Association of Adventist Filipino Librarians (AAFL)

The Association of Adventist Filipino Librarians (AAFL) is a professional organization dedicated to the development and advancement of library and information science within the Seventh-day Adventist community in the Philippines. Established during the 2020 pandemic to foster collaboration and promote best practices among Adventist librarians, AAFL provides a platform for members to share knowledge, resources, and expertise in the field of librarianship.

The association also works to enhance the quality of library services in Adventist institutions across the country, supporting both academic and ministry-related research. Through workshops, conferences, and networking opportunities, AAFL strengthens the role of Adventist libraries in the Philippines and encourages the professional growth of its members.

The Dream that Started It All

Filipino librarians value family, both in their personal lives and at work. This sense of family was reflected when Adventist librarians in the Philippines first gathered in 2011, organized by Michelle Carbonilla of Manila Adventist College (MAC) and Mila Sales of the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP). Despite challenges such as distance and time, they formed the Adventist Librarians of the Philippines.

In 2012, the 32nd Annual Conference of the Association of Seventh-day Adventist Librarians (ASDAL) led to discussions of creating an ASDAL Chapter in Asia, although it remained inactive. The dream of uniting Adventist librarians continued, and during the pandemic, AIIAS Librarians reached out to fellow professionals across the Philippines to check on their well-being and share experiences.

This effort led to the formation of the Association of Adventist Filipino Librarians (AAFL) in 2020. Initially, virtual meetings allowed members to share how they adapted during the lockdown, and discussions about forming a professional association began. By 2021, the AAFL decided to function under ASDAL as a subchapter and to focus on building connections within the group. With a renewed sense of purpose, the association launched communication platforms and planned regular virtual meetings.

The goal of AAFL is to support and nurture Adventist Filipino librarians, especially during challenging times, and to grow into a subchapter of ASDAL, meeting the organization’s ideals.