History

The Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science was founded on February 28, 1964. The name Philippine Association of Teachers of Library Science was changed to Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science, Inc. on July 10, 2003, although retaining the same acronym PATLS.

PATLS came into being through the concerted efforts of heads of Library Departments of some institutions of higher learning in the Greater Manila Area, who met several times at the University of Santo Tomas Library in 1963. Originally, the plan was to organize a Council of Library Science Teachers that would act as an advisory body. Later on, however, through our prodding, the group agreed to the organization of an association instead.

...the beginning

The L.S. Department heads, representing ten schools offering Library Science courses, and who composed the Charter members upon the registration of the Association with the Securities and Exchange Commission included the following: Abalea Cabrera of Arellano University, Isidoro Saniel of Centro Escolar University, Potenciana David of Far Eastern University, Josefa Manahan of Manuel L. Quezon University, Marcela Avanceña of National Teachers College, Isabel Sunio of Philippine Normal College, Esperanza Sta. Cruz of Philippine Women's University, Narcisa Tioco of the Universiy of the East, Consuelo Damaso of the University of the Philippines, and Candida Agcaoili of the University of Santo Tomas.

PATLS has the following objectives:

1. The fundamental purpose of the Association shall be to develop and promote library education in the Philippines.
2. It shall initiate and promote cooperative programs in education for librarianship among library schools in the Philippines.
3. It shall plan and implement a program of accreditation of library schools engaged in the education and training of library and information professionals in cooperation with the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.
4. It shall provide a forum for discussion and publication of issues, trends, and other matters in library education.
5. It shall promote the welfare of its members through scholarships, research, grants, seminars, and other activities.

After the formal organization of the Association in February 1964, the director of the Library School of New Delhi, Prof. Das Gupta, on his visit in Manila in April was invited by the officers to give a talk on the training of librarians in India. In July, the director of the Library School of Indiana University, Miss Margaret Rufsvold, an authority on audio-visual materials, enlightened the members of the modern techniques in the use of audio-visual materials in the field of librarianship. In October, a well-known personality in the library field, Dr. Louis Shores was invited as a guest speaker in a symposium at which he talked on new techniques in reference services. Dr. Shores, head of the Library School of Florida State University is the famous author of the book, "Basic Reference Sources" and one-time editor-in-chief of Collier's Encyclopedia.

During the National Book Week in November 1964, the Association decided to commemorate the golden jubilee of the teaching of library science in the country, which was started at the University of the Philippines in 1914. Citations were presented to the golden jubilarians in Philippine Librarianship. The guest speakers at the program were Prof. James Marvin and Dean Waldo Perfecto.

PATLS was properly represented when its president was asked to be a resource person in the NRCP-NSDB Science Information Symposium on May 22-24, 1965 and as speaker in the PLA Biennial Conference on June 8-11, 1965 and again in the Silver Jubilee Celebration and Ninth National Convention of the CEAP on February 2-6, 1966.

From July 1967 to May 1968, the Association conducted a series of seminars on "The Teaching of Core Subjects in Library Science" to which were invited all the teachers of library science in the Greater Manila Area with the aim in view of standardizing the subject content of each of the core subjects in library science and adopting the new approaches in teaching these courses.

...the 70s

In November 1970, for the purpose of formulating standards for academic libraries in the country, PATLS in cooperation with the PLA and the FAPE, sponsored the first National Conference on College and University Libraries. Invited as speakers and resource persons in this Conference were academic administrators and head librarians of some of the big educational institutions in the country.

From February to November 1971, again with the sponsorship of PLA and FAPE, the Association conducted a series of four seminars on academic librarianship in the areas of book selection and acquisition, library administration, physical facilities, and technical library services. These seminars were held in different venues.

In December 1972, several members of the Association met and discussed plans of conducting another seminar on the standardization of the core library science projects and to come up possibly with standardized syllabi and likewise to formulate a resolution to be presented to the Department of Education and Culture that a two- or three-unit course in library science be included in the curriculum for all freshmen in college.

Leaving no stone unturned towards promoting the development of the library profession in the country, PATLS, in cooperation with the PLA conducted a review class for more than three hundred librarians to help prepare them for the librarian's examination given in October 1973.

A very significant event in the history of Philippine librarianship took place also in October 1973. The PLA Executive Board, which was then headed by the PATLS' founding president who was president at the time, the PLA president undertook the task of planning for a memorable celebration of the Golden Jubilee of PLA. At the luncheon held to commemorate the occasion, a Board Resolution on the "professionalization of the practice of librarianship in the country" was presented to Malacañang through then Secretary Juan Manuel of the Department of Education, who was tasked to read the speech of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. It will be noted here that the "seed" of Republic Act 6966 was planted at this time.

It is worthwhile reporting, likewise, that at this time PATLS' Executive Board had sat down and concurred with the officers of the other library associations that these bodies be integrated with the PLA if only to promote greater unity and better planning and coordintation of library undertakings. This move was the brainchild of the PATLS founder and it was successfully carried out.

The remaining years of the 70s were replete with various activities all meant to raise the standard of the practice of librarianship and competence of teachers of library science. Thus, seminars, workshops, institutes, and other training programs for the professional development of the members were held.

One important highlight in PATLS' history was the celebration of its Fifteenth (Crystal) Anniversary on April 29, 1979 at the University of the East Library. Spearheaded by Prof. Narcisa Tioco and Dr. Ursula Picache, who was the president, a raffle draw was conducted to generate funds to finance some of the Association's projects.

...the 80s

In the 80s, PATLS, under the leadership of Fr. Paul de Vera, OSB, and Mrs. Zenaida Nalundasan, boasted of two outstanding projects, namely: a seminar-workshop on AACR2 in August 1981 with Mr. Ben Tucker, Chief of the Descriptive Cataloging Division of the Library of Congress as the resource person. The other project was the issuance of the first issue of a bulletin for on-going research in library and information science (ORLIS) in December 1981 with Dr. Juan Buenrostro, Jr. as editor.

Prof. Namnama Hidalgo, who was president in 1983 had as highlight of her incumbency, the PATLS co-hosting with PAARL and ASLP, a luncheon that was held in honor of five visiting Chinese library personalities from the People's Republic of China at the Army and Navy Club on March 20, 1983. The five ranking librarians were Mr. Bao Zhenzi, Deputy Director, National Library of China and Deputy Secretary General, China Society of Library Science; Mrs. Qi Shifen, Associate Researcher, National Library of China; Mr. Ren Jincheng, Deputy Chief, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, NLC; Mrs. Xu Guoqing, Deputy Head, Reader's Services, NLC; and Mrs. Li Mei, Interpreter, Foreign Relations Section, NLC. The delegation was on a ten-day tour of libraries in Metro Manila and the countryside at the invitation of the National Library.

The PATLS officers and members, led by the president, took a breather and motored to Silang, Cavite on August 16, 1984. With the Philippine Union College as the venue, a panel discussion was held with the theme, "New Directions of PATLS." Discussants were Prof. Marina Dayrit, CEU; Prof. Corazon Nera, FAPE; Prof. Salvacion Arlante, UP; Prof. Trinidad Albarracin, PNU; and Prof. Candida T. Agcaoili, UST.

...the PATLS flag was proudly raised

PATLS, raising its new flag during its 20th Anniversary celebration on March 4, 1984 was another significant and momentous event. The logo of the new flag symbolizes the objectives of the Association, and the color of lemon yellow for library science and the color blue for education were chosen.

Prof. Rosa M. Vallejo, a three-time president (1974-1977, 1984-1985, 1985-1986), played a vital role not only in helping build the Association in what it is today, but also representing it in various activities. During her incumbency as president, she was elected Chairman of the PLAI House of Delegates during the 1984 annual convention. One of her worthy projects was to intensify membership to the Association including the teachers of library science in the province.

PATLS was also an active participant during the CONSAL VII held in Manila in 1986.

The term of Prof. Trinidad Albarracin covering April 1, 1986 to February 12, 1987 recorded some very important activities. One was a symposium on the "Role of Librarians in Values Development" on November 25, 1986 with Fr. Bernardo Perez, OSB, Rector of San Beda College as the main speaker.

1989 was another significant year for PATLS. It marked its 25th year of service to library education. Prof. Corazon M. Nera who was then the president organized a symposium held at the Ariston Estrada Conference Room of De La Salle University on February 28, 1989 with Dr. Isagani Cruz, DLSU Chairman, Language and Literature Department as the main speaker. His topic was "The Role of Teachers of Library Science in Education and Culture in the 21st Century."

...the 90s

The 1990s may be described as a "new age" for the library profession. Finally, after many years of hard work and endless lobbying in Congress, President Corazon C. Aquino signed the law "Republic Act 6966" known as the "Philippine Librarianship Act" in September 1990, regulating the practice of librarianship and prescribing the qualifications of librarians.

It was during the incumbency of Prof. Ruben Marasigan as president when PATLS started conducting review classes every year for the librarians taking the licensure examination.

In 1994, with Dr. Teresita Hernandez as president, a seminar-workshop on the "Production and Use of Instructional Materials" was conducted. There was likewise symposium on "A Family The Reads Together Stays Together."

During Prof. Helen Jamin's presidency, 1995-1996, three seminars were held, viz.: "Teaching of Information Technology," "Automating Your Library: A Guide for Librarians and Teachers of Library Science," and "Public Relations: Techniques and Tactics for Librarians and Library Practitioners."

Two seminar-workshops were sponsored by PATLS in 1996. These were "Information Technology: Towards Reinforcing the Library Science Curriculum" and "Work Ethics for Librarians and Library Personnel," during Dr. Clarita A. Arellano's term as president. Also in 1996, the PATLS' president and vice-president participated in the First Conference of Professional on the theme: "Meeting the Challenges of the Global Competition" held at the Manila Hotel and sponsored by the Professional Regulation Commission.

When Prof. Rodolfo Tarlit was president in 1997, two seminars were conducted, viz.: "Multimedia (Computer Assisted Instruction)" and the "Management of Electronic Resources." Prof. Tarlit represented PATLS in the International Conference on Libraries and Librarianship in Global Information Access and Cooperation held at the Manila Pavilion on November 17-19, 1997.

The highlights during Prof. Teresita Moran's incumbency as president in 1998 were as follows--Recognition given to Dr. Josephine C. Sison as chairman of the Library Science Curriculum Committee, professional service awards to three PATLS presidents, namely: Prof. Helen Jamin (1995-96), Dr. Clarita Arellano (1996-97) and Prof. Rodolfo Tarlit (1997-98) and a special service award to the PATLS adviser. A seminar-workshop and two fora were likewise conducted, viz.: "Creating and Channeling Educational Change in Philippine Librarianship", "Application of Information Technology: Its Implications to Library Operations" and "Libraries and Librarianship in the Next Millennium." The Executive Board sponsored scholarships to some indigent but deserving LIS students from different library schools in Metro Manila, i.e. MLQU, PNU, PUP, UE, and UST.

Another very significant year for the Association was in 1999 when it reached its 35th (Jade) Anniversary. The occasion was celebrated with the theme "PATLS at 35 Years: The Emerging Challenges in the Library Profession for the Next Millennium." A program was held at the Chiang-Ching-Kuo Intercultural Studies Center, UST Central Library on May 20, 1999. The highlight of the program was the awarding of plaques of appreciation to the past presidents from 1964 to 1999. Likewise, the professional service award was given to Prof. Teresita Moran. Plaques of appreciation and special awards were given to various institutions and persons for their continued support and assistance to the Association.

Also in 1999, with Dr. Angelina Resurreccion as president, the Association conducted seminars and fora, viz.: "Rediscovering Potentialities: A Commitment of Librarianship in the Next Millennium," and "Teaching and Learning Environment in Library and Information Science." The first seminar was co-sponsored by FAPE and it was held at the UST Central Library. A PATLS member, Atty. Antonio M. Santos was awarded as the "PRC Outstanding Librarian for 1999."

At the turn of the third millennium, more seminars, conferences, and fora were conducted by the Association. These were during the incumbencies of the following presidents: Dr. Maria A. Orendain (2000-2001), "The Librarian in the Age of Change: The Convergence of Humanism and Science"; Prof. Shirley L. Nava (2001-2002), "National Conference of the State of Library and Information Science Education in the Philippines: Prospects, Problems, and Issues"; "3 M's in LIS Education: Management, Money and Marketing"; Dr. Josephine C. Sison (2002-2003), "Forum on Revised LIS Curriculum Updates", "The Future of LIS Education", and Dr. Edna J. Recana (2003-2004), "Lead or Led: Change is Inevitable; and a National Conference of Teachers of Library and Information Science during the PATLS Fortieth (40th) Ruby Anniversary with the theme, "Library and Information Science Education: Progress and Prospects."

PATLS has been duly recognized as an accredited proponent to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). At present, two of its projects have been funded by the NCCA. These are the "Publication of Surveys of Academic and Public Libraries (1995-2003)"; and the "LIS Instructional Materials Project." The first project is headed by Prof. Teresita C. Moran of the Ateneo Professional Schools and by Dr. Edna J. Recana of UST and the second project by the late Dr. Josephine C. Sison of UP-ILS which has later been turned over to Dr. Maria A. Orendain of PNU.

In its 40 years of existence, PATLS has done much for the professional and intellectual upliftment of its members, as well as the advancement of library education in the country. It has filled up the need of providing its members with better insights into the new technologies that have revolutionized the field of librarianship and are having tremendous impact on libraries and their services.

Year after year, the Association has participated in the National Book Week celebration through its Annual Quiz Bee (now LIS Wizard) participated in by Library and Information Science students from the different schools around the country. For the past so many years now, it has been offering scholarships to various selected indigent, but deserving students. It has offered research grants to some of its members. Also, it has been conducting yearly review classes for librarians preparing themselves for the licensure examination.

It may not be remiss to mention here also that a few years following its founding, the Association was able to produce a "Union List of the LIS holdings of Ten Schools offering Library Science and those of the Philippine Library Association." The publication of the material was made possible with funding from the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).

It is envisioned that in a year or so, a similar project will be produced--a "Union List of Theses and Special Projects" prepared by M. A. Graduates of the Different Library Schools in the Country." This, needless to say, will serve as a useful guide to the LIS graduate students who are preparing to write their masteral theses. At different occasions, a directory of the PATLS members, as well as the schools offering Library and Information Science was also produced.

The Association, likewise, has succeeded in revising the LIS curricular offerings in the undergraduate level so as to cope with the revolutionary changes and increasing demands in librarianship. New subjects were introduced, like Information Technology, Abstracting and Indexing, Records Management, and Archives Management. The contents of the other subjects were enriched and expanded to incorporate units on the new technologies. It is hoped that soon enough the curricular offerings in the LIS graduate program will be revised, too.

The PATLS has been in the forefront of library development in the country. It has done its share in improving the services rendered by the different types of libraries not only because its members are all seasoned LIS teachers, but more so because most of them are acknowledged leaders in the field of Philippine Librarianship. There is no doubt, therefore, that the Association will remain the undisputed wellspring of wisdom and enlightenment in the library profession in our country.

- Candida C. Agcaoili, Founding President