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

what librarianship is about, censorship, proactive library

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.

A Librarian’s Method for Organizing a Wardrobe: Current, Non-current, or Archive?

I did not set out to fix my wardrobe. I was just tired of negotiating with it every morning. My closet was full, but I wore the same few things. The rest stared back at me like a group project I never agreed to join. I had already tried the usual advice: declutter, be ruthless, imagine an ideal self who attends brunch more often than I do. None of it stuck. Then I realized the problem was not the clothes. It was the lack of a system. I am a librarian. When something does not work, I do not add more space. I reclassify. Again, I remind myself that I am a librarian. When something is chaotic, my first thought is NOT “buy more storage.” It is “this needs a system.” My closet did not need more hangers. It needed cataloging. Librarians do not panic about having too many books. They decide where each book belongs: current , non-current , or archive . So I tried the same method on my wardrobe. The Library Method, Explained Without the Jargon In libraries: Current ...

3 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Handwriting

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...

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5 Books That Make You Better at Getting Things Done

1. The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz This book says energy is more important than time. Weird, right? But it makes sense. The authors say we should work like athletes — focus hard for a bit, then take real breaks to rest and recharge. Instead of running on empty all week, you learn to build routines that give you energy, not drain it. Basically, it’s saying: stop acting like a robot and start acting like a human who takes naps. 2. Getting Things Done by David Allen If your brain feels like a messy desk full of sticky notes, this book is your cleaning guide. David Allen teaches you how to put every task, idea, or reminder somewhere safe — so your mind can finally relax. Once you’ve written everything down, you can actually focus on what’s in front of you instead of wondering what you forgot. It’s for people who want to feel calm, in control, and slightly smug about their tidy to-do lists. 3. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker Peter Drucker is...

Why Misclassification Happens in Library Classification Systems

Libraries are designed to create order. Knowledge, however, is not. Misclassification does not always mean someone made a mistake. Often, it reveals deeper structural tensions in how information is organized. Below are four core reasons it happens. 1. Interdisciplinary Content The book genuinely belongs in more than one class. Modern scholarship does not respect neat boundaries. A single book might combine: Psychology and economics Technology and ethics History and sociology Health and philosophy Library classification systems, including LCC, require one primary location. A physical book cannot sit in three places at once. So the cataloger must decide which subject dominates. That choice reduces complexity. Interdisciplinary books are not rare exceptions anymore. They are increasingly the norm. Classification systems, however, were built in a time when disciplines were more clearly separated. The system expects tidy categories. Authors often deliver intellectual hybrids. 2. Select...

Weekly Facebook Reel Plan 008: Pretending to be Tourists for a Day

Creating a one-week reel plan around the theme "Pretending to be Tourists for a Day" sounds like a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. Here's a table that outlines the plan: Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Local Landmarks Visit local landmarks and take photos as if you're seeing them for the first time. Tuesday Food Tour Sample local cuisine from various eateries and discuss the flavors and textures. Wednesday Public Transport Adventure Ride the local public transport and show the experience, including buying tickets. Thursday Street Performers Find street performers and capture their acts, maybe even join in for a collaborative moment. Friday Souvenir Shopping Visit local souvenir shops and showcase unique items, discussing their cultural significance. Saturday Museum Hopping Go to a local museum and take photos of interesting exhibits, discussing their history. Sunday Scenic Spots Visit a local park or beach and capture the natural beauty, p...

Let us Teach Kids How to Become Lifelong Learners

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...

Side Hustles for People Who Rarely Go Online

If you barely have enough time to go online, you'll want a side hustle that's low-maintenance, flexible, and doesn't require constant attention. Here are a few options: Print-on-Demand Store : Create simple designs for t-shirts, mugs, or notebooks. You can use platforms like Redbubble or Teespring, where they handle printing, shipping, and customer service. Your main task is to create and upload designs, which can be done in short bursts of time. Selling Digital Products : If you have expertise in a particular area, you can create digital products like eBooks, templates, or printables. These can be sold on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or my favorite platform, Creative Fabrica. After the initial creation, the products can generate passive income with minimal ongoing effort. Here's my online store on Creative Fabrica if you need an example (this is also an affiliate link): https://www.creativefabrica.com/designer/ruby-cari...

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My very first job ever is ABSTRACTOR. And, in the year 2000, I had to sit a person down and spend no less than fifteen minutes explaining what I do. Now, it's easier because people are more likely to get it when I tell them about the main job description of an abstractor. What exactly does an abstractor do? An abstractor is a person who summarizes important information from documents and records, making it easier to understand the main points without reading the whole text. This is often used for legal documents, such as those related to property ownership, for submitting studies to peer-reviewed journals, and for thesis writing. Here are some questions you might want to ask if you're considering a job as an abstractor. Does an abstractor need to be a graduate of library science and information courses? An abstractor does not necessarily need to have a degree in library science. Typically, abstractors have backgrounds in fields related to the documents they work with, such as ...

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Ruby Galvez, RL

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