd Library Hub people; To Myra Ortega and Elinor Hemedes; Troy Lacsamana of the Quezon City Public Library; The Quezon Province Library Hub; Neni Sta. Romana Cruz of the NBDB; and to friends in the profession who provided inspiration and information!

Live Blogging: Book Making Activity

I am in Naga City, Camarines Sur running a workshop on Library Improvement. This workshop is part of Educo's three day Training Session for teachers in schools where they have set up libraries and reading centers. Creative Play, Movement and Creating Connections are the other two workshops that are part of the training program. Working with Adarna House, Educo was able to assemble 150 teachers from the CamSur region for this training program.

Right now, I am facilitating a book making activity with the second batch of teachers. The room is quiet as everyone is busy writing their stories and drawing illustrations. In a few minutes, we will have a read aloud of the stories they wrote. Their mini-books will be put on display at the end of the day.

MARCHing On to the Next School Library Project

Sambat Trust Turns Three!

Thank you for your amazing support for the past 3 years!

Nearly 4,000 children now have access to books and a school library.

To celebrate our 3rd birthday, every new supporter who "likes" our Facebook page this September will be matched with a £1 donation- up to £500.

www.facebook.com/sambattrustuk

£1 puts a local children’s book in a library, so please Like. Share.

Thank you for making a difference to children’s lives in the Philippines.

Lots of love,
Sambat Trust

Ebook Collection Development for School Libraries

Before jumping on the ebook bandwagon, think things over and draft a strategy for developing an ebook collection for your school library. I am sharing what I've whipped up for starting out an ebook collection in the library.

Why an ebook collection?
1. Experiment on a new business model in acquiring digital content for the library that adheres to a required budget allocation.
2. Offer new services to a market that is young, fickle, media induced and tech savvy.
3. Expand the library’s collection, thereby, addressing the clamor on information access for all and at all times (as possible).

What to consider?
1. License agreement containing terms and agreement, restrictions and scope of access.
2. Business model may be by lease or perpetual access.
3. Fees/budget may vary according to choice of business models: one book/one user, subscription, multi-user, simultaneous unlimited use, print on demand, pay per use.
4. Purchase by consortia. Plus: increase buying power. Minus: libraries have different needs
5. Evaluate vendors and analyze cost, especially among and between vendors

Ebook vendors / Third party solution:

FolletShelf  - http://www.aboutfollettebooks.com/follettshelf.cfm
EBSCO - http://www.ebscohost.com/ebooks/schools
OverDrive - http://www.overdrive.com/Solutions/Schools/K12/SDL/
Project Muse - http://muse.jhu.edu/#3

* FolletShelf and EBSCO can provide demos. With the changing landscape in epublishing and new business models that publishers implement, it is good to request for demos as needed. Schedules of demo are indicated in the websites.

* Project Muse orders on ebooks can be made but, license agreement must be checked and referred to for further study and evaluation.

* Tech requirements for ebook access via ereaders ℅ Tech Dept. and Finance (purchase and insurance matters).

* Ereaders (Kindle/iPad) can be used as storage devices for ebooks. Allot one ereader for a collection: References, General Collection, Fiction and Teachers Resources

* Explore other means of developing a digital collection: file server where pdfs can be saved, organized and retrieved / Google Docs as database for pdfs / collection of web resources.

* Draft a set of rules and guidelines for ereaders use / ebook selection and purchase must be reflected in the collection development program and policy.

Dear SLIA: Graphic Novels in the Library

Way back in May of this year, Ms. Luvie De Leon an alumna of Far Eastern University, sent me a question over at Facebook: Ok lang po ba ang graphics na books sa GS library like Nancy Drew,Hardy Boys, etc.

This was my reply to her.

Yes. Pero, i-review mo ang collection development policy ninyo. Baka may statement roon na hindi kayo dapat mag-acquire ng graphic novels at comics. Isa pa, kailangan nag consult ka sa principal, academic coordinator at mga teachers bago mag pasya na bumili ng graphic novels. Pwede ka rin gumawa muna ng reading interest survey ng mga students. Alamin kung ano ang gusto nilang babasahin at format ng babasahin.

Kung positive ang response ng principal, coordinator, teachers at students sa graphic novels, mag-allot ka ng budget. Kung ok sa students, pero negative sa mga principal, coordinator at teachers, gumawa ka muna ng proposal kung saan naka-spell out ang dahilan bakit nais mong bumuo ng graphic novel collection.

Hindi rin basta-basta ang pagbuo or pagbili ng graphic novels para sa library. Hindi ibig sabihin na uso, gagawin na rin ng library. Pinag-iisipan ito at kasama dapat sa collection development program ang pagbuo mo ng graphic novel collection para sa library. Dadaan pa rin sa masusing pagpili ang pagbuo ng graphic novel collection.

More on library collection development in future posts.

Another School Library Grows in Tanauan, Batangas

Sambat Trust and Trapiche Elementary School will open the newly built library in the school located at Brgy. Trapiche, Tanauan Batangas on Saturday, August 11, 2012.

It is the seventh school library in Tanauan that  Sambat Trust helped establish.

Guest for the opening is multiawarded author, Mr. Russell Molina. He will be joined by Mr. Gerard Hidalgo and Mr. Ark Buenaobra, true blue Tanauenos, in the ribbon cutting that will follow after Mr. Molina's inspirational message to children, parents and teachers of Trapiche Elementary School.

Thank you to all donors, sponsors and supporters of Sambat Trust's school library project!