We are InfoSMART: Empowering Digital Citizens through Information Literacy


With the advocacy to provide lifelong learning and engagement through the community of learners outside the DLSU academic community, the DLSU Libraries in partnership with the American Corner Manila has sponsored a free lecture to selected Secondary Public Schools in Metro Manila. This is part of the Community Extension Program of the DLSU Libraries entitled WeAreInfoSMART.

WeAreInfoSMART aims to help groups of individuals gain information literacy skills by allowing them free access to the e-Library USA and other American Corner resources; promoting the use of open access databases, and promoting the Chat with LORA/ASRA facility as a means of asking help from a librarian.

Ms. Marian Eclevia, Readers Services Coordinator of the DLSU Libraries share her expertise on how to hone the students’ information literacy skills to raise awareness on the importance of information literacy in their pursuit for academic and research excellence. Ms. Donna Labangon, Associate American Studies Resource Center Librarian, on the other hand, provided information on how these students can take advantage and make use of the Corner’s facilities and resources for free. 


Among the recipients of the program were the Manila Science High School, Mataas na Paaralan ng Neptali A. Gonzales and Manuel Araullo High School. A total of 28 participants composed of 22 students and 6 librarians were present during the activity.  After the lecture an on the spot poster making contest represented by two members from each participating was held with the theme of “We are InfoSMART: Empowering Digital Citizens through Information Literacy”. Said contest aims not only to increase awareness on the importance of information literacy as a vital component of lifelong learning, but also seeks to showcase the understanding of information literacy through creative arts. 


The board of judges consisted of the Libraries’ Reader Services, Coordinator, Ms. Marian Eclevia; Technical Services Coordinator, Mr. Rafael Joseph Del Mundo and Instructional Media Services Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Yap.  The following were proclaimed as winners: 1st Place,  Ms.  Marithom Martinez   of Manuel Roxas High School; 2nd Place, Ms.     Airlene Zynel Intal   of Manila Science High School; and, 3rd place, Mr. Arjie Duma of Manuel Araullo High School.

The students also enjoyed the games that were prepared for them which tested their information literacy skills such as the self-paced online test, giant Snakes & Ladders, Tic-tac-toe and Fun-Info-Lit.