Pasay City –The Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA) recently installed STARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosks in its library to upgrade its services to students. STARBOOKS, developed by the Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), is a library-in-a-box that provides reliable and free science and technology (S&T) information to the public in an offline mode.
PHILSCA President Dr. Bernard R. Ramirez remarked that STARBOOKS “will enhance the data gathering of students taking up research subjects, and it will also enhance the research capability of faculty members.”
He likewise underscores the importance of having this kind of resource which they can use while their request for budget for research is pending.
He also committed that PHILSCA will contribute to STARBOOKS its own researches in the field of aviation.
To formalize the turnover of STARBOOKS, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on May 4, 2017 in PHILSCA Villamor campus by Arlene E. Centeno, DOST- STII’s finance and administrative chief representing Director Richard P. Burgos; Dr. Ramirez; and Engr. Arman P. Bionat, assistant regional director for technical operation division of DOST-NCR. The MOU signing was witnessed by PHILSCA College Librarian Dr. Estrella E. Yago.
Dr. Yago, when asked about the status of their library, admitted, “We have 10 computer units with very poor internet connection. Last semester we didn’t have Internet connection yet.”
She also said that although their library contains almost 10, 000 books, some students still struggle to gather information in the library. Paula Manzano, a third year aeronautics engineering student, said that three sections are sharing two books, and this give them very limited time to review.
Now that STARBOOKS landed on their school, Dr. Yago is enthusiastic that it will strengthen their collection especially on e-resources. She is also positive that STARBOOKS will give impact on the library accreditation in 2018.
Meanwhile, Manzano is excited to experience STARBOOKS, expecting a hassle-free data gathering compared with the current inconvenient online data gathering. Thankful for the printability feature of the data, “I can review more,” she excitedly exclaimed.
To give initial experience on the capability of the STARBOOKS, STII staff conducted training on how to use it. Representatives from various PHILSCA campuses animatedly took turns to explore STARBOOKS’ collection of thousands of S&T information materials which include books, journals, researches, and others, including livelihood videos.
DOST STARBOOKS TURNOVER. (R-L) STII FAD Chief Arlene E. Centeno, representing Director Richard P. Burgos, together with Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operation Division for DOST-NCR Engr. Arman P. Bionat and PHILSCA President Dr. Bernard R. Ramirez sign the Memorandum of Understanding of the turnover of STARBOOKS.
Dr. Yago successfully registers to STARBOOKS
Manzano who is hesitant to use online reference excitedly explores STARBOOKS and appreciates its offline mode.
STII staff give hands-on training to faculty and students
