USC inaugurates biggest library in the country

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos yesterday inaugurated its 16,000-square meter Josef Baumgartner Learning Resource Center at the USC Talamban Campus.

Dubbed as the biggest library in the country, the facility has four floors, a basement and split-level floors. The facility was dedicated to Fr. Josef Baumgartner, SVD, the chief librarian of the university, who was responsible for the establishment of the Filipiniana Section of the USC Main Campus Library, as well as the establishment of the Cebuano Studies Center, also at USC Main.

USC President Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD led the USC community in welcoming presidential sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada, the guest of honor during the event, saying that he hopes that those who will use this facility will find it a congenial place. Also present during the inauguration and blessing ceremonies were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and members of the Consular Corps.

The building was constructed by FARLYD Collaborative Architects, composed of Antonio Andres Flores, Richeto Alcordo, Jensen Racho, Bela Lanyi, Kimberly Yung-Gultia and Raymundo Dinglasa. Flores, the principal architect, said the structure, which costs P300 million, is environment friendly, as well as Persons-with-disabilities-friendly. Construction started last year and is expected to be completed by end of April this year.

USC Director of Libraries Maxie Doreen Cabarron said the facility will be fully-functional by the start of the new schoolyear in June. The facility, which will be open to USC students, as well as the public for a fee, will be USC's one-stop information hub, with Wi-Fi, a training facility for Library Science students, a Knowledge Navigation Center, an international section that will feature USC's international collection, as well as archives, among others. Cabarron also said the facility will be the new home for the Cebuano Studies Center.

"We will however maintain the Education Library in the South Campus, and the Law and Business and Economics libraries in the Main Campus," she added.

Fr. Heinz Kuluke, SVD, the Father Provincial of the Phil. SVD Southern Province, said the learning resource center is an investment for the people who are important to them. — (FREEMAN)