Iskolar ng Bayan

Quoted from upslissc:

In its 47 years of existence, the School of Library and Information Studies has shown indisputable strength: from the year it was established as the Institute of Library Science; then 2002 when it was renamed Institute of Library and Information Science; until last March of 2007 when it was finally named to its current name the School of Library and Information Studies.  In the years of its milestone progress and continuing development, however, the request of the School for its own building has remained and continued to be neglected.

The current location of the SLIS Community in the 3rd floor of the UP Main Library can no longer accommodate the growing needs of the School, especially with its increasing number of students and faculty members. The Student Council for example, needs to have its own office where the council can deliberate and organize its programs and events for the SLIS Community; an office conducive for working that will help the council to function effectively as student leaders of the SLIS student body. Also, the demand for official tambayans of our two local student organizations (UP FLIPP and UP LISSA) is essential. Aside from the fact that it will cater to their growing number of members; it will also serve as a place where they can effectively and efficiently plan their activities and programs. Sadly, these needs are remained unanswered given the minute space of the School.

Moreover, concrete conditions such as dilapidated ceilings, poor ventilation and inadequate facilities remain and continue to be a burden to the whole Community especially in fostering real academic atmosphere. The absence of a teacher and student lounge is also becoming a hindrance for both teachers and students to have a place where they can interact and mingle with each other. A lounge that will help both students and the faculty to exchange their opinions and accomplish their academic requirements. Furthermore, the limited number of classrooms results to a stressful schedule of classes. Security for both undergraduate and graduate students who take night classes is of primary concern. The small size of classrooms also cannot support large number of students. Take in to consideration also the dilapidated toilet rooms with very scarce water supply, the need for laboratories and mini-theater where we can conduct lecture series, round-table discussions and general assemblies.

The School of Library and Information Studies has indeed proven its caliber to grow and give great contribution to the Philippine society in the advent of Information Age with its ability to produce competitive library and information professionals. It is of great irony that as our University celebrates its centenary, the administration ha still been adamant to the needs of its local colleges.

The whole School of Library and Information Studies community will continue to stand united and firm on its call to have its own building. A building that will serve as a landmark of the SLIS which will give the School its identity and that will help in its further promotion and development of the field of Library and Information Science. A building that has been long-awaited and much deserved.