Hailed as the Biggest State University library in Mindanao, the CSU-H.E.R.O. Learning commons stands on a 7,200 sq. meter space that is ready to cater to around 2,000 library patrons at a time. This library is located at Ampayon, Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte and due to its enormous size, 3 interactive library locator maps have to be installed.
What makes this library innovative?
This well-appointed building takes the shape of an arch that has 3 floors which represent its three main sections in terms of design and operations. Integrated with technology solutions such as the automated book drop system to minimize face to face contact when returning book, a library monitoring software which gathers and generates library usage data and reporting in just a few taps and a fully embedded structured cabling for seamless connectivity – this Library is set to offer services far beyond what traditional library space can offer.
Ground Floor
To start with, the Ground Floor section offers a corporate vibe. It houses several offices and conference rooms equipped with an RFID access control, and a 75” interactive board for meetings. There is also a cinema-like Auditorium installed with a 3 x 5-meter Led Screen filled with more than 130 fully customized theater seats.
On the other end, is the Museum and the President’s Corner, which will walk you through the History of Caraga State University and its vision for the Institution and the whole Caraga Region.
By the entrance, you’ll see the customized furniture that takes the shape of letters C, S, and U, coupled with an accent wall design that extends from floor to ceiling – near the general lobby, imprinted with the late Congresswoman Elisa R. Ochoa’s quote:
“Follow your dreams, reach for the Stars, Filipino Youth, strive to reach your GOALS”
Dr. Sonia Rosales Low, grand niece of the late Hon. E.R. Ochoa said that it is her aunt’s dream for the Filipino Youth to “rise above whatever their circumstance in life and to develop in themselves enough confidence, discipline and self respect…
Indeed, the Ground floor section already sets an inspiring and motivating tone for everyone who comes in. Not to mention, the Wall of Merit that will forever engrave the names of the top-performing students of CSU.
2nd Floor
The 2nd Floor section is the main reading area which will carry all the book collections of the library. There are more than 70,000 books that will be shelved, including active periodical titles and local collections.
This floor is an open space type of learning environment filled with highly reconfigurable components which encourages collaboration between its users. It is painted with more vibrant pastel colors to stimulate creativity and critical thinking.
Moreover, there are huddle areas for quick briefs and individual carrels for those who prefer to have more privacy while studying. Four (4) discussion rooms are also available equipped with a Smart TV and a writing glass ready to cater to focused group discussions and a Phonebooth dedicated for answering calls, not to disturb those who focus more with silence.
With its arch type open space design concept, the whole space can be managed with minimal manpower. This design offers maximum visibility on top of the CCTV Security System that is in place.
3rd Floor
The 3rd Floor section is a hybrid space, and serves as an extension of the outside environment.
There would be no need to go out of the school to grab a coffee, as there is a library cafe already. Sounds cool? Not just yet. Busiss presentations or thesis and dissertation defense would feel like doing a business pitch to investors, as there is a decision theater or a pitch room for it. A business area and an activity center ready to cater to more synergistic and participatory activity.
Moreover, a dedicated space for storytelling is also available for community service. And when you feel tired, or burned out, library users can now relax and take a nap at the NAP PAD rooms.
Similar to the 2nd floor area, most of the components are highly reconfigurable. Majority of the floor space is open, so that the library users will enjoy its high ceiling and green design even more.
Culture and Arts
The whole library is filled with beautiful pieces of artworks, made by the creative minds from the People of Caraga Region.
Around 50+ artworks were gathered during a mural on canvas painting competition, held as part of the completion of the H.E.R.O. Learning commons.
Interestingly, the participants were not only from Butuan City, but also from different provinces of Caraga Region under different demographics. The paintings also represent different themes from education, success, innovation, the CSU as an institution and the Caraga Region as a whole. Indeed, this makes this library one of a kind, not only for being a source of knowledge and enabler of innovation but also for being a proud bearer of culture and arts.
CSU-HERO Learning Commons, the building process.
Many Institutions around the country have booked interest to visit this library even before its formal launching last December 9, 2021, for benchmarking purposes. The creation of this facility seems to create a ripple effect among the different academic institutions specially government owned institutions around the country to be able to build the same.
Here’s how CSU managed to build the biggest and most innovative library in the Philippines.
“The construction of the building was realized in a span of six(6) years with a total amount of Php 254,578,000.00 to include the furnishings and the retrofitting of the interiors….” – Dr. Armie Leila Mordeno, VP Administration & Finance
In that span of time, a number of amendments had to be had particularly on the interiors and an overwhelming number of documents to be complied to different government institutions, to come up and push through with the creation of the facility.
“In retrospect, it was a work done by the hardworking and committed men and women of the University and the vision turned into reality of the incumbent University President Dr. Anthony Peńaso. From the onset of the foundation of the building in 2016 until the filling up of the interiors with state of the art furniture and fixtures, their passion, commitment and love for the University and the pursuit of quality made it possible for CSU to create the largest and the most innovative library in the country.” – Dr. Armie Leila Mordeno, VP Administration & Finance
Evident to what Ms.Corazon Tercera, Director of Libraries – CSU said, “What can I say, parang there are no words that will come out of my mouth. Up to this moment, I am still overwhelmed by God’s goodness to CSU, and to our President, his leadership and of course the team effort, we work as one”.
It took a visionary leader and a competent and driven team. Indeed, teamwork makes the dream work.
Thank you so much to the people behind the making of this building, from the planning, from architecture, engineering, even sa procurement and disbursement. Salamat sa mga taong nag-hirap na ma put up ito, even sa ating pang-malakasan na Partner, nila Sir Sid Padpad (Webcode I.T. Solutions). Grabe na ang Diyos nagbigay sa atin ng suitable partner, so we can realize this and you know, see results that are beyond our expectations. – Dr. Anthony Penaso, CSU President said during the launching last December 9, 2021.
The structure was designed by Architect Dwight Dolotina, and the interior including the state-of-the art fixtures and furniture was provided by Webcode I.T. Solutions.
Moving forward
Truly, the CSU’s H.E.R.O. Learning Commons is not just a new facility, it is a whole new experience waiting to be explored and shared by the whole community.
Take a virtual tour of their library here: