PLAI Newsletter

The Official Newsletter of Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.

January - December 2013

From the President

A pleasant day to all of you!

Today marks another milestone in the history of PLAI, that of coming up with our official online newsletter. In this age of information and communication technology, it is incumbent upon professional organizations to use the computer and the Internet as tools to reach out to its members and give them some news as to the happenings in the Association. I am also happy that our now official PLAI Website [www.plai.org.ph] has been launched and is now being managed by our Board Secretary, with the help of the other digital natives in the Board. I know that this dream has been envisioned a long time ago, and now that it has become a reality, I hope and pray that PLAI will be able to sustain it in the years to come. When I gave my acceptance speech during my oathtaking as President, I remember saying that our Association is still in its toddler stage when it comes to membership and participation. Many registered librarians still think of what they can g et from the Association if they become members, and not what they can contribute to it (to borrow from the famous speech of former US President John F. Kennedy). As an Association, we can meet the needs of our members if we are strong and stable. And we can become strong and stable if we have many members. Thus, we in the Board, including those in our Regional Councils, have been thinking of creative ways to really encourage our registered librarians to renew their membership, if not to become actively involved in its activities and programs. There are still a number of needs and concerns that have to be addressed, despite all the things that were already accomplished by the previous Boards. And so, hand in hand with a strong membership is the need for a governing Board that is able and committed to perform its roles and responsibilities. And I thank God for giving me one. I am sure nobody among its members would want PLAI to fail or pale as an organization. Of course, we all want it to improve and succeed. As such, we have to pursue answers and solutions to our concerns and, most of all, we must support the procedures and safeguards that will prevent us from committing many mistakes or repeating same old mistakes. I have envisioned the year 2013 to be a productive, memorable, and exciting one for me and my Board. With the help and cooperation of everyone, your continuing involvement and support to the organization, and with Gods guidance and grace, nothing is impossible. Happy readi ng!

INSIDE

PLAI Newsletter
1 2 2 2 3 4 5 From the President Outstanding Librarian 2013 PLAI NBOT Officeres 20132014 PLAI President Conferred with Gawad Pilar Perez Award PLAI celebrates 90th anniversary IFLA World Library and Information Cingress in Singapore: IFLA 2013 Filipino Presenters More than just a Merlion 6 6 7 7 8 8 Filipino Librarian in 2014 Jay Jordan IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Program Librarians Prescon The 34th Manila International Book Fair Collaborative Learning Space Belgian Professor Speaks at PLAI-CARLC STIMULATE Seminar Transforming the Library into a 21st Century Learning Space 9 10 11 12 Research Competency Building for Librarians 1st Research Congress for the Advancement of Librarians and Information Services (ReCALIS) Successfully Held TAKBOOK A Call for Action

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Outstanding Librarian 2013

Nora Fe Hilojanes Alajar

City Librarian Davao City Public Library
The Professional Regulation Commission conferred the Outstanding Professional Librarian of the Year Award on Nora Fe Hilojanes Alajar on 20 June 2013. The citation reads: For her more than 40 years of untiring and relentless efforts in making the Davao City Library a beacon of hope and a benchmark of excellence for public libraries all over the country; for her innovativeness and creativeness initiating projects like Magbasa Ta aimed to bring the Davao City Library activities beyond the confines of its walls to ensure that it serves its residents with; for her dedication and commitment as a public servant working for the inclusion and approval in the City Government's Annual Budget provisions for its library activities such as Book Talks, Reading Programs and Story-Telling events and the improvement of public libraries by turning them into public access hubs for information through the inclusion of her Library in the 'Beyond Access' program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; for her dedication as an educator, she established a Children's Nook and Internet Services and fostered good relations, as an ambassador of the community, with the Embassy of the United States, by making the City Library a recipient of the American Shelf Project, an outreach program of the United States aimed to educate the public about the country, and culture and traditions; and for her selfless dedication and determination in improving the quality of education in her community serving as a brilliant example to librarians and public servants nationwide.

Thanks to Elvie Lapuz for providing the citation. The photo is from Ms. Alajar's Facebook account .

PLAI NBOT Officers 20132014

President - ELIZABETH R. PERALEJO (Ateneo de Manila High School) Executive VP - MICHAEL A. PINTO (University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao) VP for Luzon - RENE B. MANLANGIT (San Pablo Colleges, Laguna) VP for Visayas - RAINERA C. BOHOLST (Cebu Institute of Technology University) VP for Mindanao - VICTORIA R. SANTOS (Notre Dame of Dadiangas University) Secretary - EIMEE RHEA C. LAGRAMA (University of the Philippines Diliman, University Library) Treasurer - SUSAN O. PADOR (Ateneo de Manila University, Rizal Library) Auditor - SONIA S. ISIP (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University) PRO - MAXIE DOREEN LEVA-CABARRON (Josef Baumgartner Learning Resource Center University of San Carlos, Cebu) Trustees - LAUREN KIPAAN (Benguet State University) Trustees - LIGAYA N. CARANAY (Saint Louis College) Trustees - ALICIA C. ESGUERRA (Bulacan State University) Trustees - ROSARIO A. VILLAMATER (Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation-Lucena City) Trustees - STEPHANIE A. GRANATIN (Bicol University-Tabaco Campus Library) Trustees - STEPHEN B. ALAYON (SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department) Trustees - LORENA C. BADIOLA (Surigao State College of Technology) Trustees - MILA M. LACSON (Ateneo de Zambaonga High School) Trustees - ANGELITA A. BISARES (Holy Cross of Davao College) Trustees - AMINA UMPA Ex-Officio - THELMA S. KIM (Saint Louis University, Baguio) HOD EMMA M. REY (House of Representatives)

PLAI President Conferred with Gawad Pilar Perez Award

Congratulations

to

our

PLAI

President

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Peralejo for being the first recipient of Gawad Pilar Perez, PASLIs highest award for her achievements and exemplary contribution towards excellence and

developemnt of Philippine School Librarians. Given on the 26th of April 2013 during the 35th General Assembly and Conference of The Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc. In Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

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PLAI celebrates 90th anniversary

The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) turned 90 years old on 22nd of October 2013. Founded in 1923 with thirty-three chartered members, it was borne out of the need to have an exchange of ideas among library professionals to foster the growth of libraries and the profession in the country. Among the founding members were the pillars of Philippine librarianship too, namely, Gabriel A. Bernardo, Cirilo B. Perez, Eulogio Rodriguez, Jose Munda, Isaac Lucero and Isidoro Saniel. The then director of the Philippine Library and Museum, Dr. Trinidad Pardo J. De Tavera warmly welcomed the idea of having a professional association for librarians. And on that date 90 years ago, the Philippine Library Association was born. Conferences, seminars and workshops were among the avenues that PLAI explored to further its cause of exchanging ideas and knowledge among its members. The years before World War II were heady times for librarians, as many of them were sent abroad to further their education and came back brimming with knowledge and enthusiasm. World War II dealt a horrible blow to Philippine librarianship, as the valuable collections of the University of the Philippines Library and the National librarians. PLAI recognizes issues and challenges it needs to face, among them the issue of membership. Of the 5,000 licensed librarians in the country, only a fraction of that are active members. Despite these challenges, the commitment, drive and dedication to the profession of its members are what inspire PLAI to forge ahead. This is just the beginning and PLAI is even more driven to push the profession to the next 100 years. Library were decimated after the Liberation of Manila in 1945. With the efforts of its founding members, PLAI slowly but surely, was able to get back on its feet and on to the business of fostering interest and furthering the profession. With the help of other library associations, librarians and the academia, Republic

it was borne out of the need to have an exchange of ideas among library professionals to foster the growth of libraries and the profession in the country

Act 9246 or the Philippine Librarianship Act of 1990 (and later on the Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003) was passed thereby making librarianship one of the 43 recognized professions in the country and regulating its practice to licensed

The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) is the umbrella organization of librarians in the Philippines, and the only Accredited Professional Organization by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). A member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Congress of Southeast Asian Nations (CONSAL).

PLAI Headquarters : Room 301, The National Library Building , T.M.Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Philippines Telephone: (+632) 524-9401 URL : www.plai.org.ph Emails: nbot@plai.org.ph ; plaibot2013@yahoo.com

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IFLA World Library and Information Congress in

IFLA 2013: Filipino Presenters

here were 75 Filipino librarians at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Singapore. The most remarkable thing, however, is that so many of them are presenting papers and posters. Since 2006, the Philippines has averaged ONE paper and ZERO posters in the annual conference program. This year, it has SEVEN papers and FOUR posters. What happened? Perhaps the proximity of the venue (and hence, lower costs) had something to do with it. Note, however, that a similar phenomenon did not take place in 2006, when the conference was held in South Korea. I'd like to think that this is a manifestation of the growing desire of Filipino librarians not only to participate in the global discourse among librarians around the world, but also to do research and obtain PhD degrees .

PAPER PRESENTERS
MELANIE ABAD (National Library of the Philippines) Performance: interactive storytelling NORA FE ALAJAR (Davao City Public Library) Increasing demands on public libraries in hard economic times: Innovation and partnership to meet community needs at Davao City Public Library NELIA R. BALAGAPO (Asian Development Bank) Creating bridges to prosperity in the Asia and Pacific Region: the ADB Library Experience IYRA S. BUENROSTRO and JOHANN FREDERICK A. CABBAB (University of the Philippines Diliman) Reliving the Filipino classical music heritage: preservation and restoration of Philippine art music manuscripts of the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Music LILIA F. ECHIVERRI (University of the Philippines Diliman) Open access to official and authenticated legal information in the Philippines VERNON R. TOTANES (Ateneo de Manila University) Textbook case: a colonial history book's influence (or lack thereof) on the miseducation of the Filipino ROMULO R. UBAY, JR., MARTIN JULIUS V. PEREZ, TERESITA C. MORAN (Far Eastern University) and JOANNA O. SIAPNO (De La Salle University) Exploring Filipiniana rare books and the state of Filipiniana rare books management

CRISTINA B. VILLANUEVA (University of the Philippines Baguio) Preserving Cordillera culture and history through the University of the Philippines Baguio Cordillera Studies Collection Library and Archives

POSTER PRESENTERS
ALICIA S. PARAISO (Goethe-Institut Manila) The Goethe-Institut Library in Southeast Asia: your gateway to Germany; meeting the challenges and opportunities of the future KARRYL KIM A. SAGUN (Ateneo de Manila University) What does it meme? Using Internet memes to promote services of the Rizal Library MARTIN JULIUS V. PEREZ & TERESITA C. MORAN (Far Eastern University) Far Eastern University Library: the 2012 Philippine Academic/ Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL) Outstanding Academic/ Research Library NORA FE ALAJAR (Davao City Public Library) Community Partnership for Economic Opportunity

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MORE THAN JUST THE MERLION

BY FR. ALFONSO ARACELI, SVD

It is a fact that one who visits Singapore could not just turn his back to its famous landmark the Merlion. Once there, a deluge of jump shot and wacky pictures spreads like wildfire on the internet via Instagram, Facebook or any other social networking sites. For one who travels alone, a selfie pose to his hearts content will do. Indeed, it is worthwhile to go out once in a while, away from the usual atmosphere of work, to explore the new developments in the profession in a place like Singapore. As one colleague reminded, this trip should not just be for vacation or tourism as this years International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), 79th World Library and Information Congress is again being held in Asia. The first time was in 1980 in Manila, followed by Tokyo, Japan in 1986. Beijing, China was next in 1996; Bangkok, Thailand in 1999 and Seoul, South Korea in 2006. This year, Singapore had the opportunity to host said international conference for library and information professionals on August 1723, 2013. Being a first-timer in this conference, it amazed me to know that librarianship is such a big force to reckon with in the world of professions. This years participants alone numbered to 3,750 participants from 120 countries. I knew for sure that with this huge turn-out of participants, all the four types of libraries, i.e. public, academic, special and school libraries were well-represented. Dwelling on the theme, Future Libraries: Infinite Possibilities, this years conference topics were loaded with different aspects of librarianship that a participant like me would just have to contextualize his present status as a librarian and choose particular topics tailored to his professional requisite. To realize this, however, I did not just choose one that suited me as an academic librarian alone, rather I made it a point to balance and be holistic. Topics such as Marketing on a shoe string Management and Marketing, Library, Information and archives: work-inprogress, From OPAC to archive: integrated discovery and digital libraries with open source, Advancing cultural competency in library and information science, Preserving for the future: integrating physical and digital preservation, and National library and information policy as advocacy for future

libraries, were just few of those that stirred the mind for the week-long intellectual engagement. Like any other international conference for library and information professionals, a library tour is always included in the package. As I browsed the schedule of the simultaneous tours on the last day of the conference, I realized that I could not have everything at the same time, for the variety of libraries to visit were overwhelming. Although I am not into the public library system, I have always been curious about their public library the National Library Board Singapore. Without having second thoughts, I chose to visit it. Looking at the enormous building and the magnificent facilities it offers to readers, I realized that the public library system in the Philippines is so lagging behind. The ineptness of the government in addressing the needs of public libraries despite the birth of R.A. 7743 on October 5, 1994 is much felt. Taking as an example is our public library in Legazpi City, Albay. As a regular patron in my high school years, I observed that it has transferred location a number of times: from its previous location between the public market and tourism building, to capitol annex and now the basement of the public park. I just hope that it has finally found its resting place in its present location. There are other libraries all over the Philippines---too many to mention, which have experienced or are experiencing the same fate as we or worst, they never existed at all, while still others are facing the threat of extinction courtesy of some local government officials. Indeed, the public library system is just one of the most neglected sectors in Philippine society. In contrast, as regards Singapores public library system that offers a variety of services to readers, Director of the National Library Board Singapore Mr. Gene Tan spoke about their various activities to encourage lifelong learning, such as the nationwide reading programmes, storytelling sessions, exhibitions and a fully equipped mobile-library-in-a-bus, called Molly. Not to forget is NLBs initiatives like the Singapore Memory Project and the National Information Literacy Programme. These can be felt in its 24 branch libraries all over Singapore. Among these is the library @ esplanade located at Esplanade Mall, Raffles Avenue. This is Singapores first dedicated library for the performing arts. It specializes in Music, Dance, Theatre and Film. This library is relatively young as it opened only on September 12, 2002, but the collection it offers caters to the varying levels of interest of readers in the performing arts. The location itself is strategic for parents with children inclined to the performing arts. While they are

relaxing by the bayside, their children may be in one of the facilities of the library such as the piano practice room, the silent studio for jamming sessions, and the screening room, or in a reading room where they may simply browse its available resources. As a sort of breather from the information overload on libraries, I decided to do a little side trip. Taking the public transport to my destination, I noticed that orderliness and discipline is the name of the game in Singapore. From the time you enter a public bus or a train up to the moment you alight, or even when you are just crossing the street, discipline is observed. Drivers would stop if there are still people crossing the pedestrian lane even if the traffic light has been switched on to the go signal unlike in the Philippines where you see drivers beating the red light, pedestrians crossing anywhere, carefree bikers traversing the middle of the highway, motorcycle drivers counter-flowing and street vendors and beggars adding more chaos to the scene. Reaching the different places of interest such as the Gardens-by-the-Bay and Sentosa, I noticed that Singapore is such a clean place, with greeneries interspersed with modern buildings. It is where modern architecture and the green initiative meet. I was reminded of Dan Browns book Inferno describing Manila as the gates of hell. Though fictitious in nature, we could just look around and affirm that what was written has some hints of truth in it in contrast to Singapores cleanliness, orderliness and discipline that commensurate with their progress. Our Filipino saying Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan should be put to heart always, or we will never attain the progress that we long aspire for just like in Singapore. It was such a fruitful week attending the IFLA conference with much realization and learning to be shared to colleagues in the profession. Leaving Singapore without taking a look at the mythical figure and what it symbolizes contradicts my nature of being curious and informed about places I visit. But one thing is sure, the trip was more than just for the Merlion!

Fr. Alfonso Araceli, SVD is the Head of Humanities Section of Joseph Baumgartner Learning Resource Center, University of San Carlos

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Filipino Librarian is one of the five librarians to participate in 2014 Jay Jordan IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Program
Miss Leonila Reyes, Section Head

activities. The program also gives Fellows the chance to share their home customs and cultures with other Fellows, with colleagues they meet during the program, and with their hosts. The Fellows give formal and informal presentations about their home countries and libraries, and the challenges facing libraries in their home countries. As their program concludes, Fellows translate their program experiences into specific development plans to guide their continued growth and personal contributions to their home institutions and countries of origin. The Jay Jordan IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Program, named for the former OCLC President and CEO, supports library and information science professionals from countries with developing economies. The program provides advanced

Librarian, Saint Louis University, Baguio City,

continuing education and exposure to a broad range of issues in information technologies, library operations and global cooperative librarianship. With the selection of the five Fellows for the class of 2014, the program will have welcomed 70 librarians and information science professionals from 36 countries. This Fellowship program offers talented librarians great opportunities for professional growth early in their careers, said Mr. Prichard. In the short term, the Fellows learn about the latest advances in library and information science. In the long term, their experience at OCLC will help prepare them to face the challenges of librarianship in their home countries.

Philippines is one of the five librarians to partipate in 2014 Jay Jordan IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship

Program. The 2014 Jordan IFLA/OCLC Fellows were announced by Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO, at a news conference during the World Library and Information Congress: 79th IFLA General Conference and Assembly in Singapore. Together with librarians from Bhutan,

El Salvador, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, Reyes will attend a four-week program at OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohion, USA. The Fellows will participate in discussions with library and information science leaders, library visits and professional development

News from : http://www.oclc.org/news/releases/2013/201341dublin.en.html

Librarians PresCon: Preserving the Past, Conserving the Future

The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.- Central Luzon Region Librarians Council recently had its 2nd Regional Conference on Cultural Heritage Preservation with the theme Librarians PresCon: Preserving the Past, Conserving the Future. It was held in Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga last May 31, 2013. It was a whole day affair which comprised of two lectures and a walk tour in the Center for Kapampangan Studies Museum and Manansala Visual Art Museum, in celebration of the National Cultural Heritage Month and in line with the PLAI National Congress theme: Libraries: Preservers and Promoters of Culture and Arts. librarians; and Ms. Carina C. Samaniego, Director of the Ateneo de Manila University Archives, who lectured about Promoting a Culture of Preservation: the Roles of Librarians in Cultural Heritage Preservation. The event was attended by over 70 participants hailing from Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Olongapo/ Zambales area. Some colleagues from Dasmarias, Cavite and Manila (MCU) also joined us in the event. The PLAI-CeLRLC Board would like to extend our thanks to all the participants who joined us in this activity and to the different library organizations and librarians social networking groups who helped us promote this activity. Special thanks is extended to NCLIS for the assistance given the Council through its Technical Assistance Program.

Atty. Antonio Santos with the participants of the conference

Participants were intellectually stimulated hearing from powerhouse resource persons Atty. Antonio Marquez Santos, Director of the National Library of the Philippines and Head, National Committee on Library and Information Services, who discussed about Republic Act 10066 and its implications to libraries and

To all of you, thank you very much and see you all in our next event for the professional equipping and development of all of us in the region, for the benefit of the clientele we serve in the agencies and institutions we belong.

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The 34th Manila International Book Fair

ts that time of year again when Filipinos of all ages and walks of life come together for the love of books: the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF). Now on its 34th year , the MIBF remains the countrys biggest and longest-running book fair with the largest and most varied collection of literature: textbooks, educational supplements, general references, religious and inspirational titles, selfhelp books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee table books, popular novels, children's books, art

books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishers' technology, and travel materials. Apart from great reads at affordable prices, the MIBF also showcases special events for readers: storytelling sessions, poetry readings, book signings, book launches, literary awards, quiz bee competitions, interactive education, the annual St. Paul National Bible Quiz and many more activities that enrich the reading experience and contribute to the reading awareness of the Filipino public.

Collaborative Learning Spaces: A Talk by Ana Fresnido

The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI), in cooperation with PLAI-National Capital Region Librarians Council, conducted a forum with the theme Collaborative Learning Spaces in Libraries: Design Considerations by Ms. Ana Maria B. Fresnido, the Director of the De La Salle University Library. The event was held at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City on September 13, 2013 from 8:00 to 11:00 AM on the occasion of the 34th Manila International Book Fair. The talk aims to

make librarians understand the importance of having collaborative learning spaces in the library to cater to the increasing demand for learning opportunities by the library users; increase awareness of librarians on how to manage this service of the library; and plan for the possibility of adopting this practice to improve the library services based on the needs and demands of each institution.

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Belgian Professor Speaks at PLAI CARLC STIMULATE Seminar

56 librarians and information professionals on information management like citation management and analysis, trends in libraries, information cataloging online discovery, Resource information Access engineering, Similar Facebook chats and timeline posts from the beneficiaries not only from the Cordillera region but also from other regions were received by Mr. Kipaan relaying their appreciations and expressing intentions to attend seminar. According to Mr. Kipaan , a similar again similar

updates, open source and open access softwares, and Description, applications for libraries and online journals. His team was composed of Filipino speakers who are alumni of an international training sponsored by Belgian universities ( VLIR) including product demo speakers who have international exposures

in-house training was conducted in 2010 to all librarians of Benguet State University. He further explained that the purpose is to level up the technological skills of librarians since it is the universal trend and future of information delivery especially to academic institutions. On the other hand, the seminar was not successful without the following sponsors who lend a hand namely Forefront Book Company, Amatea Educational Academic Systems, Book CD Books iGroup/ International, Megatext Sales,

Prof. Paul Nieuwenhuysen of Vrije Universitiet Brussel

Former STIMULATE program coordinator Prof. Paul Nieuwenhuysen of Vrije Universitiet Brussel, Belgium led the team of speakers to the two-day seminar Information (STIMULATE) Association on Scientific & in

in their field of specializations. Success complimented by of a the said seminar from was the

good

rating

evaluation of participants by having no "fair" and "poor" ratings. Out of 56 participants, 18 rated excellent while 38 rated satisfactory. Meanwhile, in a text message from Aron Esong of Cordillera Career Development College and Betsie dela Cruz of Isabela State University, they were thanking Mr. Lauren Kipaan, PLAICARLC President and STIMULATE seminar organizer for coming up with such kind of very stimulating seminar. "Were very grateful that we had been a part of the seminar and had acquired a lot of ideas to apply in our libraries", reads one of the messages.

LibTech, Great Books Trading, Belview Company, Philippines, Electronic Information Solutions Inc., and Aspen Pharma Philippines. STIMULATE is a former international three months training started in Vrije Universitiet Brussel, Belgium. Stimulate is now renamed into Lib@web and it is now hosted in University of Antwerpen, Belgium.

Technological Environment Librarians

Management held by

Universities and Libraries: an Active Teaching Philippine Cordillera Inc. -

Administrative Region Librarians Council (PLAICARLC) and the Benguet State University Library and Information Services (BSULIS) on April 15-16 at the BSU ICT Hall, Library Building 2, and Calajo Restaurant, Km.6, Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet. The team of Belgian professor educated

Transforming the Library into a 21st Century Learning Space.

Librarians from Region IX converged for the Philippine Librarians Association, Incorporation Zamboanga Peninsula Region Librarians Council on its 2nd Annual Regional Conference for Librarians which was held at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City last April 17-19, 2013, with the theme Transforming the Library into a 21st Century Learning Space. The said event was participated by different librarians and library staff from Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and as far as MIsamis Occidental. The 2 days conference was graced by more than 50 librarians and library staff. This was the second time or the second year that PLAI -ZamPen Region Librarians Council hosted the said event headed by our very own Plai ZamPen President, Mrs. Mila M. Lacson. The conference was supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts National Committee on Libraries and Information Services (NCCA NCLIS) and Zamboanga Basilan Sulu Tawi -Tawi Asso. Of Private Schools (ZAMBASULTAPS). The intention of the conference is to recognize the role of a 21st Century library, this will help to improve our ability to address literacy in a diverse population and meet the future needs of citizens. A seminar on Transforming the Library into a 21st Century Learning Space was conceptualized to enhance an essential and valuable community amenity that we can continue to be proud of. This years Regional Conference objectives are to: be aware of the major changes in the library as a Learning Commons; understand the migration of IT in the Library through Information Commons; update librarians knowledge and skills through library Association; learn the principles and concepts in designing digital libraries; improve Library services through free online services; and to strengthen the relationship among librarians in the Region. The program started with opening ceremonies, introduction of the participants, welcome remarks, and overview of the seminar. The Keynote Speaker for this years conference is Hon. Evelyn Tang-Uy, City Mayor of Dipolog City. Four of the respectable resource speakers in their field of specialization were invited to facilitate the 2 day conference. Among the speakers were Dr. Nora G. Agustero,

Dr. Marianita D. Dablio, Mr. Joseph M. Yap, and Mr. Marcial R. Batiancila. Dr. Agustero discussed the Academic Support: Learning Commons , while Dr. Dablio discussed the Peers: Learning Space. Meanwhile Mr. Yap discussed the Free Online Applications for Libraries: exploring the Library Virtual Space and and Mr. Batiancila focused on the Principles and Concepts in Designing Digital Collection. After the presentation of thier assigned topic, the speakers were invited for the open forum. The Conference ended through awarding of Certificate of Appreciation to the four resource speakers and awarding of certificates of participation to the participants. The participants were left with high courage and looking forward to apply of what they have learned during the conference.

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Research Competency Building for Librarians Developing a Research Culture among LIS Professionals

Historical records have revealed that the librarians of lore have always been scholars dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. At present, librarians of the 21st century, have acted more as information managers and communicators. However, to function merely as such is to deny our history. Renewed emphasis has been given to the role of librarians as scholars, a select group of professionals dedicated to the creation of new knowledge. The phrase knowledge creation has often been linked to librarians as facilitators of such but should not be limited to it. This year, the Philippines Librarian Association Inc. (PLAI) Central Visayas Region

and Mindanao. The thrust of the seminar was highly appreciated by many of the librarians as was seen by their strong interest, participation and interaction during the different workshops. The first session, delivered by Mrs. Rianera C. Boholst, Vice-Chair of PLAI CeVRLC and the chief librarian of Cebu Institute of Technology-University, was an overview of the research culture in the LIS profession. The different barriers librarians encounter towards this reaching this culture and the different interventions they recommended were discussed at length. The second session, delivered by Dr. Marilou P. Tadlip,

knowledge creation has

often been linked to librarians as facilitators of such

Board of Trustees of PLAI CeVRLC and ViceChair for NCCA-NCLIS, focused on exploring areas of research in the field of Library and Information Science. Dr. Tadlip guided the librarians through the skill of selecting good

Librarians Council (CeVRLC)

has been

instrumental in developing librarians from different parts of the Visayas and Mindanao as researchers and creators of new knowledge.

topics for study and research. Newer territories for exploration were outlined and discussed individually, creating fresh interest in research among the different participants. The workshop concluded with a third session delivered by Dr. Virgina Mollaneda, Board of Trustees of PLAI CeVRLC and Director of Libraries in Southwestern University, with the topic of formulating a research problem. A writing workshop was held after the discussion and the outputs were evaluated by the participants. The in-depth lectures and their corresponding workshops were most timely and relevant to the participants.

In light of this mission, PLAI CeVRLC has organized a series of workshops with the title "Research Competency Building for Librarians". This series of workshops aimed to appreciate the research culture in the field of librarianship; to understand the research process; to develop the research competencies among librarians/information

professionals/graduate LIS students and; to conduct researches in the field of Library and Information Science. On May 6, 2013, Series 1 entitled Developing a Research Culture among LIS Professionals was held at the University of San Carlos Moot Court of the School of Law and Governance, located in the Ernest Hoerdeman Building. It had an attendance of more than 60

Developing a culture of research among LIS professionals will not be easy but we are thankful to PLAI CeVRLC for seeking to improve the foundational research skills and competencies of the librarians in the Visayas by organizing this series of workshops.

professional librarians from different parts of the Visayas

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1st Research Congress for the Advancement of Libraries and Information Services (ReCALIS) Successfully Held

Over the past decades, research congress in the field of librarianships is seldom held in the country. Thus, the PLAISouthern Tagalog Region Librarians Council took the lead on staging the 1st Research Congress for the Advancement of Libraries and Information Services known as ReCALIS on May 7-8, 2013 at Baden Powell International Hotel Makiling, Brgy. Batong Malake, University of the Philippines, Los Baos, Laguna. The goal of the congress was to build and further a vibrant library and information services by bringing together experts and researchers who have interest in the advancement of the field of library and information science. Thus, this years congress theme was Advancing Library and Information Services Through Research and Innovation. During this two-day congress, various researches have been presented on some of the realities and praxis in the field of Philippine librarianship. Some experts have recognized the importance of research and on how it brings change and innovation in the workplace. To recall, the Council started its research capability building workshop in 2007 at La Vista Resort in Pansol, Calamba City and the NOCEI Research Tools 2.0: Opportunities & Challenges in Library and Information Services on April 17, 2012 at Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba City. On the recently concluded research congress, it attempted to stir the consciousness of library and information professionals in the country on the importance of research and to instill the culture of research. The program consisted of 13 short paper presentations and 2 plenary talks. These were selected from more than 30 submissions from different regions of the country. The congress presentation was divided into five sub-themes as follows: Sub-theme 1: Library Cooperation/Networking and Knowledge Management

Sub-theme 2: Archives, Museums Gallery Studies Sub-theme 3: Library performance Measurement and Competitiveness Sub-theme 4: Information Retrieval, Changes in Learning, Research and Information Needs and Behavior of Users Sub-theme 5: Libraries and Librarianship: Philosophical Construct, Ideation & Concepts

Dr. Lex Librero on his plenary talk has reiterated, the concept of going back to the basic and noted how advanced technology have changed the complexion of the entire librarianship sector forever. He also put emphasis on the emerging issues that directly affects the practice of librarianship in the country. Moreover, some paper presentations have also stirred the interest of the audience and lead to more intent discussion about the research being presented. To cite some: 1) the effect of McDonaldization process to the reference services and how this model successfully embedded in librarys conceptualization of active reference service; and 2) an ethnographic study on the experiences of circulation staff of a selected university and on how they define their notions of the organization where they belong. Moreover, the Congress successfully achieved its goal through a diverse array of high-quality contributions through the work submitted of many individuals. Thus, the Council has provided an avenue for this type of scholarly endeavor aiming to increase visibility of the researches conducted in the country and facilitate the immediate transfer of technology. Organizing the congress has itself been an important community building process as we explore the fertile ground of research, practice, and innovation in the field of Philippine librarianship. Though the work doesnt end here, but we need to continue our quest as a community of practitioners we should continue this culture of sharing that would lead us to regional collaboration and thereby brings forth innovation and development in the practice of our profession in Philippine context. We also look forward for more paper submission on our 2015 Research Congress for the Advancement of Libraries and Information Services.

Acknowledgment: The 2013 ReCALIS Organizing Committee would wish to the thanks the following: the plenary speakers, paper presenters, the participants, the sponsors, product presenters and book exhibitors, the members of the organizing committee, PLAI-STRLC Board of Trustees and the PLAI-NBOT for making the congress a great success.

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TAKBOOK
In support to the Philippine Librarians Associations (PLAI) project One Million and Counting . : Book Drive for Victims of Calamities Philippine Librarians Association, Inc Southern Tagalog Region Librarians Council (PLAI-STRLC) organized TAKBOOK, a fun run. The objective of this activity is to generate books and other instructional materials to be donated to libraries badly affected by calamities. TAKBOOK will be held on November 10, 2013 Sunday at 6:00 in the morning It will also be one of the activities of the different provincial chapters in Southern Tagalog in celebration of the National Book Month and Library and Information Science Month. This is a simultaneous activity to be held in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Marinduque and Mindoro. The following organized provincial chapters of Southern Tagalog Region Libarians Council who will join this activity are: Cavite Librarians Association Association of Laguna Librarians of the Phils, Inc Librarians Association of Batangas Rizal Librarians Association Librarians Association of Quezon ProvinceLucena Inc. Marinduque Librarians Association Oriental/Occidental Mindoro Librarians Association Books will serve as registration to this activity and will be given to the libraries affected by calamities in the province or to the other libraries in the nearby provinces/region.

JOIN US IN THIS PROJECT!

LETS RUN FOR A BOOK!!!

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Editorial Staff
Editor-in-Chief

2013 Librarian Licensure Examination

Congratulations to the successful examinees who took the Librarian Licensure Examination given last November 3-4, 2013 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Legazpi. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 382 out of 834 passed the Librarian Licensure Examination given by the Board for Librarians. The members of the Board for Librarians who gave the licensure examination are Corazon M. Nera, Chairman; Arabella M. Ananoria and Mila M. Ramos, Members.

Maxie Doreen L. Cabarron Consultant Elizabeth Peralejo Contributors Vernon R. Totanes Stephen Alayon Michael Pinto Susan O. Pador Lauren T. Kipaan Mila M. Lacson Stephanie A. Granatin Alice Esguerra Eimee Lagrama Alfonso Araceli, SVD Bea Martinez Sonia S. Isip Lorena C. Badiola Ligaya Caranay Rosario A. Villamater Angelita Bisares Lay-out Keth Maan A. Villaluz

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