NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES - WEEK 1
- CHRISTIAN NOE BONGALBAL
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
(MAY 19 TO MAY 23)
A. MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES
Prior to entering NLP, I was conditioning myself to be prepared and to be the best version of myself as l am set to my final internship and journey. I confidently did that and l am sure that it has been evident in my experience this week.
We started the week at the circulation area of the Reading Room. I was able to assist patrons get or borrow books and have conversations with them. I also enjoyed using and ringing the pagers once I am done retrieving the books from and 2nd floor stockroom or the book elevator. Then, I also enjoyed the workshop with Sir Marty, where we underwent basic bookbinding and book enclosure. Who would've imagined that I would strike a hammer, stitch papers, and bind them to ensure that they will work as I have intended them to be? Then, Miss April taught us how to perform encapsulation, basic mending, and dry cleaning. I channeled my inner Elphaba" with that tiny broom-like brush, and instead of defying gravity, I defied that dust.
Kidding aside, l ended the week with Miss Melai at the Research and Publications Division, where she appointed me to be the leader, and I did re-research and edited pub mats for PRIDE Month Celebration, Father’s Day Celebration, and “Things in NLP that Make Sense”.
B. LESSONS LEARNED
This week, I have understood why librarians are more than just the stereotypical perception of being "bookkeepers" or "book custodians”. It reminded me of how multifaceted we can be. With my two days at circulation Desk, I have realized how we can act as teachers/ tour guides/ information officer, as I have dealt and taught them how to use the OPAC, how to borrow books, how to reserve books, or whenever they have questions, I am ready and prepared to cater to them. Also, Ma’am Xenia and Miss Rica told me that being presentable is a factor when you are at the front end, like the reading area, which they told me I have and have helped with patrons not being hesitant with their questions. They said my smiling face and glamorous look made the RD fun and inviting. Also, I realized that NLP offers seminars and training about binding and basic mending. Also, it made sense why some libraries do not have the capabilities to have their materials restored or conserved, as the materials are difficult to purchase, and most of the time it is expensive, the mending tape used by Miss April, and the mylar sheets.
Also, I learned how to be more initiative and strengthen my leadership as Miss Melai saw the "leadership in me". It was challenging as well, since she had many things, she wanted to happen, but we had limited resources, so I kept in mind what we needed to prioritize.
C. BEST PRACTICES/FEATURES OF THE LIBRARY
What I am really astounded about what I have observed and experienced in NLP is that I continue to discover piquing facilities, practices, and materials that are new and interesting to me. Starting off strong with the Library for the Blind Section, in which free use of computer services and reproduction of alternate formats, which include embossing (braille) and audiobooks, are available. Also, in the Reading Area, I liked their book reservation process since they are in a closed-shelf system, they require the patrons to reserve 3 books at max by placing them on hold on the OPAC with their username and password. Then they will have to wait, and we will give them “pagers/buzzers” as if they are in a fast-food restaurant.
Then, the book will be retrieved in a book elevator in which Retrievers from different floors of the stockroom place the book once they find it. Also, every floor or division has a water dispenser quenching the thirst of the users and staff, especially in the Reading Area. In addition to that, I appreciate that the Filipiniana collection has a multitude of thesis collections from undergraduate to master’s up to doctoral level.
They truly live up to their name and policy of housing Filipiniana materials, including theses and dissertations. Also, I was intrigued when Miss April mentioned that in case of “fire”, they have something that will immediately extinguish it, and as I wandered in the stockroom, I saw red tanks with a label “Kidde Fire System”. Technically, those are just fire extinguishers, but what NLP had was so humongous. Lastly, in RPD, I liked how they ensure that they are keeping up with trends in their publication online.
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