IRR’s INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION:
Our class field trip to Laguna on the 4th October 2011 was interesting and memorable. In fact, to me, the visit to IRRI library was an eye opener since I am able to see the special library with unique collections both print and e-resources.
ACTIVITIES/MISSION:
On arrival we were welcomed by the head librarian who introduced herself and further introduced her staff to us with their different ranking.
We were seated and the head librarian gave us a power point presentation on IRRI – The Library and Documentation Services. She said IRRI library was established in 1961 and has the world’s largest collection of rice literature.
She went further to say that IRRI has been a member of national and international bodies like CGIAR-LISC and AgNIC.
The head librarian said part of the IRRI library mission is:
“To build the world’s most comprehensive collection of technical rice literature in any language and to provide open access to this body of knowledge”
STAFFING:
She mentioned that IRRI library have a total number of 12 staff:
· 4 Professional Librarians
· 1 Digital Specialist
· 7 Support Staff
COLLECTIONS:
She outline the following as their different collections:
She outline the following as their different collections:
1. Books – The volume of books are 164,000.
2. Theses – so many
3. Scientific papers, proceedings and reports – They have 281, 755T of rice articles.
4. Journals – 383T paid journal subscriptions. They have 1,200 T free access online journals
5. Audio visual materials - Alot
6. Maps
7. Online databases – 3 online databases and web of science, etc. Their collections are covered in 80 different languages.
She noted that the collection ranges from:
1. Rice literature which includes: Breeding, Growing, Harvesting, Products, and Economic aspects.
2. Agricultural sustainability
3. Biotechnology
4. Genetic engineering
5. Climate change
6. Population growth
She informed us that the collections are categorized from:
1. General reference materials
2. Travel books
3. Recipe books
4. Fiction books
The library has publications in:
1. Rice Literature Update
2. Index to Rice Theses Collection
3. Rice Thesaurus
4. International Directory of Rice Workers
ORGANISATION OF COLLECTIONS:
It was mentioned that:
BOOKS and THESES, uses the LC Classification Scheme and Expanded Classification Scheme for rice materials.
JOURNALS, they use Alphabetical & chronological arrangement.
CLIENTS/PATRONS:
She informed us of the following clients:
1. IRRI Community (HQ & Country offices)
2. UP Los Baños community
3. Students from other institutions
4. Los Baños community
5. Farmers
6. Scientists & researchers worldwide
And that the library service days and hours are from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
FUNCTIONS/SERVICES:
She emphasized that their services are:
· Fully automated library services which includes: Reader’s Services, Open access (IRRI staff), Document delivery, Acquisition of reading materials.
· Interlibrary loan
· Centralized cataloging
· AV Collection
· Photocopying service
· Bindery
· Orientation
· Tour
FACILITIES IN THE LIBRARY:
The following facilities are available in the library:
1. Main Reading Room
2. Book Stack
3. Journal stack
4. OPAC terminals
5. E-Readers
6. AV Center
7. Wi-Fi equipped
TUTORIAL ACCESS TO THE LIBRARY:
We were supposed to access this http://ricelib.irri.cgiar.org/ site to have a complete tutorial session but the system failed, perhaps due to technical problems.
Some few questions were asked and were answered by the presenter, the head librarian.
TOUR TO LIBRARY OPAC AND COLLECTIONS:
We were introduced to their OPAC terminals and open source. We were taught how their various e-resources are accessed, manipulated and disseminated.
We were invited to see their numerous collections within the library. They are really organized and had so much collection.
OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
I observed that library space is inadequate generally, especially where the stacks are. I also observed with keen interest the amount of money spent is taking care of those stacks since they are put under normal air conditioned temperature daily.
I observed that library space is inadequate generally, especially where the stacks are. I also observed with keen interest the amount of money spent is taking care of those stacks since they are put under normal air conditioned temperature daily.
If it would be possible, I recommend complete digitization of all these stacks to reduce the shelves space and cost of maintenance.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
We had fun, ate, and numerous photo shots. The field trip was a very great one since all of us enjoyed it. We appreciate our mother, leader and instructor, Professor Sharon for the wonderful class session.
Maraming Salamat po!
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