Introduction
The Robert B. & Metta J. Silliman Library System began its services with only two bookcases and one small room in Silliman Hall. From this humble beginning, the library collection grew steadily. Today, with its present magnificent edifice, some observers have been heard to remark that it could well be among the best in Southeast Asia. The library aims to equip itself with updated materials, facilities, and equipment in support of the University’s quest for excellence in all its academic programs.
The Library now holds more than 100,000 volumes of books on various subjects. It subscribes to local and foreign serials and maintains special pamphlet collections, namely, Filipiniana, Southeast Asia, and United Nations.
It also has a Sillimaniana collection which is housed in an air-conditioned room located at the southern portion of the first floor of the library building. Materials in the collection include the Weekly Sillimanian, Sillimanian Magazine, Portal, Faculty and Staff publications, and others. Various plaques and trophies awarded to the University, as well as, portraits of present and past presidents of Silliman University are also on display.
In terms of facilities, the Library provides individual study carrels for its users. In addition, there are also faculty study rooms for the use of faculty/staff members who are undertaking research work for the University, or writing their theses or dissertations. These faculty rooms are available upon application at the University Librarian’s Office. For group discussions, there are two discussion rooms available at the second floor of the library building, on a first come, first served basis.
For the duplicating needs of the library users, photocopying services are provided.
In line with the current awareness program, the Library puts out the Silliman University Library Bulletin (SULB). This publication generally carries bits of information about the library and its operations, and a listing of newly-acquired books and other materials.
The staff members, assisted by student assistants, carry out the library’s day-to-day functions and operations.
Mission
The Robert B. & Meta J. Silliman Main Library System aims to equip itself with updated materials in various formats, facilities, and equipment complemented with competent, responsive personnel, in support of the University’s quest for excellence in all its academic, research, and extension programs.
Vision
The Robert B. & Meta J. Silliman Main Library System will be the Resource Center of Excellence in the fast delivery of relevant, updated and automated information and research services not only to the bonafide Silliman students, faculty and staff, but also to the larger community of professionals, scholars, and researchers here and abroad.
