How do I destroy thee?

Let me count the ways...









We found these destroyed books in the library, but never the destroyer. Reports will be made and lessons on library discipline and respect for library property will be emphasized come 2nd quarter, but really, how far can librarians impact students towards an improved sense of library citizenship?

Mga Salita ng Taon 2006

NCCA and the Filipinas Institute of Transalation proclaimed the following as the Words of the Year 2006.

BIRDFLU. BOTOX. CHACHA. KARIR. KUDKOD. LOBAT. MALL. MENINGOCOCCEMIA. OROCAN. PAYRETED. SPA. TOXIC.

Each word was actually a title of an essay justifying the essayist's claim why it deserves to be the word for the year 2006. LOBAT won 1st prize, BOTOX, written by PBBY's very own Dr. Luis Gatmaitan won 2nd prize and TOXIC won 3rd prize in this contest dubbed as SAWIKAAN 2006.

Click the link for more information on the winners of this year's contest.

Librarians can challenge the Admnistration

I owe it to my readers (though few and selected) to tell them more about last July's NCBD, however, management and administrative matters drive me away from polishing the article. So, before you start thinking where I've been the past few days, I asure you that I'm still blogging and I'm still sane. Allow me to veer a little far away from NCBD to share with you a white paper, also known as a position paper I wrote on the issue of centralizing the library's AV services (and programs) with the Information Technology Services.

One of my "idols" in the field of school librarianship once said that, "librarians must be capable of challenging the administration." In general, it is a battle not many would want to participate in because, it is a political warfare and tremendous skills in communictaion, psychology, knowledge of work culture, political manuevering and management is requried to pull a win. I do not know what the outcome of this white paper will be for me and my department. Of course, we can always predict and envision what will be and what could've been done. But, as the great Gandalf the White had said to Frodo, "We are given only little time in this Middle Earth. We do as much as we can in the time given to us."

Here is the position paper in full.

There are two ways of looking at how school libraries function in a school community. School libraries can be treated as an auxillary/ancillary department servicing students’ needs; and two, it can be seen as an instructional department involved in the academic and formative education of the students. In Xavier School, the Grade School Learning Resource Center subscribes to the second school of thought as reflected in its departmental VMG and MAFs (Competence, Community and Culture).

The GS LRC
…is a multifaceted information center that supports the school’s educational program.

…aims to create an environment that provides the necessary tools needed for growth & development of students & teachers.

…foresee students & teachers as “knowledge navigators” who
 Are responsible users of information
 Give respect to the rights of his/her fellowmen
 Have a genuine love for reading & literature, humanities & the arts
 Have high regard for one’s heritage (Chinese-Filipino)

The LRC Staff, particularly the librarians, are partners of teachers and administrators in forming men for others. Through synergy and collaboration, they are committed to helping students become competent users of information, technology and learning resources. Therefore, the primary client of the LRC is the students, but, it is one with the faculty’s objective to instruct and facilitate learning among them. That is why it has defined its roles and functions to continuously build a learning community in Xavier Grade School.

Roles & Functions of the GS LRC
 Work in cooperation with teachers & administrators to acquire & organize a wide variety of learning resources to support and enrich the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities and maturity levels of the students served;

 Provide materials and an information rich environment which will stimulate intellectual growth and promote personal enrichment and development;

 Provide technology skills training for faculty and staff to enable the integration of technology into instruction;

 Equip students with information literacy skills needed for independent research and critical judgment.

 Develop plans to integrate the best of traditional medium and possibilities of new technology;

 Provide a caring environment wherein students develop self-esteem, independence and the virtue of honesty;

 Promote reading and life long learning.

From these philosophy, VMG, and roles, it can be said that the GS LRC functions as an integral part of the educational process. This relevant function is enunciated in the UNESCO/IFLA School Library Manifesto. The manifesto was made in 2003 as guide for school libraries from developed and developing countries with the aim that, in affluent or indigent countries, school libraries may be empowered to reach global standards for optimum learning of the community that they serve.

The GS LRC AV Services
The AV Services of the GS LRC provides the GS community with the following:
a. Reservation – the LRC accepts reservation of learning resources, AV rooms, IT Labs, equipment needed for instruction.
b. Circulation – the LRC circulates learning resources and equipment to faculty and staff.
c. Documentation – the LRC documents relevant school activities with prior requests. The LRC provides off-campus video and photo coverage related to school activities.
d. Reproduction/Conversion/Recording – the LRC reproduces materials and upgrades learning resources exclusively for classroom use.

The selection, acquisition, development and organization of AV materials, learning resources and equipment are incorporated in the Collection Development Program of the GS LRC.

At first glance, the services provided by the LRC’s AV section appear as non-academic. They are, however, embedded with instructional and academic functions. A library staff facilitates the mechanical and clerical tasks concerned with reservation, circulation, documentation and simple editing services of the AV Section. The librarian who holds both licenses for teaching and librarianship, and who has, a faculty status, lends and renders professional and technical work required of the job. Specifically, the librarian assigned in the AV:

 Offers counsel and recommendations to teachers on their use of AV rooms, IT labs and equipment for instruction when problems and concerns arise;

 Team teaches with teachers in the grade level through identifying and defining learning materials (audio, video, kits, manipulatives, computer software, diorama, realia, online and electronic resources) that can be used for instruction so that learning goals and objectives can be achieved;

 Evaluates the system and operations of the AV section;

 Assess the learning resources, the technology and the equipment that was selected, acquired and currently being maintained and developed in the area.

Therefore, the AV services of the GS LRC perform the management of educational and instructional technologies. This is an attribution to the academic and instructional role of the GS LRC.

Centralization of AV Services

While centralization affords maximization of resources and equipment, it diminishes the academic and instructional roles of the GS LRC. Should this happen, it shall be a big loss to the school because its library that functions as an integral part of its educational process shall be reduced to a semi-auxillary/ancillary department. It is not the way to global learning as the school hopes its students to be global learners.

The GS LRC is a place where students’ learning experiences are extended beyond the four walls of the classroom. It is a learning laboratory where librarians and teachers stand on equal ground to plan and implement instruction using a variety of rich learning resources, facilities, equipment and technology.

With this conviction, the GS LRC can still help in the maximization of resources and manpower by:

 Being the bridge between the ITS and the GS Faculty and Staff – the LRC can collaborate with ITS to study and formulate training modules on the use of technology for instruction. Libraries are known for their USER EDUCATION services and the GS LRC has existing User Education programs for its faculty and staff.

Orientation and training on use of technology in the classroom and for instruction lessens maintenance problems, promotes a more intelligent use of technology and equipment, and fosters magis and cura personalis in the community.

 Continued collaboration and articulation with ITS – the LRC recognizes the importance of integration and synergy. There are services and functions that the LRC can do, but the ITS could not and vice versa. The community can benefit from the services that the LRC and ITS offer through coordination and better communication.

The views and philosophy in this paper may run opposite from the mandate of the school administration on centralization of AV Services, but it presents reasonable grounds and positive suggestions on the issue. Should the possibilities of centralization push through, the GS LRC will respect the decision, will stay true and loyal to the school’s VMG and will continue to function as an academic department at par with global standards.

More Dancing Librarian(s)

Arnold and Petite are not the only librarians who got the "groove".

Click here and find out!

Film Loop for Refelections On Red

I originally wanted to anotate each picture, but the film loop feature of Photobucket changed my mind.



Suffice it to say that we all had a good time. My highlight of the moment was to cut the ribbon with Gretchen Cojuangco.

Students' Use of USB

I'm still fresh from NCBD celebration, but it's taking Luis "Tito Doc" Gatmaitan to send me more pictures. He is actually the official photographer of PBBY and I failed to topple him off his throne last Tuesday. My digicam conked out on me. Well, there is still next year to accomplish that!

In the meantime, allow me to share with you the proposed Use of USB I concocted. I will share this to my staff as well for more inputs and comments. Then a presentation to the Principal would be the next step. Wish me luck!

Why a guideline on use of USB?

Using technology for educational and instructional purposes require well thought of processes and procedures. This will ensure a more responsible and intelligent facility of hardware and software technology. It is not enough that grade school students know the “whats” and the “hows” of technology, but, it is also important that they understand the rationale for using technology. It is essential that they see and witness models of conscientious technology use to help them become critical and global thinkers.

Guidelines for use of USB (Students)

1. Unit 3 students can bring USB to school only when needed.
2. Students must inform the class adviser that he brought a USB to school.
3. Secure a pass from ODS/Com Ed (?). There, the USB will be scanned and checked of its contents.
4. Students present the pass to faculty/staff when using the IT Lab or Comp Lab.
5. Students surrender the pass to ODS/Com Ed at the end of the day.

Reminders to the teacher:

1. Model the appropriate, critical and conscientious use of technology to your students.
2. Determine when to use technology (USB, in particular) for a student project or assignment.
3. Understand that different technology can be used to store and present information (projects or assignments).
4. Technology promotes specific thought processes and thinking skills. Identifying the content, skill and thought process you want your students to learn will help you in using technology for teaching.
5. There are “the non-negotiables” in the use of technology for teaching. These are the values, the character, the culture and the sense of identity that young learners must first learn and live out.

More Pictures from NCBD 2006

Totet de Jesus, PBBY Sectoral Representative for Illustrators, TOYM Awardee and Palanca Hall of Famer, Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, PBBY Chair, Manolo Silayan & Guest Speaker for NCBD 2006, Mike Luz.


Fernando "Tata Nanding" Josef of CCP, Ani Almario of Adarna & PBBY Secretary General, and Karina Africa-Bolasco, Sectoral Representative for Booksellers


Robert Magnuson signs my kids' copy of his new book, Diego & Marie: A Secret Sense of Home.

NCBD in Pictures

I am multitasking right now. Heaven knows all too well to give this task to women! More pictures next post!


This NCBD had the most KUTINGs in attendance!


Eugene Evasco is slim and soooo "in". He launched three titles of books this year!


INKies were there too! Liza Flores, Jomike Tejido and Hubert Fucio.


Commissioner Ocampo is such a darling! Imagine his gump to smile for me as I took this shot in the middle of Mike Luz's keynote. Beside him is "the" Emily Abrera of McKann Ericsson.

Cha & Je of Alitaptap. Both winners, 1st place in the Salaysayan 2006. Cha won for the English category, while Je won in the Filipino Category.

NCBD 2006

What happened in last year's National Children's Book Day (NCBD)? Click here.

Now I'm off to The National Library to attend this year's NCBD. I remember posting several entries about it weeks before. To refresh your memory, click here for last month's post.

I'm excited to meet the winners in the Salanga and the Alcala for 2006. I look forward to bonding with my "kitty-mates" in KUTING. I hope to see old friends and familiar plces. Best of all, I want to buy all the new Filipiniana for children that local publishers will be launching today!

Till next post!

Reflections On Red Online

Here is an online preview of the CANVAS-KUTING exhibit that will be launched and presented to the public on Friday, July 21, 2006.

Allow me a little self indulgence. Being a part of a KUTING project never felt this good.

I bet you'll never go to your school library if your librarian looks like her.



She is Mrs. Beamster, The Librarian from Black Lagoon. In this hilarious, and a little bit scary, picture book by Mike Thaler, kids are invited to laugh and imagine a school library like no other.



Silence is one thing that libraries all encourage (Really? Not all the time.) In the Black Lagoon Library, talk and you'll get laminated. Go through the shelves to look for books to read and borrow but be careful. The shelves are electrified.



Watch out for Igor, the library assistant. He has an extra eye to look over you!



Many hideous things happen in the Black Lagoon library. You wouldn't want to catch Mrs. Beamster's story time because, it will bore you to death since she reads from the cards in the card catakog for stories to share. Horrible gadgets are hidden in the library of Black Lagoon. There's a gum detector that can zap you out and a real mouse is attached to the library's computer. It's got everything to prevent a child from reading and entering the school library.

But really, all these are make believe.

If you don't get the humor that Thaler has employed in his story and the illustrations by Jared Lee, you better revive the dying child in you. In the end, Thaler offers his readers the joys that imagination could bring. The book is published Scholastic.

Yes Virginia, librarians can be poets too!

CANVAS presents

REFLECTIONS ON RED
a one-man show by Michael Cacnio

with stories and poems by
Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting (KUTING)
(Featuring the works of Becky Bravo, Godfrey T. Dancel, Raissa Rivera-Falgui, Zarah Gagatiga, Rhandee Garlitos, Agay Llanera, Carla M. Pacis, Augie Rivera, Lara Saguisag, Mae Astrid Tobias, Cynthia Villafranca, Germaine Yia) Works are edited by Heidi Emily Eusebio-Abad.

Opening cocktails: July 21, Friday, 6:00pm,
at the Ayala Museum, Makati City
Exhibit runs til August 3.

If you're going to the exhibit, don't be shy to say hi. I'll be in black. It's the Ayala Museum, you see.

Bloglet to Feedblitz

I am changing loyalties.

From Bloglet, I'm moving to Feedblitz. I want to try it out without losing my subscribers because, it (Feedblitz) tells me that I can import from Bloglet.

I have not disabled Bloglet yet. Let me know if you are getting two updates, one from Bloglet and one from Feedblitz. Your replies will help my blog big time. Thank you.

The UNESCO School Library Manifesto

When issues assault the school library and I need to uphold its esence to the school community, I turn to the UNESCO School Library Manifesto.

THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today’s information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens.

MISSION OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

The school library offers learning services, books and resources that enable all members of the school community to become critical thinkers and effective users of information in all formats and media. School Libraries link to the wider library and information network in accord with the principles in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto.

The library staff support the use of books and other information sources, ranging from the fictional to the documentary, from print to electronic, both on-site and remote. The materials complement and enrich textbooks, teaching materials and methodologies.

It has been demonstrated that, when librarians and teachers work together, students achieve higher levels of literacy, reading, learning, problem-solving and information and communication technology skills.

School library services must be provided equally to all members of the school community, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, nationality, language, professional or social status. Specific services and materials must be provided for those who are unable to use mainstream library services and materials.

Access to services and collections should be based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Freedoms, and should not be subject to any form of ideological, political or religious censorship, or to commercial pressures.

FUNDING & LEGISLATION

The school library is essential to every long-term strategy for literacy, education, information provision and economic, social and cultural development. As the responsibility of local, regional and national authorities, it must be supported by specific legislation and policies. School Libraries must have adequate and sustained funding for trained staff, materials, technologies and facilities. They must be free of charge.

The school library is an essential partner in the local, regional and national library and information network.

Where the school library shares facilities and/or resources with another type of library, such as a public library, the unique aims of the school library must be acknowledged and maintained.

GOALS OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

The school library is integral to the educational process.

The following are essential to the development of literacy, information literacy, teaching, learning and culture and are core school library services:
• supporting and enhancing educational goals as outlined in the school’s mission and curriculum;
• developing and sustaining in children the habit and enjoyment of reading and learning, and the use of libraries throughout their lives;
• offering opportunities for experiences in creating and using information for knowledge, understanding, imagination and enjoyment;
• supporting all students in learning and practising skills for evaluating and using information, regardless of form, format or medium, including sensitivity to the modes of communication within the community;
• providing access to local, regional, national and global resources and opportunities that expose learners to diverse ideas, experiences and opinions;
• organizing activities that encourage cultural and social awareness and sensitivity;
• working with students, teachers, administrators and parents to achieve the mission of the school; proclaiming the concept that intellectual freedom and access to information are essential to effective and responsible citizenship and participation in a democracy;
• promoting reading and the resources and services of the school library to the whole school community and beyond.

The school library fulfills these functions by developing policies and services, selecting and acquiring resources, providing physical and intellectual access to appropriate sources of information, providing instructional facilities, and employing trained staff.

STAFF

The school librarian is the professionally qualified staff member responsible for planning and managing the school library, supported by as adequate staffing as possible, working together with all members of the school community, and liaising with the public library and others.

The role of school librarians will vary according to the budget and the curriculum and teaching methodology of the schools, within the national legal and financial framework. Within specific contexts, there are general areas of knowledge that are vital if school librarians are to develop and operate effective school library services: resource, library, and information management and teaching.

In an increasingly networked environment, school librarians must be competent in planning and teaching different information-handling skills to both teachers and students. Therefore they must continue their professional training and development.

OPERATION & MANAGEMENT

To ensure effective and accountable operations:
• the policy on school library services must be formulated to define goals, priorities and services in relation to the school’s curriculum;
• the school library must be organized and maintained according to professional standards;
• services must be accessible to all members of the school community and operate within the context of the local community;
co-operation with teachers, senior school management, administrators, parents, other librarians and information professionals, and community groups must be encouraged.

Salaysayan Eliminations

What are we all smiling about?
Nolo Silayan, Ani Almario, Dolly Soriano, Me and Ace Elgar

This picture was taken right after the Filipino Division of the Salaysayan Contest at the National Library last July 1, 2006. There were 31 contestants! A marathon! Ms. Dolly Soriano and I were judges and though it was a big contingent, the experience of seeing, hearing and engaging with 31 storytellers, all hoping to be in the Top 8 final list, was spectacular.

Storytelling, the book based way (take note, not "read aloud"), has come along way since my own telling days. It wasn't that long so don't think I'm very old. Almost ten yeras, but really, what is time and space in the vast universe?

Suffice it to say that book based storytelling has evolved into a perfroming art. Credits go to Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines and its "Lolo" Nolo Silayan for making a stand and defining a storytelling style that combined book reading and storytelling. Now you may wonder how it's done? I invite you to watch the final round at the DepEd Bulwagan on July 8, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Writers, illustrators, publishers, teachers, librarians and reading advocates, all kindred spirits for the development of Philippine Children's Literature will be there.

Slaysayan 2006 Update

I received these fantastic invites from Ani Almarion today.



On July 1, 2006, I will be judging the elimination rounds of the Salaysayan 2006 contest. There are 30 contestants in the Filipino Division while the English Division has 15 contenders. The contest will be held at the National Library from 9.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m. It is going to be a marathon contest, but I'm sure inisights as to how storytelling in the Philippines has evolved will be ripe.







Come July 18, 2006, PBBY will recognize people, organizations and institutions who continously helped in the development of Philippine Chidlren's Literature.

* Graphics are by Pepper Roxas

5th Barlaya Writing for Children Workshop

Adarna House, the country's leading children's book publisher, is mounting the 5th Barlaya Writing for Children Workshop. Barlaya is designed to help aspiring writers for children enhance their craft.

Ten writing fellows will be chosen based on the merit of their submitted stories. Interested parties should submit three copies of one (1) original, unpublished story to Adarna House at Room 102 JGS building, 30 Scout Tuazon St., Quezon City.
Entries should be typewritten, double-spaced, and should not exceed five pages. All entries should be accompanied by a one-page backgrounder on the writer.
The deadline of submission is 5:00 PM, Friday, August 11, 2006.

It's NCBD next month!

I am supposed to write about budget cuts and how libraries are the first to suffer (or is it the Arts & Humanities? I don't really know what is the pecking order. But one thing is for sure, when schools and the academe goes on cost cutting measures, expect that libraries are in the top roster of the chopping block) when institutions of learning are short of money, however, I choose to anticipate the forthcoming National Children's Book Day 2006. It's a more exciting event -- and inspiring at that so let me offer a glimpse of this year's NCBD.

Then again, should you want a personal side of the "budget cut" story, go to my other blog.

This year, honorable winners of the Salanga and Alcala prizes will be awarded. The
Salaysayan contest will be held a few weeks before so that winners will also be heralded on July 18, 2006 at the National Library. New titles of books will be launched and guest children will be performing. The greater news this year is that, NCBD is already recognized by the DepEd as an annual MUST for all public elementary school in the Philippines to celebrate. Isn't that grand?

There will also be awardees this year who all have contributed to the promotion and development of reading, literacy and Philippine Children's Literature. Now I'm saving that for my official NCBD post next month. Better watch out for it.

For the meantime, I leave you with Commisioner Ocampo's article on
books, reading and Jose Rizal. He was the guest of honor in last year's NCBD celebrations. This essay he wrote for gracing the PBBY event, and of course, as historian. It tells us a lot about our national hero, more so, the culture of reading in the Philippines.

IASL Books for Children

Straight from the horse's mouth, so they say! IASL has granted the Philippines a Book Award via the unrelenting efforts of Ms. Hermie Salazar from the University of Northeastern Philippines.

Congrats, Hermie! I am proud of you!

The International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) has awarded grants to three schools in developing countries to enable them to purchase library books. The awards totalling US $1000 were made possible through a fund raising auction held at the IASL Conference held in Hong Kong, in 2005. In making the awards, IASL President Peter Genco noted that the recipients of the IASL Books for Children awards each had to guarantee shelves, space, personnel and service and verify this through a letter or other documentation by the school principal or designated supervisor.

The recipients for 2006 are:
Mrs. Judith Oyugi of St. Josephs Combined Preparatory School in Nyanza Province in Kenya. Many children are orphaned as a result of HIV/Aids and the school is addressing the educational needs of many children. The grant will allow the school to purchase textbooks and readers for the school library.

Mr. Antony Chiwaka of The Heritage School, Harare in Zimbabwe. The Heritage school has 600 students but few books for reference purposes. The grant will enable the school librarian, Mr. Chiwaka, to purchase books that are updated and provide better access for students for their learning.

Herminigilda H. Salazar from the University of Northeastern Philippines, Iriga City in the Philippines. The High School department within the University has 626 students and will use the grant to improve the reference collection as well as books on science, literature, mathematics and computer science.

The International Association of School Librarianship comprises personal, association and institution members from over 80 countries. Through the improvement of school libraries and school library programs as a vital component of education, the Association is committed to enabling young people to develop literary and cultural appreciation and to use information effectively. Information about membership and the awards program is available on the IASL website: www.iasl-slo.org and from the IASL Secretariat, email: iasl@kb.com.au
IASL Secretariat, PO Box 83, Zillmere, Queensland 4034, Australia