To strengthen the Institute’s commitment to digital integration and knowledge accessibility, the Library Unit (LU) of the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) conducted an online digital library orientation on June 4, 2025.

Attended by new personnel from various NFRDI divisions and research centers, the orientation presented a comprehensive overview of the Institute’s digital library’s operations, services, and subscribed resources. The initiative forms part of LU’s ongoing digital development efforts aimed at enhancing institutional information literacy and user engagement.

During the session, participants were introduced to the basic features and functionalities of the library website, including a walkthrough of its interface and instructions on how to access available e-resources and services. A step-by-step tutorial on library account registration was also presented, alongside demonstrations of major digital platforms subscribed to by NFRDI, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, EBSCO, and Turnitin. These resources play a crucial role in supporting the research and information needs of the Institute’s workforce.

In addition to providing practical guidance, the orientation served as a platform to gather feedback on the information needs of the new employees. These insights will inform future enhancements to LU’s services, contributing to the creation of a more responsive and user-centered information environment and knowledge services.

John Paul Combalicer, LU head, emphasized the vital role of accessible information in advancing NFRDI’s research and development mandate. He encouraged participants to make full use of the available tools and resources and reaffirmed the library’s commitment to supporting new employees by providing access to research resources, services, and assistance for an efficient and effective information-seeking experience. ### (Odry Paclibar)