Tarlac State University, through the Office of Library Management and Services, hosted the first day of the Central Luzon Digital Library Consortium (CLDLC) Regional Training-Workshop on July 1 (Wednesday) at the TSU Hotel, Lucinda Campus.
With the theme, “Improving Library Programs and Services through Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence”, the activity gathered librarians from across the provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga, marking the first regional gathering of library professionals since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The training workshop aims to equip library professionals with the knowledge and skills to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation into library operations and services through expert-led discussions, benchmarking activities, and library visits.
University President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza welcomed the participants and highlighted that AI does not diminish the role of the librarian but rather magnifies it, as the machine can retrieve information, but only a person can mentor.
“Long before digital transformation became a phrase we put on banners, it was the librarians who quietly transformed lives… You’ve always been at the frontline of access. You have always been the ones who made sure that knowledge was not a privilege of few but a right of many,” he said.
CLDLC Treasurer Dr. Joan Manguera also thanked the guests on behalf of the organizing committee.
“It is a great privilege to gather with dedicated library and information professionals who share a common vision of advancing our libraries through innovation and lifelong learning,” she said.
The training workshop is co-presented and sponsored by EBSCO Information Services, a leading provider of research databases, e-journals, e-books, and library management software.
It featured learning sessions and presentations from Asst. Prof. Janny Surmieda of UP School of Library and Information Studies, EBSCO Vice President for Korea and Southeast Asia Mr. Se-Pil Ahn, EBSCO Director for Software Services Mr. Vincent Lee, EBSCO Country Manager Mr. Josef Halos, and EBSCO Information Services Mr. Bon Saguisabal.
According to OLMS Director Ms. Cynthia Bognot, TSU was selected to host the training workshop in recognition of its year-long partnership as an EBSCO subscriber, reflecting the university's commitment to strengthening its library resources and services.
The second and third day of the CLDLC Regional Training-Workshop will be hosted by Gordon College (Olongapo City) and Angeles University Foundation, respectively.
Photos by: Bryant Jhouseph M. Magallanes, David Josh G. Datuin, Josephine Marie Magday (OPA Interns)
