The image of a library as a “quiet space for storing books” is gradually fading. In response to changes in students’ learning habits in the digital era, the leadership of the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Library visited Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Thursday (September 10, 2026) to discuss library space management and the development of Co-Working Spaces (CWS).
The visit, held at the Archives Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Building L7, UGM Library and Archives, was led by ITB Library Head Ena Sukmana, S.Sos., accompanied by Head of IT Services Moch. Arif Trikanda, S.Si. The delegation was welcomed by UGM Library and Archives Head Arif Surachman, SIP., MBA., along with members of the UGM management and public relations teams.
During the meeting, Ena Sukmana discussed various challenges in developing modern learning spaces on campus, from formulating the initial concept for a CWS to determining the facilities that students genuinely need.
In response, Arif Surachman shared UGM Library and Archives’ experience in developing The Gade Creative Lounge (TGCL). According to him, the key to successfully renovating learning spaces without being hindered by complex bureaucracy lies in establishing strategic partnerships with external parties.
“We initially refined the concept, design, and proposal, which were then submitted to UGM’s partnership office to explore collaboration with a partner, in this case, Pegadaian. Pegadaian then redesigned the space without changing the essence of the original concept. The entire construction process was handled by Pegadaian through to completion, with the final handover made as an in-kind donation. This arrangement greatly simplified the accountability reporting process,” said Arif.
The discussion was not limited to physical infrastructure. Space zoning strategies were also a key topic, as UGM Library and Archives shared its approach to accommodating the diverse needs of library users, from students who require complete silence to those who need spaces for group discussions.
UGM Coordinator for Public Relations and International Affairs, Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., explained that UGM Library and Archives divides its library areas into three main zones: Silent Zone, Quiet Zone, and Conversation-Friendly Zone. According to her, establishing clear criteria for each zone aims to accommodate students’ different needs without disrupting one another.
Complementing the zoning policy, UGM Library and Archives has also extended its operating hours. UGM Head of Library Division Wahyu Supriyanto, S.E., M.Si., explained that the library seeks to meet students’ needs by providing services from Monday to Friday until 10:00 p.m. and on Saturdays until 4:00 p.m.
This inter-university collaboration aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the provision of inclusive learning facilities, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the modernization of library facilities that support student innovation, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cross-institutional collaboration between UGM and ITB.
The meeting highlighted one key point: amid the rapid flow of digital information, library buildings are expected to continue evolving. They are no longer simply places for storing stacks of paper, but dynamic spaces where new ideas can be explored, developed, and shared.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh