In a major step toward towards modernizing library services and improving accessibility, the Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives launched its Digital Library and online platforms Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Lobby. The launch is part of the Semana sa Iloilo 2025 celebration and reinforces the province’s commitment to innovation in public service.
The Library introduced four digital resources:
● Iloilo eLibrary (https://www.iloiloelibrary.com): A comprehensive digital repository featuring information resources about the Province of Iloilo, including government publications, digitized historical materials, and rich content about Ilonggo history and culture.
● Iloilo Provincial Library Website (https://www.iloiloprovinciallibrary.com): Features information about the library, events, free online resources
● Bookshare: An innovative platform offering audiobooks and ebooks with assistive reading features specifically designed to remove reading barriers for persons with disabilities. Interested users can apply through our application form: https://bit.ly/applybookshare
● Virtual Reference Services (VRS): A modern approach to library assistance, providing users with remote access to librarian expertise through chat and e-mail. The public can reach the library via our Facebook page, facebook.com/iloiloprovinciallibrary and via e-mail at librarynarchives@iloilo.gov.ph.
These digital platforms represent the library’s commitment to expanding access to knowledge and information services for all residents of Iloilo Province.
Ms. Allana Delgado, Head of the Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives, emphasized the critical role of libraries in today’s digital landscape. “With the proliferation of fake news and unreliable information online, there must be a platform to share truthful and reliable sources of information. And this is where public libraries can go in since we have these resources that we can share to the public,” she said during the event.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias praised the digital shift and commended the leadership behind it. “The Iloilo Provincial Government lauds this development…led by Ms. Allana, our dynamic and vibrant provincial library head. You do not have to go to the library, but you can access publications through your gadgets,” he said.
The Digital Library is using Omeka,an open-source web publishing platform designed for creating and sharing digital collections and exhibits, for archives, libraries, and museums.
Users may view and download historical materials as well as current information about Iloilo Province, such as Tourism brochures provided by the Provincial Tourism Office and the annual reports of Province. Digitization and uploading of these materials are ongoing. In the future, the Digital Library will include online galleries, art exhibits, and more interactive digital collections.
The Library website, iloiloprovinciallibrary.com, is where users can find information about all the resources and services in the library. In the future, the Library plans to make this a platform for features about Ilonggo authors and their works, to promote our local literature.
The National Library of the Philippines also provided us access to Bookshare, a digital library for people with reading barriers. Books in a variety of formats to accommodate diverse readers are available.
The Iloilo Provincial Library is located at the Casa Real de Iloilo (Old Provincial Capitol Building in front of the Arroyo Fountain) in Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City. The Library is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. The Library offers free WiFi for users.
For more information about our new digital services, please contact the Iloilo Provincial Library.
