Towards Networking and Collaboration for Library and Information Science Education for Mindanao Marianita D. Dablio Department of Library and Information Science Mindanao State University Marawi City

A Prelude “ All the beads in the world won’t form a necklace unless you string them together” Korean Proverb MDAB networking

Some initial notes “Glocal” Focus on value-added rather than just value Information is a necessary but not sufficient condition. Interaction, learning and capability building The Power to connect MDAB networking

Why Library and Information Science for Mindanao Perspectives Mindanaoan context: Responsibility Mindanao environment: risk, conflict, and development Multicultural Librarianship MDAB networking

Let us find some initial answers to the following questions? What is networking? What are some features? What are its prerequisites? How are networks formed? What networks for LIS education have existed? What implications will an LIS education network for Mindanao hold? MDAB networking

What is networking? Collaboration? Networking: The art of linking groups of individuals or organizations that share a common interest or concern that will contribute to knowledge, experience and resources for joint learning and action or to achieve a common purpose Collaboration: “ the process of joint decision-making among key stakeholders on a problem domain” MDAB networking

A rose by another name Consortium Link Alliance Initiative Partnership Cooperation MDAB networking

What are some features of networks? Formal or informal Visible or invisible Individual or institutional Conscious or unconscious Personal, professional , political Local, regional, national, international MDAB networking

Loosely structured communities of practice Disregards some of the attributes of the more formal, bureaucratic features Loosely structured communities of practice May have shared leadership or none at all Open lines of communications Spontaneity Freedom MDAB networking

Why network? Process Functions: Encouraging Mediating Following Standard setting Gatekeeping MDAB networking

Tasks functions Initiating Information seeking Information giving Opinion giving Clarifying Elaborating Coordinating Orienting Testing Summarizing MDAB networking

What are its prerequisites? Complete trust and mutual respect among members Equal sharing of responsibilities and workload Pragmatic and realistic approach to implementation of activities Strong emphasis on process, input/outputs and outcomes MDAB networking

How are networks formed? Needs Assessment Planning and organizing Clear statement of purpose A clear structure not dominated by member A coordinating mechanism Implementation Resource mobilization Monitoring and evaluation MDAB networking

What are the existing networks for Library and Information Science? International Schools of Library and Information Science Network (SLISNET) Association of Library and Information Science (ALISE) Association of African Library Schools EUCLID EBLIDA MDAB networking

SLISNET Started as a Unesco initiative in 1995 Intended as a linkage of LIS programs and professionals worldwide UP Institute of Library and Information Science as a member MDAB networking

ALISE (Association of Library and Information Science Education) To promote excellence in teaching, research and service for library and information science education. Journal of Library and Information Science Education North America, Canada MDAB networking

EUCLID European-based with three levels of membership: full, affiliate, and corresponding Facilitate exchanges among members Develop cooperation in curricula, research Arrange support from stronger to weaker members MDAB networking

LISNET-ECS Eastern, Central and South African regions Promote standardization among programs MDAB networking

ASIA and SEA CONSAL ALIEP LISEA: LIS Education in Asia Started in 2005 as a gateway to LIS programs Platform for knowledge and resource sharing Directory of LIS schools, programs and faculty members in Asia Repository of Learning Objects and teaching materials MDAB networking

Web portal where instructors can consult different perspectives, Alert for new developments Communities of practice Outlines, course, syllabi, MDAB networking

LISEA Philippines PATLS ORLIS MDAB networking

An example from other groups SEANAFE : Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education PAFERN MDAB networking

How have library practitioners formed networks? Address book of well connected and “like-minded” people Meeting colleagues in conferences Participating in colloquia and roundtables Running for elective office Joining electronic discussion lists MDAB networking

What implications will an LIS education network for Mindanao hold? How do we assess our existing competencies? Networking abilities ICTs Partnering skills What type of network do we want? Communities of practice, knowledge networks, advocacy network, service delivery networks MDAB networking

Impact and sustainability Ingredients: strong social capital, governance and management, joint learning Cost-benefit Impact and sustainability Secretariat, a recognized leader and a clear agenda Do we have a model? MDAB networking

Membership Synergy MDAB networking

A proposal An association or a network Combination of both, e.g. AALLNET MATLIS: Mindanao Alliance of Educators of Library and Information Science MDAB networking

Moment of Truth! WHAT DO YOU WANT? MDAB networking