BEYOND THE BARCODE

In his message on the 25th anniversary of JRU as a university last October 2, 2025, Dr. Vicente K. Fabella, president of Jose Rizal University, reminisced about the physical changes in the campus since the year 2000. One in particular is of the Main Library being remodeled for modern times, hence getting its distinctive glass walls.

President Vicente K. Fabella mentions the modernization of the library in his message on the 25th anniversary of JRU as a university.

It is in this same progression that the library continues to evolve, most recently with its introduction of RFID technology. You might have heard the term already!

Going Wireless

RFID is short for Radio-Frequency Identification. It is a system that (as the name suggests) uses radio waves to identify and track RFID tags attached to objects, animals, or even people! (Think of wristbands or badges in concerts or music festivals.)

You might have already encountered RFID technology without realizing it!

This technology is similar to a barcode, but with significant advantages because it is wireless (meaning you don't need to point a scanner at a tag directly for it to work). It can hold more data (not just 12 digits), can simultaneously read hundreds of tags instead of simply one at a time, and can also read smeared or faded tags.

Seeing blue: the new RFID security gate at the Tower Library. This and the ones at the Main Library come with their own CCTV cameras.

Updated Technology in the Library

Phew, with all that said, you might've noticed some shiny new apparatus in our libraries. WISERF Technologies has installed an RFID Library Security System and added several hardware: smart tags, security gates, a Self-check Kiosk, and a Book Drop. Awesome!

Students and staff can check out books personally at the Self-check Kiosk.

This means more efficient scanning and faster inventory. If you haven’t already, come see these additions for yourself at the Main and Tower libraries. You have to admit, they look cool, right?

It's not everyday that we get to see an overhead RFID reader/security system, but we have one on the first floor of the Main Library.

Ah yes, the future is now!

And that's where we'll see each other again, Lib Lifers: the future! Remember to visit every now and then for updates. As always, have a healthy lib life!

REACQUAINTED: BACK IN THE SADDLE IN 2025

And just like that, another year is upon us.

How's your 2025 up to this point, Lib Lifers, good? Glad to hear it! Just popping in for a quick recap of some activities from the library. Ready?

Promote your Program

With the idea to advertise Jose Rizal University's postgraduate courses and the library, the Program Ambassador activity gave Graduate School students the opportunity to simulate being the face of their program.

Mr. Padernal as the face of the EDD program.

Ms. Romana only has good things to say about JRU's MBA program and the library.

As its model and spokesperson, participants produced infographics using their image and personal testimonies. The outputs could be great marketing materials, if you ask us!

Introducing a New Book Talk Showdown

As Jose Rizal University continues to welcome more Chinese Graduate School students, the chance for the Book Talk Showdown (BTS) to innovate presents itself once more. This growth together with the increased use of theses and dissertations at the Tower Library was an ideal mix for the newest version of the BTS.

Watch Mr. Zengkai Wu's video at https://fb.watch/xaCQq0tVW3/

The Book Talk Showdown for Chinese Students had participants submit a video recording discussing theses/dissertations that they use as references in writing their research papers. This is a key difference as earlier BTSs made use of circulation materials like novels and motivational books.

Two submissions were reviewed and their content found well done. These recordings were posted afterward on the JRU Library Facebook page.

Watch Mr. Huanzhen Liang's video at https://fb.watch/xaCUCS6Hr-/

Finding Your Inner Hero

And last but not least, Ms. Princess Odette Padua, Grade 11 SHS-ABM student, proved yet again that one can never be too young to start an advocacy. She became the JRU Library’s first Rizalian Community Hero by spearheading its "Adopt-a-Library Hub Program" outreach activity.

Arriving at Tongohin National High School.

Ms. Padua speaks about her advocacy and expressed gratitude and appreciation towards TNHS and JRU.

Manifesting JRU’s "Taos-Pusong Rizal" brand identity, Ms. Padua personally coordinated with Tongohin National High School (TNHS) at Infanta, Quezon and got the ball rolling. The successful program saw the donation of reading and learning materials for use in their collection development.

Kudos to our first Rizalian Community Hero, Ms. Princess Odette Padua!

And that's it for this brief post, Lib Lifers! Just providing a snippet of what we've been up to since last time. We'll pick up where we left off in the next entry, so stay tuned!