Laboyraryan. Storyteller. Demigod.

Our LRC Head, the Goddess Ms. Hermie asked me if I could take over the Library Instruction Program of the Grade 4, since one of the Deities, Ms. Ann has gone to some faraway land [Belgium, it is] to seek her fortune [in love, if there's any]. Well anyway, upon starting our lesson about Reference Books and as part of the motivation process, I asked my Grade 4's to close their eyes, and then raise their hands if they feel that it should be their [most honest] answer for a question I am going to pose. And the question went, or the phrase rather:

And followed suit with these choices [one can raise hand as many times as one wants, this is an honesty game, remember?]

With an average number of 38 students per class, the result was astounding and alarming!!! [wait, why do I write like it's my thesis?]

A. 5-7 students on the average raised their hands. Quite surprising because I thought that on the first instance that they were given something to research on, they would ask their mom/tutor just like what I do when I was a youngster [well, time has changed].

B.1-2 students. Sadly, it is the [sad] fact. One of the students even said that "Sir ******* said that whenever we have a research go directly to Choice No. 5". Quite shocking that this imperatives come from our fellow teachers.

C. 9-11 students. On a lighter note, at least a third of the class are sometimes utilizing the library's resources for research, and I asked to them to answer as honestly as they can.

D. 20-25 students. And yet, sadly, so sadly again, a lot of students never use or have used the library's resources for their research, which brings me to choice no. 5.

My insights and views on these realities:

First, change the attitude of the librarian and library staff. Be cool. Go and be where our clients are. Some students commented that the persons in the library are so timid and so slow that's why they are not motivated to go to the library. Some even said that the librarians don't even know the proper source of their research, which is really shameful. A cool attitude enlightens one's personality which attracts and encourages more users to get inside and utilize the resources of the library.

Second, in relation with the first, is to know and love your library's collection. Treat it as your own baby so you'll know what it needs. You'll at least have a grasp of its condition whether it's bad or good. And of course, you'll know which part of your collection will help what your users need.

Third, place your library in a strategic area as much as possible. In reality, our Upper Grades and High School libraries are located in the basement. Honestly, even students call it the dungeon because it's dark down there. During our class, some of the students even complained that it is so tiring to go down the library so they stay in their classrooms instead. I guess if the libraries are placed in a more strategic area, it would attract more users.

And last, don't be afraid of change. Technology is so fast-paced. Yesterday we have printed resources, today we have e-resources. And tomorrow, we'll have Z-resources [as in Zero resources. haha!]. Change is there to make us better, to make our lives faster [and die even faster. haha!] Grab the opportunity as much as we can, we may not know, our users are much better than us. Have that competitive attitude.

With that, I am very grateful that I had the chance to once again be with my former students who introduced me to the world of teaching [because they were the first batch where I substituted as a teacher]. I feel like I am following Chiron's paths and soon, heroes will rise.
/dmarco