naga librarian expectation!

December and 2007 are coming to a close, and a certain excitement about the year ahead is entering my blood like it does every year.

However, I am pretty sure 2008 and what it holds has something to do with it. Just sliding by, and really trying to appreciate the moments as I pass them.

A digital camera helps.....

CITED! This blog was cited at Libword through the article of Filipino librarian.

FEATURED! Xavier School Librarian Zarah Gagatiga, a PBBY resource speaker for Naga City, has featured Naga Library and me, the naga librarian, in her blog - http://www.lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/

the naga library

Hopefully, 2008 is my last year in UP. I have been working on my thesis. This is the reason why I am always busy. Thus, my time evolves from the Naga Library to my home and UP. And while doing my thesis, I will be visiting the different public libraries in the region.

I guess, some issues in my works have been presented. My thinking, it will be worthwhile to present the other public libraries in my region. The purpose of which is to let somebody see the situation of public libraries, what plans and projects, involvements, who are the public librarians, how are they coordinated with their respective local government units etc..

First, let me present the Naga Library, the Raul S. Roco Library. Some information about the Naga Library can be access at www.naga.gov.ph/library. here are some photos:


Periodicals Section


Circulation Areas

Hall of Fame Gallery


Children's Section and Library HUB

Five years with a Bee

MY FOND MEMORIES WHEN I WAS YOUNG IS THE DELIGHT TO SEE SANTA CLAUSE.

This generation is different, because we are all invaded by a bee.. yes, from a fastfood chain mascot Jollibee’s

When started working at the naga library in 2000, I see it as a better marketing strategy of promoting the children’s section. Ideally, we want to hook the children to read and appreciate library as early as young age. And the more we encourage them to read, we are better assured that as they grow, we have a better community. But practically, the main reason was that, once we attract the children in the library, we have actually attracted the whole family. Children will not go to the library alone and need company.

I MADE  an excellent partnership since 2003 with Jollibee and hopefully in the near future to create a strong partnership and come up with a long range plan of integrating the values of the company and the love of reading as promoted by the Naga Library.

So the next step is.. visit your jollibee store near you... NOW.

Books donation: give us what we want, not what you dont like

“Books died. Books died in the United States, and unfortunately, the Philippine serves as the largest cemetery for these books” averred Manolo Silayan. 

Attending the conference of public librarians is an opportunity to meet fellow librarians in the public sector.of all the talks, i am more interested in the way it is presented by Mr Silayan.

How do we increase the books in the library? one is by accepting donations and we have to provide a policy in the selection of books - wether it is donated or purchase. the library should also be conscious with donated books where stamps of names of donors are conspicuously written in the title page or in the spine. be carefull in choosing with these type of materials.

i would say that it is not easy to increase the collection of the library and formed a reading center in the community. with a clear policy and directions... we will not be able to missed our task and let the impression of our library as dumping ground of books. ...

Computerization craze!

HOW CAN YOU PROMOTE THE BOOK OR BOOKS TO YOUR CLIENTS.. OR HOW CAN YOU INFORM YOUR CLIENTS KNEW THAT THE BOOKS THEY ARE LOOKING IS IN THE SHELVES OF OUR LIBRARY,?

IN NAGA, making library resources accessible to its clients is one of the primary goals.

The ease of keeping the books information effective to the clients is the reason why we adopted the computerization of our collection.

Before I entered in the naga library, an Internet service has been one of the projects of the city government since 1996. It was offered free to library clients on its first year and late in the following year we have charges a reasonable amount to keep the project sustainable. 

Incidentally, in 2000, the National Library has introduced the public library information network or the publin project. there were many programs introduced to public libraries affiliated as an incentive for its active participation. the GLAS program, TINLIB, and  the library. Solution programs. all these projects helps the library technical works..

HOWEVER, for clients in the public library who are not exposed to the technical works of library system, we have offer a local program that will make the computerization simple. thanks to my ataff allan de veterbo for creating the program.

Today, and hopefully in the future, we will be able to sustain the program.... and possibly responds to the needs of time. here is the entry point of the program for your to check if that can be adopted to your library   -    at www.naga.gov.ph/library

The third sector @ the library

MOST PEOPLE THOUGHT WORKING IN PUBLIC LIBRARY IS EASY. IMAGINE A SMALL ROOM OF OLD BOOKS AND TWO TABLES WITH OUTDATED PERIODICALS AND A STERN STAFF,

BUT FOR NAGA, it is different. 

in Naga we treat our clients as our partners, we are consulting the community 

Last 2004, I met Nick Hake, an American Peace Corps volunteer assigned in jp2 reading center. Nick finds the Naga Library a good place to stay for him when he wants to read. as a frequent reader, he was able to get the nod of the library staff. later he became one of us.

Having a peace corps working in the library is an education itself. it is culture and language that became lessons on his stint. we also met fellow PCVs Will Stone and Dan Nover who were all lovers of books.

We also have local volunteers to compliment with the increasing clerical tasks in the Naga Library. they are the on-the-job trainees from local TESDA schools...

Volunteers  or the third sector of the society is as old as the time of Lapu-lapo.......  we all have this, from our friend who gave us spare time helping us in our household chores.... for libraries,, as volunteers,,, we need this... instead of hiring.. hiring. 

naga library hub

Three years ago, then Superintendent Dr. Nitz Ramos visited the (Roco) Library and introduce me  to the library hub project. 

The project received a positive remark from my boss, mayor Robredo.

Met Usec Luz, Ms Marge Barro and Ms. Bev Gonda  and the people in Davao and Bacolod (as  co-pilot projects). 

For naga, it was timely because we have a new building which can house thousands of book, Though there is a need to fill-up books in the Roco Library, i am not in hurry for books selection must be within the currency of needs..

with the HUB, we will be able to help more readers with reading materials carefully selected for classroom used.

MY THINKING, PUBLIC LIBRARIANS can engage in this program with the Department of Education as neighboor and stakeholders...... they are not strange people and a just a few steps from us....

Until then...

november works

november is a month to celebrate the National Book and the library.. a couple of activities i will be working at.

1. I will be attending the National Library sponsored public librarians conference on November 28-29 and leaving a program for the promotion of the library.

2. On November 22, 2007, is the formal launching of the 2nd Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards for 2007 at the R. Fernando Hall of Ateneo De Naga University with Pathways to Higher Education and Ateneo Eagles for Environment as partnering group. Likewise, we will be launching in Daet, Iriga City, Bicol University for Albay, Sorsogon State College for Sorsogon and Catanduanes State College for Catanduanes.

3. On November 25, a simple program for Naga readers will be conducted as part of the library rewards program and afterwards,

4. and a round-table discussion/ meeting with public librarians in Camarines Sur. Naga DepEd English Supervisor Ms. Salve Selga and I will be partnering for the Elementary Division-wide National Book Celebration. The culminating program will be held at LCC Activity Center.

5. As a follow-up to the reading sessions last year, the Brigada Basa, a reading tutorial sessions will be held at Tinago, Con. Pequena and Mac Mariano Elementary Schools. The sessions will be held at the Roco Library with Grade II pupils as recipients of the tutorial sessions to be conducted by selected library volunteers.

.. all these activities aimed at making Naga Library promoted to all sectors.. for the youth thru the RSRYAA  and the children, the readers who will be future leaders.

Busy as beaver in October 2007

After seven months of frenzied preparation as SECRETARIAT of the Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards, the highlight of the 3rd Raul S. Roco Day. The whole thing turned-out into a miracle itself.  

(Photo at the left are Mrs. Roco, Naga City Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado Jr. Mayor Jess Robredo, and the guests during the 1st Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards: Atty. Lorna Kapunan, former Sen. Roco Law Associates and Aksyon Kabataan President Atty. Darwin Mariano)

Our preparation for the 3rd RAUL S. ROCO DAY became the highlights of the Raul Roco Library programs for this year. This is also the first year of the RSRYAA.

This year’s first grand prize winner of the regional search for Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards is the Youth Group of Ateneo De Naga University – Pathways to Higher Education.This Youth Group has successfully initiated a reading program in the two newly organized public high schools in Naga – Leon Q. Mercado and Tinago. They develop reading modules, and hold reading sessions to fourth year high school students. The group was cited for their well-planned and project-focused advocacy in promoting the love for reading in two chosen schools, TinagoHigh School and LeonQ.MercadoHigh School, fourth year students, writing and reading modules fitted for their level and interest. Inspired by Raul S. Roco’s being an avid reader, thus a great leader, Pathways acted admirably on the great importance reading plays in the educations of the youth.

Other winning youth organizations that were awarded - the Society of Junior Fellows of Unversity of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, Ateneo Eagles for Environment of Ateneo De Naga, Naga City. University, Damayan Network of Bicol University, Legazpi City, Youth Community Service Club of Sorsogon State College, Sorsogon City and a special recognition for Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Universidad De Santa Isabel.

In the morning of the occassion, Senator's widow. Sonia Roco and ABS-CBN Regional Manager Amy Villafuerte hold storytelling session to 100 preschoolers together with JOLLIBEE . The MABUHAY SINGERS  presents “ HARANA NG PUSO, alay para ki Raul S. Roco at the Universidad De Santa Isabel Auditorium to end the celebration.

  (Photo at the left: me, the guests Mr. Neric Acosta, R. Magsaysay Awardee Eugenia Apostol, Mrs. Roco, my staff: che, randy, jess, and allan during the 2nd RAul S. Roco Day)

First Raul Roco Day

Every 26th of October, Naga City celebrates Raul S. Roco Day to paid tribute to the historical contributions of Raul S. Roco, for his outstanding performance as a legislator in Congress, a reformist Education Secretary and as one of the best leader that Naga City has ever produced.  On its first celebration in 2005, the Naga City Public Library was renamed as Raul S. Roco Library and housed his collections of books and memorabilia

This year, the highlight of the celebration is the awarding of the 1st Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards - Best Bicolano Youth Group together with the concert of  the Mabuhay Singers at the St. Vincent de Paul Auditorium of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. To pomp up the celebrations,  a bookfair/exhibit by the National Books Store and storytelling sessions by Jollibee. The event is a joint undertaking between the city government of Naga and the Raul S. Roco Foundation.

For all the Bikolanos who were inspired by Senator Roco, come to Naga on his birthday. Let us plant the seeds of hope.

Naga public librarian's conference after 1972

The last time the public librarians hold its conference in Naga was in 1972, and this year, it was made possible trough the leadership of Fe Requilman of Baguio City Library. Despite the transition period of the newly elected local officials, 73 public librarians were able to attend the three-day workshop held at Villa Caceres in Naga City last July 10-12. Issues on local materials and archival arrangement, selection and promotion were discussed.

Resource speakers and trainers include Dr. Danilo Gerona from Ateneo de Naga University, Gloria Bernales from the Records Management and Archives Office, Maria Teresa S. Bondoc, from the Legislative Reference Bureau of the Senate of the Philippines, Dir. Marianito D. Maandal from the Records Division of Malacañang, Sr. Rita Ferraris of RVM Mother House, and Raidis J. Bassig, Chief, Planning Division of Intramuros.

Funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Naga’s seminar would not be possible without the expertise of fellow librarians Lyn Nabus, Chief Librarian of Marikina City, Librarians Ana Puno of Quezon City Public Library and Helen Grace Cacho of Manila City Public Library. The seminar ends with a tour in Albay hosted by the Naga City Government.

the naga librarian and the 1,141 public libraries

i am not a good writer...with all the books around me,, classifying these into subjects so that clients may be able to find what do they want for the library. this is my work.

writing is different. because when you write, you dont expect that everyone will agree with you.

as blogging becomes a fad.... this is my first writing... writing about my ideas and experiences as a public librarian..

as of this writing,  there are 1,142 public libraries registered at the national library, and, maybe a wishful thinking...  i would like to reach other public librarians in this country through this means....

with mam nani cruz, von totanes and zarah gagatiga, their thoughts, encounters have influenced me a lot..... i am not an advocate,,, a hero or a warrior. i just want to write and reach out.