Collaboration between university libraries is a strategic way to broaden access to knowledge, strengthen human resource capacity, and develop responsive academic services. This commitment was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Library and Archives and San Pedro College Library, Philippines, held online on Monday, 12 October 2026.
The agreement marks the beginning of a partnership to strengthen institutional ties through knowledge exchange, staff development, joint training, and potential collaboration in research and library services. The ceremony was moderated by Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., Coordinator of Public Relations and International Affairs at UGM Library and Archives.
In his remarks, Head of UGM Library and Archives Arif Surachman, S.I.P., MBA, emphasized that signing the MoA was not the end of the collaboration process, but rather the beginning of a relationship that should be developed through concrete initiatives.
“This collaboration is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a closer relationship between UGM Library and Archives and San Pedro College Library. It can serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, creating a positive impact, and building a meaningful, beneficial, and sustainable partnership,” he said.
Arif noted that the success of an international partnership should not be measured solely by the formal agreement signed, but also by how the agreement is translated into joint programs that benefit both institutions.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of the MoA documents signed by each institution. Representatives of UGM Library and Archives and San Pedro College Library displayed their respective signed documents as part of the formalization process.
Meanwhile, Mary G. Lariosa, Director of Libraries at San Pedro College, highlighted that the partnership represented more than a formal institutional commitment. She noted that the agreement reflected a shared vision of strengthening international cooperation, advancing academic research, and expanding opportunities for knowledge sharing.
In her remarks, Mary also outlined several potential areas of collaboration, including the exchange of print and electronic information resources, staff development, joint training, conferences, and collaborative research. These initiatives could provide opportunities for both institutions to learn from one another and adopt innovative practices in library management.
The partnership also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through support for learning and knowledge exchange, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthened international cooperation. It also has the potential to contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, particularly through service innovation and the use of information technology in libraries.
For UGM Library and Archives, international partnerships provide opportunities to broaden perspectives, exchange professional experiences, and explore new approaches to library management and service development. The knowledge gained through this partnership is expected to support continued improvements in services for the university’s academic community.
The signing of the MoA with San Pedro College marks an important first step toward building a sustainable partnership. Beyond the formal agreement, the long-term value of this collaboration will depend on the ability of both institutions to turn their shared commitment into initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to their institutions and the academic communities they serve, while strengthening the role of libraries as spaces for knowledge exchange across geographical boundaries.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh