STARBOOKS: Bringing S&T knowledge to Filipinos everywhere

Imagine a platform that brings the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge to Filipinos everywhere. But instead of a pile of books, it has a modern and user-friendly interface—that is the Science & Technology Academic and Research‐Based Openly‐Operated Kiosk System (STARBOOKS).

Launched in 2011, the STARBOOKS started with a single kiosk in Davao City.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said it intends to serve as an “information access portal” that became its selling point—access to scientific information even without the internet.

Also, it contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats text and video or audio to dive into research papers and educational materials to access information from sources like the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), DOST Science and Technology Information Network (ScINET), and Philippine eLib project.

They added that to create interest in the field of science and technology, they hoped that this interest would increase the number of Filipinos enrolling in S&T courses, that will nurture curious minds who will one day develop groundbreaking inventions and innovations to contribute to the Philippines' socio-economic development.

By 2014, STARBOOKS had spread across the Philippines, all regions of the country had their own installed in various provinces and more digital library resources were added to the system and its network had grown as many organizations in both private and public sectors opened their resources to STARBOOKS users.

Disaster preparedness made easy

Furthermore, in a statement issued on Monday, Feb. 12, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the DOST-STII announced a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen and expand disaster awareness and preparation in the country.

This partnership supports the OCD's campaign in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) by including their related activities, materials, and publications in the DOST-STII flagship product.

“With this empowering individuals, communities, government agencies, and other partners with essential knowledge and resources required for effective responses to a variety of disaster or emergency scenarios,” DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon Sahagun said.

Sahagun also emphasized that this collaboration enriches the content of STARBOOKS by incorporating scholarly information on DRRM that aids in the disaster response operations of local government units and remote communities, which are the primary recipients of these kiosks.

Meanwhile, OCD Administrator Ariel F. Nepomuceno expressed his gratitude to the DOST for their STARBOOKS program, which enhances people's understanding and knowledge by incorporating information and educational resources on S&T.

“I am grateful knowing this partnership with DOST STARBOOKS will support our shared goal of providing people with more access to science and technology, alongside DRRM information,” Nepomuceno said.

DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos also described STARBOOKS as a powerful tool that enables them to showcase activities, materials, and publications to STARBOOKS, people will better understand what to do before, during, and after the unexpected occurrence of natural disasters.

“Our STARBOOKS is really our anting-anting. Because it allows us to perform, shine, and be recognized,” he added.

With its 7,535 kiosks installed across the country, DOST added that STARBOOKS has "successfully disseminated" valuable information on science, technology, and innovation.