Geared toward real learning results, academic libraries play an important part in student success and meet high education standards set by the Commission on Higher Education under CHED Memorandum Order No. 46. To help local libraries step up to this challenge, Marikina Polytechnic College hosted a seminar-workshop on June 18, 2026. Held at the Academic Building, it brought together librarians, faculty members, school directors and technical staff from different academic institutions.

Ms. Angelee S. Domingo, MPC Head of Library Services, opened the program by explaining how the workshop’s theme, “Empowering Academic Librarians through ISO 21001:2018: Advancing Quality, Accountability, and Learner-Centered Services in Educational Organizations,” responds to today’s academic needs.

“As academic librarians, we play a vital role in supporting teaching, learning, research, and institutional excellence. Our commitment to continuous improvement and quality service makes this seminar both timely and relevant,” Ms. Domingo said.

Mapua University Chief Librarian Ms. Kimberly Ann O. Soria talked about the transformative role of academic libraries within the Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) framework and requirements from accreditation bodies like PACUCOA and AACCUP.  She introduced practical tools for success, including a seven-step process to align library services with specific learning outcomes, and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle as an engine for ongoing improvement.

During the hands-on workshops, participants practiced creating Key Performance Indicators that measure real student learning. They applied the PDCA cycle to everyday library services like teaching research skills, answering student questions, and building book collections. In today’s education landscape, librarians need to track how much students actually improve their research skills and evaluate the overall quality of the services they provide to the campus community.

Mr. Joselito D. Domingo, President of ABCLI and Director of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Library, encouraged everyone to carry the lessons of the seminar forward into their respective institutions.

“Let us carry forward the lessons that we learned today into our libraries, ensuring that our services remain relevant, reliable, and improving day-by-day. By embracing ISO standards, we strengthen our role as guardians of knowledge and champions of lifelong learning.”

MPC signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Aurora Boulevard Consortium Libraries, Inc. on January 12, 2018, and hosting this event reaffirms their solid partnership.