Reading Assignment (for September 5, 2009)

The International Rice and Research Institute (IRRI) Library Fieldtrip

It was 6 o’clock in the morning when we took the trip to Los Baños, Laguna for the IRRI Library visit.
From the time we arrived at the said library, the staff already gave us a warm welcome. After that, the lecture had started, I’ve found out that IRRI was really an old organization dated back from 1961 and its library has only 12 staff. No wonder why it was called the International Rice and Research Institute because it has the world’s largest collection of rice literature besides, it caters its services to worldwide clienteles. The librarians had introduced their integrated library system which is the Millenium (that is very expensive) focusing on the circulation modules (features the automatic email notice to borrowers prior to due dates), cataloging modules (they practice copy cataloging) and a brief description of the Ariel document delivery services. They use natural language processing from their library website search page. I have learned that the IRRI Library used and applied some Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs and wikis for their current awareness services and synchronous messaging for their reference Skype service. I am impressed to the idea of what they called a “do it yourself renewal” but only applicable for those library members. The library still also practiced the traditional or the conventional document delivery via snail mail which is free of charge for 50 pages only and the new other way, the electronic document delivery service. Still, they are in the process of developing about linking resources from their website and promoting open access to users. They have also told us that cost is really a major consideration from their organization. Ms. Mila Ramos, the chief librarian, advised us as practicing librarians pertaining to journal subscription to avail trials and avoid packages because some of the subjects/information in these packages might not match the needs of the users or the institution/organization’s trust. The best way is to conduct a detailed selection on what is appropriate to your user to be guide by the objectives of your institution/organization.

What I have learned:
1. The IRRI library use a technology called the “do it yourself renewal” service which is available also outside the country but limited to those members of the organization.
2. The Skype which is used for reference service (query-answering service), although it is common nowadays I realized that is very significant typically to the IRRI library because they are isolated or far from other cities.
3. Sometimes a good and ideal system is an expensive one.

Reflection:
It is really hard to be a librarian especially when it comes to the point of making decisions on choosing the appropriate system in a library. Librarians must be intelligent buyers. In spite of some budget problems that the IRRI library is facing nowadays, it helps or it will help their library with the application of Web 2.0 technologies and open access approach. I think that would be the primary solution for libraries experiencing budget problems. If I were in that situation, I would also make that move in able to cope with the library expenses at the same time to follow technological advancements. Really, libraries and librarians today were not just the old, typical librarians known as “guardian of books” yet they are becoming more globally competitive and highly innovative in creating ideas about their profession.