Mr. Tran Quoc Chiem, Head of the Judging Panel, remarked, “As librarians, working quietly alongside books and readers daily, participating in the Excellent Librarian Competition, they wholeheartedly and enthusiastically present the best of their unit’s books. The emotional faces on stage reveal that librarians have successfully conveyed the significance of the competition.”
On November 30, at the Dong Da District Center for Culture, Information, and Sports, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports organized the city’s first Excellent Librarian Competition 2023. The theme focused on the roles and responsibilities of librarians contributing to the construction of the “Cultural – Civilized – Modern” Capital.
Ms. Tran Thi Van Anh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports spoke at the Competition.
Ms. Doan Quynh Dung, Deputy Director of the Library Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism); Ms. Tran Thi Van Anh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports; Mr. Tran Quoc Chiem, Chairman of the Hanoi Cultural and Artistic Union; and Mr. Tran Tuan Anh, Director of the Hanoi Library, were present at the competition. Representatives from the Libraries of the Red River Delta, with leaders from the General Science Library of Hai Phong City, and the libraries of Hanoi, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh, and Phu Tho provinces were also in attendance. Delegates from the Cultural and Information Offices, and Centers for Culture, Information, and Sports from districts, towns, and cities also participated.
In her opening speech, Ms. Tran Thi Van Anh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, and Head of the Competition Organizing Committee, affirmed that libraries play a crucial role in societal life, serving as hubs for information and knowledge, catering to the educational, research, and entertainment needs of individuals and organizations. In this context, librarians assume the most pivotal role, in determining the quality and effectiveness of library operations. They act as the bridge connecting readers with the library. The utilization and thorough exploitation of library materials depend significantly on the librarians’ roles. Books truly become valuable when someone reads and studies them. A good library is one with many readers.
The Greeting Segment
According to Ms. Tran Thi Van Anh, the organization of Hanoi City’s 1st Excellent Librarian Competition 2023 aims to honor those dedicated to library work, demonstrating expertise, dynamism, creativity, and a passion for their profession. It’s also an opportunity for librarians citywide to network, learn, and exchange professional experiences while emphasizing the role of books, newspapers, and libraries in societal life. The event encourages cultivating reading habits and promotes the development of reading culture within the community.
This year’s competition involves 16 teams with over 300 participating library professionals. The teams undergo three segments: Greeting, Propaganda Skills, and Knowledge. In the Greeting segment, teams introduced the economic and social development potential, local heritage, culinary culture, and traditional crafts. They also highlighted their individual contributions to library work.
Propaganda Skills Segment
In the Propaganda Skills segment, participating units carefully selected outstanding library personnel. Teams closely aligned their presentations with the theme of book introduction, investing in creative ideas, artistic expression, program development, and rigorous rehearsal organization for presenting their unit’s books. The teams successfully introduced compelling and beneficial books, delivering their message with expressive tones and a confident demeanor, leaving a positive impression on the audience. Choreographed dance performances demonstrated creativity, spirit, and professionalism. Costumes and performance props were suitable, and aesthetically pleasing, contributing vibrant colors to the competition. Alongside timeless songs, many teams selected local songs to promote and publicize their regions.
In the Knowledge Acquisition segment, the teams showcased a clear understanding of library operations.
Knowledge Acquisition Segment
Mr. Tran Quoc Chiem, Head of the Judging Panel, remarked, “Every day, these librarians work quietly beside books and readers. However, when participating in the Excellent Librarian Competition, they devote themselves entirely to presenting the best of their unit’s books. The emotionally charged faces on stage demonstrate that librarians have effectively conveyed the essence of the competition.”
He also provided feedback for the competing teams: Some programs lacked a solid structure; visual representations did not align with the content; responses to situations and interpersonal skills were not finely tuned; some librarians faced challenges in promoting books, lacking emotional expression and persuasiveness. Despite these challenges, participation in the competition signifies a personal victory for library professionals. Transforming from librarians into wholehearted performers on stage, they not only exhibit a passion for books but also showcase singing, dancing, and comedic talents, delivering a spectrum of emotions and inspiring the audience to visit libraries for information and to indulge in books of interest.
Award Presentation by the Organizing Committee
After a vibrant day, Hanoi City’s 1st Excellent Librarian Competition 2023 concluded splendidly. The Organizing Committee awarded three First Prizes to Tay Ho District, Dong Anh District, and Son Tay Town. Six Second Prizes were granted to Cau Giay District, Ha Dong District, Hoan Kiem District, Hai Ba Trung District, Hoang Mai District, and Thuong Tin District. Seven Third Prizes were bestowed upon Phuc Tho District, Dan Phuong District, Bac Tu Liem District, Quoc Oai District, Gia Lam District, My Duc District, and Long Bien District.
Mai Phuong