The University Library can be considered as the oldest in the country. The first seeds were planted when in the early 17th century "the founders," Fr. Miguel de Benavides and Fr. Diego Soria, donated their private collections for a future college. Through the history of the University other Dominicans contributed books indispensable in the education for the priesthood. This explains why the oldest books in the collection are related to Philosophy, Theology or Law. As new faculties were opened in the University the collections widened to form a precious collection of rare books unique in the Philippines. This library was located in the old city of Intramuros for three hundred years. When the University expanded its campus outside the walls, some collections were also transferred to its new campus. The library occupied a room at the ground floor of the new Main Building. As the University grew with the opening of new courses, the library expanded and the collection increased in volume. The long awaited dream of an exclusive building for the library finally materialized on October 29, 1989 when the UST Central Library building was inaugurated. The books were originally classified according to the old method of classification called the Fixed System. In 1927, the University Library adapted the Dewey Decimal System. This was further replaced by the present Library of Congress Classification System. The Benavides Library contains a rich collection of books and periodicals, listing more than 300,000 volumes in its catalogue, with hundreds of new materials added regularly. The Library has been in continuous service since the first opening of the "Colegio de Santo Tomas" centuries ago. Even wars did not interrupt this service and it has adapted to the needs of every generation. The University Library takes pride as it contributes to the fulfillment of the University's mission in its continued commitment to serve its clientele beyond its four hundred year anniversary.
Humanities Section Map Room Music Section Old Books Section General Reference and Information Section Religion Section Science and Technology Section Supports the teaching and research need of the Faculty of Engineering, College of Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and other departments that need materials on Physical Sciences and technology. Serials Section Social Sciences Section Spanish Section Thesis Room Technical Section
Facilities
Conference Hall Discussion Rooms Exhibit Area Faculty Area Individual Study Rooms Internet Online Public Access Catalog Readers' Café
