Thursday, August 22, 2019

PAPKORNS, please!


By: Jolo Van Clyde Abatayo





Meh is reading FB comments about the latest political issues here in Ph while checking the outputs of my students! It's great that I can now control my "activist self" unlike before during college days, I was really keen when it comes to political salad (since I was former campus writer)! I am now starting to digest and realize that there's really a thin line between opinions and facts, that's why before reacting, I need to present nothing but facts! A registered librarian (like MEH) must provide nothing but facts! I mean... What the FACT!?

There is a lot of stances that I have in mind. I'm actually grilling them in my thoughts and they are waiting to be served. However, I have to control my stubborn emotions because it is not right to say something without thinking about it first. You guys should do extensive research before commenting about these serious issues. You guys should learn more about external and internal criticism and contextual and speech analysis so you can give fair judgments!

If you wanna ask me about my stances, I would say that I already have a framework in my mind. I just don't wanna sound subjective or biased. You know, we can't predict what the thoughts of Du30 and his comrades are. Possibly, they're just being sarcastic or they're just playing with our minds. Who knows?

Honestly, my inner self would love to say: "that man needs to die!" while my gray matter would like to say: “Hey! You need some ethical, philosophical, logical, scientific, constitutional, intellectual, and legal bases before reacting!"

PAPKORNS, please!



Credits: (Photo):  https://noblepig.com/2013/01/dill-pickle-popcorn/

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Makerspaces: Making Spaces and Building Dreams





          We all love makerspaces! Yes? We all dream to have these for our libraries and for our valued library patrons... but what is a makerspace, anyway?

        According to the website, Makerspaces.com, "a makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools."

       These milieus are accessible to both kids and adults. It provides different maker tools/equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, cnc machines, soldering irons, sewing machines, and many more. If you lack resources, the librarians can innovate or improvise! It's just a matter  of creativity, you know!


           Ladies and Gentlemen, it's already 21st century! Our libraries and information centers are evolving and defying the gravity. Having makerspaces will surely create a positive and explosive impact to your clients! It will provide them the zone to try different things which will help them augment their learning! It is fun and intellectual at the same time! 

The following photos will give you hints about the beauty of makerspaces!
3D Printing!


Tool Lending

Holiday Crafting

Fun with Legos!

Mold making!

A poem whiteboard for the Poets!



Salsa Dancing!


Note: Photos are not mine. (Credits to the owner: Library Incubator Project)


Friday, March 22, 2019

Aftershock. After-Proud. Hypocrites!



After watching videos of Filipinos conquering talent competitions outside Ph, I've realized that commonly, here in our country, if you have the face, you don't need any talent or skill. In other countries, they want your rawness. In other words, they genuinely appreciate not only what you have physically but also what you can do skillfully.

and oh... we also have this mentality that we only become proud real quick if we see our fellow Filipinos win these contests internationally. Seriously? Did you feel that when they were still here in Ph showcasing what they've got!? Hypocrites!

FYI: Their triumph is not yours because, from the very first place, you weren’t that proud! Let's stop stealing their limelight because it's kind of an insult to them. What a shame!

Let me ask you these sad questions...
Why can't we appreciate someone even if he/she isn't the winner? Why can't we appreciate little things? Do we really need to step into the bigger and brighter spotlight to gain respect, appreciation, and love? I think we must change this mindset that I call "aftershock and after-proud"!

Let's give them a break after breaking a leg here in the country! If someone wins in a cheap-as-what-you-think contests, learn to applaud! I also believe that we must start being like an X-RAY! Let's recognize not only what we see from the outside. Let's also value what's on the inside! Did you get it?


Thursday, March 14, 2019

Search Engine na may Puso!

Ni: LibrarJuan
Mahal kita kahit sobrang ingay mo na.
Mahal kita kahit ako sayo’y walang kwenta
Mahal kita kahit ikaw sa akin may dalang problema!
Mahal kita kahit ako’y nagagalit at naaasar na!


Lahat gagawin basta ikaw ay mapasaya.
Lahat bubuhatin kahit nabibigatan na.
Lahat aabutin kahit sobrang taas na.
Lahat bibilhin basta may matutunan ka.

Di mo man makita ang tunay kong halaga;
Sisiguraduhin ko na meron kang mapapala.
Kahit sa Internet nabubusog ang iyong mata;
Huwag mong kalimutan na mayroong AKO para tulungan ka!

Mahal kita dahil ako’y tunay na Laybraryan.
Ang nais ko ay mabigyan ka ng nag-uumapaw na kaalaman.
Huwag kang mahiya na ako’y lapitan at pakiusapan.
Sasagutin ko lahat ng tanong mo kahit na nahihirapan!

Hindi Internet ang sagot upang lumago ang kaisipan!
Minsan, ito’y ginagamit dahil sa katamaran!
Akala mo ba pag gamit mo yan tama ka na?
Maghunos diri ka, maaaring fake news ang hatid nya!

Si Google lang ba ang kaya mong tangkilikin?
Bakit si Laybraryan ayaw mong kausapin?
Alam mo ba na ang Laybraryan kayang maging search engine?
Si Google walang puso, ako’y may damdamin!


Photo Credits:
https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/3777084-a-trained-librarian-is-a-powerful-search-engine-wi

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

LibrarJuan and Proud!


My father was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Mindanao and as his son, I once dreamt to be like him. That is why after I graduated from High School at Southern Christian College (SCC), I decided to choose Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering as my priority course at the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato because in my High School days, I was really doing great in my computer subjects.

Unfortunately, not all stories have joyful endings. My dream to become a great engineer was ruined because I suck in Mathematics. Calculus was my horrible fiend. In those days, I thought USM was a wild arena. Also, I joined a fraternity, played online games (day and night), and partied too hard. Broken chains made me realize that there is total freedom at USM. I abused that freedom then failed most of my grades.

I realized that engineering courses are not meant for me. BSCpE is now a mere history and my “Ex-Lover”. So, in 2010, I decided to enter the realm of Bachelor of Arts in English (still in USM). Honestly, I love English especially Literature. At first, I was at my best because the only subjects I got in the first semester were Speech Improvement, Literatures of the World and the Philippines, and other minor subjects. Later on, in the second semester, things stirred up and the subjects were getting tougher and tougher, just like Mathematics. Plus, my father was diagnosed with bone cancer. The universe was really harsh to me at that time. I even lost my drive to go to school. I committed multiple absences and my instructors gave me INC grades. Then, these INCs became 5.0s and I became a member of the amazing world of Tambays (out-of-school youth) for almost 2 years.

In 2013, my head was hit by a huge rock and it made me grasp the fact that education is a must! With my own decision and with my family’s advice, I also realized that USM is not my sanctuary (peace!). Like a long lost lover, I found SCC, my beloved alma mater, and my new asylum.

Future Librarian and Information Scientist!
          It is really true that if you want something, you should learn to love it. Aside from the fact that Library and Information Science is one of the priority courses of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), it is also a very interesting program. It is not just about librarianship; it is beyond that. It is about touching lives. It is an art that augments learning. It is a craft that promotes literacy among people.
          Being a BLIS student of SCC was so exhilarating! Because of perseverance, I excelled in academics. I just want to acknowledge the exceptional Ma’am Sandra Lyn Quiñones, the Head of LIS Program and the Director of Libraries in SCC. She is the brain of this amazing domain. Without her and the whole LIS team, my journey towards becoming a librarian will come to an end.

Adding Extra Spices
          Focusing on academic aspects is boring. I think, as a college student, you need to spice up your life by joining some extra-curricular activities. You know, not all can be learned inside the classrooms (and I know this a cliché). You need to go out to eliminate some nerves and go beyond your limits.

          SCC is really the perfect milieu for students to express themselves and be the best that they can always be. I can attest to that. This great school revived my passion in writing. I became a Feature Editor of Southern Collegian (the official student publication of SCC) for two consecutive years and it made me appreciate that writing is already choosing! I was even elected as the Chairperson of College Editors Guild of the Philippines (Greater Cotabato Chapter) and that was so surreal! I became an officer of College Supreme Government and I was enlightened about servant leadership and social responsiveness. I got the chance to be part of the Torch 2016 (the official yearbook of SCC) and it made me apprehend that kinship is precious. I joined contests, inside and outside the campus, and I realized the real meaning of competition. I attended various seminars and workshops and I was informed and updated about the current trends and acquired life skills. I was also recognized as the Campus Journalist of the Year and received leadership awards. Outside SCC, I also joined several male pageants to support my other needs.

          To SCC, my alma mater, you always have a noble place in my heart. You rocked my college life! To the significant individuals behind its strong foundation, I just want to thank all of you for making SCC the pride of every human heart! Ours is a great school, this Christian College!

More About Meh!
      I finished my BLIS degree at SCC last March 2016 and successfully passed the Librarians Licensure Examination (LLE) in September 2016. Not to brag but I got a general weighted average rating of 86.15 and I almost top the LLE 2016!

        I was a former Research Services Librarian and BLIS Instructor of SCC from November 2016 to September 2017. I also experienced working as the Technical Services Librarian (2017) and the Readers’ Services Librarian (2018) of Saint Michael College of Caraga, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Currently, I am working full-time as the BLIS Program Chairperson of SMCC. Last March 2020, I finished my Master of Library and Information Science degree at Lourdes College, Cagayan de Oro City.

   Obviously, I have so much passion for writing that’s why currently, I am an enthusiastic blogger! I think I am an ambivert but I am so fun to be with (believe me!). I am a very passionate go-getter. I'll do whatever it takes just to get what I want! Ohhh...scary! 

Honestly, I am a bit childish and an extreme online gamer. I also have my advocacies. I really wanna promote the love for blogging. I am also keen on promoting LIS as an awesome craft! As a BLIS instructor, I wanna make a difference by influencing and inspiring my students! I am LibrarJuan!

Thursday, March 7, 2019

When a cataloger is torn between two lovers!




By: Jolo Van Clyde S. Abatayo, RL





Why is it hard to be a cataloger? Why is it that choosing wisely is very important if you want to become one? 

Just like in the song: MAHAL KO O MAHAL AKO?

In this article, I've picked the top 3 choices that only catalogers understand! Are you ready? Here they are:



DDC or LCC?

          Here in the Philippines we still argue what classification scheme to use. Others would love to use DDC because it’s easier and they’ve been using it since then. On the other hand, LCC is already making a revolution because more and more libraries here in the country prefer this system.

          Let’s go back to the basics. We all know that DDC uses pure notation while LCC uses mixed notation. DDC uses decimals while LCC uses alphabets and decimals. Equally, these schemes are actually okay but if we base it on the size of the collection, DDC is divided into 10 broad classes and LCC has 21 classes. In other words, DDC is more suitable for libraries with smaller collections because it limits the number and variety of call numbers that can be assigned to books. On the other hand, LCC allows you to produce more call numbers needed for a massive number of books owned by larger libraries. Got it?



AACR or RDA?

The Problems with AACR2
  • It’s multifaceted! It’s hard to understand!
  • There is no consistent structure! GMD? No way! It mixes content and carrier data!
  • Hierarchical and other important relationships are not satisfactorily addressed
  • The term “Anglo-American” says it loud and clear! TOO OLD!
  • It’s older than the FRBR entity-relationship conceptual model! What an old hag!
  • There is not enough support for the ‘collocation’ function of cataloging
  • We are now in the world of Internet and well-formed metadata or vocabularies! How could you still want to use it?
  • It’s not user-friendly!
Why RDA?
  • Our cataloging environment is progressively more Web-based! Let’s be more 21st century-ish!
  • More and more librarians nowadays are already knowledgeable about metadata! MARC format is the trend, you know!
  • We’re flooded with too much information carriers and contents so we need to catalog with poise and bearing! Chop! Chop!
  • To survive in the digital world of cataloging, we need RDA! Okay?
  • It’s easier to use and interpret!
  • FRBR and RDA are genuine friends!
  • Always remember, according to the International Cataloguing Principles, when providing bibliographic descriptions and access points, the users must be considered and these factors must be addressed:
o   The convenience of the user
o   Representation
o   Common usage
o   Accuracy
o   Sufficiency and necessity
o   Significance
o   Economy
o   Consistency and standardization
o   Integration
o   Defensible, not arbitrary



Cutter-Sanborn Four-Figure Table or Cutter Four-Figure Table?

  • Choose the Cutter-Sanborn Four-Figure Table if your existing cutter numbers include only a single letter with numbers.
Examples:
Adams, John: A2145
Adams, Ruth: A2169
Gabel, Linda: G112
Lavoie, Brian: L4141
O'Neill, Edward: O5871
United States. Dept. of the Interior: U5864

  • Choose the Cutter Four-Figure Table if your existing cutter numbers include a mix of one or two letters with numbers.
Examples:
Adams, John: Ad185
Adams, Ruth: Ad194
Gabel, Linda: G111
Lavoie, Brian: L395
O'Neill, Edward: On26
United States. Dept. of the Interior: Un365

  • Double Cuttering

Note: Double Cuttering is more suitable for LCC, I guess!
·        If you use Cutter numbers to arrange alphabetically by topic (e.g. name of biographee), you may then add a second Cutter number for the author’s name.
·        As with all forms of subarrangement, Double Cuttering is not part of DDC proper

Example of double Cuttering
§  Biography of forester Emile Grandjean
§  Grandjean : man of the forests
By Gordon S. Bowen
§  634.9092
§  .G764B6754

Speed your classification efforts by downloading the Dewey Cutter Program of OCLC!

The Dewey Cutter Program is a software program that automatically provides cutter numbers from the OCLC Four-Figure Cutter Tables (Cutter Four-Figure Table and Cutter-Sanborn Four-Figure Table) upon input of text. It works with most Windows versions and enhances your classification efficiency. It does not work with Macintosh computers.

I hope you have learned a lot from this article. Choosing is never easy but if you are wise enough to spot the difference, you can always make a difference! 
Happy Cataloging! 


References:
Harrry, T. (2004). Comparing LC and Dewey. Retrieved last March 8, 2018 from
http://home.olemiss.edu/~tharry/LC/LCvsDDC.html

Carlton, T. & Zoom, J. (2012). RDA: Module 1--Introduction to RDA; Identifying 
            Manifestations and Items. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/catworkshop/

Photo Credits:

A Day in the Life of a Librarian: Celebrating the Joys of Our Profession!

by JVC Abatayo Ahoy, fellow book sailors! Today, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the amazing things about being a librarian that ...