Filipino Librarian: 2018

Free Registration for IFLA WLIC 2018 in Kuala Lumpur

Would you like to attend the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?

Dysart & Jones, a trusted advisor to the knowledge, library, and information community, is donating FREE REGISTRATION (worth 595 Euros) for ONE licensed librarian from the Philippines to attend the 84th WLIC from 24-30 August 2018. (NOTE: This donation does NOT include the cost of airfare, accommodations, and other expenses.)

Priority will be given to a Filipino librarian who is:

a first time attendee to the World Library and Information Congress; and
a member in good standing of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI).

If you wish to qualify for this unique opportunity, please send an email with subject "IFLA WLIC 2018 free registration" to von.totanes@gmail.com by 8 August 2018, 12 nn (Manila time) with the following:

photo of PRC ID;
photo of the first page of your Philippine passport; and
answer to the question "Why should I be given free registration to IFLA WLIC 2018?" (max. 200 words).

The winner, as chosen by the donor, will be informed via email by August 9, 12 nn. S/he will receive a letter of confirmation of registration upon presentation of confirmed flight details and accommodations.

Outstanding Librarian 2018:
Elizabeth R. Peralejo

Labels: Librarians: Awardees

Elizabeth R. Peralejo

The Professional Regulation Commission conferred the Outstanding Professional Librarian of the Year Award on Elizabeth R. Peralejo on 21 June 2018. The citation reads:

For demonstrating professional excellence and relentless dedication to her 40 years of involvement in the field of librarianship as shown in her significant contribution to the advancement of the profession through the revision of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) program, the drafting of the Code of Ethics for Filipino Librarians, the formulation of Standards for Philippine Libraries, the preparation of Minimum Requirements for Higher Education Institution Libraries Common to all Programs, and the monitoring of library schools to ensure that they conform with existing policies, standards, and guidelines; for being a sought-after speaker and trainer in seminar-workshops and conferences, allowing her to sit as a member of the Education and Training Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions; for spearheading various activities for the successful celebration of Library and Information Services Month, the National Book Week, and Librarians Day; for initiating and instituting changes in the operation of the national accredited professional organization of librarians such as its rules of proceedings during annual conventions and general assemblies, guidelines in the management of funds and grants, as well as the holding of national conferences; and for her active participation in socio-civic and religious organizations dedicated for the welfare of people with disabilities and in the renewal of families.

Thanks to Jamie Peralejo for the citation and photo.

Category: Librarians—Awardees

Why is the National Library headed by a Non-Librarian?

Labels: Licensed Librarians

"Only qualified and licensed librarians shall be employed as librarians in all government libraries."

On 19 Jan 2018, I filed a complaint with the Ombudsman that questioned the appointment of a non-librarian as Director of the National Library of the Philippines. On 14 Feb 2018, I filed a supplement to the original complaint that charged the current Director with illegal practice of the profession.

This blog post shares the documents that I submitted to the Ombudsman, provides links to relevant sites (where, for example, you can verify for yourself if the current #NationalNonLibrarian is, in fact, not a licensed librarian), and links to all the articles and shows that have mentioned the complaint.

Just to be clear, I am NOT interested in the position. I filed my complaint because we have to safeguard the integrity and values of ALL professions by making sure that only licensed professionals are allowed to practice.