THE UST Miguel de Benavides Library is not in favor of opening the central library for 24 hours during examination weeks, urging Thomasians to instead maximize its online resources and databases.
The library administration does not see the need for a round-the-clock physical library, noting that various resources and databases are always available on the library website, Chief Librarian Ma. Cecilia Lobo said.
“[We do not] discard the possibility. Let’s take a look and study it. If the students think the library hours are not enough, they can write us and request a dialogue. It would be better if we have the numbers,” Lobo told the Varsitarian in an interview.
Lobo pointed out that book borrowing statistics have declined, but online use has “tremendously increased” to no less than 10 million log-ins per year.
Lobo said demand from the students, sufficiency of human resources and material resources in the library should be considered in deciding on the extension of library hours.
The central library, a six-story building opened in 1989, operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It has 59 staff members, composed of three library administrators, 30 professional librarians and 26 support staff. There are also 80 San Lorenzo Ruiz scholars or student assistants working for four hours in three shifts.
Asst. Chief Librarian Diana Padilla urged Thomasians to maximize the electronic resources of the library, which could be accessed from home.
She reminded students that they paid for subscription to e-books and online databases upon enrollment.
‘Project Extended’
UST Central Student Council Public Relations Officer Nicole Naval presented in June a proposal for an all-night in-campus study area.
The council has identified two areas for the purpose – the canteen inside the Benavides (UST Junior High School) Building, which can accommodate 500 people, and the lobby of the Tan Yan Kee Student Center.
“We are proposing a study area, but not in library. In the Junior High School, the proposed study hours are from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. during preliminary and final examinations. Two weeks for prelims and two weeks for finals,” she said in an earlier interview with the Varsitarian.
The council is willing to shoulder the expenses of the project, which is still pending approval of the UST administration, she said.
