Current Projects: Training Library Staff and Supporting Makerspace Activities

My current projects in the library have changed. As I am now a restaurateur and can only actively participate in library projects every now and then, I still find time and ways to contribute by doing the following.

Supporting Library Makerspace Activities

Libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities. Old libraries with dusty books are now being used for more activities. Fortunately, the community is now learning that libraries can be much more than places to read quietly,

Training Non-librarian Staff

I am working to mentor and support non-librarian staff in a special library setting. The special library in question is a quaint, small one in La Union, Philippines. I charge a minimal fee for my services, because it is still my time I am dispensing (time I could use to make money selling food in my restaurant). But I still consider these current projects my outreach,

Why I do this: by recognizing the valuable contributions that staff from diverse backgrounds can bring to the library profession, we can foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that enhances the services we offer.

Let’s never gatekeep anything, especially when it comes to literacy. Librarians are not the only ones who can work in a library. Maybe I should add raising paralibrarian awareness to my current projects.

So, yeah, I am teaching non-librarian staff the basics of library work.

My trainees are all very passionate about research and are committed to making the library an inclusive place where people can discover and expand their potential. Their passion is one of the reasons why I am including this mentorship to my current projects.

Email me rubygalvez(at)gmail(dot)com if you want me to teach your non-librarian staff how to organize and establish a functional library from scratch. I can teach via zoom or I can create a guidebook for your staff.

How Important is Proper Document Control in ISO Accreditation?

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)...

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

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...

Short Story: To What is Owed

FANTASY COMING OF AGE FICTION In the stillness of the faerie woodlands, a low keening sound emerged from the dense vines of an old valete tree. A dryad was dying, and the entire forest knew it. The trees shuddered in sympathy, while the woodland faeries flitted in and out of the branches in distress. They whispered amongst themselves, fearful yet curious. It was always a great event when a dryad reaches his golden age and is in the precipice of being one with nature. The event is especially grand for a male descendant of an ancient Unseelie family. Usually, the event was celebrated with dancing and merriment. Sadly, a proper send-off was not in order, as the dying dryad had been in the throes of excruciating agony for days. Inside the tree, a crowd surrounded the old dryad.

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

Many Kinds of Librarian Jobs

What are the types of librarians? Are there more than one type? It may seem like a one-size-fits-all profession, but many kinds exist. Each kind has responsibilities unique to it. Academic librarians These types of librarians are those who are in charge of college and university libraries. It is rare for academic librarians to work alone because the workload is just too much. Library aides, internet staff, catalogers, book binders, and even abstractors and indexers are often found in tertiary education libraries. Usually, there is a hierarchy in an academic library; there is a head librarian and one or several other librarians. Academic librarians may also enjoy benefit of having student assistants. Public librarians These types of librarians are those who are in charge of public libraries (city, municipal, provincial, and congressional libraries). They’re considered elite in the profession because snagging a job in a public library means enjoying the benefits of working for the ...

Color me Thought-Provoked: A Librarian's Opinion of "The First to Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

In the realm of young adult fiction, where dystopian worlds and teenage angst often take center stage, Adam Silvera's "The First to Die at the End" emerges as a compelling narrative that defies easy categorization. This book is a cocktail of emotions, philosophy, and the existential questions that haunt us all—especially in our formative years. The Best Parts One of the most striking aspects of this book is its intricate character development. Silvera has a knack for creating characters that are not just relatable but also deeply flawed, making them incredibly human. The protagonist, Alex, is a teenager grappling with the concept of mortality in a world where a mysterious app can predict the exact date of a person's death. This premise alone opens up a Pandora's box of ethical and philosophical dilemmas, which Silvera handles with finesse. The narrative is also commendable for its pacing. Unlike many books in the YA genre that either rush through the plot or get...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Simple Way to Ask Library Users to Rate the Library Service

Library users do not always share their thoughts on how the librarian or school can improve their library service. In fact, some won't ever, unless prompted. Soliciting their thoughts using a suggestion box is also not as good a strategy as it is predicted to be. After all, the blank piece of paper near the suggestion box doesn't really guide the user. I also noticed that users would only use the suggestion box if they have a complaint, but not if they just want to go about their business and leave. There must be a more pro-active way to solicit users' opinion. A simple solution would be to offer a short survey to measure how successfully users were able to complete some common activities in the library. This assessment uses the Likert scale, which is typically a five, seven, or nine-point agreement scale used to measure respondents' agreement with various statements. For example, the scale can range from "very unsuccessful" to "very successful."...

Making Travel Plans: 2015 vs 2024

We're travelling! It's hectic making travel plans in whatever year, but things have definitely improved from when I last booked our family trip to Singapore in 2015. Here are some of the main differences. Aspect 2015 2024 Research and Booking - Relied on travel blogs, Lonely Planet guides, and recommendations from friends. - Use of comprehensive travel apps that integrate flights, accommodations, and activities. - Balance between online platforms and travel agencies. - AI-driven travel planners offering personalized itineraries based on preferences. - Booking flights via airline websites or price comparison sites like Skyscanner and Kayak. - Seamless booking through integrated platforms like Google Travel or Expedia. Accommodation - Agoda and TripAdvisor for finding and booking hotels. - Instant booking and reviews on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Documentation - Printed tickets, hotel vouchers, and visa documents. - E-tickets, digital hotel confirmations, and e-visas...

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...

Ruby Galvez, RL

Search This Blog