NEWS

Ms. Juana L. Abello - a “Distinguished Thomasian Alumna”

by Ms. Rosemary B. Balbin

December 2021

MS. JUANA L. ABELLO, a former chief librarian of the University of Santo Tomas (1967-1997), was recognized during the 6th "Distinguished Thomasian Alumni Night” (DTAN) given by the UST Alumni Association, Inc. (USTAAI) in partnership with the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR). This was held on November 27, 2021, via live streaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom.

Ms. Abello obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, major in Library Science, Class of 1952. She was also a professor at the UST College of Education. She was nominated and selected by the College of Education Alumni Foundation, Inc. (CEAFI) as the recipient of DTAN for the field of Library and Information Science. Four more Education alumni were awarded the same distinction in their respective fields.

We cheered for you, Ma’am Abello. It was an honor to have worked under your leadership and guidance. You were a hard-working and dedicated role model in the Library who had motivated us all to become better individuals. Your perseverance, flaunted with grace and confidence, is truly admirable. Indeed, a beautiful lady inside-out! You will forever be an inspiration to us, and for sure, to the younger breed of librarians as well.

Your Miguel de Benavides Library family is truly proud of you! We are beyond grateful to you for being an awesome boss to us all.

Official statement on the UST Miguel de Benavides Library's response to the Covid-19 pandemic

by UST Miguel de Benavides Library Administration

August 7, 2020

Official Statement

The UST Miguel de Benavides Library is committed to supporting the informational needs of the Thomasian community with timely access to its continuously expanding collection. Keeping its patrons’ learning needs is the top priority of the Library ever since. Today, at this time of global health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never stopped providing services virtually to reach more library users as presential services were suspended in the University to contain the spread of the virus. The Library building may be physically closed, but the library staff is continuously providing and expanding its digital services which can be availed of by its patrons remotely.

In fact, since the start of the quarantine last March up to May 2020, the library staff has been addressing the queries and needed resources of the faculty members and students. Online reference service and support have been provided; access to library accounts has been extended, and access to electronic resources has been promoted and made accessible 24/7 for all the Thomasians. Since the beginning of the special term in the University (June-July 2020), the library has been enhancing the print and electronic resources to bring them closer to the users since they were not allowed to enter the campus.

Please note that for 1st term academic year 2020-2021, there has been a 50% reduction in the library fee of every student. This reduction may affect the maintenance of all our electronic resources, though we have been assured by the University authorities that we will receive the assistance needed and so not to be forces to cancel some of our subscriptions (journals and databases).

The library fee of every student has always been put into good use. We understand your complaints, but rest assured that all fees the Library collects from its students are returned to them by providing flexible services to give access to these significant resources even at these uncertain times. In effect, the Library is presently engaged in full-time preparation for the new normal. Guidelines for the different services for this new academic year have already been release. (Please check this link https://bit.ly/USTLibGuidetoNewNormal.)

In these challenging times for education, the UST Library is becoming even more essential for the enhanced virtual teaching and learning mode in the University. It faces the new reality with resilience to respond to this crisis. The Library will do its best to be more dynamic, creative, and responsive in giving its best service than ever before. It will always remain engaged, connected, and committed to supporting the information needs of every Thomasian.

Thank you very much!

UST MIGUEL DE BENAVIDES LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION

August 7, 2020

Recuerdo de Filipinas: an exhibit

by Ms. Marivic G. Usita

January 30, 2020

The exhibit at the lobby of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Miguel de Benavides Library ushers everyone to a journey to walk through the Philippine cultural landscapes entrusted to the University through the Miguel de Benavides Library by the Pichon Family and Robert Biggert. The collection consists of postcards, books, and maps depicting Philippine culture and the presence of the United States of America in the Philippines during the 19th Century. This is in collaboration with Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomás (AUST) and the UST Museum. Also exhibited are historic stamps from the UST Museum and from the Archivo del Convento de la Santa Cruz de los Padres Dominicos de San Juan del Monte, M. Manila, and important letters from the holdings of the AUST.

The opening of the exhibit Recuerdo de Filipinas was held last January 30, 2020, and formally launched with a short program. The Invocation was led by the Assistant Chief Librarian Ms. Diana V. Padilla. Chief Librarian Ms. Maria Cecilia D. Lobo in her welcome remarks, said that “Recuerdo means memory and remembering,” and added that, "nowadays, most millennials are on the internet, web chat, text messaging, and other means of social media that they are no longer aware of the traditional way of communicating with their loved ones."

The inspirational message was delivered by Mr. Gilbert B. Javier, chief of staff, Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), on behalf of Hon. Joel L. Otarra, postmaster general and CEO. Jenneth Capule, exhibit curator, provided an overview of the exhibit. According to her, sending of postcards is bringing back to an era of communication of sending messages through mail delivery, unlike today, where sending letters to anyone and anywhere is just “in an instant!” Mr. Expedito Pichon was the Pichon family representative who expressed his gratitude to the University through the UST Miguel de Benavides Library. He likewise thanked the former and present chief librarians who supported the turn-over of their postcard collections and other valuable Filipiniana collections.

The word of thanks was delivered by Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., prefect of libraries. He expressed the University’s gratitude to the Pichon family for entrusting significant historical personal collection of Erlinda Pichon and Robert Biggert and to the collaborators: the UST Museum, UST Archives, the Philippine Postal Office, different departments of the University, and the library administrators and staff for their dispositions to make the exhibit possible. He added that the small exhibit is intended to acquaint present students with the traditional way of sending postcards as a means of communicating with friends and relatives to any part of the world. Assistant Professor Anna Maria Gloria S. Ward, a faculty member of the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the executive director of the Anargyroi: UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST FMS) Foundation Inc. (AFI), was the emcee during the program. The College of Accountancy Singers rendered wonderful performance for the affair. Ribbon-cutting preceded to formally open the exhibit.

The theme and the title Recuerdo de Filipinas lithographed by C. Martin, Manila inspired two postcards found among the collections that belong to the period called the “Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901)” which are considered rare.

The highlight of the exhibit was divided into three sections: I. People and their Culture - depicts cultural life: the everyday life showcasing the economy, industry, education, and transportation during the 19th century; II. Architecture - represents some of the Philippine architectural styles that developed through the centuries; and III. Mindanao - traces the Pichon’s homage, the Davao Oriental; the collection highlighted the natural and cultural heritage of this region.

Books, maps, stamps, letters, memorabilia, and other materials from the collection feature the American interests in the Philippines in general and those that are related to the exhibit. Included also are collection of letters along with postcards signed by important personalities like St. Pope Pius X, King Alfonso XIII of Spain, Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P., and Arthur McArthur.

The interactive postal activity is in coordination with the UST Post Office which allows visitors to experience the old tradition of sending their chosen postcards with varying sceneries/designs to anyone and anywhere in the world through an official mailbox found at the exhibit; cost is at ₱50.00 per postcard.

The effort of putting up the exhibit was through the hard work of the following:

Consultants: Architect John Carlo L. Sayco, assistant director, UST Museum; and Ms. Rona Catherine R. Repancol, faculty member, National Service Training Program (NSTP)

Committee Members: Jenneth G. Capule, overall-chairperson; Lejempf V. Flores, Raquel B. Lontoc, Nora M. Matawaran, Arlene P. Matias, Edward H. Puzon, Jonas T. Sahagun, Juanita D. Subaldo, Marivic G. Usita, and Sabina C. Viernes

This event in the UST Library, which will run until May 30, 2020, leaves another significant memory both to the University and to Philippine history.

UST Library “alumni” reunited after a decade at the Balik Aklatan 3

by Ms. Rosemary B. Balbin

February 9, 2020

Library administrators and staff “ALUMNI” from across generations came back to the University of Santo Tomas campus and gathered at the UST Miguel de Benavides Library lobby for its 3rd grand Balik–Aklatan Homecoming aptly titled “Pagbabalik-tanaw, Pagdiriwang, at Pagkakaisa.”

It was held on a Sunday morning on February 09, 2020, coinciding with the celebration of the 30th year of establishing the UST Central Library Building. The event welcomed 140 guests and participants that included the former and present library administrators, librarians, support staff, and former working scholars (now known as San Lorenzo Ruiz scholars) who had rendered their expertise, services, and assistance in the University Library.

Even during the campus’ strict monitoring of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the Library took all the necessary precautions and preventive measures to blissfully proceed with this once-in-every-decade library tradition for the old and new “alumni” of the library to be back home once again. Participants wholeheartedly and excitedly reserved this special day and traveled long distances to mingle with former colleagues, re-live the good times, and have a happy face-to-face casual chit-chat with each other reminiscing their library experiences, and see what their friends are up to this present time.

The joyous event started with a concelebrated Mass officiated by three of the past and present Prefects of Libraries namely: Rev. Fr. Javier Arrazola, O.P. (1973-1978), Rev. Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P. (1991), and Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P. (1992-present). It was joined with a soulful choir composed of some librarians and staff and was led by Arch. John Carlo L. Sayco, assistant director of the UST Museum. Opening remarks was done by the Chief Librarian Ms. Maria Cecilia D. Lobo. Ms. Diana V. Padilla, assistant chief librarian and the event’s over-all chairperson, read the congratulatory message in behalf of Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., acting rector of UST, who conveyed his warm message for the jubilant occurrence of the Library where he mentioned one of the greatest writers in the English language, Jane Austen, and quoted: “Think only of the past as its remembrance gives us pleasure,” as his way of describing this rare decade reunion. Manila Honorable Mayor Francisco Domagoso, known for his screen name “Isko Moreno” also sent his heartfelt audio message for this much-awaited event. There were song performances, games and raffle prizes to the delight of everyone. Special tributes were given to former Prefect of Libraries, namely, Fr. Arrazola, O.P., and Fr. De Sagon, O.P.; and to the former Chief Librarians: Prof. Candida C. Agcaoili, Prof. Juana L. Abello, the late Prof. Erlinda F. Flores, Ms. Angelita P. Timbangcaya, and Ms. Estrella S. Majuelo.

“The Sagip-Aklat Rare Book Sponsorship Program” was later introduced by Ms. Jenneth G. Capule, head librarian of the Antonio V. Del Rosario (AVdR) UST Heritage Library, which aimed to seek assistance and support the restoration and preservation of the old, rare, and historic, timeless treasures of the Library. It served as a good cause and an important highlight of the event.

Many colorful emotions and nostalgic memories, interests, and thoughts were rekindled in the joyful Balik-Aklatan 3 reunion. Indeed, everyone felt the overwhelming happiness of seeing a family, a friend, a colleague once again. There were lots of pictures to share for everyone to see. However, the feeling of being actually present in person on that said occasion was way beyond that would definitely create lifelong and fantastic memories to cherish and behold. I guess everyone went home happy with refreshed relationships, and once again, re-connected. After all, that is the true essence of a reunion!

History beyond pages: a documentary on the UST collections

by Ms. Ginalyn M. Santiago

December 2019

The UST Miguel de Benavides Library, Antonio Vivencio del Rosario (AVdR) UST Heritage Library, and the Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas (UST Archives) were featured in the longest-running documentary TV program in the Philippines, ‘I-Witness’. The episode was entitled “Mga Pahina ng Kasaysayan,” which discussed the history and story behind the important documents and collections of the University. This was aired last September 21, 2019, Saturday at 11:00 p.m.

The team of reporters had an interview with Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., Prefect of Libraries, Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, UST archivist, and Ms. Ginalyn Santiago, head book restorer. Afterwards, the group was toured to the AVdR Library Conservation and Restoration Laboratory and had the chance to witness the state-of-the-art restoration process.

Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo, host of the said TV program, requested to view some important documents of the Archives like the fully written Baybayin script, the grades of Dr. Jose Rizal and the letter of Gen. Antonio Luna to his UST professor, Fr. Castro de Elera.

In addition to the Archives documents Ms. Aguinaldo had the chance to see the oldest book of the Library, the La Guerra Judaica printed in 1492 which is about the Jewish war, and the first printed edition of Rizal’s “El Filibusterismo” with the hero’s handwritten signature.

It is the hope of the UST administration that this documentary about the University’s invaluable historical collections would enlighten the minds of the viewers on the real value of these original books and documents that speak the history of UST’s 400 years of existence as well as the history of the nation.

Dr. Antonio M. Molina’s collection turn over ceremony and exhibit

by Ms. Lady Catherine R. de Leon

March 6, 2019

The turnover ceremony and exhibit featuring Dr. Antonio M. Molina’s collection was held last May 2, 2019 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Miguel de Benavides Library conference hall. Present were the University Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., Dr. Molina’s family led by his children Ms. Carmen G.A. Molina and Mr. Chaco Molina, his relatives, family friends, some UST Officials, ‘Friends of the Library’, and members of the Library staff. The donation, which was held on the occasion of Dr. Molina’s 100th birth anniversary comprised of over 1,000 printed books that were housed in the family’s homes in Madrid and in the Philippines.

The Deed of Donation and Gift Agreement signing was participated in by the Fr. Rector and Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., UST Prefect of Libraries, together with Ms. Maria Cecilia D. Lobo, chief librarian, Ms. Carmen Molina and Mr. Chaco Molina.

The UST Singers were invited to render a performance for the affair.

A glimpse into the life of Dr. Molina and his collection:

As recounted by his family

Antonio Memije Molina was born in Manila, Philippines on November 19, 1918. He was the first born son of Ricardo Molina, a renowned physician, and Consuelo Memije. He is married to Maria del Carmen Gomez-Arnau. The wedding took place in November 1950 in Madrid. The couple have six children: Carmen, Sofia, Pilar, Antonio, Jr., Chaco, and Teresa.

Dr. Molina died in Madrid on November 15, 2000, four days away from his 82nd birthday. Incidentally, on the 19th of the same month, they would have also celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage.

After studying in Colegio de San Juan de Letran where he took up his pre-law, Dr. Molina went to UST Faculdad Derecho Civil in 1940 to earn his law degree. In 1950, after graduating from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid with a Doctorate in Law (Sobresaliente, summa cum laude), he came back to the Philippines and served his country. From 1946 to 1970, Dr. Molina was a professor at UST where he taught Philippine history, civil law, ethics, philosophy, and Rizal studies. He was dean of the UST Faculty of Civil Law from 1960-1966. In addition, he became the University’s acting Secretary General from 1968-1969.

UST as Dr. Molina’s ‘home’

The Rector represented the Thomasian community in remembering the legacy of Dr. Molina as he delivered his welcome remarks. He acknowledged and thanked the family for choosing the UST Library as the recipient of Dr. Molina’s personal collection. Towards the end of his message, the Rector said, “we are happy that Dr. Molina’s book collection finds its new home at the University of Santo Tomas and with boldness, I could say, his ‘home.’”

“If I can be just ‘half’ the man” Faculty of Civil Law Dean Atty. Nilo T. Divina, Ll. B., praised his predecessor, saying that Dr. Molina is one of the best Thomasian role models. Thomasian lawyers look up to him as their inspiration. He mentioned former Faculty of Civil Law Dean, Augusto K. Aligada, who considers Dr. Molina as a “cultured person, a man of the world, a renaissance man.” In the last part of his speech, Dean Divina pledged that a memorial lecture will be organized by the Faculty of Civil Law in honor of the esteemed Doctor.

His Legacy

The Molina family was represented by Ms. Carmen G.A. Molina, who said “the event was ‘steeped in wonderful memories’. My father’s legacy may best be summarized with words he often used in his personal writings: LausDeo. His life, centered on faith, was in the service of his Creator. Devoted to family and country, he knew that by serving them he served God.

He was immersed in scholastic thought and embraced St. Thomas Aquinas’s commitment to truth, emphasizing definitions and essentials. As a historian, this led him to pursue original sources, and his legacy in this field would become one of rigorous research. This entailed, too, a forging of closer bonds with Spain, recognizing the real common heritage between the two countries. As a diplomat, he worked tirelessly for Filipino causes in Spain, his influence still felt by many among the Filipino community in Madrid and in the Spanish society.

Dr. Molina inspired his students and the youth he met by making them committed to their faith, and true to their heritage. Notably, his children owe their particular callings to his various facets: historian, lawyer, educator, writer, leader in Filipino-Spanish relations, artist (yes, he was an accomplished watercolourist as well).”

As Ms. Molina ended her speech, she said, “My father’s deep affection for UST as well as his commitment to scholarly work and quality education are the reasons why my siblings and I donate his personal library to UST. We hope that his books will be an enduring and tangible expression of our father’s devotion to UST.”

Dr. Antonio M. Molina : a ‘Tomasino’

On a similar note, Fr. Aparicio, O.P., expressed his gratitude to the family of Dr. Molina for choosing UST as the recipient of their late father’s collections. He also mentioned in his speech that many students now forget what a true ‘Tomasino’ means. He explained the meaning by articulating Dr. Molina’s article, ‘Pregio de Santo Tomas’. It was written originally in Spanish and Fr. Aparicio selected expressions from the article. As the Father Prefect quoted, “The noble figure of St. Thomas Aquinas as projects itself on our tropical blue skies; sitting on a chair as a master, he commands an imposing figure over the campus, so that all who pride themselves to labor in this field of the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, find the true guide in his teachings.” He also remarked the passion of Dr. Molina to his profession and to his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas.

He likewise thanked the past chief librarians who supported all his initiatives and definitely, the present chief librarian, Ms. Lobo, assistant chief librarian, Ms. Diana Padilla, the organizing committee, and the roster of ‘excellent’ librarians and support staff, all true professionals who also contributed to his personal development.

The Exhibit

The exhibit was in honor of Dr. Molina, showcasing the facets of his well-lived life and book collection which were displayed at the lobby of the Miguel de Benavides Library. Yours truly, Lady Catherine de Leon, Filipiniana Librarian, was the lead person for the exhibit. Other members of the organizing committee were JennethCapule, Ginalyn Santiago, Raquel Lontoc, Lejempf Flores, Jonas Sahagun, and the Heritage library staff. Featured in the exhibit are some of the books that have been donated, as well as personal memorabilia like the UST professorial and presidential medals given to Molina by former President Corazon Aquino. The exhibition showcased Molina’s formative years as a Thomasian historian, writer, educator, administrator, and diplomat.

Several books he had written are:

• -Yo
• -Jose Rizal, dusk and dawn in the Philippines : memoirs of a living witness of world war
• -Rizal : man and hero
• -The Philippines through the centuries

He also wrote articles published in ActaManilana, BoletinEcclesiastico and Varsitarian. The abovementioned books and selected articles were also featured in the said exhibit.

The display was until May 15, 2019. Afterwards, his collection were brought to the AntonioVivencio del Rosario UST Heritage Library, the section which houses the vast printed and historical collections of the University.

This was another remarkable event for the UST Library that leaves another significant memory of the University and the Philippine history as well.

The UST Library and the College of Architecture launch a “satellite library”

by Ms. Diana V. Padilla

March 6, 2019

The UST Miguel de Benavides Library Humanities Extension (satellite library) was inaugurated last February 26, 2019. The opening ceremony was led by Rev. Fr. Manuel F. Roux, O.P., regent, College of Architecture, Arch. Rodolfo P. Ventura, college dean and Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., Prefect of Libraries. The Library is for the exclusive use of the administrators, faculty members and students of the College of Architecture. It has been established upon the urgent needs and request of the College as expressed by its dean. The Library is divided into two: The Architecture Library Commons and the Workshop.

The Architecture Commons is located at the former printing press area, under Domus Mariae International Residence which has a seating capacity of 44 and consists of initially 749 printed books related to architecture and arts, all are for room use only. The Workshop is situated beside the UST Publishing House Office which has drafting tables and can accommodate 60 users. Both areas are air-conditioned and open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The rest of the books on architecture are available at the 5th floor Humanities Section, Central Library Building.

The UST Library and the College of Architecture are working together to maintain and improve its facilities and to provide an effective library service to its target clientele.

Fr. Roux and Arch. Ventura during the ribbon cutting ceremony

The Architecture Commons

 

The Architecture Workshop

 

UST Library, CE-Logic organize a seminar-workshop on Library Services

by Ms. Diana V. Padilla

March 6, 2019

The UST Miguel de Benavides Library in partnership with the CE-Logic Company organized a seminar-workshop on Library Services as Signifiers of Excellence on February 21-22, 2019, held at the UST Library Conference Hall. It aimed to discuss the trends and technologies in the field of librarianship. It was an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program with 14 CPD credit units and attended by selected UST Librarians, alumni, and other off-campus librarians.

Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., Prefect of Libraries, in his opening remarks said that there are two places in the UST campus that he can call a sanctuary: The Chapel where students soothe and nourish their spirit, and the Library where they nurture their minds. He welcomed the group with the feeling of joy as they participated in the seminar despite their hectic schedules.

The invited speakers were the executives of InfoManagement Specialists, Inc. (IMSI), namely, Prof. Salvacion Arlante, chairman and Ms. Fides Abad, director. Prof. Arlante was also the former University Librarian of the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City while Ms. Abad was the former archives head of Xavier School, San Juan, Manila. Both of them are retired librarians and are recognized by their invaluable contributions in the librarianship profession. Also, present in the seminar were Ms. Prudenciana C. Cruz, former director of the National Library of the Philippines and the current Head Execon of the National Committee for Library and Information Services - National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and secretariat of IMSI, and Ms. Rosemarie Rosali, another secretariat of IMSI.

The session started with a talk on Influences Affecting Trends in Librarianship by Ms. Abad. She tackled the environmental influences affecting the delivery of information, and various library user’s needs. She reiterated that the Library now should be considered as “the third place,” which supports not only the quiet study but social study and just general socialization. She also pointed out that librarians, nowadays ought to be guides and facilitators of information who understand patron demands and are flexible to technological change to deliver effective library service and satisfy users’ needs.

The second lecture, Learning Resources and Digital Management was delivered by Prof. Arlante. According to her, the new information and communication technologies have greatly influenced the Library and its management and services. With the rapid technological changes, academic institutions, educators and learners are utilizing electronic/digital tools to support learning. Thus, having a hybrid library which has both physical and digital collections is essential nowadays.

Then, presentation and hands-on trial on how to use and access some library databases which are being offered by CE-Logic were completed in the afternoon session. Afterward, a tour to the UST Library was carried out only to those who were interested in joining. The interested participants were divided into three groups based on their chosen area of interest (Heritage Library, Reference Area and Services, and Technical Section).

On day two of the seminar, Ms. Abad discussed Media Information Literacy wherein she reminded the group to be critical thinkers and effective communicators and active citizens in today’s world. She added that information from the media should always be checked and verified before disseminating it, to stop ‘fake news.’

The topic Competencies of Librarians for the 21st-century Clientele was delivered by Ms. Abad in which she emphasized that managerial effectiveness, personal attributes, and interpersonal effectiveness must be possessed by the librarians to stay relevant.

Prof. Arlante discussed the Librarians and Office Staff Productivity and Leadership. She said that it is the responsibility of library and office management (leadership) to discover the potential in each librarian and office staff and to apply the appropriate motivational strategy to increase productivity. She added that effective transformational leaders are necessary to embrace change and to move library organizations forward.

Lastly, Prof. Arlante talked about the Librarianship Towards Continual Professional Development. The continuing education program is necessary to sustain professional skills and knowledge.

The seminar-workshop was, indeed, enlightening and engaging due to the interesting topics and exciting group learning activities undertaken.

General Information & Reference Section transforms its space

by Ms. Raquel B. Lontoc

March 6, 2019

Libraries are always evolving. To remain relevant to their customers, it must continuously examine ways to meet the evolving needs of its users. At present, libraries tend to be always under pressure to create space. Space for active learning, social collaboration, and new services.

As the new academic year opened, a newly converted General Reference & Information Section (GenRef Section) welcomed its patrons. It transformed into a flexible learning space for information technology, collaborations, reading or study. Colorful tables, chairs, as well as, comfortable and inviting bean bags are placed in the area now known as the “Learning Commons.” Some electrical outlets are installed for charging needs of library users in relation with their academic requirement. Moreover, the gadget corner that was previously located adjacent to the General Circulation Section was transferred to this area to provide a more engaging facility for learning. Also, two Android tablets are waiting to be installed for the use of library patrons for easy access to the library’s electronic resources.

The GenRef Section collections which mainly comprises of printed encyclopedias, dictionaries, yearbooks, almanacs, manuals, etc. were transferred to an area next to the Old Books Section located at the ground floor of the library. On the other hand, the map collection is now in its new multi-deck rack found at the GenRef Section.

The transformed library space aims to bring together both the traditional and modern libraries by providing flexible spaces, thus, serving multiple purposes as a place for an individual study and an ideal venue for interaction and collaboration..

 

 

 

 

MDBL by the Numbers

by Ms. Raquel B. Lontoc

March 6, 2019

An academic library becomes effective when it meets its purpose of providing relevant information resources and quality services to meet and satisfy its users’ needs. The library, being the heart of the university, serves a vital role in the learning experience of its patrons. They say that a library that is not being utilized is as good as dead as it cannot justify its existence. Its continued relevance depends on the effective utilization of its resources and services, as well as, satisfaction from its users.

Amidst the changing role of libraries, the UST Miguel de Benavides Library continues to play its role by effectively providing relevant resources and delivering quality services. Last academic year 2017-2018, the library’s utilization was clearly manifested by the following data: there were 10,948,882 access to electronic resources remotely (excluding access from within the university); 129,493 views of the Digital Library collection; 8,756 printed books were acquired; 84,520 books were borrowed or checked out; 113,398 books and 7,900 printed journals were room used; 34,522 books and 6,214 times journals were photocopied; 97 library orientations and 202 database tutorials were conducted; 4,014 times the library’s discussion rooms were used; 213 document delivery requests were fulfilled; 32 library tours were facilitated; 29 use of facility requests were granted (conference hall); and over 950,000, visitors have walked through the library’s doors. Certainly, these numbers prove the very essence of the UST Miguel de Benavides Library’s existence.

Updates on Donations

by Ms. Diana V. Padilla

May 17, 2018

For the past years, the UST Miguel de Benavides Library has been receiving donations of books, periodicals, and other learning materials from different foreign and local organizations, private institutions and individuals. This helps the library to enhance its collections and thus to help its patrons with additional access to information and meet their research needs:

2017: Pichon Family Collection

Last September 29, 2017, the UST Library Administrators, Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., Prefect of Libraries, Ms. Estrella Majuelo, former chief librarian, and Ms. Ma. Cecilia Lobo, former assistant chief librarian, (and the current chief librarian of the UST Library) flew to Davao for the signing of the Deed of Donation and turn-over of the personal collections of the late Erlinda A. Pichon, a Thomasian from Caraga, Davao Oriental. The donation contains books, postcards, photographs, paper ephemera and glass slides. The signing was held at Café Amoree, Davao City wherein Erlinda A. Pichon (donor) represented by Expedito Pichon and University of Santo Tomas (donee) represented by Fr. Aparicio on behalf of Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P., Rector, signed the deed in the presence of Ms. Majuelo, Ms. Lobo and Ms. Leticia Pichon Militante.

Ms. E. Pichon is a co-founder of a non-profit Amauan Multi-Arts Workshop in New York City which operated from 1978 to 1998. In her service of two decades as Amauan’s unpaid director, she was honored at the Malacañang Palace as an Outstanding Overseas Filipino. During much of this time, she was a social worker and supervisor of the New York City Human Resource Administration.

 

Mr. E. Pichon (left) and Fr. Aparicio (right) as they sign the Deed of Donation.

 

2014: Thomas Colvin Collection

 

On October 1, 2014, the Library procured a fairly large number of print and research materials about 400 volumes, courtesy of Mr. Thomas B. Colvin.

 

Mr. Colvin, an American businessman, researcher and historian, generously donated his personal collection of books, several important documents and research articles and other materials. His research interests include maritime history, background and history of countries like Mexico, Macau, Spain and all aspects relating to the Balmis expedition, which details the campaign of Dr. Francisco de Balmis of vaccination against small pox and the introduction of the vaccine in Spain’s colonies including Cuba, Mexico and the Philippines.

 

 

 

(L-R) Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, UST Archivist, Mr. Colvin and Ms. Estrella Majuelo, former Chief Librarian.

 

The collections of the late Ms. E. Pichon and Mr. Colvin are housed at the Antonio Vivencio del Rosario UST Heritage Library. The UST Miguel de Benavides Library expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its library benefactors for their kindness and generosity.

 

 

 

Library Benchmarking in Spain and Australia

by Ms. Diana V. Padilla

August 14, 2017

 

The UST Library and the UnionBank of the Philippines through its partnership program Lumina Pandit sent Ms. Diana Padilla, head librarian of the UST Heritage Library, to Spain last June 1, 2017. The objective was to explore historical libraries and archives and to discover the best practices specifically on the preservation of its rich historical materials and other aspects in rare books library management. The activity lasted until July 13, 2017. Ms. Padilla visited the following Institutions: Biblioteca Nacional de España (Madrid), Biblioteca Historica Marques de Valdecilla – Biblioteca de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Real Biblioteca del Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Biblioteca de AECID (Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo), Biblioteca Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Archivo Franciscano y Ibero Oriental (Madrid), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - CSIC (Madrid), Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas (Avila), Convento de los Augustinos Filipinos (Valladolid), Convento de San Esteban (Salamanca), Biblioteca General Historica de Universidad de Salamanca, Biblioteca Museu Victor Balaguer (Barcelona), Biblioteca de Reserva de la Universitat de Barcelona, Taller Restauració and Centre de Digitalització (Universitat de Barcelona).

 

This activity allowed Ms. Padilla to meet, exchange ideas and share work experiences with the librarians who, like her, are in-charge of the historical collections. She said that all the directors, librarians, and archivists whom she encountered exude profound passion and commitment in their field. She realized that the existence of the nation’s history greatly depends on the librarian’s care, to ensure that the knowledge and wisdom embedded in those historical collections continuously radiate for future generations; a mission to be zealously fulfilled by committed librarians through centuries.

 

Likewise, the UST Library sent another five librarians to benchmark in Sydney and Canberra, Australia. They were: Ma. Cecilia Lobo, assistant chief librarian; Juanita Subaldo, head librarian, Humanities section; Rosemary Balbin, librarian of the Gifts & Exchange; Lourdes Fatima Ramos, head librarian, Junior High School Library; and Kristi Ma. Fevie Macasaet, assistant head librarian of the Science and Technology section. The activity started on June 29 until July 3, 2017. They benchmarked on the areas that concern the library in general such as: improvement of its services and facilities, development of library marketing and promotional activities, professional growth of the staff, and adapting trends in library technology. The group visited the National Library of Australia, University of Canberra Library, The Australian National University Library, University of Sydney Library, and Macquarie University Library. After their trip, several projects and activities have already been proposed to improve the UST Library’s services.

 

These worthwhile professional endeavors would not have been possible without the support of the University Administrators, Office of the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Office of International Relations and Programs, Library Administrators, and cooperation of the libraries and archives that the librarians have benchmarked with in Spain and Australia. Gratitude goes also to the UnionBank of the Philippines for supporting the travel of Ms. Padilla.