University Library Installs DOST's Info Kiosk

Beginning second semester of school year 2014-2015, the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Main Library will introduce a standalone information kiosk developed by the Department of Science and Technology's Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).

The digital library, known as the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS), contains thousands of science, technology and livelihood information in various formats. These resources are placed in a specially designed pod with a user-friendly interface.

STARBOOKS currently holds 500,000 titles of digitized journals, serial publications, reference materials, annual reports, theses and dissertations, technical and project reports, and directories of DOST-STII's library materials. It also contains over 170 videos from different DOST agencies, such as “Tamang DOSTkarte Livelihood Videos” for aspiring entrepreneurs. Video topics range from food processing to laundry soap manufacturing and other livelihood materials.

 This information repository is not accessed online and does not require internet connection. Its built-in server can provide simultaneous access to users who can save the digital materials they need on their standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) drives.  They can also print their selected materials.

To prepare for the kiosk's launching, library staff Mrs. Myra Villanueva, Mr. Rey Dennis Caballero, Mrs. Sarah Angiela Ragay and Mr. Rodney Teves attended a training at the DOST Office in Barangay Daro on October 21.

STARBOOKS, as an education innovation, is in keeping with STII's aim for providing the public with relevant and timely science and technology information.