University Library - Historical Background

The library is called the “heart and soul” of a university and for good reason. It serves as the core of academic life, where knowledge is not only stored but also discovered, organized, and shared. More than just a repository of books and journals, the library is a dynamic learning space filled with resources both print and digital that fuel curiosity, support learning, and drive research.

At the center of its purpose are the students, who rely on the library for everything from completing assignments and conducting in-depth research to finding a quiet corner to relax or enjoy a good read. It’s a space where academic excellence meets personal growth a place that nurtures both the intellect and the imagination.

Over the years, the ISUFST Library has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. In its earliest days, the library collection was housed in a modest room adjoining the Administration Building.

A major milestone came in 1970, under the leadership of Dr. Elpidio Icamina, when a dedicated library building was constructed to serve the growing population of high school and college students.

In 1983, the library found a new home between the buildings of the Fisheries and Marine Science High School (FMSHS). Just a few years later, in 1987, it underwent significant renovation and enhancement under Mr. Benigno Panistante’s guidance. The turn of the millennium brought even greater change—under the leadership of Dr. Elpidio A. Locsin, Jr., a new two-storey library building was constructed in 2000. This modern facility not only expanded the library’s physical space but also elevated the quality of its services and collection.

In 2013, with Dr. Ramon G. Zarceno taking the helm as president of the then ISCOF system, the library embraced automation to improve service delivery. The following year, the Main Library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) was launched, allowing students and faculty to search for and retrieve information more efficiently.

In 2017, Dr. Godelyn G. Hisole assumed the presidency and spearheaded extensive improvements in library facilities and services across the ISCOF system. Her administration championed the adoption of an Integrated Library System (ILS), streamlining essential library functions such as public access, cataloging, acquisitions, circulation, serials management, and reporting—raising the overall efficiency and user experience of the libraries.

The momentum of modernization continued in 2022 under the leadership of Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr. Upon the formal recognition of ISCOF as the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a new chapter in the library’s history began. The systemwide libraries adopted a more advanced Integrated Library System based at the Main Campus Tiwi Site, marking a strategic shift toward digital transformation. This move aimed to enhance service delivery, improve access to information, and better support the academic needs of the entire university community.

Today, the ISUFST Library stands as a vital pillar of the university’s commitment to quality education. By continually embracing innovation and evolving with the times, it ensures that students, faculty, and staff have access to the tools and information they need to succeed—in the classroom and beyond.

The Presidents