AFTERMATH: A NEW YEAR, A NEW SEMESTER, AND NEW FACES IN THE JRU LIBRARY

At the conclusion of our lone 2020 post, we were united in our hopes of a light at the end of the tunnel.

With the future left in doubt by a crippling pandemic, we turned to loved ones for strength. Our library did the same as a family and put its best foot forward as COVID-19 took its toll. We have weathered the storm, dear Lib Lifers. And through it all, we have seen a world transformed.

Back in action: the JRU libraries reopen its doors.

Chapter One: Librarians

At this point of the journey, the JRU Library finds itself among new kindred. The stage is set for the next act, and it is only fitting to give our most recent cast a proper introduction.

Gianedrelle Maxion or Giane is an introvert who plays the ukulele. A product of Bulacan State University (BSU), this BLIS graduate is our current Acquisitions Librarian. Aware of the misconception that librarians “can dilly-dally and read books all day”, she claims the only time a book passes her hands is when she looks at its copyright page to encode its details. Giane is resourceful and recalls that going off-site to a publishing house to order books had been new knowledge for her as part of JRU. She encourages users to discover the library and to find a book that interests them, as that little spark will make them grow and become a reader.

No dilly-dallying for Giane.

Aida Jabilles admits that Library Science had not been her first choice and only took it up out of curiosity. Be that as it may, she had been a College Librarian for 24 years, a High School Librarian for 3 years, and got involved in the PAASCU accreditation as Chair of the library area before coming to JRU.

Aydz, as some friends call her, is our current Readers Services Librarian. She considers herself a shy and silent type of worker who is presently mastering the use of our Koha library system. She wishes everyone to continue patronizing the library and maximize the use of its resources and services.

The JRU library welcomes Aydz to the fold.

Chapter Two: Library Assistants

Jan Darylle Romero is a Library Assistant at the JHS Library who humorously says her eyebrows make her intimidating to people. Creative by nature, she already has ideas for redesigning the library to make it more modernized. She is drawn to the possibilities of being a librarian and wants to be an archivist someday.

Da has encountered challenges as a new employee but has since coped by being open and understanding. She cites meeting our JRU President Dr. Vicente K. Fabella at a welcoming event as being memorable. Her advice to everyone is “Get yourself lost in a place where you can travel by just reading a book. Grow your mind as you grow your knowledge.”

Da: future archivist.

Erin Joyce Del Rosario is already accustomed to a number of primary tasks as a Library Assistant in the Main Library as well as the Information Commons at the Centennial Building. Being observant and straightforward, she understands that patience is part of the job, though being strict with noisy individuals is sometimes necessary.

Erin or EJ is an extrovert who has come to appreciate Library Science as she was taking it at BSU. She is flexible, loves to explore, and considers everyone welcome at the JRU Library. Erin believes that the library can be a shoulder to lean on, whatever your feelings may be.

Everyone is welcome at the JRU Library, says EJ.

Angelika Jean Sia credits her librarianship to a professor who motivated her to take Library Science. As one of our Library Assistants, her optimism, positivity, and approachability make it easy for her to interact with teachers, students, and her library family. After meeting the JRU President, Angelika describes Dr. Vicente K. Fabella as kind and humble. So far, she says she has not had a bad experience in the library and reminds clients to follow the rules and to feel free to treat the  JRU Library as their home. Angelika encourages everyone to be kind and to have a good time reading.

Louise Mateo is a JRU alumna and a Library Assistant at the Main Library. She has previously worked for Seaoil Philippines, Inc., SPi Global, and Wipro Philippines. Her eventual love for reading played a factor in choosing the library profession. To date, Louise has been involved with several library activities.

At work or at home, she appreciates music playing in the background. Louise describes herself as timid, but cordial when you get to know her. She watches videos on house or restaurant renovations, graphic design, and photo editing. Her simple message to everyone is “See you at the library!”

The alumna returns: Louise is now part of the Library Department.

Chapter Three: Student Assistants

You might have seen BSBA-FIN freshman Nesicay Hyacinth Mendiola keeping the peace during one of your visits to the Main Library. She is one of our Student Assistants: a self-professed ambivert who plays Mobile Legends in her spare time. Nesi had apprehensions when starting out as an SA, but has since learned to trust in the saying "allow yourself to be a beginner, no one starts out excellent."

Silver is another Student Assistant assigned at the Information Commons on the 5th floor of the Centennial Building. Currently taking up BSA, the energetic Sylvester Depidep had previous experience working as a barista, cashier, waiter, and dishwasher. His hobbies include reading books, fitness, and watching the sunset. Silver believes in acting decently as human beings and treating library staff with respect.

Silver may now add "Student Assistant" to his work experience.

A New Season The future is right for a continuation of an earlier history filled with years of meaningful experiences. A story is only good as its characters, and we look forward to our new family making their mark. Change is constant, but the underlying themes for the next library saga shall remain the same: service, togetherness, and perseverance. We thank everyone who made the previous journey as memorable as it had been.

(Pictures are credited to Mr. Ron Ashley Salonga and Mr. Charlie Padernal.)