Source: Untar Public Relations – WA
Every July 7th, Indonesia commemorates National Librarian Day as a form of appreciation for the important role librarians play in building a knowledge-based society and promoting literacy. This commemoration serves as a moment of reflection on the transformation of the librarian’s role in the digital era, while also reaffirming the significance of libraries as centers for the development of knowledge, especially within higher education institutions.
National Librarian Day was first declared by the Indonesian Library Association (IPI) in 1990, coinciding with the anniversary of the librarian professional organization, which was established on July 7, 1973. Since then, Librarian Day has become an annual milestone to appreciate the dedication of librarians in guiding society—especially students and learners—to become more critical, passionate about reading, and wise in accessing information.
The Strategic Role of Librarians in the World of Education
Librarians are no longer just keepers of book collections. In the context of higher education, they have transformed into facilitators of learning, curators of scientific information, and drivers of digital literacy. This aligns with Untar’s vision of creating an academic ecosystem that supports research, innovation, and the development of a global perspective.
Untar Library, through various digital services and the integration of information technology, continues to expand access to academic information for the academic community. Librarians also play an active role in guiding students in the use of scholarly references, literature searches, as well as citation management and academic integrity.
Ambar Pratiwi, S.Hum., M.M., a librarian at Untar who has served since 2005, emphasizes that institutional support plays a crucial role in developing the competencies and dedication of librarians.
Documentation by Ambar Pratiwi, Librarian at Untar // Source: Untar Public Relations – WA
“Untar provides exceptional support for the career development of librarians. We are given ample space to continue growing, innovating, collaborating, and building professional networks,” she said.
Ambar is a graduate of Library Science from the University of Indonesia and pursued a Master’s degree in Management at Universitas Pamulang. One of her proudest achievements in her career was being selected as a National Finalist for Outstanding Librarian in 2018 by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education (Kemenristekdikti), thanks to her work titled Medical Learning Commons Corner – Perpustakaan Universitas Tarumanagara.
Collaboration and Inclusive Literacy
As part of a higher education institution, Untar Library is also committed to becoming an inclusive collaborative space. The library is now designed not only as a place for reading but also as a hub for scholarly activities and a space for interdisciplinary dialogue.
To commemorate Librarian Day 2025, students are encouraged to not only make the most of library collections but also to build active relationships with librarians in their academic pursuits.
“Today’s librarians must continue to learn and grow. Innovation, collaboration, and networking are key in facing the challenges of our time. But equally important is the spirit of sharing—both knowledge and the resources held by the library—so that its benefits can be more widely felt by the academic community,” Ambar added.
Untar realizes that investing in the development of libraries and librarians is a long-term investment in the quality of education. The active role of librarians, equipped with digital literacy skills and a humanistic approach, is key to the success of modern learning.
“Explore and absorb the energy of the library, a space to grow, collaborate, and spark imagination toward new worlds,” Ambar concluded, inviting students to make the library a vibrant and relevant space in their academic lives.
(VA/YS)