Malditang Librarian

Photo credit: Capiz Kabalaka Information Center on Facebook (@capizkabalaka) Capiz Provincial Library is now open! The public library of the province was officially launched on September 30, 2020. It is located on the 3rd floor of the Capiz Government and Business Center. The library was made possible by the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office headed by Mr. Alfonsus Tesoro. There was an existing provincial library before, but it was closed. Now, after 13 years, the library has been relaunched. The library is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each person visiting is allowed to stay for 2 hours. Students are encouraged to visit the library. The library has a varied collection of books and has the following sections: Fiction, General Reference, FIlipiniana, and a Capisnon Section which specializes in materials about the history of Capiz. The launch was attended by the Governor, Nonoy Evan Contreras. He emphasized the importance of the library and hopes...

Jessica Castro-Cristobal, RL, MLIS of the Vlogger Librarian PH Youtube channel I always advocate librarians to blog and write. The more librarians blog or have active online platforms, the better! We are a profession always misunderstood, and educating and sharing with the public what we do is important to me. We can write or blog about our own experiences, and writing is a helpful skill when we create materials to promote our libraries. We follow 'influencers' in social media, so why not librarian influencers? There are librarians who blog on social media platforms and I noticed that during the pandemic time, many librarians have also started blogging, usually through Facebook pages.  Youtube is undeniably one of the biggest online platforms right now. We use Youtube for entertainment, education, and to pass the time. I use Youtube for fitness, recipes, and inspirational videos.  While browsing Facebook, I discovered this new channel called "The Vlogger Librarian" ...

Photo credit: @UPDLibrary on Twitter Ms. Elvira B. Lapuz is the newly appointed University Librarian of the University of the Philippines.  She was appointed in the 1354th meeting of the Board of Regents.  She previously served as the Head Librarian of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in UP Diliman. She is also a Senior Lecturer for Library and Information Science.  She also previously served as President of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc., the national organization of librarians in the country. The University of the Philippines (UP) is the country’s national university. This premier institution of higher learning was established in 1908 and is now a university system composed of eight constituent universities and one autonomous college spread throughout 17 campuses in the archipelago.

The sudden shift in the way education is delivered in the country was new for everyone, but it can also be the best time to learn new methods in teaching and learning. However, the move by the Philippine education system to the “new normal” may also bring certain transition issues not just physically but also mentally.  Everyone is affected by the pandemic in different ways.  Psychosocial concerns include stress, anxiety,  and depression. Prolonged and chronic stress can lead to anxiety that manifests through body aches and pains. Depression can already be pre-existing but can also be triggered by the crisis and may become excessive and affect one’s daily functions. To help take care of educators, Globe Telecom’s “#StartANewDay – Let’s Talk About Mental Health: A Forum for Educators” addressed this topic in partnership with the Department of Education-Disaster Risk Reduction Service (DepEd-DRRMS). The session was part of the DepEd-DRRMS Wellness Check Series and discuss...

IFLA or the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions is holding the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) every year. As an international library and librarians' organization, the WLIC is considered to be the 'most international' librarians event. Due to the COVID-10 pandemic, the IFLA WLIC 2021 will be held online with support from the Dutch National Committee organizing next year's congress. The physical conference planned to be in Rotterdam, Netherlands on 2021 will move to 2023 and will be conducted in a hybrid online and physical format.  The congress will continue in Dublin, Ireland on 2022 with more online elements.  According to the IFLA Secretary General Gerald Leitner, "Our goal is to develop a program and format that combines the best aspects of our traditional conferences with the possibilities that digital tools bring to include all members of our field, all around the world, meaningfully. Achieving success will req...

Photo from UP SWF Facebook The Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (SWF) of the University of the Philippines Diliman has recently launched Aklatang Bayan Online, a free online repository of 16 Filipino books and 2 refereed journals. Aklatang Bayan was launched along with SWF-UPD's new website last August 31, 2020. Available are books, research, studies, and creative writings for free download and sharing. Teachers, scholars, researchers, and writers submitted their works for public distribution. The UP Office of the Chancellor is credited for funding this program.  The following Filipino books in PDF format can be downloaded for free from their website: 1. Awit ng Bakwit ni Vijae O. Alquisola 2. Obhetibong Kritisismo ni Danilo A. Arao 3. Kritikang Rehiyonal ni John E. Barrios 4. Hindi Lang Basta Bata ni Emmanuel Jayson V. Bolata 5. Hindi Lamang Salita ni Emmanuel V. Dumlao 6. Kontra: Mga Sanaysay sa Metakritisismo ni U Z. Eliserio 7. Pop Lab ni Vladimeir B. Gonzales 8. Lunduyan: Kaparan...

Recently, the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – North La Union Campus (DMMMSU-NLUC) shared a picture of a planned three-story library building. The groundbreaking ceremony was held last September 9. Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., University President, said that "the new library shall not only be a mere storehouse of books and other library materials but it shall cater and support flexible learning methodologies. It shall also address the different learning styles of different clientele." The new library is envisioned to be a modern and technologically advanced library. Phase 1 of the building is expected to be complete by February 2021. The Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University is the state university system serving the province of La Union in the Philippines. Its main autonomous unit is in Bacnotan, La Union.  Check out their library on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmmmsunluclibrary/ Source: DMMMSU holds a groundbreaking ceremony for the new NLUC libr...

In a Facebook post, Iloilo City Councilor Dr. Candice "Misis Lex" Tupas announced that she is proposing an ordinance to make the Iloilo City Public Library (ICPL) more accessible to the Ilonggo public through online means. She wants the library to support students and researchers during the pandemic.  In a Sangguniang Panglungsod regular session last September 15, she proposed an ordinance entitled "Institutionalizing Online Library for the City of Iloilo." The city council approved of it and it will be referred to the Committees on Education and Information Technology for further study and recommendation. Dr. Candice Tupas, Iloilo City Councilor According to Councilor Tupas, "It is very timely to establish the Iloilo City Online Library especially during this pandemic so that Ilonggos, especially students can still enjoy reading books and access other academic materials online." The Iloilo City Public Library continues serving the Ilonggos even in the...

Recently, I was accepted in the Emerging International Voices Network , a joint project of IFLA and the Goethe Institute. This program is for "young library advocates to share best-practice examples of libraries worldwide engaging with their digital communities." I was accepted along with 17 other participants selected all over the world. IFLA or the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions is the leading international body representing the interests of people who rely on libraries and information professionals. They hold an annual conference, the World Library and Information Congress which I once attended in 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Read more: My first International Librarians' Conference ) The Goethe-Institut is Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. They promote the study of the German language abroad and encourage international cultural exchange. According to the program page, "The COVID-19-crisis has been a turning po...

Every day, parents confront various concerns with regard to their children. But with the pandemic where children become more exposed online for learning, entertainment, and socialization, one important issue that has to be addressed immediately is how to keep the young ones safe from the dangers that lurk on the internet while allowing technology to work for them. To deal with the apprehensions being faced by parents during these extraordinary times, the “Gabay Bahay: An Online Parenting Series” discussed different ways that can guide the parents, including how to navigate the Internet safely. The online series is established by the Department of Education Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DepEd DRRMS)  with Globe Telecom as a major partner. Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Data Protection Officer of Globe and one of the webinar speakers, underscored the importance of keeping children safe online. Almeida, who has two kids, emphasized that parents should ensure the p...

The National Museum of the Philippines has seven titles available for free from their website. These books are digitized in PDF format and can be downloaded. Here are the following titles with links to where you can download them: El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo   This publication elaborates the painting's place in the Philippines’ art history and the complex scientific processes involved in art conservation. Hidalgo’s painting, The Assassination of Governor Bustamante, is a gift to the Filipino people from Leandro V. Locsin and Cecilia Yulo-Locsin and their family, which is held in trust by the NMP. “This monograph will serve as in indispensable reference for students, researchers, historians, heritage professionals, conservators, and enthusiasts of Philippine art and cultural heritage,” remarked Director-General Barns. Shifts in Context by Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi   Shifts in Context features the works of Tequi from her personal collection...

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) recently announced that more licensure examinations for professionals will be postponed until 2021. In an earlier announcement, PRC also postponed this year's Librarian Licensure Examination (LLE) to 2021. The LLE was supposed to be this September 2020. Here are the licensure examinations postponed to next year: Licensure Examination for Architects (October 30 – November 1, 2020)  Licensure Examination for Midwives (November 8 – 9, 2020) Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (November 15 – 16, 2020) Aeronautical Engineers Licensure Examination (November 17 – 19, 2020) Geologists Licensure Examination (November 17 – 19, 2020) Nurses Licensure Examination (November 22 – 23, 2020) Criminologists Licensure Examination (November 29 – December 1, 2020) Dental Hygienists Licensure Examination – Written (November 24, 2020) Dental Hygienists Licensure Examination – Practical (November 25, 2020) Dentists Licensure Examination – Written (December...

The Presidential Communications Operations Office  (PCOO) under the Office of the President has recognized that librarians are a vital part of the government's thrust to strengthen Freedom of Information or FOI.  What is FOI? Freedom of Information is a mechanism that allows Filipino citizens to request any information about the operations and transactions of the government. However, this does not include information that can affect privacy or national security. This program is overseen by the PCOO. The following information can be requested via FOI: "Information, official records, public records, and, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions – as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development." Requests are also accepted via their online platform, https://www.foi.gov.ph/ . Proof of identification such as valid IDs may be required. Previous requests are also available to browse on their website.  Libra...

Source: Graciano Facebook page West Visayas State University launched several library chat services for its libraries on different campuses and colleges. These chat services are connected to their respective Facebook pages. Graciano is the chat service for the WVSU Main Campus Library, which also stands for "General Reference Access and Information Assistance via Networks Online (GRACIANO)." According to their Facebook page, "The West Visayas State University Library launches Chat Graciano to assist you virtually in your information needs. For queries and requests, all you have to do is visit our Facebook page and click message to begin chatting with Graciano.  The West Visayas State University Library Staff also offer scanning services, and are currently working on LibGuides to sufficiently serve your information and research needs." Graciano is based on Graciano Lopez Jaena, the Ilonggo hero, and also the namesake of the main library building. The other virtual ...

Has this happened to you more than once? You needed to search the internet but realized that you have no internet connection. There are always inevitable connection problems online, especially during this time when everything is online - classes, library services, shopping, etc.  There will always be times when we need to look up something online with a search engine but the faulty internet access is to blame. Sometimes, free data can be helpful but it is still limited. Fring may be the answer for you. Fring is a "Facebook Messenger chatbot that allows its users to search and read articles from the internet for free. This aims to help those who have limited access to the internet and make information easily accessible even on free data." You can connect to Fring via Facebook Messenger even with free data. To get started, just chat m.me/fringsearch with "fring [search query]" e.g. "fring jose rizal".  Check out their Facebook Page: @Fringsearch .

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), a public research university and distance learning institution based in Los Baños, Laguna, is offering free online educational resources. These are useful for schools, teachers, and librarians who are working for schools and universities which are now delivering education online. Hundreds of free courses, videos, and other kinds of information are available through their website. They are also sharing resources for employees who are working from home. Access the free resources through this link: https://www.upou.edu.ph/announcement/list-of-upous-open-educational-resources/ They also offer these free learning resources: UPOU Networks: https://networks.upou.edu.ph/ An online repository of all UPOU-produced multimedia resources. It provides access to knowledge in various multimedia formats such as open educational resources (OERs), publications, radio, podcasts, web-streamed lectures, presentations/, seminars, and university eve...

The Iloilo City Public Library's virtual storytelling program for children is still ongoing. Their storytelling videos are available on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/iloilocitypubliclibrary . This program started in April during the community quarantine period. The virtual storytelling is designed for kids and parents staying at home.  Parents and schools also share the online storytelling with their kids and students. According to the City Librarian Marion Aguirre, "This project is for the service of our Ilonggo kids. Mayor Jerry Treñas said we will not deprive children of education and at the same time, their leisure. The purpose of this initiative is to enhance children's skills at home and to encourage them to read. While reading, you are also educating yourself and enjoying. You are giving them pleasure to read." Source: Jover, A. (2020 September 11). Virtual storytelling goes on. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/iloilocitygov/posts/355...

The Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute Library (DOST-STII) is offering free access to its eBooks collection. To access, register through this form: https://forms.gle/XKdCbVMAaS5R3sS79 The library will be giving the login details and instructions on how to access via e-mail. Access is only available for one month but can be extended once you register for access for the next month.  Aside from the free access to full-text eBooks, the following resources are available:  Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate provides STEM students and researchers with the resources they need to succeed. Providing coverage of a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, plastics, hydroponics, computer science, chemical engineering, energy resources and robotics, as well as the business and social implications of new technologies, this comprehensive database is essential for STEM programs. eBook Academic...

Source: Balilihan Congressional Library Facebook page The Balilihan Congressional Library in Bohol was awarded as the top-performing congressional library in 2019 by the National Library of the Philippines and the Asia Foundation. The library was established in 2008 through the effort of Cong. Edgar Chatto. The library was lauded for its varied and extensive services such as children, PWD, Senior Citizen, Out of School Youth and Community Outreach, Tech4ed Center, Digital Computer Literacy Reference, Storytelling session, and Online References. The Balilihan Library in Bohol is one of the four existing congressional libraries in the country, along with Tawi-tawi Congressional Library, Sentro ng Karunungan (Tondo Congressional) Library in Manila, and Kaban ng Hiyas Congressional Library in Mandaluyong City (Source: NLP website).  The House Committee on Education led by Chairman Cong. Roman Romulo recently recognized the library as a model library that should be followed by congres...

University of the Philippines Los Baños will soon have a new library to be called the University Library and Knowledge Center (ULKC). The groundbreaking ceremony was last September 4.  The proposed seven-storey building will include the University Library, Information Technology Center, and Interactive Learning Center. It is expected to be finished in two years.  UP Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. said that "the construction of ULKC is part of the on-going efforts to provide an enabling environment that will inspire creativity and innovation among UPLB constituents." UP President Danilo L. Concepcion also mentioned that they are pushing through with the construction even during a pandemic so that it will be ready for students when things go back to normal.  Source: Arana, J.J.S. (7 September 2020). Univ Library and Knowledge Center to rise in UPLB. Retrieved from https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/univ-library-and-knowledge-center-to-rise-in-uplb/

PHL CHED Connect, https://phlconnect.ched.gov.ph , was developed by CHED to maximize the use and increase availability of educational materials, raise the quality standards for educational resources, enhance opportunities for self-learning at home, and support multi-modal approaches to learning.  It contains higher education course materials in text, media, and other digital assets that are useful for teaching, learning, and research purposes. Subject matters covered include humanities, architecture, business, engineering, IT, mass communications, criminal justice, agriculture, forestry and fishery among others.   CHED has partnered with Globe in offering free data access to the agency’s online learning portal for Globe and TM customers in line with the government’s thrust to provide quality educational resources to teachers and students especially under current circumstances. With free data charges, Globe and TM customers can access pages and information within the pla...

UPSLIS new building under construction. Source The School of Library and Information Studies of the University of the Philippines (a.k.a. UPSLIS) is considered to be one of the best LIS schools in the country. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has declared it a Center of Excellence in LIS Education.  The UP SLIS is currently starting to build a new home in the UP Diliman campus. In a post on their website, they shared pictures of the ongoing construction. The building is planned to have a library with an exhibition space, a graduate research center, training rooms, laboratories, a makerspace, and teleconferencing facilities. The new facilities would enable the SLIS to "deliver more programs dedicated to preserving Filipino cultural heritage." They were also the first in the country to offer courses on Archives.  UP SLIS is currently located in the 3rd floor, Gonzales Hall of the UP Main Library in UP Diliman.  Follow them on Facebook: @UPSLIS and visit their web...

Source: CAPSU Main Library Facebook page Capiz State University-Main Campus Library located in Roxas City, Capiz has launched "Hello, Dolly!" a virtual reference chat service. This service can be accessed on their Facebook page  by sending them a message.  Here is a description of Dolly from their Facebook post : "“Hello, Dolly!” is the virtual reference chat service of CAPSU Main Campus Library.  This service provides immediate response to reference queries sent through our Messenger with the help of a chatbot.  Who is Dolly?  Dolly is our 24-7 virtual reference assistant. Normally, you would call her a chatbot, but we wanted to add little creativity, so we humanized this rather lifeless software application by giving her a face and a name. We baptized her “Dolly”, inspired by Dolores Deocampo, the first librarian and, technically, the pioneer reference service provider of this campus. Dolly will answer your frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Messenger....

This year's Iloilo Mega Book Fair and Zinefest will go online. I have been a participant in this event last 2017 and 2018. You can read about it in the following posts: #ZineZoned3: Iloilo Zinefest 2017 experience and At the 1st Iloilo Mega Book Fair and #ZineZoned5 (2018). This year's IMBF and Zinefest will be held on November 12-15, 2020.  This year's theme is A City Built on Books ,  "highlights literature in the time of pandemic and in all aspects including children’s rights, teachers and librarian education, history, heritage, local films, comics, food culture, environment, and artists’ rights." For those who are not aware, "A zine (/ˈziːn/ ZEEN; short for magazine or fanzine) is most commonly a small-circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images. Usually, zines are the product of a single person, or of a small group.  A zine is a cheaply-made, cheaply-priced publication, often in black and white, which is mass-produced ...