For bookworms, libraries are their haven; but for those who are not fond of reading books, library is just another boring four-cornered room.
Existed for the purpose of providing a place for learning, creativity, and for developing independent research and information literacy skills – libraries are indeed a requisite in developing a vibrant community.
Call to Change
To change the mindset of students on ‘boring’ libraries, University Librarians together with PHINMA Education President, Chito B. Salazar, took a step towards creating a place for collaboration and at the same time visually appealing to students.
In an interview with The Quill, Basic Education Librarian, Ireen Franzelle Bernal, revealed why they decided to change the then University Library to Learning Resource Center.
“We decided to change it to Learning Resource Center since it is open for all. Kanang library is solely for the purpose of research. Strict ra kaayo ang observe silence. For the LRC, we are open for collaboration. Mao na siya ang among goal, to have collaboration,” she exposed.
Learning Environment
Deviating from the usual books and tables set-up of libraries, SWU Learning Resource Center incorporated materials that would add coziness to the place.
“Before ani, wala pa ning Learning Resource Center, kaming mga librarian gipahimo mi ni CBS ug floor plan together with the designs and pegs. And then, kaming mga librarians nag-choose mi ug mga furnitures nga ganahan namo ibutang sa mga spaces then si CBS na ang ga-choose kung unsa jud ang color,” Bernal said.
Bernal stated that the interior design and the whole concept of the library is based from the libraries of South Korea.
The library includes a silent room for those who wants to study silently, a room for collaboration for discussions and project making, and a room full of bean bags for those who want to take a nap and rest after a tiring day.
The University is set to open a café at the third floor of the PHINMA Hall building for those caffeine enthusiast.
“For now, wala pay giingon ang admin nga nay musulod but they have a plan na. They have set the counter there [near the library] but now wala pay specific date kanus-a mag-open,” Ireen stated.
Significance
Recognizing the availability and accessibility of information online through technological advancement, librarians are struggling to get the students to reading actual books.
“Our library is not your usual library. You can do everything from sleep, to study, to research and all. Open kaayo siya sa tanan and you’re welcome to use the library,” Bernal said.
Bernal highlighted the significance of reading actual books than merely relying to information seen online.
“For online, we’re not really sure if the content is reliable because anyone can edit or change the information found online. For books, it is solely written by authors themselves. So, it is much reliable kay sa sa information we get online,” she stated.
Acknowledging the importance of libraries in a community, the librarians are making great effort in incorporating technology and books to better serve the studentry.
