Miguel de Benavides Library

The Miguel de Benavides Library (Tagalog: Aklatang Miguel de Benavides, Spanish: Biblioteca Miguel de Benavides), (formerly called UST Central Library) is the Central University Library of the University of Santo Tomas. The Library has been in continuous service and even antedates the existence of the University itself. Even wars did not interrupt this service and it has adapted over time.[1]

See also: University of Santo Tomas Archives
Miguel de Benavides Library
CountryPhilippines
TypeAcademic library
Establishedearly 17th century
LocationUniversity of Santo Tomas
Sampaloc, Manila
Branches5
Collection
Items collectedbooks, rare books, papal bulls, royal decrees, journals, newspapers, magazines, maps, atlases, microforms, manuscripts
Size300,000+ volumes
Websitelibrary.ust.edu.ph
Map
The facade

History
Library of the Santo Tomás University in Manila, 1887
The Libro de Piques, a prized collection of the University of Santo Tomas Archives

The University Library can be considered as the oldest in the country. The first seeds were planted when in the early 17th century "the founders," Fr. Miguel de Benavides and Fr. Diego Soria, donated their private collections for a future college. Through the history of the University other Dominicans contributed books indispensable in the education for the priesthood.

This explains why the oldest books in the collection are related to Philosophy, Theology or Law. As new faculties were opened in the University the collections widened to form a precious collection of rare books unique in the Philippines. This library was located in the old city of Intramuros for three hundred years. When the University expanded its campus outside the walls, some collections were also transferred to its new campus. The library occupied a room at the ground floor of the new Main Building. As the University grew with the opening of new courses, the library expanded and the collection increased in volume.

The long awaited dream of an exclusive building for the library finally materialized on October 29, 1989 when the UST Central Library building was inaugurated.

The books were originally classified according to the old method of classification called the Fixed System. In 1927, the University Library adapted the Dewey Decimal System. This was further replaced by the present Library of Congress Classification System.

The Benavides Library contains a rich collection of books and periodicals, listing more than 300,000 volumes in its catalogue, with hundreds of new materials added regularly.

The Library has been in continuous service since the first opening of the "Colegio de Santo Tomas" centuries ago. Even wars did not interrupt this service and it has adapted to the needs of every generation.

The University Library takes pride as it contributes to the fulfillment of the University's mission in its continued commitment to serve its clientele beyond its four hundred year anniversary.[1]

Branch Libraries

Ecclesiastical Faculties Library

(Ground floor, right wing, Father's Residence)

Education High School Library

(Ground floor Albertus Magnus Building)

Health Sciences Library

(4th floor St. Martin de Porres Building)

UST Junior High School Library

(2nd floor Benavides Bldg.)

Special Collections

Spanish Collections

Dr. Jose Rizal's books namely, "El Filibusterismo" and "Noli Me Tangere", are included in this collection.

Library Sections

Civil Law Section (3rd floor)

Filipiniana Section (4th floor)

Antonio V. del Rosario Heritage Library (5th floor)

  • Rare Books from 1492 through 1900
  • Filipiniana rare
  • Periodicals
  • Legal collections
  • Medical books
  • Books on Pharmacy

Humanities Section (5th floor)

Map Room (5th floor)

Music Section (Ground floor)

Old Books Section (6th floor)

General Reference and Information Section (Ground floor)

Religion Section (4th floor)

Science and Technology Section (2nd floor)

Supports the teaching and research need of the Faculty of Engineering, College of Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and other departments that need materials on Physical Sciences and technology.

Serials Section (6th floor)

Social Sciences Section (3rd floor)

Spanish Section (4th floor)

Thesis Room (3rd floor)

Technical Section (2nd floor)

Facilities

Conference Hall

Discussion Rooms

Exhibit Area

Faculty Area

Individual Study Rooms

Internet

Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)

Readers' Café

References
  1. UST Miguel de Benavides Library, official website

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