Pending permits delay physical operations
By Kean Andrei Bagaipo
The Silliman community will soon immerse in a “dynamic hub of learning and innovation” through Silliman University’s (SU) newly-inaugurated library, according to Global Studies Center (GSC) Director Dr. Dave Marcial.
Attended by university administrators, guests, and student representatives, the Uytengsu Transformative Learning Center was officially launched at the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library last Jan. 20.
Marcial emphasized that the donated project of the Uytengsu Foundation Inc. combines “technology, creativity, and collaboration” into one transformative space.
“This transformative laboratory empowers students and faculty and the general community to explore, create, and innovate,” he said.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the improved library features a mini-laboratory, which Marcial described as a “groundbreaking, transdisciplinary, and holistic initiative” towards learning and innovation.
Three transformative spaces
As a proponent of the transformative learning spaces, Marcial unveiled the major services offered in the three floors of the library.
These include the 15th Digital Library, the Allied Health Transformative Lab, and the Immersive Technology and Installation Lab, which are found on the ground floor.
The second floor houses the library’s vast collection of books, journals, and resources, while the third floor serves as a mobile space for collaboration and learning activities.
“This initially aligns with our commitment to fostering cutting-edge research, digital literacy, and hands-on learning experiences,” Marcial said.
To complement the traditional offerings, the GSC developed seven innovative library services: hybrid and remote access, personalized assistance, digital wealth help, borrowing, knowledge creation services, community and collaborating spaces, and an immersive hub.
“It also highlights our dedicated librarians and library staff who have embraced the disruptive library innovation by learning, rescaling, upscaling, and retooling to adapt to the changing library landscape,” Marcial explained.
Revamped facilities
Within 19 months of renovation works, the 46-year-old library underwent architectural modification, such as the replacement of steel-framed windows with curtain-walls and improvement of circulation spaces and safety exits.
Other utilities installed include an automatic fire suppression system, fire detection and alarm system, ceiling-mounted air conditioners, CCTVs, and Wi-Fi. An elevator is also available for persons with disabilities and elderly, as well as for transporting heavy equipment.
SU Architecture Department Chair Ar. Vittorio Alejandro Vinarao said that the plan was to transform a brutalist-inspired building into a “modern, inclusive, and technology-driven” hub.
“Here, we espouse a response to the changing needs of a university embracing technological advances at the same time concerning the building’s iconic architectural identity and historical significance,” Vinarao added.
Physical services
According to the Office of Media and Public Affairs, the library will open its physical services once the necessary permits for occupancy and operations are available which are still in progress.
Meanwhile, Engr. Lloyd R. Tenaja, department head of the Dumaguete City Engineer’s Office confirmed that only the building permit was given as the Office of the City Building Official has not yet received an occupancy permit application from the university.
For the meantime, students can still access various online resources in SU’s e-library system.
While the library primarily serves the school community, SU Librarian Sarah Angiela Ragay said that it will also be opened to the public.
“We strive to provide access to educational resources ensuring we meet the community’s information needs. Additionally, we aim to offer access to advanced technologies that outside users may avail but with an associated fee,” Ragay stated.
The inauguration and blessing ceremony was graced by members of the Uymatiao family, faculty and staff members, SU Board of Trustees represented by Grace A. Ty, and other partner corporations.