SLSU Librarians Join the 7th PLAI-Eastern Visayas Librarians Summit

The 7th PLAI-Eastern Visayas Librarians Summit, held from October 15–17, 2025, at Radiant Hotel, Tacloban City, gathered over a hundred librarians and information professionals from across Region VIII. Centered on the theme “Beyond Books: Innovation, Security, and Well-being for Librarians,” the summit provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and collaboration among library and information science practitioners.
Discussions focused on the transformative role of libraries in the digital era, addressing not only technological advancements but also the crucial aspects of information security and librarian well-being in an evolving knowledge landscape.
Representing Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Ms. Geanrose L. Colonia, Director of Learning Commons and Library Services, was invited as one of the presenters. She delivered two insightful sessions—“Innovation in Academic Libraries” and “Sharing of TULLIP Experience”—where she shared valuable lessons from her participation in the Transforming University Libraries Leadership and Innovation Programme (TULLIP) held in Singapore.
In her presentation, Ms. Colonia showcased SLSU Libraries’ innovative initiatives that reflect the university’s steadfast commitment to 21st-century learning, digital transformation, and user-centered services. Among the key innovations she presented were:
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Migration to a cloud-based Web OPAC, providing 24/7 online catalog access;
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Expansion of digital resources to support remote and hybrid learning;
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Implementation of an RFID System for gate security, book return facility, online circulation, inventory scanning, and attendance monitoring; and
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Introduction of online feedback and survey systems for continuous service improvement.
These innovations exemplify SLSU’s dedication to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring equitable access to information and learning resources; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the adoption of modern library technologies; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among library professionals.
Also representing SLSU at the summit were:
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Ms. Geonalyn C. Sumalinog, College Librarian I – Main Campus
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Ms. Lyca E. Siarot, College Librarian – Maasin Campus
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Ms. Love Lee S. Fernandez, College Librarian I – Tomas Oppus Campus
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Ms. Maria Elluisa Abajon Misa, Librarian – Tomas Oppus Campus
Their active participation underscores SLSU’s unwavering support for professional growth, innovation, and collaboration in advancing library and information services across the region.