Questions About the Library Service: Proactive Library, Censorship, Contribution to the Social Capital

I was interviewed recently by someone doing a thesis on library services. Here are some of the questions and my answers. 

How are services delivered?

• Information and referral: Linking the correct service with the correct user
• Direct service: face-to-face contact between the librarian and user to solve the user’s problem. It is a full service library.

Are the services of the library designed to be proactive? How?

Yes. Based on the borrowing patterns and the interests of our users, as well as their demographics, the librarian sends recommendations on the books or the types of books that the library council can purchase. For example, I noticed that we did not have a copy of the Biag ni Lam-ang, although no one has borrowed it yet or inquired, I asked the library council to provide one so we have it in case someone does.

Are the services of the library designed to be responsive to the changing needs of the community? How?

Same as in the previous question, depending on the books that users request to borrow or read, which they indicate in the guest log-in under “research topic,” we can respond to their needs by providing books relevant to their interests.

How does the library staff decide what authors and sources of information they shall be retrieving from?

Depending on the books that users request to borrow or read, which they indicate in the guest log-in under “research topic.” Most of the time, we cannot choose because most books are donated.

 In what ways has the library repackaged information in order for it to be acceptable and digestible to the community?

We never repackage information to be more palatable to the community. Doing that would seem like we are dumbing down the information so that the users can easily digest it. It would also become a sort of censorship, which I as a librarian do not condone. 

Our library welcomes discussion and opinion from varied points of view. We abide by the librarianship principle that there’s a book for every user.

How does the community as a whole benefit from the Alfredo Tadiar Library?

We provide a safe space for finding the information they need. It’s also a good space to explore their other interests. It is also a makerspace for innovators and artists who want to showcase their skills.

How does the library increase the community’s social capital?

As the old adage goes “it takes a village to raise a child.” We increase the community’s social capital by being a hub for the exploration of cultural identity and for the achievement of holistic, self-directed learning. Also, by social movements and activism, aiding oppressed groups.