PIA Press Release
Monday, January 09, 2012

Local libraries’ digitization solves poor budgetary allocation

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Jan. 9 (PIA) – The recent computerization of the city library can be a solution to the local government unit’s poor budgetary allocation.

According to Edgardo B. Quiros, chief of Information Technology Division of the Philippine National Library, aside from its accessibility, the library digitization program will be a good opportunity for local government bodies to earn. This will enhance their versatility to adopt local cost.

The idea is to sell the information particularly the local ones. For example, people from other provinces or cities in the country can access the native resources of the province and can request an authentic copy for it, Quiros said.

The local government will provide the materials to clients for a corresponding cost. However, this will be the discretion on the part of the local government, explained Quiros.

During this information age, the world is living through the business of information. It is also time that the local government will set a mechanism for this kind of business,” Quiros said.

Quiros clarified that while the Department of Budget and Management encourages LGUs to earn money, this will provide better services without distracting budgetary allocation provided by the national government.

The library digitization composed of a built-in program that will enhance the library system among local governments and will make the process more accessible.

The systems include cataloging, information gathering, bar coding, digitizing local materials, material updating, cashiering and allowing faster access to all local libraries.

The automated system is capable of bridging the gap of telecommunication and enhances a good Internet connection.

The group of Quiros came in Ilocos Norte recently to train provincial and municipal librarians in the province for the familiarization of the Integrated Library Management System (ILMS).

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is now in the process of encoding local materials in the system to be integrated in the ILMS of the library digitization. (ANL/CJD-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)