Eclevia, Maestro speak at the PLAI National Congress 2014
.jpg)
The theme of this year’s Congress is “Philippine Libraries: Future Possibilities.” Its objectives are: (1) to update librarians of new possibilities, trends and practices that will improve resources and services among libraries; (2) to generate renewed interest in conducting research among librarians and information professionals; and (3) to identify challenges facing the profession which can affect the future of librarianship in the country.
In a session sponsored by the Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science (PATLS), Ms. Marian S. Ramos-Eclevia, Readers’ Services Coordinator and Information-Reference Librarian, together with co-authorMr. Carlos L. Eclevia, Jr. of LibTech Source Philippines, echoed their collaborative research entitled, “Librarian as Researcher and Knowledge Creator.” Said paper is also co-authored by Ms. Karryl Kim A. Sagun (Ateneo de Manila University), Ms. Rhea Rowena U. Apolinario, and Ms. Eimee Rhea C. Lagrama (University of the Philippines-Diliman), and was first presented at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2014 in Lyon, France.
The findings of this study on the current research practices of Filipino librarians, their confidence with the research process and how they learned their research skills, and their research involvement and productivity from 1993-2013 suggest that there is a need for Filipino librarians to engage in research not just for the benefit of the patrons but for professional development as well.
During the plenary session, another paper by Ms. Eclevia, entitled, “Re-Designing Reference Services: A Case Study for 21st Century Learning” with Ms. Roselle S. Maestro, Associate Information-Reference Librarian, as co-author this time, was also presented. The paper discussed on the design, development, and implementation of the current reference services and programs of the De La Salle University Libraries that respond to changes related to increased online instructions via Chat with LORA (Library Online Reference Assistant), shifting usage patterns, and changes in students’ learning behaviors. Questions raised by the audience during the open forum showed their interest in learning more about the best practices in reference services at the DLSU Libraries.