A digital science library, providing access to the Department of Science and Technology science and information network (Sci-NET), the Philippine e-library project sources, online resources, and subscribed databases is now available at the Urban Science and Technology Center of the DOST. 

A project of the agency’s Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), the stand alone openly-operated kiosk is the first Philippine digital science library containing S&T information in various formats placed in a specially designed pod.

The information is accessible even without Internet connection. It also has a user-friendly interface, making access to information simple and trouble-free.

Making scientific information available for everyone is one of the key activities of the DOST under its S&T promotion initiatives. In support to this endeavor, the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk (Starbooks) help provide scientific information through digital libraries.

Aside from S&T information, it also features videos dubbed “Tamang DOSTkarte livelihood videos” to stimulate every Filipino’s entrepreneurial capacity.

The DOST implemented the project with the hope of creating interest in S&T, as well as to encourage development of new ideas, inspire innovation, entrepreneurship and research.

The DOST intends for the Starbooks to serve as information access portals in key areas in the Philippines such that the project is open to interested partners from local governments, non-government organizations, educational institutions, and private corporations.

The Ifugao State University for example, has already installed the STARBOOKs in its library on May 14, making S&T information readily available to the students, teachers, and researchers in the province.

The Urban S&T Center is located at Gov. Pack Road, beside the Commission on Elections office.