• Index of this issue

No. 63, November 2008

President Corazon C. Aquino in her Proclamation No. 837 declared the month of November 1991 and every year thereafter as "Library and Information Services Month" with the aim of focusing public awareness to the invaluable service that libraries and information centers render.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the National Committee on Libraries and Information Services, The National Library (TNL) and the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) sponsored the celebration of the Library and Information Services Month on the theme: Philippine Libraries and Librarians in the Midst of Global Competitiveness. As early as October, various activities have already been planned for the month of November, one of which was the Search for Outstanding City Library in Metro Manila. Nine city public libraries participated.

On November 3, 2008, a motorcade around Ermita, Manila was set as a kick off activity for the month long celebration. An opening program followed and was highlighted with the announcement and awarding of the Outstanding City Library.

The First Philippine Congress on Digital Libraries on November 17-18 at The National Library focused on Digital Libraries: Connecting People and Resources and was attended by 300 participants. The Congress dealt with National experience and initiatives towards the development of digital libraries. It brought stakeholders from the government, private and Civil Society together to discuss issues and concerns specific to Philippine Digital Libraries.

Another activity is the PLAI National Congress/ Annual Convention held on November 20 – 22 at Grand Men Seng, Davao City. The theme of the Congress is "Multicultural Landscape of Philippine Librarianship".

The National Book Week which was celebrated on November 24-28 with the theme' "Ang Batang Palabasa, Dalubhasa sa Kultura" started with a Book Parade and a Program.

During the week, the German Goethe Institut and The National Library conducted a Workshop on Paper Conservation and Restoration on November 25-26 at the Function Room of The National Library. Expert on this very special field is Reinhard Feldmann from University of Munster, Germany joined by selected librarians, archivist and conservators from the Country.

The Library and Information Services Month culminated with a Lecture Forum and a luncheon fellowship for librarians on November 28, 2008 at Shangri-La, West, Quezon City.