Ruby Galvez, RL

If your organization is working toward ISO accreditation—or trying to maintain it—you’ve probably heard the phrase document control more times than you care to count. But before your eyes glaze over, let’s break it down. ISO standards (like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or ISO 27001 for information security) are built on the idea of consistency, traceability, and accountability. None of that works without proper documentation. And documentation doesn’t stay proper on its own. It needs structure. That’s where document control comes in. So, how important is it? In short: it's everything. What Is Document Control in the ISO Context? Document control refers to how an organization manages its critical documents—such as procedures, manuals, forms, and records—so that they are: Correct (the latest version) Accessible (to the right people) Secure (from unauthorized changes) Traceable (who approved, changed, or accessed them)...

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...

Libraries have always been more than just book-lending places. They’re public trust spaces, open to all, with no pressure to buy, perform, or belong to a certain group. In today’s fast-changing world, we can go one step further: we can make libraries civic innovation centers. That means transforming them into active spaces where citizens work together to solve local problems, grow ideas, and build stronger communities. Here are three simple but powerful ways to do this: 1. Host Community-Led Problem-Solving Events Many cities and towns face common challenges—unemployment, food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or poor digital access. What’s often missing is a neutral space where people can come together and think creatively about solutions. This is where the library comes in. Libraries can host regular “Civic Hackathons,” “Idea Labs,” or “Solution Circles.” These are not just for tech people. A solution circle, for example, can be as simple as a group of locals, librarians,...

Let’s set the record straight: being a librarian is not just about shelving books and saying “shhh.” It’s about juggling multiple roles— curator, educator, tech support, event planner, community builder, record keeper —often all before lunch. Here are just a few of the invisible-but-crucial duties librarians handle daily: 📚 1. Cataloging and Accessioning Keeping track of each book that enters your library, assigning it an accession number, and recording its details might seem like mundane admin work—but it’s the bedrock of your collection. Miss a step, and suddenly a book “doesn’t exist” in your system. 🧾 2. Inventory and Weeding Librarians regularly evaluate which books are actively used, which need repair, and which have quietly vanished. Without a clear, organized record, this becomes an endless guessing game. 🎓 3. Supporting Lifelong Learning From children’s storytime to adult computer classes, librarians create programs that educate and empower. But preparing for these...

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a makerspace in your library but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, you’re not alone. Every ambitious idea comes face-to-face with four very real constraints: Staffing, Safety, Space Limitations, and Grant Writing . Let’s talk about each—plainly, realistically—and how you can navigate them without burning out or breaking your budget. 1. Staffing: Who Will Run the Thing? The truth is, most libraries don’t have a full-time Makerspace Coordinator on standby. And that’s okay. Start small. Look at who’s already on your team—do you have someone crafty, techy, or just game to experiment? Ask around: parents, teens, or retirees may be eager to volunteer once a month. A great makerspace isn’t about having experts; it’s about nurturing curiosity and safe experimentation. 2. Safety: Fun Shouldn’t Be Hazardous Scissors, soldering irons, hot glue... things can go sideways quickly if you don’t have clear safety expectations. Create a simple code of conduct and bas...

Is it time for college? Then, it's time for "the talk" about dormitories, college friends, making ends meet, and being considerate of others. This part of the journey may seem small, but it matters. You're helping them build a home within their means—one measured step at a time. 1.  Roommate Coordination Will your student be living with others? Sharing some items—like a mini fridge, printer, or TV—can cut down on expenses. It also teaches collaboration and compromise, which college life will demand plenty of. 2. Storage Under the Bed Measure the clearance under the bed (or look it up online). That will determine whether low bins, drawers, or even duffel bags can fit. If there’s little room, it may be best to plan on soft, collapsible storage that can slide out of sight. 3. Luggage and Bags Hard-sided suitcases take up space. If your child won’t need them, bring them back home. If they must stay, consider duffel bags that fold flat or fit under the bed. Sit do...

  Lifelong learning is a journey that shapes who we are and who we become. It’s not just about formal education; it’s about embracing curiosity, the desire to grow, and the drive to understand the world better. For children, this journey begins with reading. Teaching kids to read isn’t just about helping them understand words on a page—it’s about unlocking a lifetime of possibilities. The Foundation of Learning       Reading is the key to all learning. When a child learns to read, they don’t just grasp language—they unlock the ability to explore any subject, from science to history to art. It’s a tool that helps them understand complex ideas, fuels their imagination, and gives them the confidence to tackle challenges. Reading is the doorway to knowledge, and by teaching kids to read, we give them the tools to explore the world with curiosity and independence. Reading Builds Confidence        As kids become better readers, they gain confidence...