“Outcomes, Outreach, Outstanding: Libraries Beyond Boundaries” is this year’s theme of the 87th Philippine National Book Week (NBW), which the University Library celebrated, 15-19 November 2021.
The celebration lined up the following activities: BookFace Photo Contest, NBW Library Virtual Hunt, Tiktok Contest for Students, Best Theses/Dissertation Virtual Display, and the posting of the UPLB e-LIB TALK Videos.
The BookFace Photo Contest encouraged the participants to create a collage or mash-up of a book cover showing a human/animal face or body part with an image of their face or any part of their body. Three winners were selected from the seven entries, which were judged based on creativity, originality, and popularity by Facebook reactions and shares. Jean Grace Mendoza, BS Forestry, garnered the first place; Cobe Jaliya Briñas, Grade 9-Acacia of UPRHS won second place; and Luis Armando Caguimba, Grade 7-Ipil of UPRHS won the third place.
The Library Virtual Hunt activity was carried out for five days, which featured a unit library and/or a material/database each day. This aimed to promote UPLB libraries’ information sources and services through its social media accounts. The mechanics of the game and the mission for each day were posted on the University Library FB page. A winner for each day was identified through a raffle draw of entries that had the correct answers. Seven winners were given a cash prize of P500 each.
Meanwhile, Ysabella Carino, who submitted the lone entry to the 87th NBW TikTok Contest was awarded PhP1,500 cash prize and a certificate of recognition.
The best theses and dissertations of the UPLB students were gathered and compiled for the Virtual Exhibit, and can be accessed on the University Knowledge Digital Repository.
Three episodes of UPLB e-LIB TALK Videos were posted on the UPLB University Library FB Page as a means for students to get to know the librarians. This activity also aimed to educate and promote awareness of non-librarians on the librarianship profession and experiences as well as its importance to society.
In Episode 1 entitled “Libraries Beyond Boundaries,” former UPLB librarian Concepcion DL. Saul is featured in an interview with Christine Balmes. Saul talked about her motivations and inspirations, and her “go-beyond boundaries approach” by intensifying library online services in the midst of the pandemic in her 15 years of serving as university librarian. Dr. Mary Ann M. Ingua, the new university librarian, also shared an inspiring path that she followed in her aspiration to lead the University Libraries beyond its physical boundaries.
In Episode 2 entitled, “UPLB Libraries: Coping up with Optimism and Opportunities,” selected UPLB librarians and library staff shared their experiences and creative efforts to combat the challenges brought by the pandemic.
Episode 3 is entitled, “What it is like working at the Library.” It featured senior library staff who shared their experiences, how they came to work at the UPLB library and their duties and responsibilities.
The week-long celebration aimed to be a fun and informative way to communicate the value of the UPLB libraries and how it has created opportunities to support literacy and education through innovative services and resources especially during this pandemic. (Virginia P. Alcantara)