A NEW “interactive” section is set to open in the Miguel de Benavides library amid a 10 percent-increase in library fees this academic year.
UST Chief Librarian Estrella Majuelo said a new section called “Maker Space” will be opened for Thomasians to interact through the use of different technological materials.
“Nagpaplano kami na mag put up ng isang area na interactive so kahit yung mga gagamitin na furniture doon ay talagang mataas [ang quality] to make it more conducive and enticing to the users. [M]edyo malaki din ang magagastos doon,” Majuelo said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
Majuelo said they will make use of the library’s vacant space in the second floor for students who wish to read using the electronic gadgets provided by the University.
The “Maker Space” project will be funded by the 10-percent increase in the library fee this academic year. The increase will also fund the library’s exhibits, facility maintenance and improvement expenses.
“Talagang nagtataas kami [ng library fee] dahil sa pagtaas ng mga cost ng libro tsaka mga online databases na sobrang mahal talaga. [Tumataas ang fee up to] 10 to 20 percent every year… [and] meron tayong improvements ng mga facilities, syempre yung cost nung sa mga suppliers, tumataas din,” Majuelo said.
Majuelo also explained that the cost of the online databases from foreign resources increased as dollar rate strengthened in the past year.
“Most of the online resources yung mga databases, dollar lang ang binabayad. Wala tayong nakakapag-produce locally ng mga ganong [online databases], wala tayong mabibigay sa estudyante kung di tayo [nagsusubscribe from] abroad,” Majuelo said.
Majuelo noted that almost 10,000 volumes of online resources were imported abroad this year.
The chief librarian also urged Thomasians to utilize library resources to maximize what they’re paying for.
“‘Yong mga estudyante they should maximize the use of the library para hindi nila ma-feel na sila ay na-aagrabyado sa binabayad nilang library fee,” Majuelo said.
