User:Engglibrarian

The University of the Philippines College of Engineering Library (commonly referred to as EnggLib) is the service library of the College of Engineering (COE) in UP Diliman. At present, the library is housed in two locations: The College of Engineering Library I, located at the first floor of Melchor Hall (College of Engineering building), and the College of Engineering Library II, located at the ground floor of the UP Alumni Engineers Centennial Hall. The Engineering Library services the needs of the eight academic departments of the College: the Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Civil Engineering, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute, , Department of Geodetic Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.

History

Humble beginnings

The UP College of Engineering Library was established in 1931, twenty years after the founding of the College of Engineering in 1910 when it opened its doors to 22 high school graduates, in Ermita, Manila. It was closed during the Japanese War and re-opened only in 1946. A year after the College transferred to Diliman, Quezon City in 1948, Dean Vidal A. Tan and his family decided to start a library under a professional librarian wherein the collection mainly focused in all fields of engineering and engineering-related areas.

During the 1950s, EnggLib settled down in its permanent quarters, acquired equipment to facilitate the provision of more bibliographic and reproduction services to the growing library population. Engineering orientation classes were conducted and library bulletin boards were utilized to reach out to UP Engineering community.

In the 1960’s, changes like the creation of the Periodical Section and transformation from closed shelf to open shelves circulation were implemented. Updated listing of foreign and local serial holdings were also made available and donations from college-based organizations came into play. It was not all accomplishments though, these decade also saw the many losses of library materials due to theft and mutilation together with the lack of book funds and personnel. However towards the end of the decade, a good turn about happened, the Board of Regents finally approved the installation of a centralized air-conditioning system on the library. This eventually attracted more students and faculty to avail of the library services.

Transitions

Printed collection of specific subject areas of engineering like industrial engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, marine engineering, naval architecture and environmental engineering beefed up EnggLib’s library resources in the 1970s. More partners generously assisted the library in many ways like book donations, financial assistance for serials subscriptions and replacements of library staff who either were transferred to other unit libraries or retired occurred.

A greater turn of events happened in the 1990s, specifically in 1995 when the Department of Science and Technology - Engineering and Science Education Project (DOST-ESEP) Library Network was launched. This Library network was envisioned to build library resources and services in eight academic libraries and provide connectivity by means of the information highway in the Philippines, the (PHNet) which was the country’s gateway to Internet then. Fortunately, EnggLib was one of the eight institutions comprising the network. Major agreement included a cooperative scheme of acquisitions and that all serials purchased under the DOST grant will be housed in the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus. Engineering materials and science materials will be housed in the EnggLib and College of Science Library respectively on condition that the two libraries commit to continue subscription to the selected journals beyond the project duration. This absolutely assured no duplication for serials even if these titles will be purchased using funds outside of the grant and therefore housed in respective libraries. Reference materials however were duplicated in each member library as needed. This not only expanded EnggLib’s resources, it also widened the reach and scope of its facilities and services.

Gearing up

In 2007, a need to built a satellite library of EnggLib aroused specifically to serve the Computer Science and Electrical and Electronics Engineering Departments when these two departments moved to the Engineering Complex 2. Being the newest library, EnggLib2, as the library is more fondly known, had an enormous shoe to fill because students and faculty of these departments are among the most tech-savvy and information literate patrons in the Diliman community. With the leadership of its head librarian, EnggLib2 embarked on a well-planned journey into becoming one of the most dynamic and innovative academic libraries in the country today.

Three years later (2010), the two libraries were under one management and EnggLib moved towards becoming the best IT Library locally and globally by harnessing the power of technologies, developing new solutions suited to the ever-changing needs of its clientele and continuously finding new ways to improve its services with the increasing growth in student population, from more or less 2,000 students in 2001, to almost 6,000 students this 2013, in addition to the 273 Faculty Members.

Library Sections

Acquisition Section

EnggLib's Acquisition section is the major link that connects the library to its Faculty members. This section facilitates the selection, ordering, payment processing and accessioning of new print and non-print materials. Supervision, evaluation of collection and weeding out of non-serviceable library materials, including refurbishing of lost, damaged items as necessary is being handled in this section as well.

Administrative Services Section

The Administrative Services of EnggLib, is the primary support section of the Engineering Library. it is the most vital section in terms of providing assistance to the various front facing services of the EnggLib. It is through the administrative section that the necessary operating requirements, such as the procurement of supplies, furniture and equipment are processed. It is also the administrative section that addresses and manages matters regarding the personnel and finances of the EnggLib.

Cataloging Section

EnggLib’s Cataloging section is in charge of managing the overall cataloging operations in the library. The main role of the cataloging section is to provide bibliographic information for every material included in the library, ensuring its access and exchange of bibliographic and authority information. It also coordinates between the Acquisition section for the processing of newly acquired materials, and forwards it to the Circulation section and Reference section for the materials’ announcements. Though not really having that direct connection to patrons, this section ensures that EnggLib collection are accessible and available to patrons anytime and anywhere.

Circulation and Reserve Section

EnggLib's Circulation and Reserve sections house a vast collection of books covering all areas of instruction of the College, from introductory texts to technical textbooks on topics ranging from geodesy to electronics. On the Library's open shelves are books that may be loaned by students and faculty. These include multiple editions of key coursebooks and textbooks featuring detailed discussions of various subfields of engineering.

Set apart from the circulation collection, reserve books are often prescribed for certain Engineering courses and are available for room use or overnight loan only to allow more students to use them. EnggLib also houses a growing collection of e-books and provides access to the world's best digital library databases for engineering and technology. Users may browse and read them through dedicated kiosks and tablets which they may loan for room use. This is the Section that has direct connection with library patrons.

The iLib is also available at EnggLib. iLib, the University's integrated library system, provides online catalog (OPAC) searching features and the ability to reserve books online.

Reference Section

EnggLib's Reference Section houses handbooks, manuals, and technical documentation on various engineering topics. In addition to the books, the Library also provides access to electronic reference resources - encyclopedias, glossaries, manuals. Reference materials are also available in print and online. Thus scattered around the Library are computer kiosks that provide access to electronic reference materials through the e-Reference portal.

A dedicated reference desk is also set-up to provide personalized services to the Library’s clientele. Here, the Reference librarian is available to answer all queries regarding the collections, facilities and other concerns of EnggLib’s clients. The Reference Librarian’s presence is also made available online via chat or through the various social media websites of the EnggLib.

Serials Section

The Serials section houses EnggLib's continuing resources, from newspapers and magazines to scholarly publications from world-renowned publishers. To stay current, EnggLib is subscribed to national broadsheets and many international magazine titles. Scholarly publications are always must for any academic library, and EnggLib provides a wealth of resources - print and digital - for students, faculty, and researchers, from renowned publishers such as Springer and Elsevier and international professional organizations such as the IEEE. Clippings from newspapers are always a library staple. EnggLib has newspaper archiving further through the digital clipping repository. Engineering and technology articles from national newspapers, as well as articles written by Engineering faculty, are digitized and stored for quick and easy retrieval.

Thesis and Special Collection Section

EnggLib seeks to serve as, among other things, the repository of the College of Engineering's heritage. Over the years it has collected works by Engineering students and faculty, in both print and digital formats. The Library's thesis rooms house undergraduate and graduate student works, which researchers and other students may freely browse through to find information and insights relevant to their field of study. EnggLib also collects presentations, publications, and other works by Engineering faculty members in digital format for easy retrieval. These materials are accessible through the Library's faculty works portal.

The Learning Commons and Internet Facility

Among the unique facilities offered at the Engineering Library is The Learning Commons. Opened in early 2010, The Learning Commons houses Internet portals and workstations for multimedia viewing and production dedicated for Engineering students’ use. There is also an Internet Facility which also houses several workstations to supplement the students academic needs. These workstations are customized to feature various programs and applications every student needs to fulfill their academic requirements.

Records Center and Archives Section

EnggLib’s inactive, permanent and archival records coming from various sections in the Library are housed in the Records Center and Archives Section. Ensuring the proper appraisal, safekeeping, processing and preservation of these records are the main functions of this Section.

Information Systems and Network Services

EnggLib features a robust and secure network infrastructure and the management of this falls under the EnggLib’s Information Systems and Network Services section. Aside from the monitoring, management and maintenance of the EnggLib’s myriad hardware and software applications, it is also from this section that various in-house applications are developed to support the academic needs of its clients. The ISNS also is the one in-charge of maintaining the Library’s website and blogs.

Collections

Aspiring to become a true world-class research library, EnggLib gives premier importance to the quality of its collection. Its collection’s makeup reflects the curriculum and research foci of the College of Engineering. A testament of this robust collection is the more or less 65,000 volumes of printed materials, close to 30 specialized databases containing 17,258 scholarly and scientific journal titles, 1,822 e-book titles and more than a handful of open access online resources that are organized and provided access to COE stakeholders.

e-Resources

In addition to vast collection of printed materials, Engglib provides access to electronic resources - books, journals, lecture notes, and more. Major stakeholders have access to a wealth of high quality online research materials from world renowned publishers like IEEE Xplore, Taylor and Francis, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Wiley.

Moreover, there is a wide collection of technical and research engineering e-books such as, CRCnetBASE with 4 subject collection covering CHEMLIBnetBASE, ENGnetBASE, ENVIROnetBASE, and ITKnowledgeBASE available for access inside EnggLib. There are also Engineering e-books inside the Gale Virtual Reference Library, McGraw Hill Access Engineering and McGraw Hill eBook Library that gives users a wider choice of readings for their general engineering subjects and research.

EnggLib’s collection makes it a special library in a sense that it dedicates its collection development on the subjects of engineering, computer science, and information technology. It is worth noting that the sheer number of EnggLib’s collection may be considered a major feat as a unit library in UP Diliman.

Collection Development

To ensure a strong engineering collection in support of the academic and research needs of the College's stakeholders, EnggLib actively maintains close ties and works hand in hand with the Faculty Members through the Library Faculty Committee. The Library Faculty Committee in a way dictates the direction and composition of the EnggLib’s collection because Faculty Members decides on the allocation of funds in terms of print and electronic acquisition ratio. This partnership has also supported the EnggLib in terms of ensuring that its collection and services addresses the instruction, research and extension needs of the whole College.

EnggLib aggressively promotes collection building by conducting a bi-annual Engineering Book Fair so as to make selection easier for faculty members. By bringing the books closer to them this book fair sponsorship provides a narrower array of book selection thereby lessening the distance and time difference when attending regular book fairs outside Engineering premises. Although faculty are also encouraged to still participate and attend the annual book fairs sponsored by International and Local book jobbers.

Beyond these methods, however, the library has devised other ingenious ways to encourage active faculty participation in collection development. One is through the use of electronic mailing lists wherein aside from regular library announcements, list of books for selection, which have been formatted to contain links to online descriptions, are also sent using this medium. Book evaluation and selection is therefore facilitated in a convenient manner since faculty can simultaneously browse book titles, evaluate their content online, and send their purchase recommendations to the library in real time.

Another notable partnership with faculty members aimed at helping them become more productive in their research and teaching is the Kapihan sa Aklatan. It is an annual event initiated by EnggLib that is in a way a library orientation that includes a forum to inform the new faculty members on the use of library resources, facilities, and collections and to assist them to discover subject-specific and multidisciplinary electronic resources and update them with the features of upcoming online resources of the library. Personal and hands-on experience and feel of what is in store for them as COE Faculty Members are introduced to new and returning faculty members using this avenue. This is conducted by the library as a special service for the faculty, an assuring way that the faculty members are valuable EnggLib’s partners and contributors.

Local Collection

The Serials section maintains a collection of digitized Engineering, IT and Computer Science related news articles from three major newspaper titles -- Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Philippine Star -- which are stored, made searchable, accessible and downloadable through an open-source system. These newspaper clippings are focused on Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Science fields which are either written by experts of the field or COE faculty members. The incorporation of IT in the organization of management of these newspaper clippings provides added convenience for the researchers, eliminating the need to search through the usual file cabinets to access the actual printed materials. Since these electronic copies can be downloaded and obtained by the researcher, there is also no need for photocopying, as every clipping can be accessed by multiple users at the same time. Moreover, this helps the library save a considerable amount of space, utilizing it into better purposes.

Aside from collecting regular library materials, EnggLib also take into heart its role in collecting the intellectual output of the College in the form of undergraduate and graduate thesis and special problem, feasibility studies, plant designs and other multimedia collection which are all stored, made searchable and readily accessible to researchers. In addition to students’ research outputs, EnggLib also recognizes the significant contributions of the College’s faculty members in the advancement of academic research. This thought led to the development of an institutional repository known as the UP College of Engineering Digital Institutional Repository (UP COE DIR) that intends to provide a foundation for the collection of digital materials from the institution.

At present, UP COE DIR serves as the storehouse of the digital copies of published and unpublished journal articles, conference proceedings, book chapters and presentations authored by the faculty members. The library initiated to develop a local collection produced by our faculty member’s researches and their achievements aimed at strengthening further the libraries’ unique collection and wealth of materials, thereby helping stimulate more researches for the College of Engineering. It also has a built-in search and retrieval system in order to make the stored works easily searchable and accessible. By developing the Digital Institutional Repository, the library maintains its mandate as a local repository, as a guardian of culture and heritage of the UP College of Engineering.

Services

Trends and technological innovation has brought about changes in the way students learn and are taught. To be at par with this challenge, EnggLib has continuously sought to develop its facilities and services specifically to foster shared learning and collaboration among students.

Traditional library services are still being offered in EnggLib, with some services recreated and repackaged through implementation of IT related applications so as to cope up with the growing collection and expanding needs of the immediate stakeholders. An integrated library management system, iLib, created in-house using open source system, was set in place so that the library professional and administrative personnel can easily manage and organize the library resources and facilitate access, retrieval and servicing of these.

Having a pioneering spirit, EnggLib has become a test bed for new technologies as applied to libraries, as well as new approaches in library services. Examples of these are the implementation of RFID-enabled security and the use of tablet computers to provide access to e-books through specially-designed applications developed in-house.

Online Presence

Another concrete example is the EnggLib’s Reference Service, whilst offering traditional library reference services such as the usual ask-a-librarian desk, library orientation programs, and library tours, harnesses the power of new technologies to provide new and innovative ways to reach out to users and help them get the resources they need for their researches. EnggLib takes advantage of the social media to provide ubiquitous access to dynamic information resources and personalized services not only for its intended patrons but also for every researcher who may happen to come across the EnggLib’s online presence. Among the many innovations introduced through the Reference Section is the e-Reference Desk service. Users anywhere in the world with an Internet connection can inquire about the EnggLib’s resources and services through real-time chat, e-mail, and social media.

Social Networks

EnggLib has ventured on other means and ways to promote current awareness services. EnggLib’s official Facebook account (www.facebook.com/coelib) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/engglib) streams feature the latest library news and announcements, some of the best resources accessible within the library, and technology news and other useful information. The Orange Network blog serves as the avenue for Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), keeping subscribed students and faculty members posted on new library acquisitions available for circulation. The blog also serves as a medium to inform the faculty on the availability of books which they have recommended for purchase. This ensures that all faculty members and COE students are notified with EnggLib’s List of New Acquisitions. All of these are also integrated and made available via the one stop portal, the EnggLib website (www.engglib.upd.edu.ph), where detailed information about vast resource and diverse services can be accessed and maximized to their advantage.

Photo and Video Sharing

EnggLib also tries to be hip and adapt with the changing times. In order to reach out to the new generation and to a wider audience, EnggLib created various social media accounts which has a considerable large followers. Alongside, EnggLib’s Facebook and Twitter account is the Instagram account (www.instagram.com/engglib) which serves as a location-based photo stream for the library. EnggLib also has a Youtube account (www.youtube.com/engglib) featuring its services & facilities. These accounts serve as an extension of EnggLib’s reference service, and its online presence. EnggLib tries to personalize each online communication for every patron, and connect more with the young patrons. All of these social media are meant to reach out further to the wider library audience and provide different avenues for them to interact with EnggLib.

Information Systems

EnggLib upholds to utilize free and open-source technologies, and to develop in-house applications for the institution. This mandate doesn’t just save on library resources by taking advantage of free software and free updates from the valuable support of the worldwide open-source community, but also encourage the personalization and specialization of library services for our clientele. Creating in-house applications ensures that the library meets the needs of the institution and its clientele. Furthermore, all work processes in the library are systematized and duly documented. These processes are also periodically improved based on actual and evolving work practices as part of the systemization process of EnggLib.

Multimedia Bulletin Board

For those who frequently visit EnggLib, a hybrid bulletin board was also set in place to welcome user and promote its resources and services. This features the things one may expect from a traditional library bulletin board except that latest multimedia and Web technology are utilized to augment it. In the heart of this hybrid bulletn board is the EnggLibTV, a dynamic multimedia information display developed by EnggLib. EnggLibTV features library announcements, latest posts from the Orange Network, Facebook and Twitter account, the latest technology news headlines, and informative videos covering a multitude of technology and engineering sub disciplines. This method of communication with the users of the library not only offers quick information feed but also is environmental friendly in that regular announcements can be done paperless.

e-Resources Portal

More than the name given to the innovations inside EnggLib, these initiatives capitalizes on the application of Information Technologies available in our disposal in more than one way. EnggLib being among the pioneering libraries, maximized the availability of e-Resources. These are services that make use of Internet technology and web-based resources. Instead of spending thousands on Reference books that take up significant space, EnggLib introduced patrons to the E-Reference Portal, a dedicated workstation in the Reference Section that contains links to free and open-access reference sites, the content of which has been evaluated first by the library staff. Versions of this service includes the E-Journal Subscriptions Portal which offers a one-stop access point for the library’s online journal subscriptions, and the Local Databases portal which provides access to the library’s local digital resources. Today, all these were integrated to the e-Gateway portal, allowing onsite access to almost every e-resource of EnggLib. This portal was developed with the users’ research needs in mind. By providing this in-house developed system, the library hopes to increase accessibility to its vast resources.

Records Management System

Above all, EnggLib adheres to self-imposed standards of promptness and efficiency in delivering library services. Thus motivated, the library sees to it that available resources are maximized in support of this goal. Applicable technologies are also used in all areas of administrative operations, an example of which is the Records and Archives Management System (RAMs). RAMs was developed to keep track of the library’s voluminous records and archival materials. Through this system, transferred documents and archival materials coming from various sections in the library can be made easily searchable and retrievable.

Inventory System

Furthermore, organizational communications is largely email based, for real time correspondence, and documentary purposes. The library also initiates development of in-house systems to promote work productivity and efficiency--an example of which is EnggLib’s automated inventory system. This system enables the library to conduct inventory for the maximum duration of three days, a major feat considering that most inventory processes in other libraries takes up several weeks to complete.

EnggLib expanding its reach and assistance to the community, also takes a liberal approach to providing access to its resources by welcoming even non-UP researchers, either professionals, or students in the graduate and undergraduate levels. These researchers are educated on the use of resources, and provided with the same quality of information services intended for UP patrons. High school researchers are also allowed to use the library in the hope of encouraging these young people to take up engineering courses in college. The library, through research, provides them with a preview into the academic life of UP engineering students.

Facilities and Equipments

EnggLib, in its quest to become a learning hub for the 21st century, seeks to redefine the library experiences, breaking old norms and dauntless in its adoption of new concepts and ideas. The library has transcended from being a storehouse of books to a place for learning enriched by technology and collaboration.

Technological Infrastructure

What sets EnggLib apart from other libraries is that the library heavily invests in technological infrastructure and operations. EnggLib marks itself as an IT library, in the midst of the changing times. In order to streamline all processes in the library, EnggLib is heavily dependent in this infrastructure. The library guarantees to deliver fast and efficient services to its clientele, and setting an updated know-how on the technological advances in the world. The library has its own server room, and all rooms are well-connected to its LAN network. Each room are designed with a unique purpose and are able to access to different internet connections intended for development and research. The library is also subscribed to a speedy internet connection, ensuring that all internet usage and workflow shall not be interrupted and all equipment are well-maintained in the library.

Library Security

Part of EnggLib’s effort in providing quality and excellent service is to give assurance of the security of the library materials and safety of its patrons. Thus, security gates and CCTV cameras were strategically installed in various places in the library to monitor areas and activities beyond the view of staff. This can be a way to prevent possible untoward incident from occurring.

Special Rooms

Special rooms in EnggLib makes learning even more productive, e.g. the ERG Discussion Room specifically intended to cater to the needs of the students for academic related interactions. EnggLib also has a Discussion Room @ The Learning Commons equipped with an interactive whiteboard, allowing students to enjoy a new way of studying and discussing among their peers. There is also the DOST Reading Room and Faculty Lounge, reserved for faculty members and graduate students needing a quieter place to read and write their paper. Another unique spot at EnggLib is the Reading Zone which is an open space, without direct supervision of library personnel, for anyone to read, discuss, share and swap materials (you take one, you give one).

Learning Commons

EnggLib came up with The Learning Commons (TLC) as a response to the changing information lifestyle of users, and changing methods of classroom instruction that has shifted from being individual-based to group learning. TLC is a space designed to promote interaction and collaboration among users and is a one-stop location for all things academic and digital, providing users with means to access the library’s digital resources, engage in multimedia projects, and do group coursework. TLC is a program that brings into maturity the library’s adaptation of the Commons concept, already introduced through other facilities such as the ERG Discussion Rooms, the DOST Reading Room, and the Reading Zone. TLC furthers this concept by integrating technology and ergonomics with information resources and services, to create an academic environment that magnifies learning possibilities by encouraging shared experience. The facility is equipped with 30 Mac computers & 8 Windows PCs as Internet Portals, combined with 5 Windows PCs as Collaborative Workstations.

The Collaborative Workstations (CWS) is a facility specifically designed for engineering students and their academic needs. Each workstation is installed with programming applications and multimedia software, all open source, to aid them in their course requirements. The CWS is aimed to be an extension of the students’ classrooms and laboratories, allowing the students to work in groups and enable the healthy exchange of ideas among young minds. The Learning Commons encourages a culture of being the go-to place of students for their machine problems, media hub, laboratory exercises, or chill-out place, providing them with comfortable bean bags, carpets & a noise-allowed facility.

By its novelty and uniqueness, The Learning Commons has earned the EnggLib a distinct place among modern Philippine libraries and currently serves as a benchmark for other institutions with similar on-going projects. It also takes pride that after a year of operations, TLC was awarded as the Outstanding Library Program of 2011 by the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarian (PAARL).

Alternative Learning Experience

Today, TLC also hosts a regular activity dubbed as Film Fridays, an avenue to uncover the what, who, when, where, how, and why of various scientific fields featured from the shows of Discovery Channel, National Geographic, History Channel and EnggLib’s multimedia collection. Students are able to enjoy an alternative learning experience inside the library in a comfortable setting.

Through various programs either done in-house or through collaboration with library partners, EnggLib has enabled itself to be an incubating laboratory for innovative ideas and enriching skills not just for its staff but also for library science students, librarians, and library users. EnggLib equips soon-to-be library professionals on the practical know-how in the daily operations of a modern library, while at the same time encouraging them to provide feedback that can help better existing services. these students and young professionals are exposed to EnggLib’s proactive library culture and environment, aiming to establish the mindset and set the standards on how an evolving and innovative modern library should operate and veer away from the less efficient traditional ways.

Advocacies and Programs

EnggLib goes beyond providing the best resources and services to its community. Through various advocacies and programs, EnggLib aims to inculcate values among its users, contribute to the library profession and society, and lend a hand in the development of engineering libraries in the country.

Bisita sa Kapwa Library Program

EnggLib strives to promote the values of excellence and leadership through various means. EnggLib initiated the Bisita sa Kapwa Library program, a series of Library Orientation and Tour for librarians and library science students which aims to promote best practices among academic libraries. This was initiated not only to help strengthen the library’s linkages but also as among the many advocacies that EnggLib actively campaigns for.

I need. I value. I Love My Library Campaign

One of the most notable campaign is the “I need. I value. I Love My Library” Campaign. This simple library awareness campaign aggressively promotes student responsibility in the care of library materials and facilities, and in the maintenance of a library environment conducive to learning. The program instill the importance of our facilities and collections to new users, young students and even to loyal patrons, leading to the collective effort of preserving the library. The project is now one of the most well known campaigns being adopted by libraries all over the country and some international libraries. The campaign also inspires and motivates librarians all over the world, enabling them to show their love for their profession and institutions.

The Reading Zone

Aside from that, the library also promotes the values of discipline, honesty, and generosity through The Reading Zone, an area of the library where students are free to read, discuss, share and swap materials, without direct supervision from library personnel. Highlighting the exercise of honesty among library users, since the library used to have a high number of library violations in the past, students are able to take any material from the shelf. as long as they replace it from one of their own.

Greening the Library

EnggLib also actively promotes ecological responsibility among libraries, documented in a booklet entitled “101 Ways to Green the Library”. Published in cooperation with C & E, it is an attempt at sharing EnggLib’s collective efforts to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of the workplace with other libraries and information centers. This is another exemplary gesture of library staff that not only are they helping promote professionalism in their work area but another means to contribute too in reducing carbon footprints on earth. It is with high hope that the simple ways to help make the library environmentally friendly, bring about changes not only in the way EnggLib operates but also encourage other library to adapt these ways as their own thereby making all our libraries ecologically conducive.

Best Borrowers Award

Instilling good values to the students ensuring that the library holdings are returned in due time and are taken cared for properly, EnggLib spearheaded by EnggLib’s Circulation Section introduced and has successful implemented the Best Borrowers Award. This is given to students who have checked out and timely returned the most number of books within the semester. Additional library perks are given to them as prizes for their effort. More than the prized and the recognition, this project created an awareness in the students to have a shared responsibility with the library in terms of maintenance of library collection.

Shared Learning

Teamwork and shared learning is upheld and promoted through various facilities in EnggLib’s The Learning Commons. EnggLib also provides training and guidance for their very own librarians in these facilities. Through its own Staff Training and Development Committee EnggLib helps provide informative lectures and fresh new ideas for the librarians. The library strongly supports the career development of its own staff and information professionals so that not only do they become productive member of the library, but also contributing member of the bigger community of librarians.

Linkages and Partnerships

EnggLib seriously minds its role as an integral part of the academic communities that it belongs to namely the UP Engineering community, the UP community, the global engineering community, and the community of Philippine academic and research libraries. This is why the library considers its partnerships of great significance; more so in helping realize an empowered organization. It maintains close communications with the UP Engineering student body and faculty. It co-organizes events with other UP and non-UP institutions, commercial providers, and student organizations like the UP Engineering Student Council (ESC), UP Library and Information Science Students’ Association (UP LISSA), and UP Future Library Information Professionals of the Philippines (UP FLIPP). It serves as a venue not only for college and university events, but also hosts programs of library organizations such as the UP Library Science Alumni Association (UPLSAA), and other skills-sharing and scholarly initiatives.

As an institutional member of the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians (PAARL), EnggLib considers itself as a very active participant in PAARL events as attendees, and as a featured library. From time to time, EnggLib provides input and ideas as invited resource speaker on research topics such as My 2011 Library and Web Services, CANI (Constant And Never-ending Improvement), Information Networks and the Academic Library: Collaborating for enhanced access and production of information, Enriching Library Experiences Through Marketing Brands and Turning Libraries into Learning Commons among many library and information technology areas.

Recently, EnggLib served as the initiator and convenor in the revival of the Engineering Libraries Consortium. This initiative was driven by the need to continuously provide the library’s stakeholders with quality Engineering-related information resources and at the same time maximize the library’s budget. Moreover, this can be a venue to share resources and build partnership and form linkages with other academic libraries supporting Engineering courses. It has been agreed that the consortium be informal at the onset however formalization of ties among the founding institutions is slowly taking its formal form. This linkage with Engineering Libraries in the country, in a way an off-shoot of the then DOST-ESEP Library Network, would expand further the reach and depth of EnggLib in terms of bargaining power in database subscriptions and resource sharing.

College Librarians

• Ester M. Ronquillo (1949 – 1953)
• Flora Libay (1953 – 1955)
• Ester M. Ronquillo (1955 – 1959)
• Flora Libay (1959 – 1961)
• Natividad P. Verzosa (1961 – 1964)
• Encarnacion C. Lopez (1964 - 1966)
• Martha Barril (1966 – 1967)
• Encarnacion C. Lopez (1967 – 1982)
• Yolanda C. Granda (1983 – 2009)
• Sharon Ma. S. Esposo-Betan (2010 – present)