UP Main Library

The University Library of UP Diliman encompasses one Main Library and twenty-six College or Unit Libraries. It envisions global information exchange throughout the UP Library System. It is mandated to be the information resource center of excellence in the social sciences, humanities and basic sciences. It strives for full automation, a world-class collection and a staff of thoroughly modern information professionals.

The UP Diliman Library Collections have been developed in aid of teaching, research and extension work in the disciplines designated to Diliman. Topping the list of choice collections in UP Diliman are the Filipiniana Collections, which come in print, non-print and digital forms.

History

Every University Librarian since the University Library was established in 1922 has grappled with four basic concerns: the book fund, staff development, library services and information technology.

May Polk (1922-1924) from Indiana, USA, was the teacher of several heads of Philippine government libraries.

Gabriel A. Bernardo (1924-1957) built the Library in Padre Faura, giving it the reputation of being the best in Asia before the War. He rehabilitated and rebuilt the Library in Diliman after the War.

Marina G. Dayrit (1963-1981) systematized library services and the staff training, beefed up the library collection through Ford Foundation grants, developed the Filipiniana Special Collections and Archives, initiated microfilming and computerization.

Belen B. Angeles (1987-1999) obtained a Ford-Mellon grant to develop the humanities, social sciences and general science collections and to purchase license to use CDS/ISIS. She opened Media Services, converted the Filipiniana Collection to machine-readable form, opened the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), CD-ROM and INTERNET services.

Salvacion M. Arlante (1999-Present) launched the University Library Web site; purchased the integrated library system MAELISA; adopted the policy of access versus holdings; promoted the welfare of the Research, Extension and Professional Staff; and is exploring alternative information technologies.

Services

The Main Library serves primarily the students, faculty members and staff of the College of Arts & Letters, and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and also caters to all university constituents and outside researchers.

It is organized into three major divisions which covers the various functional sections:

• Technical Services Division which formulates and adopts standard acquisition, cataloging and indexing policies and procedures;

• Administrative Services which provides support to the functional sections/units of the Library; and

• User Education and Services Division which lends books and provides reference, research and bibliographic services; maintains and preserve books, documents and archival materials; undertakes user education programs; and maintains computerized database applications.