La union: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Ilocos regional office has implemented the installation of Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (Starbooks) software in 200 elementary and secondary schools across La Union province. This initiative is a collaboration between DOST and the Department of Education (DepEd) La Union.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOST-1 Starbooks regional deployment officer Mary Ann Belen disclosed during a phone interview that the software installation was requested by the schools division and subsequently provided by DOST at no cost. Belen explained that Starbooks serves as a standalone information source aimed at reaching individuals with limited or no access to science and technology information. It offers a wealth of digitized resources in various formats, including text, video, and audio, in a user-friendly interface accessible without internet connectivity.

The software also includes television documentaries, theses, investigatory projects, and details of DOST projects and technologies. Belen emphasized that Starbooks is beneficial not only for students but also for teachers and the broader community. She highlighted the availability of materials for teachers and entrepreneurship videos for livelihood enhancement.

Belen assured that the content provided by Starbooks is aligned with the DepEd curriculum and undergoes thorough processes to ensure reliability. A training and orientation session was conducted for users prior to the deployment.

Starbooks was initially launched in 2011 by the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute. In recognition of its innovative approach, Starbooks received the American Library Association Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects in 2015 at the International Librarians Reception held at the San Francisco Library in California, USA.