STEAM Library Brings Knowledge and Discovery Closer to Readers Through 2026 Book Fair
The Batangas State University–Pablo Borbon Library successfully conducted the Book Fair 2026 from August 24 to 26, 2026. The three-day event was organized to provide faculty members, students, and other members of the academic community with an opportunity to explore newly published books and other relevant library resources. It also served as a venue for participants to evaluate prospective titles for acquisition and recommend materials that could contribute to and strengthen the University’s teaching, learning, research, and other academic endeavors.
Prior to the opening of the Book Fair exhibits, an Opening Program was held on August 24, 2026 to formally commence the three-day activity. The program marked the official start of Book Fair 2026 and provided an opportunity to bring together members of the University community in support of the Library’s initiative to promote access to relevant and up-to-date academic resources. It also set the tone for the succeeding activities by emphasizing the importance of books and other information resources in advancing teaching, learning, research, and the overall academic development of the University community.
The program was hosted by Mrs. Jeany A. Tatlonghari, Administrative Staff, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. She skillfully facilitated the proceedings by introducing the different parts of the program, providing appropriate transitions between segments, and guiding the participants throughout the opening ceremony. Her effective coordination and delivery contributed to the smooth, organized, and engaging conduct of the program.
The Rationale, Objectives, and Guidelines of the Book Fair were presented by Mrs. Analiza A. Frane, Head of Library Services. She provided an overview of the purpose and intended outcomes of the activity and discussed the Book Fair Guidelines and Recommendation Process in detail. Her presentation outlined the procedures to be followed by participants in exploring the exhibits, reviewing and evaluating the available titles, and identifying resources that may be considered for acquisition by the Library. She also emphasized the importance of carefully assessing the relevance and potential academic value of the materials to ensure that the recommendations would be responsive to the instructional, research, and information needs of the University community.
The Opening Program also featured messages from Dr. Nerrie E. Malaluan, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Engr. Antonio A. Gamboa, Chancellor of Batangas State University–Pablo Borbon. Their messages highlighted the vital role of the Library in supporting the University’s academic mission by providing the academic community with access to current, relevant, and quality learning and information resources. They underscored the importance of continuously enriching the Library’s collection to address the evolving instructional, research, and information needs of faculty members and students.
Following the messages, the Official Opening of the Book Fair and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony was conducted with the participation of University officials, library personnel, participating suppliers, faculty members, students, and other guests. The ceremony formally marked the opening of the book exhibits and signified the commencement of the title evaluation and recommendation activities. The participation of various stakeholders underscored the collaborative nature of the Book Fair and reflected the shared commitment of the University community and its partners to providing access to relevant, current, and quality resources that support teaching, learning, research, and other academic endeavors.
After the opening ceremony, participants proceeded to the viewing of the book exhibits and title evaluation. Faculty members, students, and other members of the academic community were given the opportunity to browse the displayed titles, examine the available resources, and identify books and other materials relevant to their respective academic programs, courses, instructional requirements, and research interests. The activity provided participants with an avenue to assess the relevance, currency, and potential academic value of the materials presented by the participating suppliers. They were likewise encouraged to recommend titles that could address specific instructional and research needs and be considered for future acquisition and inclusion in the Library’s collection.
A photo opportunity was also conducted following the formal opening ceremony. The activity was participated in by University officials, library personnel, participating suppliers, faculty members, students, and other guests, providing an opportunity to formally document their participation and support for the Book Fair. The photo session formed part of the official documentation of Book Fair 2026 and captured the collaborative participation of the various stakeholders who contributed to the successful commencement of the three-day activity.
On the second day of the Book Fair, August 25, 2026, an Online E-Book Presentation was conducted, bringing together faculty members, students, and other members of the academic community for an informative and engaging virtual session. The presentation provided participants with an opportunity to learn more about available e-book collections, digital resources, and other electronic academic materials that may support teaching, learning, research, and other scholarly activities.
The online presentation featured representatives from CD Books International, Inc., Forefront Book Co., Inc., Taylor & Francis, and CE-Logic, Inc. Each participating provider presented its respective e-book collections and digital resources, highlighting the available titles, subject areas, features, and potential applications of their electronic materials. Through these presentations, participants gained a better understanding of the range of digital resources available and how these materials could contribute to the University’s instructional, research, and academic activities.
The presentation also provided an avenue for faculty members, students, and other members of the academic communicty to explore additional digital resources that could complement and enhance the Library’s existing print and electronic collections. The activity further encouraged participants to consider the value of integrating e-books and other digital materials into their teaching, learning, and research practices, particularly in response to the growing demand for accessible and up-to-date academic information resources.
On the third and final day of the Book Fair, August 26, 2026, the activities focused on the continuation of the book exhibit viewing, title evaluation, and recommendation activities. Faculty members, students, and other members of the academic community were given additional opportunities to visit the exhibits, browse the available collections, and examine titles that were relevant to their respective academic programs, courses, instructional requirements, and research interests. The extended viewing period allowed participants sufficient time to further evaluate the materials presented and identify resources that could potentially enhance the Library’s collection and address the evolving information needs of the University community.
The participating suppliers continued to assist and engage with participants by providing information about the displayed books, reference materials, and other library resources. They responded to inquiries, provided relevant details about the featured titles, and assisted participants in identifying materials based on their specific academic and subject-area interests. Their continued presence and assistance contributed to a more informed evaluation and selection process, enabling participants to better determine the relevance and potential value of the resources for teaching, learning, and research.
Library personnel likewise remained actively involved in facilitating the activities and guiding participants throughout the selection and recommendation process. They assisted faculty members, students, and other participants in navigating the exhibits, provided clarification regarding the procedures for submitting recommendations, and coordinated with the participating suppliers to ensure the orderly conduct of the activities.
Their continued supervision and coordination helped maintain an organized and conducive environment for the evaluation and selection of potential library resources.
As part of the closing activities of the Book Fair, a photo opportunity and distribution of certificates were conducted to formally conclude the three-day event. Certificates of participation and appreciation were presented to the participating suppliers and other individuals who contributed to the successful implementation of the activity. The recognition served as an expression of appreciation for their time, support, cooperation, and valuable contributions to the Book Fair. It also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the various stakeholders whose participation helped make the activity meaningful and productive for the University community.
Throughout the three-day event, the Library personnel played a central role in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the various activities. They actively facilitated the program, assisted participants and participating suppliers, monitored the exhibits, maintained the proper organization and arrangement of the displayed materials, and guided faculty members and students throughout the book selection, evaluation, and recommendation processes. Their consistent coordination and assistance helped ensure the smooth, systematic, and orderly implementation of the Book Fair from its opening until its conclusion.
The active participation and support of the faculty members, students, University officials, library personnel, participating suppliers, and other stakeholders significantly contributed to the overall success of the Book Fair. Their collective involvement created opportunities for meaningful interaction and collaboration among the Library, the academic community, and its external partners. More importantly, the participation of these stakeholders contributed to a more responsive and collaborative approach to identifying resources that may support the University’s instructional, learning, research, and other academic needs.
