Henry Luce III Library Director Ma. Cynthia Peleña, RL, MLIS and two professors of the Library and Information Science (LIS) program of the School of Graduate Studies, Ana Mae B. Cantel, RL, MLIS and Dr. Reysa Alenzuela, MLIS; presented at the Eurasian Academic Libraries Conference (EALC) 2020 last September 30 to October 2 hosted by the Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan.

The theme of the conference was “Alive to Changes: Engage. Embrace. Ensure.” Due to COVID-19. the event was held online.

According to the EALC website, “The Conference features distinguished researchers and engaging speakers. The conference will be a venue for scientific discussion, constructive exchange of information, best practices, and lessons, through oral and poster presentations. In addition, a range of special workshops and lightning talks aim to attract participants on wider issues of future-ready libraries and library professionals.”

Their paper entitled “Developing a Competency Index for Librarians: Benchmark for Capacity Building, LIS Education, and Continuing Professional Development” won the Best Paper Award. The paper is a case study of two associations: the Vanuatu Library Association and Southeast Asia Theological Librarians. The research describes how the competencies of the two associations were created and explains the steps in developing a competency index that can be applied in a country or a region. Part of the study was also done in collaboration with the Association of Theological Education in Southeast Asia (ATESEA).

Full text of the paper available here (pages 59-73): https://nu.kz.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=33205894

The Best Paper Award is given to the paper judged to have made the most significant, fruitful, and exemplary contribution in the entire duration of the conference. Criteria include the following: significance of the paper; the extent to which the paper is interesting or original; a theoretical contribution to the field; use of the appropriate methodology; and quality of writing and/or presentation.

Ana Mae Cantel is currently the Course Coordinator and a full-time professor for the Library and Information Science (LIS) program. Dr. Reysa Alenzuela is teaching for the Masters in LIS program and is also a Consultant for the Henry Luce III Library.