VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

IFLA President Vicky McDonald when giving speech on National Library building -  

Elected President of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), Vicki McDonald was impressed with the programs carried out by the National Library (Perpusnas).

According to him, the social inclusion-based library transformation program can really meet the social needs of the community.

"And I see here, the program is right to focus on ensuring it can provide opportunities with economic results for community members. Apart from that, it is also a very strong form of determination to increase literacy in Indonesia," said Vicki during her visit to National Library of Indonesia on Friday (11/11/2019). 11/2022).

Vicki further explained that with this program the library can be recognized as having an important role in society. So that the library does not only play a role in the field of education.

"So I can see that this important program is important for the community and much more can be done. It is a fantastic opportunity to be here and see first-hand the works in Indonesia," continued Vicki.

He hopes to work with National Library to represent Indonesia in the IFLA arena. "We are looking forward to collaborating but also interested in talking about social inclusion," he hoped.

Head of National Library Muhammad Syarif Bando said that the social inclusion library transformation program has been carried out to villages.

"We no longer use the National Library as a deposit and repository center, but we have principles to transform the knowledge in the library to the public," he said.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Saturday, in a social inclusion strategy, careful planning is needed, all actions taken must involve the government at the provincial, district/city levels, academics, practitioners, and scientists.

"Then the task of the National Library and libraries in the regions is to prepare books on applied science and life skills. But that is not enough, it needs to be followed up with training," he explained.

Meanwhile, Librarian of the Gunung Kidul Library and Archives Service, Agung Wibowo, recounted social inclusion-based library activities by organizing various activities in the economic field, for example by training in making banana chips, to making batik.

"Not only activities to improve the economy, but we also organize activities to improve people's abilities, such as writing lessons to the English Club," explained Agung.

Literacy activist, Rodinatun also shared his experience of living from garbage crafts which is the result of reading books in the library.

"My life has become better after reading a book about the use of waste. From that reading I practiced and Alhamdulillah I was able to increase my family's income," he said.

During her visit, Vicki McDonald also had the opportunity to visit child, elderly and disabled services. Not only that, the Elected President of IFLA for 2022-2023 also made an honorary membership card//VOI