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January 12, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) held the Kapehan sa Aklatan alongside the launching of the DOST STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk System) on January 12, 2026, at the Kundo E. Pahm Learning Resource Center (KEPLRC), USM, Kabacan, Cotabato, with university officials, faculty members, students, and partners from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in attendance.
One of the highlights of the event was the symbolic ribbon-cutting and live demonstration of the DOST STARBOOKS system. Although STARBOOKS was initially launched in 2011, the platform has since been continuously improved to better respond to the needs of learners and researchers. STARBOOKS is a free, stand-alone digital library developed by DOST that provides offline access to a vast collection of science and technology resources in text, audio, and video formats, particularly benefiting institutions and communities with limited or no internet connectivity.
Three STARBOOKS workstations were officially deployed and made accessible across key learning spaces of the university, including the KEPLRC Kundo E. Pahm Learning Resource Center, the University Laboratory School Library, and the Graduate School Library. This strategic placement ensures that undergraduate students, graduate learners, faculty members, researchers, and visiting high school students can conveniently access credible and authoritative science and technology information to support instruction, research, and extension activities.
Delivering the message of University President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, Vice President for Resource Generation and Entrepreneurial Services Dr. Samsudin Panday noted that through the launching of STARBOOKS, science and technology are placed directly into the hands of students, faculty, and researchers, making learning and research more accessible regardless of circumstance.
Dr. Panday further stressed that the university believes every student deserves access to knowledge and opportunities for growth. By investing in libraries, meaningful conversations such as the Kapihan sa Aklatan, and digital tools like STARBOOKS, the university continues to invest in its people. He also expressed appreciation to the library personnel for their dedication in keeping the library a meaningful and welcoming space, and to DOST for its partnership in bringing science and technology closer to the academic community.
Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology expressed their continued support for the initiative, highlighting STARBOOKS as a powerful platform for promoting accessible science, technology, and innovation information. They noted that despite being more than a decade old, STARBOOKS remains relevant and sustainable, with continuously expanding content and nationwide deployment, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The deployment of STARBOOKS strongly supports the mandate of the KEPLRC to provide equitable access to quality, relevant, and up-to-date information resources. It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), by strengthening research capacity, promoting inclusive learning, and democratizing access to scientific knowledge.
The activity concluded with a call for students and faculty members to fully utilize the STARBOOKS system and other library resources, reinforcing USM’s commitment to strengthening education, research, and community development through accessible and innovative learning platforms.
