Ruby Galvez, RL

The Allure of the Narrative Casey McQuiston's "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of young love, identity, and the pursuit of self-discovery. The narrative is imbued with a sense of urgency and emotional depth that captures the reader's attention from the get-go. McQuiston's storytelling prowess shines through, making it a standout in the young adult romance genre. One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its nuanced portrayal of characters. Shara Wheeler is not just another love interest; she's a multi-dimensional character with her own dreams, fears, and complexities. This adds a layer of realism to the story, making it relatable to a broad spectrum of readers. The Challenges: A Double-Edged Sword However, the book is not without its challenges. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with some sections dragging on longer than necessary. This can be particularly taxing for readers who prefer a more streamlined ...

 In the realm of young adult fiction, Alice Oseman's "Loveless" stands as a refreshing divergence from the oft-trodden path of romantic entanglements and heartbreaks. The book delves into the life of Georgia, a high school student who is more preoccupied with the idea of romance than experiencing it. As she navigates friendships, family, and self-discovery, Georgia comes to terms with her aromantic asexuality—a narrative arc that is as enlightening as it is empowering. Plot and Real-Life Relevance The plot centers around Georgia's quest for love, or rather, her realization that she doesn't need romantic love to lead a fulfilling life. This is a poignant message in a society that often equates happiness with romantic involvement. The story is a mirror reflecting the lives of many young adults who grapple with societal expectations and internalized norms. It's not just a book; it's a conversation starter about the spectrum of human relationships and the vali...

Stress and being overworked are synonyms. The notion of work stress has become an almost ubiquitous part of our lives. It's not uncommon to hear individuals boasting about how busy they are, how many tasks they have to juggle, and how little sleep they're getting. Some even wear their stress as a badge of honor, treating it as a sign of productivity and dedication.  However, being stressed is not a flex, nor should it be glorified. In fact, it can have serious negative implications for both our physical and mental well-being. Stress is not a Status Symbol  The idea that being stressed indicates importance or achievement is a flawed concept. True accomplishment is not measured by the number of hours spent working or the amount of anxiety one feels. Rather, it's about the work quality, the impact made and the ability to maintain a balanced life. A A person who manages their time effectively and prioritizes self-care is often more successful in the long run than someone perpet...

The academic landscape has evolved into a competitive arena where students vie for top grades, scholarships, and prestigious university placements.  This phenomenon, known as "competitive studying," has become a cultural norm, especially in societies that place a high value on educational achievement. But is this mindset beneficial or detrimental to students' overall well-being and future success? This blog post delves into the intricacies of competitive studying, examining its pros and cons, and evaluating the long-term payoffs. The Genesis of Competitive Studying The concept of competitive studying isn't new; it has roots in various educational systems worldwide. In countries like South Korea and Japan, the competition starts as early as kindergarten. In Western societies, the SATs, ACTs, and university admissions have become the modern-day gladiatorial arenas. The driving forces behind this trend include societal expectations, parental pressure, and the increasing ...

Ruta Sepetys' "I Must Betray You" emerges as a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of morality, loyalty, and the human condition.  As a librarian and an advocate for competitive studying , I find this book to be a valuable addition to any library's young adult collection. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; let's dissect what makes this book a must-have and also consider its limitations. Why Libraries Should Add This Book First and foremost, Sepetys' storytelling prowess is evident in her nuanced characters and intricate plotlines. She doesn't shy away from exposing the grim realities of life under a totalitarian regime, making the book an excellent resource for discussions on history, ethics, and political science. For students aiming to excel academically, this book serves as a multidisciplinary gem that encourages critical thinking. Moreover, the narrative's focus on the protagonist's internal struggle with betrayal and...

My "evilwoobie" book is out! Here's the amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJGJZ9Z7 The initial book an author releases holds immense significance, as it establishes the trajectory for their upcoming projects. This understanding is derived from my experience as a librarian and as a passionate reader.  Given this knowledge, I deliberated for an extensive period of time, spanning multiple years, contemplating whether to publish a book pertaining to my professional passion, librarianship, or a book centered around my creative passions. Ultimately, I opted for the latter choice, as you are aware. In the subsequent paragraphs, I will outline several reasons that influenced my decision. The Power of Emotional Resonance One of the most compelling reasons for choosing to debut with a collection of love poems is the universal appeal and emotional resonance that poetry can offer.  While librarianship is a subject close to my heart and undoubtedly valuable, it speaks to a mor...

When attending job interviews, we encounter countless faces and personalities. From chance meetings on the street to interactions in virtual communities, we leave an imprint on others. But here's the intriguing question: What exactly do they remember about us? The Unforgettable Impression    Imagine this - you strike up a conversation with a stranger while waiting in line for coffee on your way to your job interview. Or maybe you're engaging with people on the vast expanse of the internet through your blog or forum posts. In both scenarios, you're leaving behind a piece of yourself. Sure, not everyone will vividly recall your name or face a few hours later, but here's the kicker: they'll carry an impression of you, a snippet of who you are.    Think of it like this - you're an artist, and every interaction is a brushstroke on the canvas of someone's memory. The beauty is that you don't have full control over how others perceive you. You can't dictate...

Dead languages? How does one know whether a language is no longer active or is dying slowly and gradually? The simplest answer is that if no one is using it anymore, then it is dead. Linguistic Diversity Linguistic diversity is as important as any kind of diversity, and the concept has become even more important because of the many dead languages in the world. Gradually, an entire culture is lose, and no one is writing in or speaking the language anymore. Saving dead languages means encouraging linguistic diversity in an area, even if this means adding more staff in schools to teach the mother tongue languages on top of the main language of the region or country. This applies to local dialects and their variations. Their promotion can also lead to the discovery of cultural nuances. Signs of Dead Languages Supporting literature, including ortographies, can no longer be found. Young speakers are lacking, and aging speakers have no inclination to teach the language to the youth. Literary ...

The Ilocano people are a Filipino ethnic group native to the Ilocos Region of the Philippines. They have a rich cultural heritage that includes a variety of beliefs, traditions, and practices. Some of their traditional beliefs include:    Anito Worship : Anitos are spirits of ancestors or nature that are believed to have influence over various aspects of life. Anito worship involves offering prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to these spirits to seek their guidance and blessings.    Kulam (Witchcraft) : Ilocanos, like many other cultures, have beliefs in witchcraft or sorcery. Some people are thought to possess the power to inflict harm on others through supernatural means. This belief has led to the practice of seeking protection through amulets, charms, and rituals.    Folk Healing : Ilocanos have a tradition of folk healing practices using herbs, rituals, and prayers. Traditional healers, known as "albularyos," are respected members of the community who ar...

You have a suggestion box, now what? After you have set up your feedback gathering mechanism where it will be seen and used by all users and even staff members, the next thing to do would be to wait for the feedback to come. It is always exciting to receive feedback from users, because you'd know the areas where you can still improve and those where you are already doing well. Here are some good practices for handling suggestion box comments. Regular Emptying and Review Ideally, the one who should open the suggestion box should be the manager/librarian and someone else who will act as witness.  Regularly empty the suggestion box and review the suggestions. Being consistent with this task shows users that their feedback is valued and acted upon. Consider setting a schedule for this task. Responsiveness and Timeliness of Action  Address immediate concerns and prioritize the urgent ones. Whenever possible, respond to submitted suggestions publicly by placing notice that the sug...

The wonderful world of librarianship has its beginnings intertwined with the very origins of creating written treasures. But did you know that the early champions of this field weren't just librarians? Among them were skilled scribes who took breaks from their busy tasks to care for precious clay tablets and delicate parchment scrolls in the libraries of ancient times.  Why is training non-librarian staff essential? Believe it or not, there is a shortage of librarians in the world. One reason is that people think the work is boring, so they don’t study library science. But the thing is, there are many many libraries containing a wealth of information (that has not been digitized yet) we can’t live without. The solution is to start training non-librarian staff. Here are some things to consider. Expanding the Skill Sets One of the key to training non-librarian staff is expanding the skill sets of these professionals (sometimes called paralibrarians). By identifying their individual ...

Setting up a library suggestion box can be a great way to engage your library's users and gather feedback to enhance their experience. A suggestion box is a significant part of a larger feedback strategy.  Combine it with surveys, focus groups, and direct interactions to gather a comprehensive understanding of your library users' needs and preferences. This strategy would be invaluable to the improvement of your collection development and library service. Users are your best resource when it comes to constructive criticism of the service you provide, whether you are serving students or a larger community. Five Suggestion Box Tips How can a librarian (you) create an effective suggestion box strategy? Consider the following: 1. Prominent Placement Place the suggestion box in a high-traffic area of the library where users can easily see and access it. Examples of these areas are: near the entrance, circulation desk, or a popular reading spot. 2. Eye-Catching Design  Make the sug...

 With the library licensure examination 2023 just days away, I am posting three of my best tips for becoming a topnotcher and passing the exam. Believe it or not, tip #3 is the single most important reason why I became top 3. Watch and share this to people who need to see it!

Let's dive into the world of "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli, a book that's been shaking up discussions about leadership and politics for centuries. Even though it was published way back in 1532, its insights still make us think hard about the way leaders work their magic. So, what's this book all about? It's about a ruler or a leader trying to keep your kingdom or country in order. "The Prince" is like a guidebook full of tips and tricks for these rulers. It's a bit like a Leadership 101, with a twist. Machiavelli believes that when it comes to ruling, sometimes you've got to put aside the usual "nice person" stuff and do what it takes to stay in power. This idea might sound a bit sneaky, but it's at the heart of his thinking. Machiavelli had some interesting thoughts about people. He said we humans are naturally looking out for ourselves and our desires. That's a bit different from the idea that people, particularly l...

Ilokano folklore art refers to the artistic expressions and creative representations of the cultural stories, myths, legends, and traditions of the Iloko people, who are an ethnolinguistic group native to the northern Philippines, particularly the Ilocos Region.  This art encompasses various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts, literature, music, dance, and even crafts.  Visual Arts : Ilokano folklore is often depicted in visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Artists may create images of legendary figures such as Lam-ang (a hero in Ilokano folklore) or scenes from traditional stories and myths.  Literature : Ilokano folklore has been passed down through generations through oral tradition, and many of these stories have been documented in written form. Traditional epics, chants, and folk tales often serve as inspiration for Ilokano writers and poets.  Music and Dance : Ilokano folklore is also expressed through music and dance. ...

  Human library as a concept for your makerspace? Here are some information about this kind of library and what can be achieved by organizing something like it. We are not Alone In This Advocacy The Human Library Project is actually a world-wide advocacy made up of various organizations. So, check out what has been done and what the future holds for this project at www.humanlibrary.org . What is a Human Library It is a safe space for interesting characters and those interested in them to learn and interact. Simply put, readers read a person rather than a book. Thus, a reader initiates the question and answer session under the watchful eye of a marshall, who monitors the interaction to ensure the human book’s safety and security. What is the Goal of a Human Library? It transforms a book library into a safe place for healthy discussion about controversial topics with the ultimate goal of unjudging someone. Readers can read more than one book per session, depending on the availabili...

  Library collaborations and partnerships can work if we consider several factors, many of which have a lot to do with the cultural and economic climate of the region where your library is located.  Similar Perspectives  Unless all organizations in the collaboration agree that “a community can help raise a child reader,” the entire project will be in jeopardy.  We should never forget that there are people that do not believe libraries are still relevant, and if the organization the library is partnering with secretly or outrightly believe so, then the project is doomed from the start.   Examples of Library Collaborations  Some partnership projects your library can join are the following:   a book drive for disaster areas  workshops for slow readers (children/adults)  a recurring storybook reading session  Challenges of Library Collaborations One can dream that all library partnerships will be smooth-sailing, but experi...