Working towards an improved food and nutrition information system in the country
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRIDOST) recognizes the importance of the FNRI Library as the source of Philippine food and nutrition information and data. These data serve the needs of the FNRI staff, policy makers, nutrition and health workers, food manufacturers and entrepreneurs, pharmaceutical researchers, media practitioners, teachers, students and the general public. This library is a convergence of nutrition knowledge where people get the right knowledge at the right time. This knowledge is also accessible in the internet. As the depository of food and nutrition data in the Philippines, the FNRI library endeavors to be the center of knowledge management of information generated through the researches of FNRI and other institutions conducting food and nutrition research in the country. It aims to modestly contribute to the Philippine commitment to the Millennium Development Goals in the areas of economic growth, education, and youth opportunity. This is being done through the upgrading of its collection of books, journals, and other research materials, and computer facilities. The objective is to fully utilize the knowledge generated by the Institute to improve research and development (R&D) and create innovative food and nutrition (F&N) technologies. The goal is to lessen, if not eradicate malnutrition problems in the country and at the same time develop technologies that can compete in the global market. The FNRI library is also the focal point and secretariat of the Nutrition Research Information Network (NUTRINET). The NUTRINET is a network of libraries and information centers linked to establish a
specialized information system in food and nutrition and related fields. Today, the network has 14 members at the national level and 9 at the regional level in Cebu. The FNRI Library maintains an on-line public access catalogue (OPAC). The OPAC contains a computerized database of F&N research and development materials. These databases include bibliographic description of books and theses done by undergraduate and graduate students in F&N and related fields, published and unpublished materials on Filipino food habits, index to journal articles, and union list of periodical collection. It also has ephemeral files on F&N and related topics in the forms of brochures, pamphlets, leaflets, posters, newspaper clippings, and information, education and communication (IEC) materials. Likewise, abstracts of terminal reports for researches done at the FNRI can be accessed through computer terminals that are accessible for in-house and outside users. It also contributes to the Philippine e-lib project spearheaded by the DOST. The Institute’s R&D materials and publications are being digitized and can be accessed in full-text as soon as quality assurance and uploading to the Philippine e-lib is completed. The FNRI Library maintains a memorabilia. It exhibits the historical events of F&N activities in the country and accomplishments of the men and women who have passionately devoted their professional careers in establishing the groundwork and building the foundation of food and nutrition research in the Philippines.
See The FNRI Library... on p.7