Six students taking Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) from Benguet State University visited the Center’s Library on January 30, 2025, to gather data and be briefed on its operations and functionalities. The students wanted to gather information on the library’s functions, services, and clientele. Also, the gathered information is part of their community analysis and a requirement of their subject, Collection Management of Information Resources.
Mr. Bongbong L. Buli-e, Media Production Specialist of the Information Services Section (ISS) briefed the students regarding the Center’s Library operation. He said that most of the library users are AEWs who often attend training at the Center since they are the main clientele of the Institute however, walk-in clients are welcome to use the library. To be able to use the library, all users are required to log in to the logbook. A printed copy of the masterlist of books and ask for the assistance of the staff to locate the book. Users are not allowed to bring the book overnight, however, users are allowed to photocopy the books outside provided they leave their IDs. However, since pandemic, few users have been using the library, and the use of the internet is preferred.
In addition, the library is also a repository for various printed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials ready for the clientele at any office hours from Monday to Friday. All printed IEC materials are free. As the knowledge bank of agricultural extension services, the Center has uploaded these materials on the corporate’s website (ati.da.gov.ph/ati-car) available for access by the clientele at any given time.
Mr. Buli-e also briefed the students on the e-extension program and its major components – eFarming or Farmers Contact Center, eLearning, and Rice Crop Manager (RCM). The website address is e-extension.gov.ph and is accessible 24/7. The e-Farming is the provision of technical advisory services on agriculture and fisheries through the Farmers’ Contact Center, an alternative helpdesk that can be reached through voice calls, texts, e-mails, or even online chat and discussion forum. The e-Learning is a form of distance education that includes online certificate courses and digital learning resources such as technology kits, video clips, and mini-tutorials. The Rice Crop Manager is an app providing rice farmers with personalized crop and nutrient management guideline. It uses results of research and existing knowledge to provide rice farmers with fertilizer recommendations.
