Please tell us about your research.

My work as a visiting research scholar at CSEAS is titled “Cremation Volumes in Thailand: A Case Study of the Thammasat University Library Collection, Thailand.”  For seven years, I have worked with the Thammasat University Library Rare Books Collection, which includes Thai funeral books. I provide information resources to researchers, among them postgraduate students and instructors. In addition to the usual responsibilities of reshelving books and providing materials upon request, librarians must also guide and counsel users. The memorial volumes I work with have been digitized and uploaded to the Thammasat University Digital Collection database (TUDC). Containing folklore, recipes, medical advice, personal anecdotes, and other information of sociological and historical interest, these funeral volumes are invaluable resources. By examining and analyzing biographical aspects of the subjects, illustrations, and contents, unique elements of Thai culture are revealed. The goal of the research is to provide useful information and assistance to fellow librarians as well as scholars interested in the social sciences and related matters.

How many research themes do you have?

The main theme is the concept of the library, information, and documentation studies. In addition, I am working on newspaper scanning and microfilm conversion as topics of interest. I am also researching the preservation and conservation of library materials, and exploring user behavior as well as user experience with library services.

Why do you find your research topic interesting?

Cremation volumes are seen as a significant resource for studying Thai history. Researchers use them as a reference in their published works. These funeral books generally consist of three principal parts: a biography, individual content, and memorial speeches by relatives and friends. Each section contains unique characteristics for analysis. Illustrations, especially photos of the subjects and their families, as well as maps, can be precious resources. Sometimes surprising or revelatory narratives as uncovered in the volumes.

How did you get started in your research and how did you come to focus on your current research?

The official vision statement of the Thammasat University Library is to be an organization promoting ubiquitous learning and research anywhere, anytime. We are currently transferring printed materials into digital format. Academic works, journals, and textbooks by TU lecturers and students are being processed. My research began with checking book duplication before digitizing. Most Thai memorial booklets contain sections entitled Wisdom of the Departed. I have examined over 7,000 volumes with the help of colleagues, compiling a data set with the aim of making this information available to users. In this way, librarianship can enhance the knowledge of researchers.

Have you had any difficulties in putting together the results of your research into a research paper or book?

As a full-time librarian for many years, exploring books and reading and collecting data are pleasurable activities. Difficulties in research and writing sometimes arise related to English writing abilities, which are a work-in-progress for most Thai university staff, including most professors.

What is your must-have gear for field research and writing?

Since I work by exploring e-books in a database, a fast and stable internet connection is the most necessary element. Web OPAC and library online databases are essential sources of information. I use a laptop with a large external screen for searching and writing and an iPhone for making quick notes. Less formal but necessary gear include my eyes, contact lenses, aromatherapy scents, and a clear mind.

What books can you recommend to a younger people?

Among introductory books about historical research that target younger readers, I recommend the new study Thailand, A Struggle For The Nation by Charnvit Kasetsiri. This is a basic introduction to modern Thai history by a distinguished Thai historian who is former rector of Thammasat University. Our library is honored to be the recipient of Professor Charnvit’s personal library, which is shelved in a special room and is available in circulating form for our students. Books from the personal library of another distinguished historian, Benedict Anderson, are also part of this collection. Another title that I recommend was originally written for the benefit of Japanese students, A Life Beyond Boundaries: A Memoir by Benedict Anderson.

What is your ideal image of a librarian?

At the Thammasat University Library, many senior librarians might serve as role models, whose dedication and professionalism I respect. I think of them when I suggest that for librarians, reader satisfaction must be the top priority. Technical librarians must provide precise and accurate cataloging to make library resources easily retrievable and meet user needs. To achieve good service, service-mindedness is necessary. Librarians should treat all readers with high-level customer service, surpassing expectations. They must seek and evaluate resources to maintain library collections for supporting different fields of study. In addition, it is vital to clearly respond to research questions and recommend pertinent data sources. 

 What would you say to people who want to become librarians?

It is thought that most librarians choose their profession because they love books. However, librarians must deal with many subjects apart from books. Problem-solving is an essential skill. A librarian’s work varies according to the organization. School librarians should encourage children to love reading. University or special library jobs can be more complex, requiring skills not previously imagined that lead to continual intellectual and emotional self-improvement. Librarians are essential for readers to achieve their goals. You will be proud to see achievements by students and other researchers that you have helped.

 What ambitions do you have for the future?

I hope to continue microfilming and digitizing back-issue newspapers, as these resources are quickly deteriorating due to temperature, humidity, and related issues. In addition, I hope to boost inter-library cooperation to improve service levels, share information resources, and promote learning by exchanging work experiences related to sustainable organizational development. As librarians, we can contribute to educational quality, making every day a happy day.

(September 2022)

References

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Charnvit Kasetsiri. 2022. Thailand: A Struggle for the Nation. Singapore: ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.

Anderson, Benedict R. O’G. (Benedict Richard O’Gorman). 2018. A Life Beyond Boundaries: A Memoir. London: Verso.

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