DLSU LIBRARIES - 2ND WEEK
- CHRISTIAN NOE BONGALBAL
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
(FEBRUARY 24 TO FEBRUARY 28)
A. MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES
This week, I spent my duty continuing in the Learning Resource Engagement Section, previously known as Reader’s Services. There, I was immersed in actual reference service. I was introduced to LORA, the Library Online Reference Assistance. Also, with the assistance of Sir Albert, I witnessed and experienced their “Book-Shoot”. This program is their twist or kind of amalgamation of interlibrary loan (ILL) and book drops, where we checked the Agno, North, and South gates checking if a book has been returned (check pictures below).
I, too, enjoyed having interactions with the students during their confirmation of reservation rooms. Sir Albert also helped us in managing their vertical files.
Sir Ross introduced me to their way of answering emails. I also enjoyed reshelving in the circulation area since they have massive collections–as in massive! Miss May also taught me how the library Request Form, LORA, Analytics of usage happens. I am also the only one among the five of us interns who has experienced their LIndex or Literature Index, a current project by Sir Bob to ensure that there is an index record of all Filipiniana Literature. However, what makes me so proud of myself is when I assisted a group of three foreign graduate students with their way of reserving a discussion room.
B. LESSONS LEARNED
Despite the short time I spent on LRE, it was enough for me to learn a lot from the librarians and staff about reference and readers services–tantamount to what librarians are all about. I learned from them to not remain stagnant and to not resist change as it is a step for continuous improvement. I also valued their words as they emphasized knowing the tasks and responsibilities of their coworkers as they may get assigned to their position once the rotation happens. The values and principles I have acquired this week transcend beyond librarianship as well. Ms. May, whom I thought was a strict librarian, happened to be the most thoughtful, genuine, and giving person. I learned from here that no matter how hard the work is, you should treat everyone with respect, especially the staff, and you should always have the initiative to work with others.
She emphasized that there should be a balance between your work and personal life as too much meddling on one aspect can affect our overall being. But throughout our heartfelt conversations, what piqued me the most was her words that resonated that in any profession, work shall be our utmost priority, seconded by companionship, and to always make sure that the passion for librarianship must always burn–to serve the people–to equal information access.
C. BEST PRACTICES/FEATURES OF THE LIBRARY
As much as all of us interns wanted to experience indexing and abstracting, the DLSU libraries do not support it yet as their system is not yet done in modifying the modules due to a migration error that occurred before. But I was fortunate enough to know one of their current indexing practices, the LIndex, which aims to index all Filipiniana literature.
One of the best practices we also observe is their rotation, making sure that they all experience every facet and every aspect of the profession and ensuring that they do not remain in just one area. The way they utilize their Google Workspace particularly in delegating tasks in emails, carefully assigning librarians on who will answer the emails, the LORA. Speaking of LORA, it is one of their best features, and when I say that it is great, it is just an understatement as it is a real-time conversation between the librarians and the patrons. In addition to that, their reservation rooms and viewing rooms are very beneficial, as I can say that students are always utilizing it.
Also, Ms. May mentioned that one of their practices is proper documentation of emails and records as proof of the basis of acquisition or any loss/damaged materials. Among all of this, librarians here encourage the self-reliance of the students as they let the students book their discussion room reservation and self-check in and check-out. I, myself, have been so comfortable here as I feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated as I found myself interacting with a lot of LGBTQIA+ librarians and staff, making them truly diverse and inclusive despite them being a Christian school.
Comments