As one of the most productive research universities in the Philippines, DLSU prides itself in producing competitive professionals in the field of research. To provide more accessible references and resources to both the faculty and students, the University Library offers a multitude of online journals through the DLSU website.
Accessing MyLibrary accounts
MyLibrary, the University’s online learning resource center, provides the students access to thousands of reference materials, especially journals that the DLSU online library offers. Access to this website is made possible through a MyLibrary account, which may be created by any member of the University’s academic community.
In order to produce a MyLibrary account, the official ID number and a preferred password will be needed. Once an account is made, the online directory is made accessible any time of the day from a server outside or inside the University. The University Library also releases announcements and reminders via Help Desk periodically.
Subscriptions and renewals
Electronic journals (e-journals) and all other online databases offered by the DLSU Library are selected by administrators, department chairpersons, faculty members, as well as students. Selecting from the proposed materials entails meeting a criteria provided by the DLSU Library. These journals may either be renewed or cancelled at the end of their subscriptions.
According to the University Library Assistant Director for Operations Christine Abrigo, the basis of renewal depends on the usage performance of a certain database and the budget for these renewals. “We abide by our guidelines with regard to these concerns. As to how often we renew, an e-journal should have high usage statistics and the cost per use should satisfy a certain given quota to be accepted for renewal,” she expounds.
Moreover, she states that the budget allotment for e-resources determines the e-journals’ state for renewal, as well as the quantity that the University can subscribe to. The allocated budget for the library is acquired from the tuition of students, and a part of this is allotted for the budget for e-journals.
However, Abrigo asserts that an accurate budget for these services cannot be determined. “Journals and database subscription costs vary. We cannot ascertain as to how much is taken from the library fee since all fees collected go to a general depository fund,” she elaborates.
Availability of electronic resources
The costs of e-journals limit the quantity of e-journal subscriptions. As a resolution, Abrigo claims that interlibrary loan and document delivery services from partner libraries are done so that the Libraries can present a wider index of e-journal offerings.
“The broader set of options benefits both students and professors of the school community, especially for research purposes,” she continues, “and just like with subscriptions and renewals, we also have guidelines.”
Library services and online directory
The University Library holds orientations for new students, with the purpose of making them aware of the rules and guidelines that they are expected to abide by and the privileges they are entitled to. Included in this orientation is making the students aware that an online directory is available.
Angelo Chupeco (II, BS-CHE), airs his insights, stating, “I know that it’s possible [to access journals online], but I vaguely remember that it was discussed during the orientation.” Chupeco also shares that this availability of resources is convenient for students, and therefore makes library fees reasonable.
Nats De La Rosa (III, BEED-ECED) shares that the facilities and the access to online references are very beneficial. “It’s very useful especially when we make academic papers, theses, researches, or even when we discuss in class, you’ll be able to give a meaningful and reliable input for the class,” she expresses.
On a different note, Nicole Batungbacal (II, BS-MKT) was not aware that such access to online journals and electronic references were possible. “I haven’t even had my library orientation. I don’t think transferees like me get a schedule for that,” she expresses. According to Batungbacal, the matter should be given more publicity, especially by the University Library.
However, not all students and professors are aware that the school offers these said e-journals. Carmelea See of the Educational Leadership and Management Department, remarks that students should use these facilities more often. “Online journals are valuable resources for any of the fields of study that DLSU offers,” she shares.
