SLA Hawaii-Pacific Chapter Newsletter

April 2004

PIALA 2003 in Pohnpei, Federated State of Micronesia
by Franda Liu

More than 80 librarians, historians, and researchers representing a broad spectrum of Pacific cultural heritage came together on the beautiful island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia for the 13th Annual Conference of the Pacific Islands Association of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (PIALA), November 3 - 8, 2003.

Jean Barnwell, Pacific Specialist, Hamilton Library at UH, presents
her keynote address at the opening ceremony.

The theme of PIALA 2003 was “Voyaging from the Past, to the Present, and into the Future: Knowing Your Heritage." The conference was carefully planned with a good variety of topics, focused on the role and collaboration of libraries, museums, archives, and local historical preservation agencies across the Pacific. Four excellent pre-conference workshops were given: Basic Cataloging, Electronic Cataloging, Strategic Planning to Fundraising, and Disaster Planning and Recovery. More than 30 general and concurrent sessions were well attended at different conference locations. At times, participants had to make hard choices in choosing between so many sessions that covered a broad range of topics on information literacy skills, digital library building, electronic resources management, preservation through prevention, grant proposal writing, staff development, and training opportunities. Everyone treasured this great opportunity to absorb as much as possible, and most importantly, to share as much as possible.

During the conference, there were interesting field trips to the College of Micronesia-FSM Library’s Learning Resources Center, the Micronesian-Pacific Collection, the Trust Territory Archives, the U.S. and U.N. documents collection; the Pohnpei Public Library; the Maritime Museum; the Lidorkini Museum; the Micronesian Seminar; the FSM National Archives, and the FSM Congress Library. The tour of the Nan Madol ruins, with the other sights listed above, made Pohnpei a true wonderland of rich cultural and historical experiences.

The highlight of all site visits was the special one paid to the family of the late founder of PIALA, Mr. Dakio Syne, on the anniversary of his death. Dakio served as the first PIALA president and was the only Micronesian who earned a professional degree in librarianship. Dakio will be remembered for his long-term contribution to PIALA.

As always in the Pacific region, the spirit of generosity and hospitality reached to everyone, no matter where they were from. The beautiful flowers, the lovely singing, the local food, and the kindness made PIALA 2003 one of the most memorable experiences. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest respect and admiration for all PIALA members, especially the Planning Committee Chair Carmina Lihpai. Her personal courage and her team members’ professional dedication serve as models for us all. Many thanks also extend to Jean Thoulag, Dr. Rufino Maurizio, Bruce Roberts, and Penny Weilbacher of Friends of Pohnpei Public Library.

The group visits FSM Capital Complex.


Marshallese librarians view WWII photos during the
visit to Micronesian Seminar.

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