The Johanna Tacus Interview

Johanna Tacus, PNU alumna and top 7 in the recent board exam for librarians, opens up her heart and mind through this interview. She was PNU LISSAA's first scholar. 

a. What made you decide to take BS LIS in college?

My aunt is the chief librarian in our high school, and when she saw that I was an active member of the Book Lovers’ Club, she suggested that I take LIS, since I love books, and she also explained the many opportunities I can have after graduation. I also felt that this was the path that God wanted me to take, after prayerful consideration of all the courses that I was interested in.

b. Please provide me with a background of your current work.

I am currently unemployed, haha! I have applied at some libraries, and while waiting for their calls, I am volunteering to help put up the library in our church (St. Stephen’s Parish), which is easy to say but hard to do! There are so many books, and the theology ones are hard to catalog. By God’s strength, I hope to finish this soon and open the library to the members.

c. What is the most memorable experience you had in PNU taking up BS LIS?

I’d say it was our classes in cataloging, when we were tasked to make a scrapbook of catalog cards of different kinds of books. My classmates and I were comparing each other’s cards and laughing at how much red ballpen marks we got! Our professor (Prof. Marasigan) was laughing along with us too, but he encouraged us that we would get it after more practice. I remember the time he was teasing my classmate about her margins – sobrang laki ng spacing, puwedeng dumaan ang airplane dito oh!. The class was also sharing (really corny) jokes with him, but times like that are the moments that I enjoyed with my classmates.

d. Who are your librarian heroes? Or for this matter, any professional you idolize and hold with deep respect.

I would say that it’s Andrew Carnegie. I admire him because he became great even though he did not have proper schooling, he just learned by himself through reading books. (That is the kind of results that I want to achieve in our libraries: people becoming knowledgeable through the library collection.) Later on in life, he built up several public libraries and idealized that free libraries should be open to the public.

e. What does it mean for you to pass the licensure exams for LIS professionals and making it to the Top 10?

For me, this is another evidence of the grace of God, because I could not have done it without Him, and also, everyone close to me prayed about it (which I am very thankful for!) The very number which I placed in, 7, is a significant number in the Bible because it indicates wholeness. I am made whole because of God. That is enough for me to believe that this was His doing, and not my efforts. It also reassures me that I am capable, as the verse goes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

f. Where do you see yourself specializing in - school, public, academic or corporate, law or medical, research or international librarianship?

I would love to stay in a school library, teaching reading and literacy to the kids. I would like to encourage them to have a habit of reading, show them that it’s fun to read and how important it is to be able to learn a lot through the library. But if not in the school, I would also be interested in medical or research, as it can contribute to all of our well-being if we are more informed and updated.

 g. What book have you read that has made a big mark in your life? A book that challenged your world view or changed your paradigm in life.

One Night with the King by Tommy Tenney. It’s a historical novel of Queen Esther from the Bible, and her life story is about how God has a plan for each of our lives, that He can turn what we call a tragedy into something great.

It is an honor to be included in your blog, thank you so much for this opportunity.

Live Blogging: Books for Tots Program

National Bookstore Foundation Inc. partnered with the United Iriguenos for the Book for Tots program to distribute books to 40 public schools in Iriga, Camarines Sur. The program is in its third phase of implementation and training of teachers is the thrust for this year. With the influx of donated books for the past two years, teachers need more support in effectively using the books in the classroom.

When the organizers contacted me for a two-day workshop, I recommended my friend, Cynthia Villafranca to work with me in developing modules for the two day training.

I gave a session on Reading theories and cognition this morning. But, before my input on the topic, there were words and messages of inspiration that went around.

Mr. Larry Lee, president of United Ireguenos, delivered a welcome message in the mother tongue. I was like listening to my paternal grandfather. It made me teary eyed as he spoke of the importance of books and reading and that these two remain basic tools for empowerment. He mentioned about the association's goal of giving back to their kababayans at home. Mr. Lee is based in Washington DC but visits the Philippines periodically for the book donation project with National Bookstore Foundation.

Right now, the teachers are working on setting up their classroom library. We will soon close the session and have the wrap up. Tomorrow, they will have more activities on Reading techniques and strategies to be used in the classroom. 

Gcina Mhlope Becker is Back!

Love a Library: A Public Library Grows in Oriental Mindoro

To start this week's Love a Library blog feature, Bernadette Wolf shares the story of the public library in Mindoro that she set up with the big help of Michael Wolf, her husband.Michael is a telecom engineer and Bernadette is an artists and illustrator for children's books.

a. What inspired you to set up a library in Mindoro? .

Mahabang kuwento iyan, Zarah, with us. In a way, we got involved first with the illegal logging issues here and then for so many months and years, my husband and I were discussing why the folks here are just plain ignorant about the consequences of their actions. We found out by observation and talking with the locals that ignorance, poverty and corruption (in all aspect of the word..not just political) were the main factors. And so, we went for the schools and education facilities here and thus we found out that there was just no library (for adults) to speak of in Puerto Galera.


When I was single, whenever i would go to the different provinces, there would be two things i would check out: the public market and the public library...or even the local komiks stand! Call it an idiosyncracy but that's how I learn about the place and that's also how I know that public libraries in the Philippines are usually considered at the bottom priority of the LGUs.



Going back to Puerto Galera, on my first year of living together with my husband, I just had finished an environmental children's book for Palawan and I wanted to present it to the mayor as my token of environmental awareness to the community. We had made a call of course and then I could see that the mayor did not know what to do with it. You see, illegal logging was rampant in our area since we live near the rainforest. And that was our (my husband and mine) way of saying we're environmentalists too. But the mayor then was not biting and had other "priorities." Only when there was a change of administration (last 2006) did we try to check out the aura of the next mayor. And since he was "new' to the position, we found him more open to the idea of setting up a public library. To make it more cohesive and cost-efficient with his government platform, he also established the TESDA here and so with this, the public library can be its educational arm.

b. How did you go about setting this up? Who helped you make it a reality?

Another long story but an interesting one. I was then very active with a blog named "Wish You were here" by a guy who called himself Senor Enrique (Eric Isaac) and he would post about his researches about Manila (of which he is active in its preservation) and one such post was about a library near the UST (of which I forgot the name). Eric was actually getting his "loyal" commenters to donate books for it. I really do not recall how I got into the picture myself also but then I got some pledges from other commenters that they would send books to Puerto Galera too! Hahaha! I told myself, "Hey! this is the Internet so I'll see how serious or real they are!"


And the first HEAVY balikbayan box did come---from a Pinoy in Australia ( Mario Baylon)! He gave two sets of encyclopedia (Britannica!), medical books, childrens' craft books etc. It weighed a TON! But, that pushed us to say "naku, this is for real!" But, we still had to wait for the room for another year so the books had to be stored in the municipal office first. Ironically, the people who really initially helped set up the library were friends (both personally mine from Manila and cyber-ly known.) Other worthwhile people to mention was Ms. Minotte Cuenca of California (also via cyberspace---Candlelight Books) and Robert Alejandro of Manila who just posted via facebook!

But without the present mayor Hubert Dolor's support, it wouldn't also have had become a reality, of course. Other book and knowledge-loving people here eventually threw in their support---a Danish Foundation hereabouts gave support with the computers and Internet to go hand in hand with the book inventory. But the legwork was done by my husband, Michael actually. Without him managing the details like solicitations, library set-up (electrical, painting, structural, etc.) I really do not know how it could have been managed since everyone did not really want to "dirty" their fingers so to speak. Yet, you can see that it really is an effort of many people together.

c. How is it being maintained? Is sustainability part of your project? Or does it end with provision of library materials and turn-over?

It was when we finished with the setting up of the place (computers, books, cabinets, a door :-D as well as others) then we informally gave the keys to the mayor. And that was that. Good-bye. Hope they value it. We (my husband and I) just wanted to get the ball rolling.


As of now, I know that there is an educational officer (also in charage of the TESDA) manning the library. He had made it his office as well since there is no budget for a full-time librarian. And because of the (5) computers with Internet/Wi-Fi capabilities, it has become a hub for also the municipal departments' information. I also found out late last year, that the library will be given a bigger room this year...and with this more bookshelves and computers yata.

d. What are your future plans for the library and the community it serves?

As I have earlier answered, our setting up the public library was culled out of a personal intiative. Maybe we were to "pushy" and too "professional" being "outsiders" and not of the laid-back and come-what-may attitude of the people here, so we had our share of negative comments and innuendos of hidden agendas. We have been cajoled into forming an NGO but that is not our "cup of tea" so to speak even as we (especially my husband) still stay "unofficial" guardian of the nearby rainforest. So, we could only wish that the Purto Galera Public Library florish and that a continual flow of support and usage go with it!


As of present too, I was told that the teachers taking their masterals are borrowing the books that we had placed there---and boy! I would sure want them for my own collection! But that the teachers and some students are starting to pay a yearly fee of P20 (includes a library ID card) is a very encouraging sign!


e. Any partners and donors you would like to thank?



Our partner in the public library initiative is a Danish Foundation named DanPhil School Aid with Mr. Willy Stellander as representative in Puerto Galera and perhaps the whole of Oriental Mindoro.  they had provided the 5 computers as well as sponsored a year-long Internet service for the room.  That is as far as I know.  Their website is : http://danphil-schoolaid.org/DPSA-EN/DPSA-EN/Welcome.html


I have really to thank the generosity and kind hearts of the people (who i had mentioned earlier). Their selflessness is my personal validation of what purity of intent is! I know that all they ask is that the books be used and spread around. No credits nor plaques were asked at all..and that made me think, why should I grumble when instead of a grand parade of appreciation, all my husband and I could count on was treat ourselves to pizza and the left-over sandwiches we gave out when we gave the keys to the mayor and his staff. I am not just thankful but also in awe at what had happened in setting up this library, and that means God wanted it to happen actually.


Thanks, Zarah! More power to librarians and book-lovers wherever you all are!!!

Loving Books and Libraries in the Time of ICT

January is done.

Hello February! It's the love month and this blog will be featuring that one word - love. And books and libraries.

And the people who love both.

So let me start with Book Drum. There's a book tournament going on there and the people behind it pay some good cash. But really, blogging and creating a profile of your favorite book and sharing it with others is the cake. The reward is the icing.

I've joined already and my book of choice is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Borrows.

PAARL Awards and Awardees 2010

The Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians (PAARL) has announced the library and librarian awardees for 2010.

The link can be viewed here.

Storytelling Without the Book

This conversation happened a few minutes before a storytelling performance.

Teacher: Hi! Ms. Zarah, thank you for saying yes to our invitation.

Me: My pleasure!

Teacher: May I know what book you'll be using for storytelling this morning?

Me: I won't use a book (smiles).

Teacher looked shocked. Disbelief etched all over her face. After a few seconds her surprise died  and she nervously smiled.

Teacher: May I know what story you'll tell then.

Me: Hmmm... I have not decided yet.

Teacher was horrified!

Me: I'll tell from the oral tradition. I'll use paper, chalk, my Sagada walking stick and my malong. Participation stories... (smiles some more)

Teacher: Can you at least give me the title of your story?

Me: I'll start with the story of this dog named Bingo. Then move on to some more animal stories. A bird, yes. And a spider.

Teacher sighed and went to the podium to start the morning program.

Librarian Makeover

Director Lou David of the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila did something we didn't at all expect she would do. Get a makeover. Cool!

Boycotting Tanya Markova's Linda Blair

There's this interesting discussion in one of my egroups - Pinoy Teacher's Network, on the song Linda Blair by Tanya Markova. The song has some lyrics that are offensive and a story line that puts teachers in a very bad light. A suggestion to boycott the song is in discussion. I gave my two cents worth on the matter and I'm posting it here --

I do not like the song at all but my 13 year old son listens to both versions - the edited one and the original one. I have no issues on this. As a parent, I have discussed and processed the context of the song. My husband is a musician and majored in Psychology in college so I have an ally.

As a teacher, I see two perspectives on this  - one is to boycott the song and raise hell. The other is to continuously teach our students high order thinking skills -- critical thinking and analysis, creating value judgement in art and life in general, and allow them to make decisions themselves for they have a voice too. They too have rights. Every one does, actually. Even Tanya Markova has the right to express their angst towards school and teachers in particular. 

In some schools, there exist a program known as MEDIA EDUCATION where students are taught and given engagement on the different media available in the market. This would mean, teachers creating activities that lead students to think critically on the print material they read, movies they watch, TV shows they patronize, the music that they love and online resources they interface with. Such programs can be in place and implemented across curricular offerings. I have seen schools who run Media Education programs integrated in the Guidance Program. A good number of schools choose to have this under the Reading and Filipino Program or Language Arts Program. One time, in an accreditation visit, I observed a teacher who was teaching Christian Life Education on the Passion of Christ but used Michael V's song. I forgot what it was but it was very violent. One line of the song goes like -- Sinaktan mo ang puso ko! Pinukpok mo ng martilyo!

What a violent song! But the teacher successfully processed the violence that the song implies; the black humor embedded in the song; and the passion and sacrifice of the persona in the song. I was even impressed at how the teacher compared and contrasted the song's persona  to the redeeming sacrifice of Christ's love and God's message of eternal salvation.

The point is, we can boycott the song but we are not sure if our students would never be exposed to such songs -- ever. If we teach them how to critically examine the media and the different stimulus that surround them, I think we stand at a better chance in creating skilled and empowered thinkers.

Perhaps the more pro-active thing to do is to inform and educate students on songs like those of Tanya Markova. Maybe, we can learn strategies on MEDIA EDUCATION and see how we can possibly integrate this in our lesson plans. It might also help if a training session on MEDIA EDUCATION or MEDIA LITERACY be given to teachers, parents and other allied professionals.

Being a librarian as well (who owns a blog), I can post and talk about this in my blog. In my work place, I can suggest and recommend media and other learning materials that lead teachers and students to opportunities in becoming intelligent users of media and information. At the same time, have them appreciate art and culture.

Reading Inventory 2010

Here's keeping up to another blogging tradition -- a round up of books read in 2010. 

At the start of the year, I joined PaperTigers' Read Around the World challenge and failed. I only read and reviewed two books from the UK, US. Dismal. I know. 

I have to try harder this year. Sigh.

Apart from Percy Jackson and Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, here's a random list of books I've read in 2010.

a. Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

b. Tall Story by Candy Gourlay

c. Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

d. The Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

e. The Solitary Vice Against Reading by Mikita Brottman

f. Uncle Oswald by Roald Dahl

g. Heroes of the Valley by Jonathan Stroud

h. The Science of Harry Potter by Rodger Highfield

i. Lost and Found by Rica Bolipata-Santos

j. Batang Bayani Series by KUTING

k. Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynn Jones

l. Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman

m. Grimm Fairy Tales by Zenescope Entertainment

A pitiful count of fifteen books. Argh. I didn't include the folk tale books I read and used in finishing the ms for Tales From the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories though. 

Let's see how I will fare this year, 2011!

Library News From Near and Far

Over the past few days, I have been inundated by bits and pieces of library news.

First is about this PM I got from a friend who is currently residing in Canada. His kids got their library cards from the local public library. What amazed him and his wife was the fact that even infants are given library cards. That only goes to show that children should not be deprived of their right to literacy and access to information. More than a love of reading, the library has a role to play in actualizing the basic human rights of people. Children included. A library is an institution that promotes the basic tenets of freedom of information for all.

Does the news make a librarian happy? Even envious, I would say for the reality of public library services in the country is dismal. Sure, there are cities with flourishing libraries in the National Capitol Region. But Manila, in spite of its rich history and commercial status is not the entire Philippines.

This being said, I was disappointed learning of the news on the plans of demolishing the library at UP Mindanao. Details are vague. I got wind of the news via Facebook. It's viral so facts are not easy to establish.

I could not help but reflect on the work that I do for the past year -- building libraries and helping teachers become advocates of reading and literacy. The task gets difficult every year with every technological upgrade.

Picture! Picture!

Live Blogging: LIS Congress 2011

Here's a working outline of my lecture for today's LIS Congress at UP Diliman.

School Libraries Are Cool! School Librarians Rule

A. Storytelling – The Library Mouse

- What was Sam’s great discovery in the library?
- Where did this lead him to?

B. The Process of Creation

- Reading / Writing / Speaking / Listening

These four translate into one word – literacy. Sam, the library mouse discovered literacy in the library. He may be shy in the speaking department, but he was able to influence others the way the library and the librarian inspired him to become an author.

Authorship – may refer to writing a book or an article, but in a bigger sense, it means involvement in the process of creation (not limited to creating a book)

The process of creation is a very HUMAN act. For the process of creation to happen, it has three fundamental things –experience, imagination and literacy.

The library is one of the many venues where children grow in life experiences and take flight in imagination.

The library is one vehicle for children to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills thereby, helping them exercise their right to LITERACY.

How are these things translated to library services?

a. Library programs and activities
b. Library collection
c. Collaboration with teachers
d. Communication with administrators and stake holders
e. Linkages with the community – parents, alumni, local, national and international

C. School libraries are cool

-Because they are part and parcel of a child’s development into becoming a human being.

Candy Gourlay’s story – I was a Librarian’s Pet

The Rise of Facebook & Mark Zuckerberg

The Busy Librarian's post about Facebook is one piece I wish I'd have written. Interesting insights!

Zuckerberg's invention has been phenomenal. Then again, there are skeptics who say that Zuckerberg's rise to online power may soon find its demise. As all things are, what goes up will eventually go down. But we're having fun, are we not? We find old friends in Facebook and connect with distant relatives abroad. I, for one, get my invitations to do workshops and lectures in Facebook. I get the news from TV and the internet, but flooding in Australia takes on a more human and realistic view when a friend set her profile at how Brisbane floods rivaled ours. A breakfast cereal eaten in the morning sounds very trivial, but I want to try it for its nutritional value. I buy my clothes from friends in Facebook now. That saves me the hassle of going to the malls. I tag photos of friends and family and somehow, we're closer sharing something in common no matter how mundane it is.

Facebook is not just a tool to connect people anymore. It's an environment that has to be managed and a community that fosters interaction.

Deal with it.

Tan Yan Kee Library

Somewhere in the middle of China town in Manila is a library that promotes and preserves Chinese culture and provides cultural and information services for Chinoys (Filipino of Chinese decent) in the community. The Tan Yan Kee Foundation had set up a library for kids and grown-ups where they can trace their geographical roots and claim new routes in their second country.

The Tan Yan Kee Library by the Tan Yan Kee Foundation was put together in honor of Mr. Lucio Tan's late father. The foundation provides funding for the library's collection and many activities.

Apart from books, the library houses a collection of AV materials alongside the children's and young adult area. A space for listening and film viewing is alloted as well as a huge map of China and the Philippines. Reference books and the general collection are located in a different floor away from the more dynamic and noisier children's area.

In the summer, storytelling activities, film viewing, performances and summer workshops on writing, dance, caligraphy and the like take place in the library. To avail of such services, one has to be a member. Members can borrow the library's resources and get discounts on the many activities held during summer and on special occasions like, Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival.

For more information on the foundation and its efforts to develop the library, visit this link on the

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.

2011 American Library Association Winners and Honors

Many thanks to Children's Plus for sending this in --

John Newbery Medal Most outstanding contribution to children’s literature

2011 Newbery Medal Winner:
“Moon over Manifest,” written by Clare Vanderpool

2011 Newbery Honor Books:
Turtle in Paradise,” by Jennifer L. Holm
“Heart of a Samurai,” written by Margi Preus
“Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night,” written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen
“One Crazy Summer,” by Rita Williams-Garcia

Randolph Caldecott Medal Most distinguished American picture book for children
2011 Caldecott Medal Winner:
“A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead

2011 Caldecott Honor Books:
“Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill
“Interrupting Chicken,” written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein

Michael L. Printz Award Excellence in literature written for young adults
2011 Printz Award Winner:
“Ship Breaker,” written by Paolo Bacigalupi

2011 Printz Honor Books:
“Stolen,” by Lucy Christopher
“Please Ignore Vera Dietz,” by A.S. King
“Revolver,” by Marcus Sedgwick
“Nothing,” by Janne Teller

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award Recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults

2011 King Author Book Winner:
“One Crazy Summer,” written by Rita Williams-Garcia

2011 King Author Honor Book:
“Lockdown,” by Walter Dean Myers
“Ninth Ward,” by Jewell Parker Rhodes
“Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty,” written by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award
2011 King Illustrator Book Winner:
“Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill

2011 King Illustrator Honor Book:
“Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix,” illustrated by Javaka Steptoe, written by Gary Golio Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
2011 Steptoe New Talent Author Winner:
“Zora and Me,” written by Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award
2011 Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Winner:
“Seeds of Change,” illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement This award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton

2011 Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement Winner:
Dr. Henrietta Mays Smith


Pura Belpré (Illustrator) AwardHonoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience

2011 Belpré Illustrator Award Winner:
“Grandma’s Gift,” illustrated and written by Eric Velasquez 2011 Belpré Illustrator Honor Books:
“Fiesta Babies,” illustrated by Amy Córdova, written by Carmen Tafolla
“Me, Frida,” illustrated by David Diaz, written by Amy Novesky
“Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin,” illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh

Pura Belpré (Author) Award 
2011 Belpré Author Award Winner:
“The Dreamer,” written by Pam Muñoz Ryan
2011 Belpré Author Honor Books:
“¡Olé! Flamenco,” written and illustrated by George Ancona
“The Firefly Letters: A Suffragette’s Journey to Cuba,” written by Margarita Engle
“90 Miles to Havana,” written by Enrique Flores-Galbis

Schneider Family Book Award Books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience

Schneider Family Book Award, Best Young Children’s (Ages 0-10):
“The Pirate of Kindergarten,” written by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril

Schneider Family Book Award, Middle Grades (Ages 11-13):
“After Ever After,” written by Jordan Sonnenblic

Schneider Family Book Award, Teen (Ages 13-18):
“Five Flavors of Dumb,” written by Antony John

William C. Morris Award
Honors a book written by a first-time author for young adults

2011 Morris Award Winner “The Freak Observer,” written by Blythe Woolston

2011 Morris Award Finalists
“Hush,” by Eishes Chayil
“Guardian of the Dead,” by Karen Healey
“Hold Me Closer, Necromancer,” by Lish McBride
“Crossing the Tracks,” by Barbara Stuber

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Most distinguished beginning reader book
2011 Geisel Award Winner:
“Bink and Gollie,” written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and illustrated by Tony Fucile

2011 Geisel Honor Books:
“Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!” written and illustrated by Grace Lin
“We Are in a Book!” written and illustrated by Mo Willems

Margaret A. Edwards Award Lifetime achievement in writing for young adults

2011 Edwards Award Winner:
Sir Terry Pratchett

Robert F. Sibert Medal Most distinguished informational book for children
2011 Sibert Award Winner:
“Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot,” written by Sy Montgomery,

2011 Sibert Honor Books:
“Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring,” written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca
“Lafayette and the American Revolution,” written by Russell Freedman

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award 
2011 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award:
“Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing,” written by Ann Angel

2011 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalists
“They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group,” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
“Spies of Mississippi:  The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement,” by Rick Bowers
“The Dark Game: True Spy Stories,” by Paul Janeczko
“Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates,” by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw


Mildred L. Batchelder Award Outstanding children’s book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States

2011 Batchelder Award Winner;
“A Time of Miracles, originally published in French in 2009 as “Le Temps des Miracles,” written by Anne-Laure Bondoux and translated by Y. Maudet,

2011 Batchelder Honor Books:
“Departure Time,” written by Truus Matti and translated by Nancy Forest-Flier
“Nothing,” written by Janne Teller and translated by Martin Aitken

Alex Awards The 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences

“The Reapers Are the Angels: A Novel,” by Alden Bell
“The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: A Novel,” by Aimee Bender
“The House of Tomorrow,” by Peter Bognanni
“Room: A Novel,” by Emma Donoghue
“The Vanishing of Katharina Linden: A Novel,” by Helen Grant
“The Radleys,” by Matt Haig
“The Lock Artist,” by Steve Hamilton
“Girl in Translation,” by Jean Kwok
“Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard,” by Liz Murray
“The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To,” by DC Pierson

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!

SLIA's Reply on Library Staff Supervisory Program

Here is my reply for Rose Marie Quilantang's email about making a supervisory program for the library staff - 

Dear Rose --

What you can do is to refer to the school's HR department for a set guideline and rules on supervision. Do they have a supervisory program for all faculty and staff that managers of each department can follow? What expectations do they have of librarians? Are there indicators for assessment and evaluation of performance? Most schools have. Use this as your guide. If you are supervising your librarians, refer to their job description next. 

Create a list of focus areas that merges the school's standards on performance and the librarian's or staff's expected job description. This is for your perusal. This comes in handy during supervision and monitoring where notes can be written or documented. In time, this could be used as your reference when finalizing a report or document during staff evaluation and rating purposes. 

There are performance instruments as well. These are made by the HR department. It has, basically, three components -- Professional Competence; Work Ethics; Personal and Community Relationship.

Remember that supervision is two-way. It can be directed by you, as supervisor, or by them as independent workers. It would depend on the librarian's or library staff's level of experience, competence and yes, EQ. For senior staff, they can be self-directed, meaning, they can set their own goals and objectives at work. They can also be depended upon to manage their time better. Therefore, monitoring and supervision of their work can be done periodically, say once a quarter or semestral. Or, their report on the work they do is enough for you to know that they deliver. If not, then change strategy. There are cases when supervising a senior staff is like mentoring a newbie or worse.

For newbies and junior staff, more frequent monitoring and supervision should be done until such time when they manifest self-directed work skills and ethics.

What will you supervise and how? Begin with assessment of their skills. We're talking of library skills here inclusive of basic communication skills. You may also refer to past performance records of the staff. That's a starting point to assessment. Focus on areas that need improvement in a given time - six months, one year, etc. What measurements will you employ to see improvements or otherwise. Rating scale? Narrative reports? This must be clear.

When these are identified - areas of focus, indicators and measurement, speak with the staff and work together. Staff should also be aware of his or her weakness and strength. The result of your dialogue becomes the supervisory plan for that staff. The accumulated supervisory plan for each staff becomes the supervisory program.

The trick here is that, you, as library manager, must be able to set individual objectives leading to the attainment of library goals. You act as conductor giving direction and achieving harmony. It's not so much as who is doing the job or not, but seeing to it that library goals and objectives are achieved by the people you've entrusted to do the work. Praise when necessary. Manage behavior as needed. Managing and mentoring people can be tough, but keep trying. I wish you all the best!

Ms. Zarah

The Games We Play: RPG Metanoia Movie Review

You know you've seen a good movie when you talk about it with great interest hours after having watched it. That's been my experience with RPG Metanoia. My kids and I had a long conversation on the movie over cups of chocolate at home. Needless to say, we truly enjoyed it!

What worked

The story and the script - The story is about an eleven year old boy named Nico who is addicted with online computer games, particularly RPG Metanoia. He and his friends frequent an internet cafe where they play online. For Nico,  a computer at home that hangs every now and then could not satiate his addiction for the game. Soon an online tournament will take place and he and his friends are all eager to participate. Having discovered the Helmet of Destiny, an item that would lead them to victory, Nico and his friends were confident at winning the tournament. During the tournament, he failed to heed his friends' advice losing the game in the process.

Just when I thought I've seen this one coming, the plot takes a turn for the better. Nico's story arc was surprisingly good and well crafted. From a self  centered only child, sheltered and fearful, he transformed into the story's hero that everyone will cheer for.

The supporting characters - Thanks to endearing and interesting characters in the movie! Nico has parents, who, despite their limitations, try their best to fill gaps in Nico's life. He also has friends who, despite himself will tell him the truth and can accept him, faults and all. If not for them, Nico would have turned out like the villain, Sargo.

Among Nico's friends, it is May, the girl next door, who showed him what he's been missing all along - real games played in the streets or in Filipino, larong kalye. With his boy barkada (gang) they spent the remaining summer days playing patinetero, piko (hop scotch), taguan (hide and seek), and tumbang preso. It is in playing these games where in Nico learned life lessons. Being good at virtual games does not equal to the vicarious experiences learned through play. Besides, Nico was able to overcome his own    insecurities. In the end, he became better at computer games because he established a healthy relationship with his friends thus, strengthening his character.

The visual metaphors and avatars - The band aid straps on Nico's leg; the first rain drop on Mark's knee;   the avatars of Nico and his friends are some of the reasons why the movie has lasting impressions. And yes, they are all good ones. Life is filled with growing pains. You get bumped and bruised, hurt and wounded. But hey, that's what it is to live and grow. Seasons come and go but true friends are forever. The Filipino has a very unique and diverse culture. Be proud that you're Pinoy!

The depiction of the modern Filipino child - It is the handling and depiction of the modern Pinoy child that I find most effective in RPG Metanoia. Nico is current and relevant. One may counter  that his character is too ideal or stereotypical, but to me, it is just but right to give him a good set of middle class parents and supportive friends. Put these all together and the movie is a certified Philippine Children's Literature material. Children have RIGHTS and the adults who take care of them is responsible to ensure that these rights are expressed and exercised.

As far as the 3D animation is concerned, I can say that it's a good start. Then again, I always go for content and the storytelling rendition. In many ways, the creators and producers of RPG Metanoia have succeeded in making it a movie that can be enjoyed by kids and kids at heart.

What did not work

I was looking for a solid closure on Sargo/Cel at the end. I'm not satisfied seeing him attend May's birthday party. Other than that, I have no more complains.

Congratulations to the creators of RPG Metanoia! Here's hoping that they continue creating satisfying stories rendered in relevant and meaningful medium in the future!