Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS

About STARBOOKS

As part of the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute’s mandate to promote science and technology information, STARBOOKS, or the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS, was launched in 2011 to serve as a free stand-alone supplemental tool for research, teaching, and learning needs of users even without the internet.

STARBOOKS contains hundreds of thousands of digitized science and technology resources in text, audio, and video formats housed in specially designed “pods.” This digital library is also intended to be highly transportable to reach the furthest locations in the Philippines including the off-grid sites, conflict areas, and the remotest indigenous communities.

For more than a decade, STARBOOKS has supported inclusive and equitable quality education as a learning resource and has made significant holistic growth with the help of the STARBOOKS team, deployment officers, partners, and stakeholders. Aside from being a transportable offline stand-alone kiosk, it now has a multi-access feature where multiple users can access the STARBOOKS resources simultaneously via local WIFI (Local Area Network or LAN). Diving into the core of STARBOOKS, its contents currently include research papers, journal articles, livelihood and educational videos, learning and teaching materials for Grades 1 to 12 students, financial literacy materials, as well as reference volumes in the S&T fields collated from DOST-STII Library and content partners.

This knowledge-rich kiosk has continuously stimulated interest in the S&T fields on more than 8,000 sites nationwide, particularly in educational institutions, local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations, and private institutions. Due to limited budgetary support, the STARBOOKS team has continuously collaborated with various private and public institutions that share a common advocacy to uplift the quality of education for Filipino students. So far, STARBOOKS has created meaningful and productive partnerships with more than 60 partners as of September 2024.

How to access STARBOOKS?

STARBOOKS has also adapted to the changing times and demands in the educational landscape. Hence, it is now supported by its different versions to meet such calls for action. Aside from its offline version, STARBOOKS also has an online version where anyone can access the contents when their computers are connected. Mobile applications were also launched, such as STARBOOKS Mobile App (for accessing the contents via Android phones), STARBOOKS Whiz App (a math and science quiz app), and STARBOOKS Finder App (shows the STARBOOKS sites nationwide).

The STARBOOKS online portal is a rich source of learning resources. It provides a wide range of materials such as lessons, activities, and quizzes for K1-12 and College New General Education (GEC) Core Courses. Additionally, it also offers Exam Readiness for the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The portal contains various special STEM materials in text, image, and multimedia formats.

Refer to this file for the detailed instructions on how to register and access the STARBOOKS resources for free at www.starbooks.ph.

The STARBOOKS mobile apps can be accessed in Android mobile devices through the following applications:

STARBOOKS Go – this is a concise version of accessing STARBOOKS resources in your mobile device. Download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dost.itu.stii.starbooks
STARBOOKS WhiZ App – this is the gamified version of the STARBOOKS quiz app. Outsmart your friends by winning quiz battles and tournaments. Download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whiz_app
STARBOOKS Finder – this locates the nearest STARBOOKS offline site in your area. Download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dost.stii.itu.starbookslocator

The STARBOOKS offline platform is designed for institutions to access STARBOOKS resources offline or on-site. There is no cost involved in installing the STARBOOKS system and upgrades, and beneficiary institutions only need to provide a computer unit for the server and complete the MOU and profile documents. Sample MOU, kiosk design and measurement, sticker, and the updated primer of STARBOOKS can be downloaded here for reference.

STARBOOKS Virtual Walkthrough

DOST-STII also offers a free STARBOOKS Virtual Walkthrough, allowing beneficiary institutions and their students/clients to better understand the various platforms and available resources on STARBOOKS. To request a walkthrough, please fill out this form: https://tinyurl.com/STARBOOKS-Walkthrough