DOST-MMSU kiosk to offer thousands of S&T e-materials

By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

 

Students of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) will soon have access to thousands of digitized science and technology resources through an internet-free information kiosk to be installed at the university main library. 

 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Region I and MMSU have agreed to put up the Science and Technology Academic and Research Based Openly Operated Kiosk (STARBOOKS) in the university.

 

STARBOOKS is a stand-alone information source that provides science, technology, and innovation-based content in various formats (text and audiovisual) placed in specially designed “pods” set in a user-friendly interface. 

 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis and DOST Regional Director Armando Q. Ganal agreed to implement the project by signing a memorandum of understanding on May 13 at the university main library. Ganal was represented by Mr. Gerald U. Gabriel, science research specialist of DOST Region I.

 

In the agreement, the DOST Region I will provide the STARBOOKS system and will train MMSU librarians to operate the information kiosk. For its part, the university will provide the supplies and materials like computer units, pod, and space needed for the digital library. 

 

In his video message, Dr. Ganal thanked MMSU for its support to DOST’s programs, thereby helping the agency bring science to the people. He also lauded the university for championing the adoption of innovate technologies in upgrading its educational system. 

 

PSCA said the STARBOOKS complements the university’s flexible learning system and smart campus initiative which includes digitizing learning materials, thus modernizing the library system. 

 

She added the information kiosk will also be extended to its stakeholders, particularly high school students who visit MMSU for science immersion. 

 

MMSU Library System Director Eliza Villarin said the project reinforces the university’s compliance to the requirements for libraries of higher education institutions stated in CHED Memo Order No. 22, series of 2021. 

 

The STARBOOKS was launched by the DOST’s Science and Technology Information Institute in 2011 to cater those who have limited or no access to S&T information resources. Currently, thousands of kiosks were installed in various schools in the country. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)
 

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