THE ARCHIVO de la Universidad de Santo Tomas is taking a leap toward digitizing its collection of rare and historical documents with the launch of its official website on Wednesday, July 16, at the Miguel de Benavides Library Conference Hall.
The website, https://archives.ust.edu.ph/, is accessible exclusively to Thomasians until July 31 before the public launch on Aug. 1.
Acting UST archivist Fr. Gaspar Sigaya, O.P. said the new website would improve access to the University’s trove of archival documents.
“Now, we can explore our collection by our fingertips anywhere — local, international, and beyond,” Sigaya said during the launch with the theme “Archives @ Your Fingertips.”
“Through our fingertips, we can check our collection and uncover the stories that shape our past,” he added.
The website features the archive’s collection, announcements, and catalogues, along with instructions on requesting access to physical archival documents.
UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P said the website would expand the access of researchers, educators, students, and heritage advocates to the centuries-long history of UST and the Philippines.
“We are launching this digital platform for everyone to enter to a bold step toward greater accessibility, scholarly engagement, and institutional memory,” Coronel said.
“It opens new pathways for researchers, educators, students, and heritage advocates to explore and appreciate the vast and valuable collection that spans centuries of Dominican and Philippine history.”
Although the website is still in its early stages, Maricel Balais of the Office of Information and Communications Technology encouraged Thomasians to explore the website and provide feedback.
“We’ve taken a huge step to make the rich legacy of our quadricentennial university more accessible than ever before,” Balais said.
“Our main goal with this initial phase is simply we want to make it easy for you to discover and connect with the historical documents, photos, and artifacts that tells the amazing story of the University of Santo Tomas,” she added.
The official website was developed by Albert James Asuncion, Joshua Padlan, and the Santo Tomas E-Service Providers.
Also present at the launch were Chief Librarian Maria Cecilia Lobo, Assistant Director for the Office for Public Affairs Katherine Sibug, and the Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas staff and librarians.
