The history of RCC library could be traced back in 1946 when the school was founded. It was located at the back in one of the old original two-storey building. It was small but it housed all the needed reference materials for research and study, sufficient for the students enrolled at that time. The initial book collections were purchased and some came from donations.
The first librarian was Mrs. Milagros Paras, who was considered as one of the pioneers, because she was one of those first employed by the school president and founder, Don Rafael Lazatin. Mrs. Paras served as the High School Librarian for more than forty (40) years until her retirement.
The rise of the student population led to the construction of the seven-storey Saint Raphael Building, which was then known as the tallest building in the heart of Angeles City during those times. The growing number of library collections sought the need to transfer the old library to the second floor of the newly constructed building.
The library on the second floor of the main building did not last long because of the request of students to transfer it on the 5th floor to make it accessible for the students who are having classes on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th floors. The noise coming from the vehicles plying Plaridel St., was lesser on the upper floors, making it more conducive to learning. Acknowledging the merits of the student's request, the library was transferred.
In February 1968, Mrs. Florentina M. Nobleza was hired as the College Librarian. She was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in Library Science from the University of Iloilo. She also taught Library Science subjects because RCC was the only school in Pampanga during those times offering Library Science as a major in the College of Education and Liberal Arts. She contributed thirty (30) years of valuable service to the school.
Further growth in the student population because of the several new courses offered, and the growing library collection, the High School Library College Library were combined to comply with the sitting capacity prescribed by the Department of Education Culture and Sports (DECS). High School classes were held in the morning until early afternoon while College classes were held late in the afternoon until 9 o' clock in the evening, so students can use the library simultaneously. Moreover, separate libraries were made available for the Graduate School and the Elementary School.
In 1996, a separate Audio-Visual Room was set up to house all multimedia collection and to cope with the technological advances and the growing need to provide additional instructional materials. Additional equipment for the AVR were acquired such as large TV sets, amplifier, Beta/VHS player, recorder/rewinder, Karaoke player/recorder, slide projectors, overhead projectors, and VCD player. Different AV materials were also acquired such as Beta /VHS tapes, transparencies, slides, VCDs, and CD ROMs.
Periodical section was also organized in 1996 to house all serials. these are important source of fresh information and current issues. Magazines and periodicals were bound and indexed. Vertical file was activated. Current and past subscriptions were recorded.
In February 2001, Dr. Persia P. Sicat the school's Vice President for Administration, donated a large number of books for High School and Elementary Library, a separate accession book for the High School collection was made.
Before the S.Y. 2002-2003, the plan to separate the High School library from the College Library became a reality. When the extension of the five-storey Saint Raphael Building was fully constructed. The three oversized classrooms plus the old Graduate School Library including the large hallway was remodeled and became the College and Graduate School Library.
All college books were transferred and arranged following the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme. More than forty-five thousand books were transferred. A total of 3,667 volumes were weeded to give space to new acquisitions. Regular weeding has been done to maintain the qualify of the collection.
Card catalog entries of all new college and graduate school collection were completed and updated using the newly acquired DDC 21. New card catalog and shelf-list catalog cabinets were purchased and re-organized to function. Shelves were labelled for easy access and retrieval of books. A semi-open shelf system is adopted to allow users with greater and better access to the collection.
The granting of Level II Re-accreditation status to the three college programs by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) was the greatest feat of in the library, because all the hard work and dedication were appreciated by the students and faculty, and it was recognized by the accrediting team. This was made possible because of the help and support of the RCC Administration.
In-house library automated system featuring Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) was launched in July 2003. Library clienteles now enjoy using the OPAC in searching for library resources which is faster and easier option, nevertheless, the manual card catalog is still kept functioning.
In 2009, the College Library was reorganized to create separate sections for the Circulation & Reserve, Periodical, Reference, and the Graduate School sections. The Internet Section, Technical, and office of the Head Librarian were also constructed and installed air-condition units. An open-shelf system was also adopted in the College and Graduate School Library to allow clientele greater and access to all available information.
It was also in 2009 that the Instructional Media Center (IMC) was set up. It occupies three classroom size facility on the 5th floor of the Our Lady of Fatima Building. The IMC was organized to house the growing number of audio-visual materials and equipment. We have constantly acquired and updated all the needed equipment and materials to cope with the technological advances and to provide additional media services.
Modern equipment was purchased such as LCD projectors, large TV sets, sound amplifier, Beta and VHS player/rewinder; VCD and DVD player, Karaoke set, and slide and overhead projectors. These equipment and different instructional AV materials are now housed in the fully air-conditioned Instructional Media Center. The Audio-Visual Room beside the High School Library was also improved to accommodate the growing need or demand on the use of instructional media services.
By the year 2012, the long-time dream of having the College Library air-conditioned has finally become a reality. All sections of the library now are air-conditioned including the Reading Area. The two discussion rooms where also constructed during this time. The discussion rooms are provided to accommodate small group talks, meetings or class without disturbing another library clientele.
The High School Library remains to occupy the whole stretch of the Saint Raphael Building, 5th floor, including the Audio-Visual Room.
The School Administration remains faithful and dedicated to its mission of providing quality education and services to the changing needs of students and other stakeholders. Hence, the continuous improvement of its facilities including the Library and the Instructional Media Center, will keep up in updating its resources and innovating its services to meet the needs of the school community.
The long-term success of the library depends upon the administration and management using analytical and conceptual skills to plan and guide the library's growth and future direction.
