Last April 4, 2016, the library staff visited libraries in Manila as the department’s benchmarking activity for the year. It aimed to improve the library operations particularly its services and facilities. The tour was made possible through the support of the administration and the help of some of the friends of the library. The group dropped by at De La Salle University Library, University of Santo Tomas Miguel de Benavides Library and the libraries of San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila.
The De La Salle University Library called “The Learning Commons” is located at the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall as it occupies part of the 5th floor, as well as the 6th to the 13th floors of the building. Ms. Ana Maria B. Fresnido, the University Library Director welcomed and personally toured around the Josenian visitors. She shared that building strong linkages and partnerships with the alumni and varied sectors in the society contributed much to what made their library to what it is today. These things helped them to face challenges and adopt necessary changes brought about by technology and clients’ needs.
The next stop was at UST Miguel de Benavides Library, named after its founder, Fr. Miguel de Benavides. A short video presentation was done facilitated by one of their librarians, Mr. Edward Puzon. The library’s first collection 300 years ago were the private collection of the founder himself and from few contributors. This library is known for its rare materials especially the Filipiniana Rare and their Spanish Collections and among others. They are also recognized for their method of preserving, conserving and reformatting their rare and archive collections.
