Skip to main content

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.




Popular posts from this blog

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

 I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t.  Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

How I Use My Starbucks Planner to Keep Myself Accountable

Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed. Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body. 1. The Smoking Tracker This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In." I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I...