This year's 71st National Book Week celebration ends today with a Fellowship Luncheon at the Manila Hotel with former DILG Secretary Joey Lina as guest speaker.
The Book Week kicked off with a FunWalk and character parade around Luneta and was followed with a mass at the National Library. The Philippine Association of Teachers of Library Science (PATLS) held the annual Library and Information Science Quiz Bee in the afternoon. The Association of Special Libraries of the Philippines (ASLP) and the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Libraries (PAARL) held separate fora on Friday, November 25.
I was present at two Book Week related activities. One was the general assembly and forum sponsored by the PNU Library and Information Science Alumni Association (PNU-LISAA) and the other was the convocation sponsored by the Book Talk Society of the Philippines (BTSP) together with PNU's Library and Information Science Department.
I'll be writing about the PNU-LISAA's forum on Reading in the Age of Technology with Dr. Diljit Singh of University of Malaya, Malaysia in another blog. Meantime I want to focus on the activity sponsored by BTSP where I shared the billing with a good friend and fellow blogger Zarah Gagatiga and discussed information literacy; Atty. Alex Lacson, the author of the very compelling book 12 Little Things You Can Do For Your Country; and no less than Prof. Randy David who was awarded a very beautiful plaque honoring him for being the Ama ng Pamulatang Pang-Sosyolohikang Pinoy.
In his very brief but very substantive message, Prof. David identified the reasons for the decline in reading. These were the proliferation of TV shows whose scripts and storylines do not help in the formation of the intellect, the absence of public libraries (emphasis is mine), and the lack of translations into the vernacular. Besides identifying these reasons, he also offered some suggestions on how to revive a reading culture. First is to revive defunct public libraries or create one in its absence, establish book clubs and mobile libraries.
Come to think of it, if you'll look closely at his suggestions, he is actually challenging us librarians to take the lead in reviving the culture of reading. Surely reviving a public library and establishing book mobiles won't be that easy considering that local government support is necessary but we can start with establishing book clubs no matter how small.
Prof. David also gave us a peek of his life. Other than his family, there are three things he loves to do: riding his motorbike, birdwatching, and reading. And for someone who has established himself in writing, he was humble enough to admit that he finds it hard to come up with something to write about and that it takes him 5 to 6 hours to just write a 4000 plus article. Now that is something I can truly identify with.
I can listen to the man for hours on end because as he speaks, there is wisdom in his words. Prof. Randy David is the perfect example of a product of reading. As Sir Francis Bacon said "Reading maketh a full man...writing an exact man." Prof. Randy David is one such man. And it was an honor to have shared front row seats with him.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
EVAT and libraries
Our library budget and those of other libraries as well are also affected by the imposition of the Expanded Value Added Tax early this month. While prices of books are already VAT-inclusive other materials like audio and video materias and equipment are not.
That means LCD projectors that costs anywhere between 40 to 70 thousand pesos would be 10% more expensive with VAT likewise other equipment like computers, AV equipment, etc. And with our meager budget, what is their left to purchase? Well, we can always settle for second hand equipment but then again our experience proved that it wasn't cost effective because the equipment broke down one after the other only after a year of use.
And with the unbelievable price of instructional videos on DVD, I don't think many libraries could afford them.
Some belt-tightening measures would be a good idea but haven't we been working on a tight budget the past few years with the declining enrolment? I not only speak of our school but this is true with most private institutions except I guess for La Salle, Ateneo, and UAP.
But EVAT is inevitable and our hands our tied. Meantime, I have stopped making any purchases and will just wait until the end of the school year for any savings in our budget and only then will I decide what to spend the money on.
On a personal note, the government swore prices of basic commodities wouldn't go up but it did. The fresh milk I usually buy went up by 2.00 so I switched to a cheaper brand. And I don't even have to check each item I buy because I usually buy the same stuff at the supermarket, but my budget for groceries definitely got bigger this month.
I just haven't tried dropping by my favorite salon if they have increased their services, too. But I guess with the EVAT, I won't mind being called a cheapskate if I want value for my hard-earned money.
That means LCD projectors that costs anywhere between 40 to 70 thousand pesos would be 10% more expensive with VAT likewise other equipment like computers, AV equipment, etc. And with our meager budget, what is their left to purchase? Well, we can always settle for second hand equipment but then again our experience proved that it wasn't cost effective because the equipment broke down one after the other only after a year of use.
And with the unbelievable price of instructional videos on DVD, I don't think many libraries could afford them.
Some belt-tightening measures would be a good idea but haven't we been working on a tight budget the past few years with the declining enrolment? I not only speak of our school but this is true with most private institutions except I guess for La Salle, Ateneo, and UAP.
But EVAT is inevitable and our hands our tied. Meantime, I have stopped making any purchases and will just wait until the end of the school year for any savings in our budget and only then will I decide what to spend the money on.
On a personal note, the government swore prices of basic commodities wouldn't go up but it did. The fresh milk I usually buy went up by 2.00 so I switched to a cheaper brand. And I don't even have to check each item I buy because I usually buy the same stuff at the supermarket, but my budget for groceries definitely got bigger this month.
I just haven't tried dropping by my favorite salon if they have increased their services, too. But I guess with the EVAT, I won't mind being called a cheapskate if I want value for my hard-earned money.
Monday, November 21, 2005
No Librarian at PowerBooks
I applied for a Power Card at PowerBooks last Saturday and I was made to fill up a form. The Power Card would entitle me to points, rebates, and discounts. There was an entry for Occupation on the form so I wrote "Librarian". The Customer Service Assistant encoded my data into their database and I was pleasantly surprised when she informed me that "Librarian" was not in their list of occupation in the drop down menu. She then told me that she'll choose the "Not Given" option as if I had any other choice .
If I were going to be technical about it, I would have refused the "Not Given" option because I specified my occupation. It's all a matter of terminology, really, and the term "Others" would have been more appropriate. It's the systems analyst fault, if you ask me. I then kidded her why of all occupations did they forget "Librarians"? Of course she didn't give me any answer but I knew she got embarassed by it.
Anyway, there could be a lot of reasons why "Librarian" was not on the list but I'd like a few good guesses. One, librarians work around books day in and day out and therefore would shun bookstores as it reminds them of work. Two, librarians can borrow all the books in their library, even borrow from other libraries through ILL which leads to the next reason. Librarians purchase books for their libraries so they don't have to buy for their own personal reading pleasure. Fourth, librarians are poorly paid they can't afford to buy books for their personal collection. Fifth, the systems designer simply forgot to put "Librarian" in the drop down list because the bookstore and the library have nothing in common plus the fact that he/she doesn't know that Librarianship is a profession. Of course I'm just being cynical but sometimes there's some truth in cynicism.
BTW, there really is no librarian working at the Powerbooks branch I frequent dispelling the wrong assumption Adrian Cristobal made in the now infamous column of his, the "105 Useless Librarians".
If I were going to be technical about it, I would have refused the "Not Given" option because I specified my occupation. It's all a matter of terminology, really, and the term "Others" would have been more appropriate. It's the systems analyst fault, if you ask me. I then kidded her why of all occupations did they forget "Librarians"? Of course she didn't give me any answer but I knew she got embarassed by it.
Anyway, there could be a lot of reasons why "Librarian" was not on the list but I'd like a few good guesses. One, librarians work around books day in and day out and therefore would shun bookstores as it reminds them of work. Two, librarians can borrow all the books in their library, even borrow from other libraries through ILL which leads to the next reason. Librarians purchase books for their libraries so they don't have to buy for their own personal reading pleasure. Fourth, librarians are poorly paid they can't afford to buy books for their personal collection. Fifth, the systems designer simply forgot to put "Librarian" in the drop down list because the bookstore and the library have nothing in common plus the fact that he/she doesn't know that Librarianship is a profession. Of course I'm just being cynical but sometimes there's some truth in cynicism.
BTW, there really is no librarian working at the Powerbooks branch I frequent dispelling the wrong assumption Adrian Cristobal made in the now infamous column of his, the "105 Useless Librarians".
Friday, November 18, 2005
It's public school librarians this time
The Department of Education signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Sandiwaan Center for Learning (SCL) where the latter through the Educational Outreach through Elearning (EDO) will provide educational materials "to enhance learning through the use of interactive learning materials".
Under the agreement, the DepEd is:
What's more, the SCL is also under negotiations with the Department of Trade and Industry under its PCs for Public Schools (PCPS) program to provide the computers that will contain these e-learning materials. I was told that recipient schools will be made to sign an agreement that the computers will be used solely for educational purposes and should be accessible to the entire school population. And where is the most logical choice? The library, of course! In fact, the Araullo High School in Manila was a recipient of the PCPS and the computers are housed at the library and the librarian, Myrna Fortus helps in facilitating instruction.
Public school librarians take heart, there's light at the end of the tunnel. I have so much faith in the people behind SCL and EDO, that would be Fr. Ben Beltran and Dr. Dylan Dizon respectively, that the project can be sustained. It's only a matter of time before the computers start coming to your libraries. So better start brushing up on your computer skills.
Under the agreement, the DepEd is:
- To undertake goal setting, implement policies and provide guidance, direction and support for the implementation of e-learning program.
- To determine the curriculum content of the learning materials.
- To review, approve and endorse e-learning materials suited for the Out-of-School Youth and Adults.
- To coordinate with end users and facilitators.
- To assist in finding resources.
- To coordinate with concerned implementing agencies.
- To provide technical components in the development of multimedia interactive learning materials.
- To equip prospective staff with the basic knowledge in the development of learning materials through training using facilities owned by SCL and Partners.
- To provide prospective trainees with training manual.
- To conduct assessment during training.
- To provide BALS full access to all developed materials and facilities used in the training.
- To coordinate with the first party on guidelines on the e-learning implementation as need arises.
What's more, the SCL is also under negotiations with the Department of Trade and Industry under its PCs for Public Schools (PCPS) program to provide the computers that will contain these e-learning materials. I was told that recipient schools will be made to sign an agreement that the computers will be used solely for educational purposes and should be accessible to the entire school population. And where is the most logical choice? The library, of course! In fact, the Araullo High School in Manila was a recipient of the PCPS and the computers are housed at the library and the librarian, Myrna Fortus helps in facilitating instruction.
Public school librarians take heart, there's light at the end of the tunnel. I have so much faith in the people behind SCL and EDO, that would be Fr. Ben Beltran and Dr. Dylan Dizon respectively, that the project can be sustained. It's only a matter of time before the computers start coming to your libraries. So better start brushing up on your computer skills.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Public libraries will benefit from eGovernance
I attended the plenary sessions of last week's LeGoV 05 Conference at the Heritage Hotel with the theme Forging Partnerships in Local eGovernment Ventures: Exemplars, Lessons, and Opportunities. One of the highlights of the conference was the launching of the LeGoV website.
I made the brave forecast for public libraries because there is nowhere for local governments to go but to adopt eGovernance, which is a solution the World Bank is espousing to cut down on graft and corruption. If we were to go by the example of Naga City, their public library, the Raul S. Roco Library, has a link on the city's home page and while the conversion of the library's holdings has yet to be completed, Willy Prilles, Coordinator of the city's School Board told me that yes the site is already searchable. Naga City takes pride in their librarian Rico Vinluan, who is actively part of the city's team. Prilles said that they hope the City Library would become a benchmark for other public libraries in the country.
Upi in Maguindanao, the summer capital of Mindanao, is also an example of a town that has adopted eGovernance but the mayor was vocal in saying that they are in the process of setting up their own municipal library.
We as a profession need to get our acts together, especially for public librarians to actively get involved in their local governments because in five years time, all local government units should have adopted some sort of eGovernance effort and we can't afford to be left behind.
I made the brave forecast for public libraries because there is nowhere for local governments to go but to adopt eGovernance, which is a solution the World Bank is espousing to cut down on graft and corruption. If we were to go by the example of Naga City, their public library, the Raul S. Roco Library, has a link on the city's home page and while the conversion of the library's holdings has yet to be completed, Willy Prilles, Coordinator of the city's School Board told me that yes the site is already searchable. Naga City takes pride in their librarian Rico Vinluan, who is actively part of the city's team. Prilles said that they hope the City Library would become a benchmark for other public libraries in the country.
Upi in Maguindanao, the summer capital of Mindanao, is also an example of a town that has adopted eGovernance but the mayor was vocal in saying that they are in the process of setting up their own municipal library.
We as a profession need to get our acts together, especially for public librarians to actively get involved in their local governments because in five years time, all local government units should have adopted some sort of eGovernance effort and we can't afford to be left behind.
Friday, November 11, 2005
2005 National Book Week activities set
The following activities are slated for this year's 71st National Book Week celebration with the theme Kultura ng Pagbabasa'y Palaganapin, Aklat at Aklatan Pagyamanin (Developing the Culture of Reading Through Books and Libraries), which will be held from 24-30 November 2005:
On a personal note, I am extending my congratulations to this year's awardees for their contributions to PLAI and to the profession.
Category: Plugs
- 24 November - FunWalk and Book Character Parade around Rizal Park, Mass, and Opening of Exhibit. Opening ceremonies will be held at the National Library with NCCA Chairman Ambeth Ocampo as keynote speaker.
- 25-29 November - Different library associations, including ASLP and PNU-LISAA have lined up various activities in line with the celebration.
- 30 November - PLAI Fellowship luncheon at Manila Hotel with Joey Lina as guest speaker. The event will be capped with this year's PLAI awardees: Belen Vibar, Milagros Ong, Teresita Moran, Loreto Serina, Miguel Cobaria, and Fe Abeleda-Robles.
On a personal note, I am extending my congratulations to this year's awardees for their contributions to PLAI and to the profession.
Category: Plugs
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Those Oompa Loompas
It's back to work for me and I still have a hangover. I had a well-spent weeklong vacation capped by a day on the beach at Lemery, Batangas. I also spent some time with my kids at Tom's World in Festival Mall in Alabang and will be back for more because the tokens are 50% cheaper than at TimeZone. The prized may not be as good as those at TimeZone but who needs the prizes when we're playing for fun. So Festival Mall will surely be a regular stop this coming Christmas break.
Normally I'd spend vacations like these watching movies but I had several deadlines to beat so I was limited to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on DVD and The Legend of Zorro and The 40 Year-Old Virgin on the big screen.
The 40 year-Old Virgin is definitely funny, make it hilarious, especially if you know one who is, but the movie is not meant for a young audience. I can identify with Steve Carel's character Andy who values his collection of action figures. I guess boys, I mean men just don't outgrow their love for toys. As for giving up his virginity, it was well worth the wait. While the movie had a predictive story line, it wasn't boring at all. I can't say anything more about the movie because I can still recall the funny scenes and to relate them here would be spoiling the fun.
I sorely missed Anthony Hopkins in this sequel but Joaquin, Zorro's son was a welcome addition to the cast. After all, the De la Vega family has to grow, like father, like son, like grandson. I could see my sons in the little boy's thirst for adventure and action. Catherine Zeta Jones as Elena was glamorous as usual. Antonio Banderas looked a lot thinner and older. The De la Vega family, on the brink of being separated, ended up saving the whole of California. With the identity of Zorro still a well-kept secret after those who saw him unmasked were murdered, the legend will live on.
I just loved this movie primarily because I'm a great Johnny Depp fan way back in his 21 Jump Street and Edward Scissorhands days plus it's a great story laden with values for both children and adults. The chocolatey water was good enough to drink I couldn't blame Augustus Gloop for sampling them. I didn't see the older version so I really can't compare but suffice it to say that this is indeed a good movie for children. Freddie Highmore, who portrayed Charlie Bucket and was also in the cast of Five Children and IT, is now in my list of favorite child actors next to Haley Joel Osment for an endearing performance. But I guess what stole the show for me were the Oompa Loompas. My youngest son just loves to watch the film over and over to see the Oompa Loompas perform and has even memorized the songs. Maybe an Oompa Loompa spin-off movie won't be such a bad idea.
Category: Movies & Music Reviews
Normally I'd spend vacations like these watching movies but I had several deadlines to beat so I was limited to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on DVD and The Legend of Zorro and The 40 Year-Old Virgin on the big screen.
The 40 year-Old Virgin is definitely funny, make it hilarious, especially if you know one who is, but the movie is not meant for a young audience. I can identify with Steve Carel's character Andy who values his collection of action figures. I guess boys, I mean men just don't outgrow their love for toys. As for giving up his virginity, it was well worth the wait. While the movie had a predictive story line, it wasn't boring at all. I can't say anything more about the movie because I can still recall the funny scenes and to relate them here would be spoiling the fun.
I sorely missed Anthony Hopkins in this sequel but Joaquin, Zorro's son was a welcome addition to the cast. After all, the De la Vega family has to grow, like father, like son, like grandson. I could see my sons in the little boy's thirst for adventure and action. Catherine Zeta Jones as Elena was glamorous as usual. Antonio Banderas looked a lot thinner and older. The De la Vega family, on the brink of being separated, ended up saving the whole of California. With the identity of Zorro still a well-kept secret after those who saw him unmasked were murdered, the legend will live on.
I just loved this movie primarily because I'm a great Johnny Depp fan way back in his 21 Jump Street and Edward Scissorhands days plus it's a great story laden with values for both children and adults. The chocolatey water was good enough to drink I couldn't blame Augustus Gloop for sampling them. I didn't see the older version so I really can't compare but suffice it to say that this is indeed a good movie for children. Freddie Highmore, who portrayed Charlie Bucket and was also in the cast of Five Children and IT, is now in my list of favorite child actors next to Haley Joel Osment for an endearing performance. But I guess what stole the show for me were the Oompa Loompas. My youngest son just loves to watch the film over and over to see the Oompa Loompas perform and has even memorized the songs. Maybe an Oompa Loompa spin-off movie won't be such a bad idea.Category: Movies & Music Reviews
Thursday, November 03, 2005
The week that was
After the forum on The Role of Librarians in Information Literacy in a Borderless Society" last October 27 where Zarah and I were resource speakers, I took some time off to enjoy the semestral break and not blog about the event at once. The time off allowed me to reflect on the tremendous task that lies ahead of us who are advocating for information literacy in the country.
There were only a handful of participants, public school librarians in Manila mostly and a couple of members of the Book Talk Society of the Philippines, because something went awry with the memo that came from the superintendent that was released at 5 pm the day before the event. Thus, most of the librarians were informed of the activity on the day itself and they were not prepared, to say the least.
What would have been a big step towards information literacy awareness had the school librarians been able to attend hardly made a ripple with the attendance. I can only second guess when another forum on information literacy could be organized and that would entirely depend on the conference chairmen of the various professional library associations. Call me pessimistic but I don't see one in the near future.
But I'm thankful that Dr. Dylan Dizon, Director of Educational Outreach through eLearning has agreed to my including a module on some information literacy skills in the modules I'm doing for them. Meantime, I feel that I just have to keep on blogging and writing about it because that is the only thing I can do at the moment to promote information literacy.
Category: IL & IT
There were only a handful of participants, public school librarians in Manila mostly and a couple of members of the Book Talk Society of the Philippines, because something went awry with the memo that came from the superintendent that was released at 5 pm the day before the event. Thus, most of the librarians were informed of the activity on the day itself and they were not prepared, to say the least.
What would have been a big step towards information literacy awareness had the school librarians been able to attend hardly made a ripple with the attendance. I can only second guess when another forum on information literacy could be organized and that would entirely depend on the conference chairmen of the various professional library associations. Call me pessimistic but I don't see one in the near future.
But I'm thankful that Dr. Dylan Dizon, Director of Educational Outreach through eLearning has agreed to my including a module on some information literacy skills in the modules I'm doing for them. Meantime, I feel that I just have to keep on blogging and writing about it because that is the only thing I can do at the moment to promote information literacy.
Category: IL & IT
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