ORTIGAS FOUNDATION LIBRARY - WEEK 2

(APRIL 28 - MAY 03)

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A. MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES

Honestly, I am so happy that we finally reported onsite, and I am gradually adjusting to the transport or travel time since I am from Paranaque. It is such a struggle to commute every day, but that's what makes my experience memorable since I also know how to travel alone. Also, my heart is so ecstatic since among the previous batches, we are the first to “grace” or to “enter” the conservation room. It was such an amazing experience since we saw every practice they do. I have seen them encapsulating extremely huge maps unlike the photographs I encapsulated at DLSU. But what intrigued me the most was their restoring paintings, and it was such an intricate practice as they carefully mix paints to truly achieve the exact color used.

Also, this week, we began reclassifying and relabeling call numbers to ensure the collection keeps pace with its growing number. We ended the week by watching a film on Saturday, spearheaded by OFL, about the Children of War during the Battle of Manila. I had the chance to meet those survivors, and I couldn’t help but cry.  

Description: This is the film we have watched to remind us on how war can ruin the lives of everyone, especially children

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B. LESSONS LEARNED

The heart of this week is that I have learned how different a special library is from other types of libraries, not just in a mere concept but in how it functions. For example, we have never faced any reference service or engagement with the users since we are more focused on the back-end process. Since the library follows a closed-shelf system, I managed to adjust and exert more effort into cataloging and reshelving.

Description: This is the proof that OFL follows a closed-shelf system where only us and the librarians were allowed to retrieve the books from the library

I also learned that conservation and restoration techniques are very intricate and it is not for everyone. It requires specific skills and sets of training to be able to perform such. Yes, I have background knowledge about it since we discussed it into previous classes, but to see the actual process, it’s arduous. Also since we watched a film about the children of war during the battle of manila, I was able to value more the importance of libraries, especially Ortigas Foundation Library since, it is one of thre reasons why records, particularly photographs and maps, were used to preserve the history and the life of the families of the personalities mentioned on the film. Thus, It boils down that libraries are not just a storage of books, it also gratify the principle of how libraries can be a beacon of cultural heritage and history. 

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C. BEST PRACTICES/FEATURES OF THE LIBRARY

Among all of the libraries I have been to, only the Ortigas Foundation Library is located inside a mall. It’s quite refreshing to me, and I find it a good practice since users may stroll around shops and boutiques after a long, tiring research in the library. Their souvenir shop is also a key feature. Also, even if their space is limited, OFLs are being used for booking of film screenings, workshops, and seminars, just like what we experienced last Saturday. These features were considered a source of funds for the OFL to ensure that their operations and endeavors are being funded. Also, since they do not require the books to be lent to the users, they have reprographic services that I personally think are beneficial to the users and to the library as well. This is a matter of fact that researchers still get a copy of the content of a specific material, and the OFL still preserves the materials and ensures their security, considering those that are considered old. On the side of our supervisors, Miss Bea and Miss Celia, they provide us feedback immediately after we perform or accomplish our task. I find it quite refreshing and satisfying since they gave us an idea on how well we are performing and what other things and skills we should improve as we continue our journey in their Library. 

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