Field Trip at International Rice Research Institute

Going to IRRI is really such a nice experienced. After two and half hours of travel we were able to see the place. We took our breakfast first at the IRRI cafeteria then to IRRI library. At the IRRI library we were warmly welcomed by Ms. Mila Ramos and the rest of the staff.

IRRI was founded in 1961 with a staff of twelve. It has the world's largest collection of rice literature. During the lecture we were exposed to the different information retrieval system as well as web 2.0 application in the library. I found out that the "Millenium Software " is a very user friendly. It has a complete sets of features which is ideal for any library system. Milleniem modules which consists of OPAC, Cataloging, Circulation Services, Acquisition and a peripherals with URL checker and advanced searching. I learned the use of "skype" through reference service, a loan policy where library clients may renew their own loans online for additional two weeks period. Simply indicate their name and library barcode number "Do it Yourself" renewals can be made anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection. The Ariel Document Delivery Services it is free of charge with a 3 modes of delivery- direct or instant access, electronic and conventional. To meet the growing needs and due to demands of IRRI researchers they created freely open access to journals. These can still utilized at home which is very convenient to users.

The greatest thing about all of these field trips was we would always have lunch together with our classmates (bonding time) which in returned we've learned how to build a harmonious relationship to my other classmates. I gained new sets of friends. The field trip itself strives to develop leadership, communication and critical thinking skills for all of us.

Field trips can create relevancy to our work as a librarian it connects and exposed us the used of Millenium database. As a librarian we should be flexible in changes especially in today's technology. Technology is changing the way people run their personal lives in more ways than one.