The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has partnered with the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of DOST (DOST-FPRDI) to guide the institution as it goes from page to pixel and transform its own traditional library into a modern digital one.
The ongoing project, “From Page to Pixel: Digital Transformation of the DOST-FPRDI Library,” will convert DOST-FPRDI’s existing physical library holdings into a digital format and migrate them to a new digital library platform modeled after the DOST-PCAARRD eLibrary.
Funded by the Council, the project aims to enhance the accessibility of valuable research materials for users, providing them convenience of accessing the institute’s comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other learning resources anytime and from anywhere. Additionally, this digitalization effort ensures the long-term preservation of these research materials.
This project offers several significant benefits, including improved learning accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved areas; an enriched user experience with interactive and multimedia learning content; elimination of the need for physical resource storage and maintenance, resulting in space and cost savings; and facilitation of collaborative learning and knowledge sharing.
DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-FPRDI hope this is just the beginning of a network of information wealth within the DOST system.
In a virtual inception meeting held on May 14, 2024, representatives of the two institutions discussed the project's objectives, scope, deliverables, timelines, and other relevant details. The meeting served as a platform for fostering effective communication and collaboration between the implementing and monitoring bodies. The Council is eager to share its knowledge for DOST-FPRDI to efficiently develop its own that is patterned after the DOST-PCAARRD eLibrary.
The DOST-PCAARRD eLibrary is an online service facility providing access and information on publications, theses/dissertations, and other literatures focusing on agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR). Just recently, the Council had set up its knowledge network of eLibraries in the regions through the customization and deployment of the SLIMS to the base agencies of the Council’s 15 regional consortia for a more effective management and content development of the eLibrary. This time, it expands to share its knowledge within the DOST system, hoping to create an even wider network of information sources.