In celebration of the 20th Library and Information Services Month and the 77^th National Book Week with the theme “Libraries for Progress,”  the University Library System (ULS) held its first  Open House and launched the Web-based Integrated University Library Information System (IULIS) and the eLibraryUSA last November 24, 2011 at the Main Library.

During its meeting in October 2011, the   University Library Committee chaired by Dr. Epifania O. Agustin,  agreed upon the holding of the first Open House.   The event aimed to give an opportunity for university constituents to:  1) learn about the vast collection of books, serials, audiovisual and electronic media information resources; 2)  meet library staff members and discuss with them about their information needs; 3) discover about the electronic and online databases and how to use them;  4) learn about the  IULIS;  5) acquaint themselves with the other information research tools;  and 6) refresh themselves with library rules and regulations.

A program was held to  open  the occasion which ended in  December 9.  Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, VP for Research and Extension and Chair, University Library Committee delivered the Welcome remarks and Rationale of the Library Open House where she emphasized  the continuing importance of printed materials such as books, journals and serials in this time where computer technology is at its peak. She also  enjoined the faculty members , non-teaching staff and students to fully maximize the use of the library and the two web-based  systems.

Mr. Henzon A. Vergara, computer programmer of the Information Technology Center  (ITC) talked  about the features of the IULIS and how it works, while Dr. Lucena R. Felipe pointed out the advantages of the new information system.

Through the collaborative efforts of the  ULS and ITC, headed by Director Reynold P. Villacillo,  the IULIS has been  designed, developed and deployed for use  of MMSU constituents. The system has various formats such as books, serials, theses/dissertations, audiovisual and electronic media information resources. It includes eight modules: data capturing/entry module, search module, inventory module, circulation module, report generation module, user statistics module, acquisition module, and serials management module.  

Further, Dr. Felipe assisted by Ms. Maricel P. Bumanglag, Reference Librarian MMSU-American Corner explained about the eLibrary USA.

The eLibraryUSA is a  gateway to vital information and extensive learning.  It is a virtual library that provides access to 20 databases of authoritative and continually updated information on various subjects.

Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, University President, delivered an inspirational message and cut the ribbon to open the exhibits, assisted by Atty. Ramon A. Leano, VP for Administration and Business, and other University officials. 

As part of the celebration, the most frequent library users of the  Main Library, College of Health Sciences and College of Teacher Education were recognized.   For the student category, they were:  Cipriano Acio, Jr. (BSME III), Janine Go (BSECEI), Joseph Valencia (BSCE IV), Pam Paola Encarnacion (BSN IV), Rommel Costa (BEED III). For the faculty category they were:   Edwin Galutira (COE), Bella Ramos (CAS), Federico Nagtalon (CHS) and Elimodess Virginia Castro (CTE). For the non-teaching staff category,  was Charles Batin, (Research Directorate). (FATRMillare)