NLP to oversee the city library
The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) can now oversee the City of Koronadal’s library after the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the two government agencies contains agreements between the two parties on the management of the city library.
Acting Head Librarian Erwin Lagustan enumerated the city government’s accountabilities as part of the deal. He said, aside from the operating expenses, as an initial investment, the Koronadal Local Government Unit (LGU) must apportion a separate building that can accommodate at least 50 readers at one time. The purpose is to continue its operation, though the city hall is closed and it can even operate at 24/7 if possible. Currently, the city’s library can accommodate only 15 people due to limited space, which has been cut in half due to the pandemic.
In addition, once significant funds are available for upgrading facilities in the city, the library should be equipped with office furniture and other essentials for its efficient and effective operation. Also, adequate library staff headed by a professionally trained and licensed librarian would be expected.
The city has ordered the purchase of books and other library materials from local and overseas magazines to augment NLP book donation and take full responsibility for all books and other library materials provided by the said agency.
For easy and quick monitoring of the NLP, city librarians must submit an updated monthly inventory report through the Public Libraries Division (PLD) while allowing also the NLP to assess, evaluate and recommend appropriate measures to sustain the public library operation.
Moreover, Lagustan said that the NLP’s obligation to the city library is to provide an annual allocation of donated materials relevant to the needs of the community. Also, part of their role is to conduct an On-the-job Training (OJT) on the administration and management of public libraries to the librarian staff.
Meanwhile, the said agency is in charge to assist the public library in sourcing for donors and donations of books and other library-related materials and administer seminar-workshops, conferences, pieces of training, and other similar activities to the library staff for their professional growth and development.
On the other hand, City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena is determined to turn the old City Hall into a city library as he believes it is the ideal place for students and those who want to do research because it is located in the heart of the city.