On
9th December, 2014, His Majesty the King launched the 2015 as National
Reading Year with an audience of over 10,000 teachers and students at Tendrilthang, Thimphu.
At the same time, over 32 library professionals across the country
gathered for the third annual Bhutan Library Consortium (BLC) conference at
Samtse College of Education to discuss on how to improve library services in
the country. A two day conference was attended by libraries from various colleges,
government institutions, Non-governmental organizations and public library.
During
the conference, participants had an opportunity to discuss on various issues
including how to improve user service to the maximization of limited resources.
They further envisage in formulating online union catalogue and digital repository
within BLC members. The two days included practical trainings on reference
interview skills, basic skills on information literacy particularly on web
searching as well as strategic planning for BLC over the next one year. Participants
also shared their experiences on the use of online library management systems (Koha)
and security systems. More importantly, they have further strengthened their
professional network which helps them in professional development.
Most
participants said their favorite part of the workshop was the trainings on
information searching and reference interviews. It was suggested that next year
there be a session on copyright and intellectual property rights. To provide
leadership, accountability and continuity, participants have elected Officers (Chair,
Secretary, and Treasurer) for BLC and also identified tentative date and host
for the next year’s conference. Participants strongly felt that libraries
will always remain to provide a safe space for reading and learning. As
Dasho Pema Thinley (former Vice Chancellor) said, “you can judge the
intellectual capacity of a society by the quality of its libraries and
bookstores”. The two days conference ended by thanking all the participants for
their unconditional support for BLC and the management of Samtse College of
education for hosting the 3rd annual BLC conference. BLC will
continuously strive to work hard and step further with positive intent for the
benefit of every single Bhutanese citizen at large. For this, the BLC Chair urge
for teamwork and corporation from all the BLC member libraries across the
country which will determine the success of BLC.
Participants of BLC conference
