by Alfred E. Dalmacio
Following a hiatus from the University Library's face-to-face events caused by the pandemic. The recently concluded library orientation was a resounding success, providing participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to make the most of the library's available resources and services. Setting up a hybrid orientation is a proactive step for the university library toward adapting to a changing educational environment. This initiative recognizes the ever-expanding knowledge boundaries for both physical and online library users, as well as the flexibility required to discover them.
With the theme "Let's Go TUKLAS: Navigating the Library Resources", the event was held on September 29th, 2023, at the College of Dentistry Auditorium. It attracted learners from diverse backgrounds of the academic and research community of UP Manila and PGH, including students, faculty, health professionals, and staff. The event is one of the ways the university library engages with the community to provide quality information in the right place at the right time.
The program commenced with an encouraging video message from Dr. Nymia Pimentel-Simbulan, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, and was followed by welcome remarks from Ms. Maria Nimfa V. Castro, the University Librarian.
The following are the key learnings from the event.
TUKLAS: an introduction to the library’s new search platform
A new library system was revealed. Tuklas, the new Online Public Access Catalog, was made public during the orientation. Interesting features were highlighted that maximized not only the resources accessible in the UPM libraries but also in some UP System libraries such as Baguio, Diliman, Olongapo, Pampanga, and Tacloban. Ms. Emelorna E. Delgado, College Librarian-in-Charge of the College of Arts and Sciences explained the system and demonstrated how to search available print resources in the library using the new platform.
The UP Manila Library
The library offers not just resources, but also an array of programs and services to assist the research and learning needs of the UPM community and the public. Ms. Marlene Patron, College Librarian-in-Charge of the College of Allied Medical Profession, led us through several UPM libraries, explaining their brief history, and what services they offer, and introduced us to the friendly library personnel of each unit.
The Library Website
Participants explored the new and improved look of the University Library website. Ms. Karrisa E. Volante, chairperson of the ILP Committee, and the main library's reference librarian, showcased every essential part of the website, and how users can utilize the available contents of the platform to their advantage.
Subscribed Online Resources
Aside from the UPM libraries' rich printed resources. We have over 40 online resources available for your academic and research requirements. Mr. Julius C. Carangian, librarian from the College of Arts and Sciences, demonstrated how users of libraries can access numerous databases via various means, including Virtual Private Network, OpenAthens, and Login Credentials. He also emphasized the University Library's all-inclusive search engine, the EBSCO Discovery Service, which allows users to access most of the available contents of our subscriptions through a single search box.
Prices and giveaways were distributed during the event, and this would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors, CE Logic, Libtech Philippines, and EBSCO. Ms. Gina G. Canceran, co-chairperson of the ILP Committee, wrapped up the event. Ms. Denisse Peralta, NTTCHP librarian, and Ms. Ronalyn Patricia Rosales, acquisition librarian, served as masters of ceremonies.
