Cagayan de Oro City - The Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, Inc (PAARL), a prominent organization in the Philippines dedicated to advancing the interests of academic and research librarians, recently conducted its 2024 (Inter)National Summer Conference. The event, themed “Shh...ift Happens: Academic Library Leadership Challenges and Opportunities,” took place at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City from 23 to 26 April 2024.
The conference was notably organized in partnership with Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan University Libraries, marking the second time Xavier University Libraries have engaged in such a collaboration. However, this was the first instance of PAARL partnering with these libraries.
The key focus of the 2024 PAARL (Inter)National Summer Conference and Training revolves around academic and research library leadership, change management, and the imperative synergy between the two to drive innovation and cultivate resilience within the library environment and its broader community.
They extended their invitations to seasoned leaders in the field who addressed the following critical topics:
- Organizational Learning and Organizational Changes in academic and research libraries (i.e.; strategic planning, reorganization, culture change, technological change, new roles, etc.)
- Change Management
- New approaches to old ideas and launching new library programs or services (i.e., Archives and Special Collections, Information Literacy, Collection Development, Reference & Instruction Services, Technical Services)
This year, the Summer Conference revolved around academic and research library leadership, change management, and the imperative synergy between the two to drive innovation and cultivate resilience within the library environment and its broader community. The event focused on the evolving challenges and opportunities in academic library leadership, addressing critical issues such as adapting to technological advancements, leadership dynamics, and innovative strategies for library management.
In addition to the organizational collaboration, library personnel from Xavier University Libraries actively participated in the conference namely; Ms Anne Mary S Dayupay, Ms Eloiza P Tagarda, Ms December J Abao, Ms Grace D Aganan, and Dr Estrella C Cabudoy as participants at the same time volunteers, contributing their full support to ensure the event's success.
The speakers during this event were the following:
- Dr Marianita Dablio, 2021 PRC Outstanding Librarian of the Year & LIS Coordinator, Lourdes College, Cagayan de Oro
- Ms Emily Drabinski, Associate Professor, Queens College Graduate New York & President, American Libraries Association
- Dr Yanti Idaya Aspura Mohd Khalid, Deputy Dean (Undergraduate Studies) Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
- Ms Elvira Lapuz, University Librarian, University of the Philippines Diliman
- Ms Shameem Nilofar Maideem, University Librarian Singapore Management University, Singapore
- Ms Marian Ramos-Eclevia, Director of Libraries, De La Salle University
Amidst the intellectual exchange and discourse that marked the 2024 PAARL (Inter)National Summer Conference (NSC), a moment of recognition shone brightly on April 24th during the fellowship night. The Xavier University Libraries was bestowed with an award of appreciation for its outstanding contributions and steadfast support throughout the event. Additionally, the dedicated personnel from the library who lent their assistance were individually acknowledged with certificates of appreciation, underscoring their invaluable role in ensuring the conference's success.
As the evening unfolded, a touch of fun and camaraderie filled the air as participants indulged in the festivities. Among the highlights, four participants from Xavier University Libraries were selected as finalists for the coveted title of Best in Costume, each representing a unique category of First Day High colors. In a delightful twist, Dr Estrella Cabudoy emerged triumphant as the Best in Costume - Rebel High for the female category, adding a touch of whimsy and celebration to the conclusion of the program.
The conference featured a series of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions led by experts in the field. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with thought leaders, share best practices, and explore new ideas to enhance library services and leadership capabilities. This successful partnership with Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing academic library services and leadership.