THE DOST-ESEP LIBRARY NETWORK Presented by Lourdes T. David, Director, Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University at the public forum on “Networking for survival: a sharing of consortial experiences” sponsored by PAARL, held at the World Trade Center, on August 12, 2004 in conjunction with the Manila International Book Fair.

Introduction The DOST – ESEP Library Network is a network of eight academic libraries in the Philippines. It was established in 1994 in response to the need to share information resources to support the manpower development program of the government in the area of science and technology. The implementing agency of the project was the DOST. ESEP stands for Engineering Science Education Project

Distribution and Composition of the DOST-ESEP Library Network Manila: 3 libraries: U.P. Manila Main Library, De la Salle University Library, and University of Santo Tomas Main Library Quezon City: 3 libraries: U.P. College of Science Library, U.P.College of Engineering Library and the Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University Laguna: 1 library: U.P. Los Banos Main Library Mindanao: 1 library: MSU-IIT at Iligan

Manpower Development Project Designed to develop faculty and staff in the participating institutions specifically in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, Statistics, Engineering and Geological Sciences.

Status of Member Libraries before Networking None of the libraries were using integrated library systems. All were using Micro CDS/ISIS for building their catalogs, indexes and OPAC. IT facilities were inadequate. Computers were not networked Books and other library materials were insufficient in quality and quantity Budgets were small Staff were not trained in use of ICT

Vision for the Network As an integral component of the DOST- ESEP manpower development project, the library network was envisioned to : – –Build complimentary resources through cooperative acquisitions schemes – –Become automated and interconnected – –Have trained staff on ICT use – –Share resources through interlibrary loan, document delivery services and reciprocal use – –Have Internet access

Objectives 1. To provide the member libraries with an integrated library system which they can use independently of each other while at the same time providing access to each other’s catalogs

Objectives 2.To build library resources and services adequate to support eight member institutions identified for the masters degree programs in science and engineering through a cooperative acquisitions program and efficient document delivery mechanism

Objectives To provide member libraries with access to the Internet and all its services To provide non-member libraries access to the network library catalogs via the public telephone system and/or any Internet service provider

Objectives 5. To achieve a widespread diffusion of skills in the use of IT by providing training for members and non-members and by acting as demonstration sites for other libraries wishing to automate

Concerns and Strategies Need for Coordinating Committees for administration and technical planning and implementation Inadequate library space Inadequate equipment and furniture Establish a coordinating committee composed of librarians and IT personnel from each participating institution Build new facilities Purchase equipment and furniture

Concerns and Strategies Poor book collection and poor and fragmented serial collection Library services not adapted to coming digital age Purchase books and serials. Fill-in gaps in serials collection, if possible. Share resources Review and evaluate services against institutions abroad with similar course offerings and FTEs for faculty and students.

Concerns and Strategies Lack of hardware and software for digital applications Absence of network infrastructure Absence of Internet access Purchase hardware and software for library automation Interconnect hardware Provide access to the Internet

Concerns and Strategies Inadequate staff Library staff not knowledgeable and unskilled in IT applications in libraries Need for continuous funds for network viability Recruit staff with IT skills Train existing staff on IT applications. Send them to local and institutions abroad for short term and formal training. Seek funds or ways of generating funds

Key factors to success Committee composed of head librarians of the participating libraries developed the plan and agreed to have cooperative acquisition, share resources through ILL and document delivery systems. Committee composed of technical staff from the participating institutions assisted the librarians in preparing and implementing the technology plan.

Key Factors to Success Common library system and hardware platform made interaction among librarians possible specifically during training and annual conferences Staff training was well supported by the participating institutions. Librarians and technical staff were sent for training in formal and non-formal training programs both within and outside the country

Key Factors to Success The PhNet was established and provided a vehicle for between and among the librarians and faculty Access to the Internet was made possible Reciprocal use of libraries was started and continued

Pitfalls The DOST-ESEP Network was born at a time when the Philippines was not yet set-up for a good data backbone. The speed of the PhNet was too slow for data access and transfer. Many librarians and faculty were not ready to embrace automation. The dollar exchange rate soared to unprecedented heights such that the materials that were delivered could not be paid for.

Conclusion It was successful because the objectives were met including online access even if the speed was very slow. The major accomplishments are in the areas of resource sharing, automation, and staff training. It spearheaded the development of automated libraries in the Philippines.

Recommendation Revitalize the DOST-ESEP Library Network but call it by another name and increase the membership. Although the good things that happened then are continuing, the Network needs to be re- energized specifically in terms of consortium arrangements re acquisition, cataloging, access and use.

Let us thank God for giving us another day to show we care for one another! Lourdes T. David