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Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Bad Coffee and a Poor Library Experience; Librarians: How do we get the right blend?
How do you rate a library?
Is there a specific set of criteria by which a library should be evaluated?
How can one assess a Library's Perfection?
Going back, How might one compare a library with a coffee shop?
The answer is...
Rating libraries and coffee shops is essentially the same.
Libraries are like coffee shops because both serve as community hubs where people can
relax,
work,
and engage with their surroundings.
The primary difference lies in their offerings: libraries provide books and information, while coffee shops offer food and beverages.
As a coffee lover, I would describe a good coffee shop by its excellent taste and selection of coffee-based products, along with the assortment of desserts they offer.
As a student, I would describe the best library as a place where I can borrow books, read my favorite novels, relax on a sofa while enjoying the air conditioning, meet up with my friends in a well-lit reading area, or engage with the friendly library staff.
One doesn't need to be perfect, but should have almost everything you need...Dearest Librarians, How do we get the right blend?
The essence of a library remains constant, providing a guide for assessment is easy.
Here are the five dimensions of libraries, akin to discerning between tasteless coffee and one imbued with rich aroma, balanced acidity, with a delightful flavor. Collection: The range, quality, and relevance of books, magazines, journals, digital resources, and other materials available for borrowing or reference. Facilities: The cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility of spaces within the library, including study areas, seating options, restrooms, and amenities like Wi-Fi and charging stations. Services: The efficiency and helpfulness of library staff, availability of assistance with research or technology, and any special programs or events offered to patrons. Atmosphere: The ambiance and conducive environment for studying, reading, or engaging in other activities, including factors like noise level, lighting, and overall comfort. Community Engagement: The library's involvement in and support for community initiatives, partnerships with local organizations, and efforts to promote literacy and lifelong learning. Accessibility: The ease of access for individuals with disabilities, including considerations for physical accessibility, adaptive technology, and inclusive programming. Overall Experience: The subjective impression formed by patrons based on their interactions with the library, including factors like convenience, satisfaction with services, and personal preferences.
Libraries and coffee shops are not just physical spaces They are havens for the mind and soul, offering refuge, inspiration, and the promise of endless possibility. You may be surprised by the warmth and welcome that awaits you.
Join us!
I'm inviting you to join this exciting activity. Each week, we will feature different types of libraries across the Philippines, and we want to know your honest opinion on them.
You may also provide us with a one-paragraph feedback about your experience during your visit!
In advance, I wholeheartedly thank you for your participation.
If you are a library professional and would like to help us feature your library, please send us an email at Librariansecretfiles@gmail.com.
Have a great day, Readers!
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
I’m a Librarian (A Featured Article): A Teacher Who Doesn't Teach. "Redefining the Librarian's Role in Education"
Librarian: a noun, a person typically with a degree in library science, a job, a profession, someone who administers or assists in a library. An information resource professional skilled and trained to support teaching and learning, education, and literacy for their users or clients in academic institutions as well as private, public, and government organizations.
As teachers teach, what role do
librarians play? Are we educators, instructors, coaches, or trainers?
How did we end up in a four-cornered space with mostly books, printed magazines, newspapers, all these varieties of educational materials, computers installed with electronic or digital resources and databases, toys, and even all kinds of art from tales as old as time to the most modern ones, displayed, admired, and borrowed?
The questions remain: Are we teachers
who can’t teach?
Adapting My Role to Meet Your Needs
As teachers engage in the noble
endeavor of instructing, guiding, and molding young minds, the librarian stands
as a silent ally, a facilitator of exploration, and a cultivator of
intellectual curiosity. While they may not stand at the front of a classroom,
their influence extends far beyond the confines of traditional education.
The librarian assumes multifaceted
roles, each crucial in its contribution to the quest for enlightenment. They
are the purveyors of information, the gatekeepers of wisdom, and the architects
of discovery. Through their meticulous curation of resources, they provide the
foundation upon which knowledge is built, guiding seekers on their journey of
discovery.
Educating Beyond the Classroom Walls
The roles of librarians transcend mere
custodianship; they are also stewards of literacy, advocates for intellectual
freedom, and champions of lifelong learning. In a world inundated with
information, they serve as navigators, helping individuals navigate the vast
seas of knowledge, discerning truth from falsehood, and fostering a love for
learning that extends beyond the classroom.
In the end, the librarian reigns as a
silent steward of knowledge, ever vigilant in their quest to ignite the flames
of curiosity and inspire the pursuit of wisdom. And in this sacred space like
the library, the roles they play are as diverse as the stories that line the
shelves, for they are not merely keepers of books, but guardians of the human
spirit itself.
Yet, the question remains: Are
librarians merely teachers who cannot teach, or are they something more? In
truth, librarians and teachers are both educators and enablers, mentors and
magicians, guiding seekers on their quest for enlightenment while empowering
them to chart their own course.
See also:
visit : https://librariansecretfiles.blogspot.com/2018/09/good-news-increasing-demand-for_8.html
visit: https://librariansecretfiles.blogspot.com/2018/08/good-news-colleges-and-universities.html
visit : https://librariansecretfiles.blogspot.com/2018/09/librarians-remain-among-most-trusted.html
visit : https://librariansecretfiles.blogspot.com/2018/09/8-signs-that-you-were-meant-to-be.html
visit https://librariansecretfiles.blogspot.com/2018/05/ssshhhh-my-mom-is-librarian-5-things.html
Thursday, May 9, 2024
2024 ASLP - Association of Special Libraries of the Philippines Summer Conference is happening right now in Baguio City, 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟴-𝟭𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 at 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹
The ASLP's Summer Conference this year, 2024!
"#LibraRIZZ: Harmonizing Skills and Balancing Mastery for Future Ready Librarians and Information Professionals"

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
5th DLSP Librarians' Conference will be held in Bacolod City (June 26-28, 2024)


PLAI National Congress 2024 (November 19-22, 2024) at the Grand Menseng Hotel Davao
Get ready to ignite your passion for transformation at the PLAI Congress 2024, happening at the prestigious Grand Menseng Hotel in Davao!
Prepare to be inspired as we explore the dynamic fusion of ideas, connect minds, and empower communities like never before. Join thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers for an electrifying experience packed with immersive topics, riveting discussions, and visionary insights.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to be at the forefront of change. Mark your calendars and secure your place at PLAI Congress 2024!