Amid the wave of digital transformation reshaping academic libraries worldwide, the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Library and Archives has once again attracted international attention. San Pedro College, Philippines, selected the UGM Library and Archives as a reference institution for a virtual benchmarking session held on Wednesday (6/5), aiming to explore best practices in library service development, human resource capacity building, and repository management.
The event was opened by Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., Coordinator of Public Relations and International Affairs of the UGM Library and Archives, who served as moderator and introduced the UGM Library and Archives team. The session continued with opening remarks from Vanessa Sacurom, External Linkages Coordinator of the Internationalization and Linkages Office of San Pedro College, who introduced the San Pedro College delegation.
The presentation from San Pedro College was delivered by Sarah Jane Cabrera. In her presentation, she introduced various library services and programs implemented by the San Pedro College Library, including user services, library activities, digital library initiatives, library development programs, and community engagement efforts aimed at strengthening the library’s connection with the academic community and society.
Meanwhile, the Head of the UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, S.I.P., M.B.A., presented the transformation of the UGM Library and Archives in responding to the evolving needs of academia. His presentation covered the strengthening of digital services, information literacy programs, flagship services, institutional achievements, and the book donation program as a form of the library’s social contribution to the community.
Arif also highlighted the importance of librarian capacity development through programs such as TULLIP with NUS Libraries, AUNILO, and UGM LibSpeak. “Strengthening digital services, human resource development, and international networks are essential parts of the UGM Library and Archives’ efforts to provide relevant services for the academic community,” said Arif.
The discussion between the two institutions expanded to topics related to archives management and institutional repositories. The UGM Library and Archives and San Pedro College exchanged experiences regarding strategies for storage, management, access, and utilization of archives and academic works to support education, research, and institutional knowledge preservation.
San Pedro College’s interest in the UGM Library and Archives stemmed from a previous academic visit in July 2025. San Pedro College views UGM as a strategic partner that shares a similar vision in developing leading library and archival institutions at the international level.
This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening access to information and learning, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through international collaboration among higher education institutions.
This virtual benchmarking activity demonstrated how academic libraries continue to evolve as spaces for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and global network strengthening. Through forums like this, experiences and best practices among institutions can be shared to foster more adaptive and impactful information services for the academic community.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh