The Philippines’ first digital science library – the internationally recognized STARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station – is set to connect with more Filipinos as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), formalizes its partnership with the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) on July 25, 2015 as part of DOST’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).
Under the partnership, pilot municipal libraries in Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, Marikina, Malabon, Navotas, Las Piñas, Makati, Taguig, Tondo, Mandaluyong and Pateros will be able to beef up their library resources with the addition of STARBOOKS with NLP content into their collection.
Developed by STII, STARBOOKS is a user-friendly digital library which may be accessed without Internet connection. It contains local and foreign science and technology resources in text, video, and audio formats. Included in its contents are Britannica Ultimate Encyclopedia, journals, investigatory materials, and livelihood videos, covering topics such as food and nutrition, health and medicine, energy, environment, livelihood technologies, and others.
“STARBOOKS is our humble contribution to the world of education and science,” DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo said during STARBOOKS’ launching in April 2011. “The fact that time and distance have been neutralized as limiting factors for undertaking research is a big benefit especially for our young, intellectually curious minds,” he noted.
Recently, STARBOOKS earned the nod of the international community when it was awarded with the American Library Association Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects last June 29, 2015 at the International Librarians Reception, San Francisco Library in San Francisco, California.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between DOST and NLP will take place during the STARBOOKS Stakeholder’s Convention at Forum Hall 2 of SMX Convention Center in Pasay City during the five-day run of NSTW from July 24-28, 2015.
Aside from students and science buffs, STARBOOKS is also a useful tool for scientists, researchers, technopreneurs, and other S&T professionals. Several schools and LGUs across the Philippines’ 17 regions are now designated STARBOOKS sites.
The STARBOOKS Stakeholder’s Convention is just one of several activities lined up for NSTW. Organized by DOST, NSTW is an annual showcase of Filipino inventions and innovations featured in interactive exhibits, product displays, fora, launchings, and others. For more information, log on to www.nstw.dost.gov.ph and www.science.ph. Admission is free. #nstw2015 #dostph #sciencelibrary (S&T Media Service)
