A 1-year Qualitative A 1-year Qualitative AnalysisAnalysis

of Libraries in of Libraries in Southeast Asia:Southeast Asia:

Commonalities, Challenges, &Commonalities, Challenges, &Opportunities for Regional Opportunities for Regional

CooperationCooperation

John Hickok, M.L.I.S., M.A.John Hickok, M.L.I.S., M.A.

Librarian / InstructorLibrarian / Instructor

California State University, Fullerton, California State University, Fullerton, USAUSA

IntroductionIntroduction Project:Project: 1-year travel 1-year travel

grant to analyze academic grant to analyze academic libraries of Southeast Asia libraries of Southeast Asia (& later East Asia) (& later East Asia)

FundingFunding: California State : California State University system, due to University system, due to large numbers of Asian large numbers of Asian students studying in students studying in CaliforniaCalifornia

Researcher Researcher background:background:

Librarian / Instructor Librarian / Instructor of English-as-a-Second of English-as-a-Second Language, to Language, to international students.international students.

California State California State University, Fullerton University, Fullerton campus, 1997-campus, 1997-

FindingsFindings: Common characteristics, : Common characteristics, strengths, and challenges noted in 4 strengths, and challenges noted in 4 areas: areas:

1) Services (Ref, User Ed, Circ, ILL, 1) Services (Ref, User Ed, Circ, ILL, etc.)etc.)

2) Technology (automation, Web 2) Technology (automation, Web presence, etc.)presence, etc.)

3) Staffing & Budget3) Staffing & Budget

4) Opportunities4) Opportunities

Important to note:Important to note:

Detailed attention has been given to Detailed attention has been given to avoid making over-generalizations. avoid making over-generalizations. While common trends & While common trends & circumstances have indeed been circumstances have indeed been identified, they are by no means identified, they are by no means universal at universal at allall libraries in each libraries in each country.country.

IndonesiaIndonesia

Common characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: Most academic libraries either have their Most academic libraries either have their

online catalog Web accessible or are in the online catalog Web accessible or are in the planning process to do so.planning process to do so.

There is a common trend/commitment of There is a common trend/commitment of improving library software systems—such as improving library software systems—such as the catalog or circulation softwarethe catalog or circulation software

Innovations in services: most often due to Innovations in services: most often due to proactive efforts of library directors (rising proactive efforts of library directors (rising above the “status quo”, even with challenges above the “status quo”, even with challenges like limited budgets)like limited budgets)

Common challenges:Common challenges: A nonprofessional image of librarians. A nonprofessional image of librarians.

Librarians encounter a perception they are Librarians encounter a perception they are merely “clerks” or “workers.”merely “clerks” or “workers.”

The prevalence of faculty/department The prevalence of faculty/department libraries, with their own, separate catalogs libraries, with their own, separate catalogs (un-networked).(un-networked).

Limited user education. Yes, basic Limited user education. Yes, basic orientations are offered, but in-depth orientations are offered, but in-depth training sessions are not as common.training sessions are not as common.

The nature of Indonesian education: mostly The nature of Indonesian education: mostly memorization/ exams…little independent memorization/ exams…little independent research until postgraduate level.research until postgraduate level.

Low library budgets. Low library budgets.

OpportunitiesOpportunities Nonprofessional librarian image + user Nonprofessional librarian image + user

education. By increasing/improving one education. By increasing/improving one (user education), the other (librarian image) (user education), the other (librarian image) automatically increases/improves, as well. automatically increases/improves, as well.

Faculty/Department libraries + low budgets. Faculty/Department libraries + low budgets. Making a strong case to fully link/integrate Making a strong case to fully link/integrate all libraries, to keep competitive among all libraries, to keep competitive among other tech-driven universities, can result in other tech-driven universities, can result in increased publicity, and therefore, funding.increased publicity, and therefore, funding.

Model:Model: USU university, Medan Sumatra. USU university, Medan Sumatra. Here, the library director desired plastic Here, the library director desired plastic covers for current periodicals. When the covers for current periodicals. When the price of “official” library covers was cost price of “official” library covers was cost prohibitive, he contacted local plexiglass prohibitive, he contacted local plexiglass manufacturers and bought the raw manufacturers and bought the raw material (to assemble in the library) at a material (to assemble in the library) at a fraction of the cost. fraction of the cost.

PhilippinesPhilippines

Common characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: A strong commitment to automation & A strong commitment to automation &

technology. Nearly all academic libraries have technology. Nearly all academic libraries have their online catalog Web accessible or are in the their online catalog Web accessible or are in the planning process to do so.planning process to do so.

A strong commitment to reference service. A strong commitment to reference service. Whether at a single reference desk or at multiple Whether at a single reference desk or at multiple service points, librarians are always available for service points, librarians are always available for assistance.assistance.

Innovations in services—most often due to the Innovations in services—most often due to the proactive efforts of the library director (rising proactive efforts of the library director (rising above the “status quo”, even with challenges like above the “status quo”, even with challenges like limited budgets) limited budgets)

Common challenges:Common challenges: Philippine student culture: less interest in Philippine student culture: less interest in

reading & prevalence of “borrowing other reading & prevalence of “borrowing other classmates’ work” instead of researching classmates’ work” instead of researching information independently.information independently.

Less Less continualcontinual user education. Orientations or user education. Orientations or library components in university courses do exist, library components in university courses do exist, but continuing library education (workshops, but continuing library education (workshops, sessions for 2nd-4th year students) are less sessions for 2nd-4th year students) are less common.common.

Subject-specialization endeavors not always Subject-specialization endeavors not always maximized. Some libraries do create subject-maximized. Some libraries do create subject-based endeavors (e.g., Pathfinders), but many based endeavors (e.g., Pathfinders), but many others do not, leaving students to hunt on their others do not, leaving students to hunt on their own.own.

Opportunities:Opportunities: Student culture + user education. By Student culture + user education. By

increasing/improving one (user education), increasing/improving one (user education), the other (student culture toward the other (student culture toward reading/research) automatically reading/research) automatically increases/improves, as well.increases/improves, as well.

Subject specialization endeavors. With Subject specialization endeavors. With databases/online catalogs/search engines databases/online catalogs/search engines being able to quickly generate custom lists, being able to quickly generate custom lists, and Web guides not incurring paper/printing and Web guides not incurring paper/printing costs, this is achievable.costs, this is achievable.

ModelModel: De La Salle & Centro Escolar : De La Salle & Centro Escolar universities creating “Pathfinder” subject universities creating “Pathfinder” subject brochures. These are lists of core books, brochures. These are lists of core books, journals, Web sites, etc. relating to a journals, Web sites, etc. relating to a particular major. particular major.

http://http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/library/pathfinder/defaultwww.dlsu.edu.ph/library/pathfinder/default.asp.asp

SingaporeSingapore

Common characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: A very strong commitment to automation & A very strong commitment to automation &

technology (advanced online catalogs, technology (advanced online catalogs, databases, circ software, etc.) & collection databases, circ software, etc.) & collection development (acquisitions/cataloging teams)development (acquisitions/cataloging teams)

Advanced reference service: extended hours, Advanced reference service: extended hours, professional staffing, accessible Ref professional staffing, accessible Ref materialsmaterials

A commitment to User Education. While the A commitment to User Education. While the approaches varied between the different approaches varied between the different libraries, there was a commitment to the libraries, there was a commitment to the importance of offering this.importance of offering this.

Common challenges:Common challenges: A lack of Library-skill education at the A lack of Library-skill education at the

elementary/secondary level (despite well-elementary/secondary level (despite well-developed public libraries).developed public libraries).

A need for more proactive and A need for more proactive and continualcontinual Library User Education. While Library User Education. While orientations/basic training sessions do exist, orientations/basic training sessions do exist, there are problems: not mandatory, not there are problems: not mandatory, not universal, not perceived as important., and not universal, not perceived as important., and not always continuing beyond year 1.always continuing beyond year 1.

An overemphasis on technology, without the An overemphasis on technology, without the human component. (i.e., just having computers human component. (i.e., just having computers and databases, but no guides/training on how and databases, but no guides/training on how to use them). to use them).

Opportunities:Opportunities: Advancing the perception of the academic Advancing the perception of the academic

librarian from “facility staff” to librarian from “facility staff” to “instructional partner” via Library User “instructional partner” via Library User Education. As librarians teach training Education. As librarians teach training sessions more often, this will result.sessions more often, this will result.

Using new ways to combine the human Using new ways to combine the human element with technology, in the library. element with technology, in the library. And example would be including human And example would be including human narration in Web tutorials/tours. narration in Web tutorials/tours.

Model: Model: National University of Singapore’s National University of Singapore’s “LION” online library tutorials: many, in “LION” online library tutorials: many, in multiple formats, from PowerPoint to multiple formats, from PowerPoint to Macromedia Flash animation.Macromedia Flash animation.

http://http://libpweb.nus.edu.sg/lion/tlibpweb.nus.edu.sg/lion/t//

MalaysiaMalaysia

Common characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: A very strong commitment to automation & A very strong commitment to automation &

technology (advanced online catalogs, technology (advanced online catalogs, databases, circ software, etc.) & collection databases, circ software, etc.) & collection development (acquisitions/cataloging teams)development (acquisitions/cataloging teams)

Advanced reference service: extended hours, Advanced reference service: extended hours, professional staffing, accessible Ref professional staffing, accessible Ref materialsmaterials

A commitment to User Education. While the A commitment to User Education. While the approaches varied between the different approaches varied between the different libraries, there was a commitment to the libraries, there was a commitment to the importance of offering this.importance of offering this.

Common challenges:Common challenges: A lack of library-skill education at the pre-A lack of library-skill education at the pre-

university level. university level. The perception by students (or even faculty or The perception by students (or even faculty or

administrations) that computer competency is administrations) that computer competency is the same as information literacy (+over-the same as information literacy (+over-reliance on technology without human reliance on technology without human training)training)

A need for more proactive and A need for more proactive and continualcontinual Library User Education. While Library User Education. While orientations/basic training sessions do exist, orientations/basic training sessions do exist, there are problems: not mandatory, not there are problems: not mandatory, not universal, not perceived as important., and universal, not perceived as important., and not always continuing beyond year 1. not always continuing beyond year 1.

Opportunities:Opportunities: Lobbying for mandatory, first-year library Lobbying for mandatory, first-year library

user education (whether as a separate course user education (whether as a separate course or a component in a course), with librarians or a component in a course), with librarians included as the teachers/trainers. This would included as the teachers/trainers. This would effectively address the first two challenges.effectively address the first two challenges.

Promoting continual user education sessions, Promoting continual user education sessions, throughout the year, to reach many more throughout the year, to reach many more students. Both as sessions for individual students. Both as sessions for individual professors’ classes, and as “free, drop-in professors’ classes, and as “free, drop-in workshops” offered by the library (and workshops” offered by the library (and heavily marketed) throughout the year.heavily marketed) throughout the year.

Model:Model: University of Malaya’s required 1-University of Malaya’s required 1-credit “information skills” library course, credit “information skills” library course, mandatory for all first year undergraduates. mandatory for all first year undergraduates.

http://www.umlib.um.edu.my/infoskills.htmhttp://www.umlib.um.edu.my/infoskills.htm

ThailandThailand

Common characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: A strong commitment to automation & technology A strong commitment to automation & technology

(online catalogs, databases, circ software, etc… (online catalogs, databases, circ software, etc…plus the integration of branch (faculty) libraries plus the integration of branch (faculty) libraries into centralized online catalogs).into centralized online catalogs).

A strong commitment to collection development.A strong commitment to collection development. Widespread reference service….whether at a Widespread reference service….whether at a

single reference desk or at multiple service single reference desk or at multiple service points.points.

Innovations in services: most often due to Innovations in services: most often due to proactive efforts of library directors (rising above proactive efforts of library directors (rising above the “status quo”, even with challenges like the “status quo”, even with challenges like limited budgets)limited budgets)

Common challenges:Common challenges: Librarian subject-specialization not as Librarian subject-specialization not as

widespread (i.e., Thai librarians majoring widespread (i.e., Thai librarians majoring entirely in library science; no subject degree)entirely in library science; no subject degree)

Term limits and outside duties for library Term limits and outside duties for library directors. Frequently, 2-year terms and directors. Frequently, 2-year terms and teaching obligations.teaching obligations.

A need for more A need for more continualcontinual Library User Library User Education.Education.

The nature of Thai education: mostly The nature of Thai education: mostly memorization/exams…little independent memorization/exams…little independent research until postgraduate level. A student research until postgraduate level. A student culture of easy “copy & pasting” from culture of easy “copy & pasting” from texts/friends instead of in-depth library texts/friends instead of in-depth library resources.resources.

Opportunities:Opportunities: University libraries could initiate an “adopt a University libraries could initiate an “adopt a

high school” project, as an outreach to high school” project, as an outreach to providing library education to secondary providing library education to secondary students. The return-on-investment would be students. The return-on-investment would be better prepared incoming freshmenbetter prepared incoming freshmen

A campaign for librarian subject specialization A campaign for librarian subject specialization could be launched. Librarians could adopt could be launched. Librarians could adopt different faculties/departments and become different faculties/departments and become subject liaisons to them. Incentives for subject liaisons to them. Incentives for librarians to pursue additional subject librarians to pursue additional subject degrees (MA/MS) could be considered.degrees (MA/MS) could be considered.

Model:Model: Srinakharinwirot University: Srinakharinwirot University: Library science students do outreach to Library science students do outreach to adopted public school, working with adopted public school, working with students there to promote reading and students there to promote reading and library usage. library usage.

http://lib.swu.ac.th/http://lib.swu.ac.th/

MyanmarMyanmar

Common characteristics/strengthsCommon characteristics/strengths:: An effort on making collections (catalogs) An effort on making collections (catalogs)

online since the majority of catalogs are still online since the majority of catalogs are still manual.manual.

An interlibrary loan arrangement in effect. An interlibrary loan arrangement in effect. Resource sharing between the Universities Resource sharing between the Universities Central Library and university libraries exists Central Library and university libraries exists (although on an informal basis) .(although on an informal basis) .

A library school, granting professional A library school, granting professional librarian diplomas (2 years, on top of already-librarian diplomas (2 years, on top of already-earned bachelors degrees; making for good earned bachelors degrees; making for good subject specialization).subject specialization).

Common challenges:Common challenges: Extremely limited budgets.Extremely limited budgets. The dispersal of libraries (often their own, The dispersal of libraries (often their own,

isolated collections, un-networked with other isolated collections, un-networked with other libraries; usually no online catalog, no libraries; usually no online catalog, no professional librarian, and limited access/hours.professional librarian, and limited access/hours.

The nature of Myanmar education: mostly The nature of Myanmar education: mostly memorization/ exams…little or no independent memorization/ exams…little or no independent undergraduate research. undergraduate research.

A lack of libraries / library education at the pre-A lack of libraries / library education at the pre-university level (little/no books or librarians in university level (little/no books or librarians in the public schools)the public schools)

Little user education. Little user education.

Opportunities:Opportunities: Limited user education + low library usage. Limited user education + low library usage.

By increasing/improving one (user By increasing/improving one (user education), the other (low usage) education), the other (low usage) automatically increases/improves, as well. automatically increases/improves, as well.

Faculty/Department libraries + low budgets. Faculty/Department libraries + low budgets. Making a strong case to fully link/integrate Making a strong case to fully link/integrate all libraries, to keep competitive among all libraries, to keep competitive among other tech-increasing universities, can result other tech-increasing universities, can result in increased publicity, and therefore, in increased publicity, and therefore, funding.funding.

LaosLaos

Common characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: Having established facilities—with Having established facilities—with

scheduled hours, permanent staff, scheduled hours, permanent staff, organized shelving, etc.organized shelving, etc.

An effort on making collections (catalogs) An effort on making collections (catalogs) online. Although manual catalogs are still online. Although manual catalogs are still the majority, several data-entry projects—the majority, several data-entry projects—to convert manual catalogs to automatedto convert manual catalogs to automated—are underway.—are underway.

Acquiring new materials via donations Acquiring new materials via donations (improving collections at little/no cost).(improving collections at little/no cost).

Common challenges:Common challenges: Extremely limited budgets Extremely limited budgets A lack of professionally-trained librariansA lack of professionally-trained librarians A lack of libraries / library education at the A lack of libraries / library education at the

pre-university level (little/no books or pre-university level (little/no books or librarians in the public schools…despite librarians in the public schools…despite praiseworthy effort by the National Library to praiseworthy effort by the National Library to disburse “book boxes.”disburse “book boxes.”

Little or no advanced Reference service Little or no advanced Reference service expected or provided; i.e., students only view expected or provided; i.e., students only view librarians as “workers to check out books”…librarians as “workers to check out books”…and Ref Desks mainly do simple locating, not and Ref Desks mainly do simple locating, not research advising.research advising.

Little or no user education.Little or no user education.

Opportunities:Opportunities: Limited user education + low library usage. By Limited user education + low library usage. By

increasing/improving one (user education), the increasing/improving one (user education), the other (low usage) automatically other (low usage) automatically increases/improves, as well. increases/improves, as well.

Increasing professional librarians. Increasing professional librarians. Colleges/universities in Laos could consider Colleges/universities in Laos could consider assisting their library workers to earn a assisting their library workers to earn a professional librarian degree from neighboring professional librarian degree from neighboring Thailand, in exchange for a commitment of Thailand, in exchange for a commitment of xx years of service. The payback to the library years of service. The payback to the library would be increased professional expertise and would be increased professional expertise and innovation. innovation.

CambodiaCambodia

Common characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: Having established facilities—with Having established facilities—with

scheduled hours, permanent staff, scheduled hours, permanent staff, organized shelving, etc.organized shelving, etc.

An effort on making collections (catalogs) An effort on making collections (catalogs) online. Although manual catalogs are still online. Although manual catalogs are still the majority, several data-entry projects—the majority, several data-entry projects—to convert manual catalogs to automatedto convert manual catalogs to automated—are underway.—are underway.

Acquiring new materials via donations Acquiring new materials via donations (improving collections at little/no cost).(improving collections at little/no cost).

Common challenges:Common challenges: Extremely limited budgets Extremely limited budgets A lack of professionally-trained librarians.A lack of professionally-trained librarians. The nature of Cambodian education: mainly The nature of Cambodian education: mainly

memorization/exams, little/no independent memorization/exams, little/no independent research.research.

A lack of libraries/library education at the pre-A lack of libraries/library education at the pre-university level (little/no books or librarians in the university level (little/no books or librarians in the public schools).public schools).

Little or no advanced Reference service expected or Little or no advanced Reference service expected or provided; i.e., librarians viewed as only “workers to provided; i.e., librarians viewed as only “workers to check out books”…and Ref Desks mainly do simple check out books”…and Ref Desks mainly do simple locatinglocating

Little or no user education.Little or no user education.

Opportunities:Opportunities: The above challenges can also be viewed The above challenges can also be viewed

as opportunities.as opportunities. Limited user education + low library Limited user education + low library

usage. By increasing/improving one (user usage. By increasing/improving one (user education), the other (low usage) education), the other (low usage) automatically increases/improves, as well.automatically increases/improves, as well.

Limited budgets + external partnerships. Limited budgets + external partnerships. Deals with Cambodian bookstores or Deals with Cambodian bookstores or businesses could be made: advertising in businesses could be made: advertising in exchange for donations.exchange for donations.

Model:Model: Pannasastra University-- formal Pannasastra University-- formal partnerships with U.S. universities to partnerships with U.S. universities to get book donations & library get book donations & library consultants, and with the U.S embassy consultants, and with the U.S embassy to get “American Corner” books & to get “American Corner” books & media. media.

http://www.puc.edu.kh/Library_new.htmhttp://www.puc.edu.kh/Library_new.htm

VietnamVietnamCommon characteristics/strengths:Common characteristics/strengths: A widespread construction effort—many grants for A widespread construction effort—many grants for

spacious and modern new facilities.spacious and modern new facilities. A widespread usage of technology—online catalogs A widespread usage of technology—online catalogs

are prevalent, with databases as well. are prevalent, with databases as well. Well established cataloging & acquisitions services—Well established cataloging & acquisitions services—

very systematic in building collections.very systematic in building collections. Innovations in services—most often due to the Innovations in services—most often due to the

proactive efforts of the library director proactive efforts of the library director

Common ChallengesCommon Challenges A need for improving the LIS training A need for improving the LIS training

curriculum. More modern skills needed; MLIS curriculum. More modern skills needed; MLIS without required BLIS neededwithout required BLIS needed

Little or no advanced Reference service Little or no advanced Reference service expected or provided; Ref Desks mainly do expected or provided; Ref Desks mainly do simple locating, not research advising.simple locating, not research advising.

The nature of Vietnamese education: mainly The nature of Vietnamese education: mainly memorization/exams, little/no independent memorization/exams, little/no independent research.research.

A lack of libraries / library education at the A lack of libraries / library education at the pre-university level (few libraries or librarians)pre-university level (few libraries or librarians)

A need for more continual Library User A need for more continual Library User Education.Education.

Opportunities:Opportunities: LIS curriculum + limited Reference service. LIS curriculum + limited Reference service.

Opportunity to revise the curriculum for more Opportunity to revise the curriculum for more Ref/Instruction services. The result? Higher Ref/Instruction services. The result? Higher image of librarians and creating more image of librarians and creating more attraction for approaching them.attraction for approaching them.

User education + low library usage. By User education + low library usage. By increasing/improving one (user education), increasing/improving one (user education), the other (low usage) automatically the other (low usage) automatically increases/improves, as well.increases/improves, as well.

LIS curriculum + innovative directors. In the LIS curriculum + innovative directors. In the absence of adequate LIS preparations, absence of adequate LIS preparations, innovative directors can in-house train innovative directors can in-house train librarians in exciting new areas: web guides, librarians in exciting new areas: web guides, info lit workshops, etc.info lit workshops, etc.

Model:Model: Vietnam National University, Vietnam National University, Natural Sciences Library. Natural Sciences Library. The library The library director is taking new & modern director is taking new & modern techniques learned from his training at techniques learned from his training at Simmons College (Boston, USA) to offer Simmons College (Boston, USA) to offer in-house training to both his, & outside, in-house training to both his, & outside, librarians.librarians.

http://www.puc.edu.kh/Library_new.htmhttp://www.puc.edu.kh/Library_new.htm

Southeast Asia as a region:Southeast Asia as a region:Library servicesLibrary services

CirculationCirculation service: fairly universal, though service: fairly universal, though automation is notautomation is not

ReferenceReference service: fairly universal, though service: fairly universal, though the issues of nonprofessionals at Ref Desks the issues of nonprofessionals at Ref Desks and no expectation for advanced assistance and no expectation for advanced assistance exist exist

User Education User Education service: commonly deficient service: commonly deficient throughout the region, though in varying throughout the region, though in varying degreesdegrees

Interlibrary loanInterlibrary loan service: not widely service: not widely common; poses an opportunity for e-ILL.common; poses an opportunity for e-ILL.

Automated CirculationAutomated Circulation. Not common . Not common everywhere…but efforts toward this.everywhere…but efforts toward this.

Online catalogsOnline catalogs. Again, not at all common . Again, not at all common everywhere, and a wide variety of software everywhere, and a wide variety of software programs being used (incompatible formats programs being used (incompatible formats for shared catalogs).for shared catalogs).

Internet AccessInternet Access. Yes, a strong majority . Yes, a strong majority showing (90%), but in some cases, only for showing (90%), but in some cases, only for librarian/staff use, not for students.librarian/staff use, not for students.

Library Web pagesLibrary Web pages. Wide diversity: ranging . Wide diversity: ranging from sophisticated pages—catalog access, from sophisticated pages—catalog access, embedded databases, log-in portals, etc., to embedded databases, log-in portals, etc., to no library page at all or just a mentioning of no library page at all or just a mentioning of the library on the University’s page.the library on the University’s page.

Southeast Asia as a region:Southeast Asia as a region:TechnologyTechnology

StaffingStaffing. Varying widely from country to . Varying widely from country to country, both in quantity, but quality. A country, both in quantity, but quality. A common trend: librarians often being common trend: librarians often being assigned to behind-the-scenes duties more assigned to behind-the-scenes duties more than public services (Reference/Instruction).than public services (Reference/Instruction).

BudgetsBudgets. Also varying widely from country . Also varying widely from country to country. One extreme: well-funded urban to country. One extreme: well-funded urban university libraries with budgets in the university libraries with budgets in the hundreds of thousands or more. The other hundreds of thousands or more. The other extreme: libraries with no budgets at all (i.e., extreme: libraries with no budgets at all (i.e., $0), relying entirely on donations from $0), relying entirely on donations from NGO’s and outside donors for materials.NGO’s and outside donors for materials.

Southeast Asia as a region:Southeast Asia as a region:Staffing & BudgetsStaffing & Budgets

Southeast Asia as a region:Southeast Asia as a region:OpportunitiesOpportunities

Changing the nature of educationChanging the nature of education. By far, the . By far, the most common challenge is the phenomenon of most common challenge is the phenomenon of “the nature of education” producing a non-library-“the nature of education” producing a non-library-using student culture. Changing this requires using student culture. Changing this requires cooperative lobbying. Country library cooperative lobbying. Country library associations need to lobby ministries of education associations need to lobby ministries of education for change: library education and/or more for change: library education and/or more independent research incorporated into the independent research incorporated into the curriculum. curriculum.

Promoting the professional status of Promoting the professional status of librarianslibrarians. A step academic libraries can take . A step academic libraries can take toward this end is to begin more library user toward this end is to begin more library user education, to put librarians more in the spotlight education, to put librarians more in the spotlight as proactive information instructors as opposed to as proactive information instructors as opposed to passive collection managers.passive collection managers.

Thank youThank you