The Bachelor's Program That Might Eventually Die Soon: Why Study Library and Information Science?

Studying a Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) program in the Philippines offers a comprehensive blend of foundational and specialized knowledge, preparing students for a variety of roles in the field of librarianship and information management. Here’s why pursuing this degree is a valuable and versatile choice:

1. Diverse Curriculum: The program covers essential minors like English, Math, Psychology, Science, History, and Economics, building a strong general knowledge base. This interdisciplinary foundation helps future librarians adapt to various fields and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

2. Specialized Majors: The program focuses on core subjects related to library science, such as cataloging, classification, and metadata handling, which are crucial for organizing and managing vast amounts of information. Courses in Library Management and Collection Development provide skills needed to operate different types of libraries (special, public, school, and academic).

3. Technical Skills: Courses in Information Technology, Indexing, and Abstracting prepare students to manage digital resources and understand the evolving landscape of library technology, making them adaptable to the digital age.

4. Critical Thinking and Research: With subjects like Action Study and Research, students are encouraged to explore new methods, technologies, and policies in library and information science. This nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

5. Cultural and Ethical Awareness: Through subjects such as Values and Ethics, Rizal Studies, and Philippine History, students gain an understanding of the cultural and historical context in which they will operate. This helps future librarians advocate for literacy and access to information in a responsible and ethical manner.

6. Practical Experience: Library Practice courses provide hands-on experience in real-world settings, preparing students for the challenges of managing collections, assisting users, and organizing information in various formats.

7. Elective Flexibility: Students can choose electives based on personal interests, whether they want to focus on education technology, foreign languages, literature, or arts, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career paths.

By offering a mix of theory, practical skills, and cultural understanding, the BLIS program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in libraries, information centers, archives, and digital resource management. It’s an ideal path for those passionate about organizing, preserving, and providing access to knowledge. 

Good News : Increasing Demand for Librarians in the Philippines

The Department of Education (DepEd) Standards for Philippine Libraries, signed in April 2010, emphasized that for every 500 students, a school must employ one licensed librarian and one library support staff. This policy was a significant step toward strengthening school libraries, aiming to ensure that students have access to well-organized, effectively managed libraries that contribute to their academic success.

However, many schools continue to neglect this standard, falling short of employing the required number of librarians. This raises serious concerns, as library professionals play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience by providing students and faculty with access to information resources and support. Organizations not adhering to this standard should indeed feel a sense of responsibility and shame, particularly as the Philippine Librarians Association Inc. (PLAI) should actively advocate for the strict implementation of these standards, ensuring that librarians receive their rightful place within schools.

By 2018, despite advancements in education policies, many schools still failed to recognize the true value of having librarians on their staff. It's more than just assisting with the library period—librarians bring a wide array of skills and services that significantly benefit the academic and administrative functions of schools.

Here are some of the key benefits of hiring more than one librarian in a school setting:

1. Budgeting and Managing Acquisitions: Librarians are skilled in selecting, acquiring, and budgeting for books, electronic resources, and materials that align with the school's curriculum.

2. Specialized Library Activities: Librarians can organize reading programs, literacy campaigns, and other library activities that engage students and promote a love of reading.

3. Supporting Outreach: Librarians help extend the library’s reach by collaborating with other schools, local government units, and community organizations, encouraging a broader exchange of knowledge.

4. Substitute Teachers: Trained librarians can substitute for teachers when necessary, especially for subjects like information literacy, reading comprehension, or research skills.

5. Advanced Library Orientation: They provide detailed orientations and training to students and faculty on using library resources effectively, including research databases and digital tools.

6. Support for School Activities and Projects: Librarians offer administrative and research support for school-wide activities such as contests, debates, exhibitions, and publications.

7. Substitute Administrators: In some cases, librarians may assist in or temporarily take on administrative roles, thanks to their organizational skills.

8. Basic Research Assistance: Librarians are adept at helping students and teachers conduct research, whether for academic assignments or larger projects.

9. Liaison with Academic Departments: They work with teachers to align library services with classroom instruction and collaborate with external organizations to enrich library resources.

10. IT Support: With their technical expertise, librarians often assist with IT-related challenges in managing digital resources or databases.

11. Resource Speakers for Information Literacy: Librarians can deliver talks or workshops on essential topics such as research methodologies, evaluating sources, and navigating digital information.

Beyond school settings, librarians possess valuable skills that are in demand in private companies and government organizations, where Library and Information Science (LIS) graduates often fill roles such as:

• Document controller
• Information resource specialist
• Secretary
• Research assistant
• Statistical report monitoring

Their expertise makes them valuable not only for traditional library roles but also in office administration and customer service, contributing to efficient information management in diverse professional settings.

In conclusion, librarians are indispensable not only for the smooth operation of school libraries but also for contributing to the broader academic and administrative success of educational institutions. The policy set by DepEd is clear, and it’s time that all schools in the Philippines fully comply, recognizing the immense value of hiring licensed librarians.

Empowering Modern Librarians: Embracing New Skills Advanced Skills for Competitive Success on a Global Scale

 

 

Empowering Modern Librarians: The Benefits of Learning Communication Arts, Data Analytics, Document Control, and Programming

Learning Communication Arts, Data Analytics, Document Control, and Programming provides a wide range of benefits for librarians and library science students, enhancing their skills to manage modern libraries effectively, improve user experience, and contribute to the evolving landscape of information management. Here's an in-depth look at the benefits in each area:

1. Communication Arts

• Effective User Engagement: Learning communication arts helps librarians develop strong interpersonal and media communication skills, making it easier to interact with library users, present information clearly, and manage public relations.
• Advocacy and Outreach: Librarians often need to advocate for their services or programs. With communication arts skills, they can create compelling marketing materials, press releases, and social media content to raise awareness of library initiatives.
• Public Speaking & Presentation: Libraries frequently host events, workshops, or community programs. Good communication skills can enhance a librarian’s ability to speak in public, run workshops, and present information effectively.
• Content Creation: Writing articles, blogs, and newsletters for the library’s website, or creating multimedia content for online platforms, becomes easier and more engaging with a background in communication arts.

2. Data Analytics

• User Behavior Analysis: Data analytics helps librarians analyze user data to understand trends in library usage, such as the most borrowed books, peak visitation times, or popular resources. This insight can inform decision-making regarding acquisitions, library layouts, and services.
• Resource Optimization: By understanding data, librarians can optimize the library's budget and resources, ensuring that they are spent on materials and services that provide the greatest benefit to users.
• Evaluating Library Programs: Data analytics can help measure the success of library programs and initiatives, providing quantitative data that can be presented to stakeholders, funders, or the public to demonstrate the library's impact.
• Tailored Services: Using data, librarians can create more personalized services for patrons, like reading recommendations based on past borrowing patterns or curating collections to meet community interests.

3. Document Control

• Efficient Information Management: Document control teaches librarians how to organize, store, and manage digital and physical documents systematically. It ensures that important records (such as acquisitions, patron records, policies) are well-organized, easily accessible, and secure.
• Compliance with Regulations: Libraries often have to comply with institutional or governmental policies, especially regarding data privacy and copyright. Document control practices help in maintaining compliance with these legal requirements, ensuring that information is handled properly.
• Archiving and Preservation: Librarians are responsible for managing historical records, archives, and rare collections. Document control ensures that these materials are properly preserved and cataloged for future generations.
• Workflow Efficiency: Effective document control systems streamline library workflows, from acquisitions and cataloging to circulation and resource management, reducing errors and saving time.

4. Programming

• 
  Automation of Library Processes: With programming skills, librarians can automate routine tasks such as cataloging, inventory management, and user notifications. This reduces manual work and allows librarians to focus on more meaningful tasks.
• Development of Digital Libraries and Tools: Programming allows librarians to build and maintain online catalogs, databases, or digital archives, offering users greater access to resources. Custom software or apps can be developed to provide better service, such as search tools or user portals.
• Integration of Technology: Libraries are increasingly embracing technology for resource management, digital lending, and user interaction. Programming knowledge helps librarians understand, implement, and troubleshoot these systems.
• Data Analysis and Visualization: Programming languages like Python or R can be used for deeper data analysis, offering powerful tools to visualize library usage patterns, optimize resource allocation, and provide data-driven insights.
• Customization of Library Management Systems (LMS): Many library management systems are customizable with basic programming. Librarians with programming skills can modify LMS features to suit their institution's unique needs.

The Combined Benefit for Librarians and Library Science Students

Incorporating skills from communication arts, data analytics, document control, and programming can significantly elevate the role of librarians in the digital age:

• Modernizing Library Services: Libraries are no longer just about physical books; they are knowledge hubs that require digital management, user engagement, and data-driven decision-making. These skills enable librarians to lead this transformation.
• Improved User Experience: With data analytics and programming, librarians can create more tailored, user-friendly services, improving patron satisfaction and increasing library usage.
• Enhanced Information Literacy: By mastering communication, librarians can better teach users about digital literacy, research skills, and the use of databases, making them more valuable educators.
• Innovative Leadership: A librarian equipped with these skills can drive innovation, from developing digital libraries and automating workflows to enhancing public engagement through strategic communication and marketing.

In conclusion, learning these fields empowers librarians to adapt to the rapidly changing information landscape, ensuring they remain relevant, efficient, and capable of delivering high-quality services to their communities.

"Overview of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science Program in the Philippines: Preparing Future Information Professionals"

 

Overview of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science Program in the Philippines: Preparing Future Information Professionals

The Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) program in the Philippines is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to manage and curate information in a variety of settings. As information becomes increasingly important in today’s digital age, the role of library and information professionals has evolved, making the BLIS program more relevant and essential than ever before. Here is a comprehensive overview of what students and educators can expect from the BLIS program.

Program Structure

The BLIS program typically spans four years, during which students undergo rigorous academic and practical training. The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in library and information science while also offering specialized courses to meet the demands of a rapidly changing information landscape.

Key components of the curriculum often include:

• Core Courses: These cover subjects such as cataloging and classification, reference and information services, information organization, and library management.
• Specializations: Some institutions offer electives or specializations in areas like digital libraries, archival management, information technology, or knowledge management.
• Internships/Practicum: Many BLIS programs require students to complete practical training in libraries, information centers, or related institutions to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.

Skills and Competencies

Graduates of the BLIS program are expected to develop a wide range of skills that make them versatile professionals capable of working in diverse environments. Some of the key competencies include:

• Cataloging and Metadata Management: Understanding how to organize and manage information in a way that makes it easily accessible.
• Information Retrieval and Research: Developing skills to help users locate the information they need, whether in physical or digital formats.
• Digital Literacy: Being proficient in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), including digital libraries, databases, and online information systems.
• Archival Management: Learning how to preserve and manage historical records, manuscripts, and documents, ensuring their long-term accessibility.
• User Services and Information Ethics: Knowing how to provide high-quality services to users while maintaining ethical standards in information sharing and privacy.

These skills prepare graduates for the challenges of managing information in the digital era, where data is abundant and constantly evolving.

Career Pathways

The BLIS program opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, with roles that go beyond the traditional librarian. Some of the potential career paths include:

• Academic Librarian: Managing collections and services in educational institutions like schools and universities.
• Public Librarian: Providing access to information resources and services for communities in public libraries.
• Corporate Librarian: Organizing and managing information resources in a corporate setting, often supporting research and decision-making processes.
• Archivist: Preserving historical documents, records, and media in archives for future generations.
• Information Manager: Working in information technology and knowledge management roles in various industries.
• Digital Librarian: Specializing in managing digital collections, including e-books, online journals, and databases.

These roles reflect the diverse applications of the skills learned in the BLIS program, allowing graduates to work in sectors such as education, government, business, and technology.

Relevance in the Digital Age

In the digital age, the role of information professionals has expanded significantly. With the rapid growth of digital resources, information retrieval systems, and data management tools, libraries and information centers have become more than just repositories of books. The BLIS program is constantly evolving to meet these changes by incorporating new technologies and trends, such as:

• Digital Libraries: Many institutions now focus on teaching students how to manage and curate digital collections, which are becoming the norm in many academic and public libraries.
• Data Science and Analytics: As data becomes a valuable asset, some BLIS programs incorporate data analytics courses to prepare students for roles in data management.
• Information Security and Privacy: The increasing importance of data protection and privacy is prompting programs to include courses on information ethics, cybersecurity, and intellectual property management.

The integration of these technologies ensures that BLIS graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of information management in the 21st century.

Accreditation and Standards

The BLIS program in the Philippines is governed by the standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). CHED outlines the policies, standards, and guidelines that ensure the program meets academic and professional requirements. Accreditation is also often sought from professional organizations such as the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI), ensuring that the program adheres to internationally recognized standards in library and information science education.

These standards help ensure that graduates are qualified to take the Librarian Licensure Examination, which is required to practice as a licensed librarian in the Philippines.

Challenges and Opportunities

As with many professions, the field of library and information science faces both challenges and opportunities. One of the main challenges is the need to keep up with rapidly changing technologies and the increasing volume of digital information. This requires continual learning and adaptation, not just for students but also for professionals already in the field.

On the other hand, these challenges present opportunities. The demand for information professionals with expertise in digital libraries, data management, and information technology is growing. Libraries are transforming into knowledge hubs, and librarians are becoming information specialists who play critical roles in supporting research, education, and decision-making processes in a variety of sectors.

Conclusion

The Bachelor of Library and Information Science program in the Philippines offers a comprehensive and evolving education that prepares students for a dynamic career in information management. With a strong foundation in traditional library skills and a growing emphasis on digital and technological competencies, the program equips graduates to meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern information landscape. Whether working in a library, archive, corporation, or digital space, BLIS graduates play a crucial role in organizing, preserving, and providing access to information in today’s information-driven world.