University of St. Augustine Library

From the time the Colegio de San Agustin de Iloilo opened its doors in Iloilo with only 40 students in 1904 to 1953 when the University status was granted by the Philippine government and became the first university in Western Visayas up to the present where now it is called the University of San Agustin, the university has been and is still committed to its vision: A community of one mind and heart affirming its position as an excellent center of humanistic, Christian-Augustinian education, committed to promote the common good and the transformation of the person and society. And part of the university’s mission is to provide research-based, innovative, and fulfilling education; and enhance the diversity and vitality of its research and extension initiatives.  

The university does not only support the classic classroom teacher-student approach of learning but it also promotes a research based approach where students are encouraged to utilize the collection of books, magazines, journals, newspaper and other learning materials in the library.

One of the prime facilities of the university is its library. The university boasts of its vast and very well-stocked main library that is housed in a very spacious hall. There are also smaller libraries for the graduate school and for the students in the Basic Education Department who also accommodate undergrads. It has books of different topics that have been collected thru time and new ones are added from time to time. The library holds an online database for its materials called OPAC or Online Public Access Catalog. This is a database that keeps the books in a system. This is the more effortless version of a catalog compared to its elders like the Dewey Decimal System that we used to have during elementary. With the OPAC, locating a desired book is easier with just a little type and click in the computer. Books and other materials are arranged and kept properly making it easy when looking for what you need. Books can be borrowed and brought home by students. The library allows one student to borrow 2 non-fiction books for 3 days, 1 fiction for 1 week and a bible for 3 hours. Faculty and students in the graduate school are also allowed to borrow books in the library but they are given different borrowing privileges. Those who fail to return the books on time or have lost them are given the corresponding fines. The internet, nowadays, play a huge part in research and learning. That’s why access to wi-fi connections is also made available in the library. They also have a plug-in area for your electrical needs. A discussion area is also provided for those who want a group discussion.

The library is very accessible for us students especially when we need a quiet place to study or for those who just spend their leisure time reading. The library staffs do not only maintain the orderliness of the reading materials but also of the students in the library. Security guards roam around the library preserving the peaceful and scholarly ambience of the library. They send noisy students to the discussion area and call the attention of sleeping students. One can surely concentrate on his/her work or study in the library.

Books are the main tools in learning because they are one of the chief sources of knowledge. But it is impossible or impractical for anyone to purchase all books in every subject that’s where libraries come in handy. Libraries attract students to create a habit of learning through reading and research to expand their knowledge. And our library plays an important role in living up to our university’s goal of molding a well-read and educated Augustinian.

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