NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES - WEEK 4
- CHRISTIAN NOE BONGALBAL
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
(JUNE 09 to JUNE 16)
A. MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES
At last, I can finally say that my whole internship experience with NLP was a blast to the moon. Especially this week, I experienced something different, something new, something that gave us a breath of fresh air. We started the week by being able to participate in the Staff Development Program of the Cataloging Division. So basically, it introduced us to the lighter side of not just the cataloging division, but the library profession as a whole. We did more than just cataloging dissertations, which are so difficult, but we were also exposed to an activity that some may be astounded by, considering how enervating and challenging the activities done in the cataloging division are.
I assisted them with their Father’s Day Celebration, as well as provide an idea of what prospects, progress, and future programs every division has, as it was thoroughly discussed at the event. Also, we have already rendered hours in the Collection Development Division. I experienced stamping of accession number on theses, and I find it kind of fun yet confusing, as I encountered mistakes along the way where I stamped the name of NLP inverted. Also, I learned how to encode an acquisition framework using the KOHA ILS.
B. LESSONS LEARNED
B. Lesson Learned: (8-10 Sentences)
As the internship season ended, I am beyond grateful for NLP for imparting knowledge to me, as a professional or librarian in the future. It opened my eyes to the reality of public libraries, and the National Library of the Philippines as well. When we were on the Collection Development Division, it was reiterated how important their division is. It is where all other practices happen. It is where materials are being purchased and received through donations. One of our coordinating librarians mentioned that it is a crucial responsibility for them as they also evaluate certain materials before acquisition and selection. Also, the Cataloging Division made us understand that cataloging may be challenging, but the learning one can acquire through it is fulfilling. I am able to strengthen my core knowledge with number building with DDC in case I encounter the same practice with NLP, where their subjects are from the LCSH. To top it off, the staff development program they made contributed to my understanding of how important regular staff training and consultation can lead to a more strengthened institution.
C. BEST PRACTICES/FEATURES OF THE LIBRARY
Some of the best practices and features NLP I have discovered during our last week are, first, their Staff Development Program. I deemed it as a great practice as all librarians, and the staff as a whole, get to share a moment of fun, of moment where they are able to pause their workloads. I also liked how it was used as an avenue to present the current achievements and plans of the institution as it equips and ready the librarians, and the whole staff of NLP. They even had medical exams, which I appreciated, that clearly showed how NLP values their human assets. In addition to that, this type of program helped showcase the creativity and talents of the librarians and staff, like the Cataloging Division team. They were able to conduct dance performances as well as a spoof of radio broadcasting, as well as a skit of the “Pinoy Big Brother House”.
Another practice which I liked is that they allowed us to be exposed to the accession process, ensuring that we learn how it works, as I believe that it will train and equip us once we pursue jobs in these following months. They have the acquisition framework in the KOHA ILS, which is kind of similar to a cataloging framework but has fewer MARC fields and indicators.
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