Church uses technology to tend to constituents

Saturday, 03 September 2011 17:35
Rizal Raoul Reyes / Correspondent 

IF you are in Makati and want a place that can provide a good solitude for your mind, the Union Church of Manila (UCM) library in Rada Street in Legazpi Village, Makati City, is the place to be. On its own, it has become an intellectual oasis right in the heart of the financial district of Makati City.

Rhona Bautista, head librarian at the UCM library, said the library is becoming a haven for people reviewing for the bar examinations and for those who to get another form of relaxation after lunch by enriching their minds.

Visiting the UCM library is worth the try because it has a very extensive collection specializing in literature, art and religion, according to Bautista.

She said the library’s collection is comprised of more than 25,000 volumes of books, periodicals and audio materials for adults and children as well. Furthermore, she said the library has also a collection of rare Filipiniana books dating back to the American colonial regime and a fair number of seasonal books.

For the convenience of the users, Bautista said the UCM library has a computerized bibliographic database, circulation services and Internet access for members. “We offer computerized access the the Internet through Wi-Fi.”

By using the Destiny Library Manager Program, an easy-to-use, Web-based library automation and management solution, Bautista said, members and guests can access the system through any workstation with a supported Web browser and Internet. With this solution, members can browse, search for resource materials, renew and reserve books, among others.

Members can use the Destiny Library Manager Program, by going to click ucmlibrary.ws and click on the Destiny Search link. “We are maintaining our own web sites ucmlibrary.ws and gideonsflame.ws, as well as egroup and  Facebook accounts.”

To ensure fair share of internet usage, the UCM management is requesting members to limit their use of the Internet to 15 to 30 minutes only to accommodate others.

The library is open on Mondays (9 to 4 p.m.), Tuesdays (4 pm), Wednesdays (10 to 7 p.m.), Saturdays (9 to 4 p.m.) and Sundays (10 to 12:30 p.m.). It is closed during lunch break from 12 to 1 p.m.

Bautista said UCM’s library ministry will hold the “Gideon’s Flame Christian Film Festival from September 12 to 17 at the UCM office. The festival will present diverse and inspirational films from around the world seeking to promote the word and love of God.

The entries will be coming from different countries. The Philippines will have two entries—Ang Sugo (The Sent One) and Tanging Pag-asa (Only Hope).