Amidst the growing concern over the character crisis among today’s youth, the Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a literacy outreach program titled "Sharing Knowledge, Spreading Goodness: Book Donation and Literacy for the Nation" on Wednesday (July 23) at SMP Muhammadiyah Kretek, Bantul, Yogyakarta. The activity targeted junior high school students as part of an effort to instill moral, social, and spiritual values through books and reflective dialogue.

Carrying the theme "Reading to Become a Better Human Being," the event opened with a symbolic handover of donated books by Yulistiarini Kumaraningrum, S.P., M.M., Head of the Data and Information Systems Division of the UGM Library and Archives, to the Principal of SMP Muhammadiyah Kretek, Tri Inayah, S.Pd. This donation reflects UGM Library and Archives’ commitment to strengthening literacy and serving the community through civic engagement.

The event continued with a discussion and reflection session led by Sarwono, S.IP., M.A., a senior librarian at UGM. In his presentation, Sarwono emphasized that literacy is not merely about reading text, but about absorbing deeper meaning. "Literacy is the process of absorbing meaning through reading, analyzing, and understanding. It is from here that we learn to shape character—through questions, reflection, and curiosity," he explained.

The discussion session was engaging and interactive, inviting students to explore the meaning of literacy through reflection and a fun quiz. Students actively participated in dialogues around literacy, creating a spirited and warm atmosphere that transformed the classroom into a lively space for value-based learning.

One of the participants, Firli, a 7th-grade student, shared her heartfelt impression after taking part in the event. She expressed her gratitude to the organizing

team. "Thank you for coming to our school and organizing such a fun activity. I now better understand what literacy means, and I enjoyed the quiz and discussions with my friends," she said enthusiastically.

This initiative is part of the UGM Library and Archives’ contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through promoting literacy and sustainable character education; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by instilling values of peace and responsibility from an early age; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strategic collaboration between higher education institutions and schools in building an inclusive and transformative learning ecosystem.

By embracing a character-based literacy approach, this program affirms that a library is not merely a place for storing books, it is a living space for cultivating values, nurturing critical thinking, and expanding the human horizon. A small movement that brings light amidst the challenges of the times.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

A vibrant cultural atmosphere filled the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) campus in celebration of the 58th Anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy. As part of the festivities, the Gamelan Festival was held on Saturday–Sunday, July 19–20, 2025, featuring dozens of gamelan ensembles from various UGM units and cultural communities across the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).

One standout performance came from Pustaka Laras, the gamelan group of UGM Library and Archives. Their rendition of traditional pieces such as Ladrang Lere-Lere Sumbangsih, Ketawang Gambuh, Glopa Glape, and Lagon Si Kucing captivated the audience. The performance not only showcased their dedication to cultural preservation but also highlighted the Library and Archives' commitment to fostering a living and inclusive space for artistic expression within an academic institution.

The performance of Pustaka Laras was supported by a team of performers who are staff members of the UGM Library and Archives. Peni Bektiningsih played the peking; Haryanta, Ratna Setyawati, and Safirotu Khoir played the saron; Martina Uki Emiliasanti and Nur Hidayati performed on the demung; Nugroho Sayekti played the slenthem; Herman Setyawan on the kenong; Tulasmi on the bonang barung; and Anas Fauzi on the gong. Meanwhile, Heri Santosa served as the wiraswara (vocalist). The entire ensemble was directed by gamelan coach Feri Darmawan, who has consistently guided the group with dedication.

Nugroho Sayekti, S.Sos., Head of the Pustaka Laras Ensemble, stated that their participation in the festival represents the institution’s concrete contribution to preserving the nation's cultural heritage. “Gamelan is a form of living knowledge that deserves to be revitalized within academic spaces. Through Pustaka Laras, we want to demonstrate that libraries and archives do not merely preserve culture through texts, but also bring it to life through direct practice,” he said.

The festival served not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a space for social interaction, fostering solidarity among communities. With active involvement from academic institutions like UGM Library and Archives, the event reinforced the role of higher education in cultural preservation, character development, and the strengthening of cultural identity.

Furthermore, this participation aligns with UGM Library and Archives' commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by integrating cultural values into lifelong learning; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by preserving traditional culture as part of community life; and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by embracing the arts as a medium for enhancing mental and emotional well-being.

With a spirit of collaboration, harmony, and sustainability, Pustaka Laras’ presence affirmed that the Library and Archives is not only a guardian of collections but also a custodian of the noble values embedded in the melodies and rhythms of the nation's cultural heritage.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

In the midst of life’s complexities and exhausting routines, finding happiness can be a challenge. But happiness does not belong only to a perfect life. This is the central theme of the book discussion on "Tetap Bahagia Meski Hidup Tidak Baik-Baik Saja" (Still Happy Even When Life Isn’t Going Well), written by Setyo Hajar Dewantoro, and organized by UGM Library and Archives in collaboration with Mahadaya Publishing on Friday (July, 11).

The event was held in a hybrid format, both online via Zoom and offline at the Seminar Room, L1 Building, UGM Library and Archives. The session was lively and engaging, hosted by Erma Eviana, a student of Indonesian Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. Participants from diverse backgrounds joined enthusiastically, both in person and virtually.

In the interactive and reflective discussion, Setyo Hajar shared his views on the importance of accepting life as it is.

"Happiness is not about everything going according to plan, but about our ability to be grateful under any circumstances. When we practice gratitude, we create a space of peace within ourselves," he remarked.

This book was written as a mirror for anyone dealing with life’s pressures, feeling lost, or struggling to accept reality. Through personal stories and reflections, the author encourages readers to keep finding hope and meaning, even amidst less-than-ideal situations.

In addition to the inspiring presentation and discussion, several lucky participants received book door prizes as a token of appreciation for their active participation. These prizes served not only as

mementos but also as symbols of the spirit of literacy that UGM Library and Archives continues to cultivate.

This activity reflects UGM Library and Archives' commitment to promoting literacy that supports well-being, in line with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by strengthening mental health literacy and emotional resilience, as well as SDG 4: Quality Education, through reflective, alternative learning that fosters personal growth.

By promoting a literacy approach that embraces emotional and spiritual dimensions, UGM Library and Archives remains committed to being a nurturing space for knowledge and humanity,a place where reading is not only for knowing, but also for healing.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

Two staff members from the Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Afni Isnaini Aprilia (Faculty of Law) and Uminurida Suciati (Faculty of Animal Science), have been selected to receive scholarships for the "Transforming University Libraries Leadership & Innovation Programme (TULLIP)". They follow in the footsteps of their colleagues who previously received similar scholarships through the TULLIP Intake 1 program organized by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries, held from June 30 to July 4, 2025.

In this program, Universitas Gadjah Mada represented Indonesia among 27 participants from other countries, including Thailand, Bhutan, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Laos. It is making a rich international forum for collaboration and exchange of ideas. The program aims to equip librarians with leadership and innovation skills to address the significant challenges and transformations happening within university libraries.

TULLIP is designed as a platform for learning and idea exchange among librarians from ASEAN countries. It not only emphasizes theoretical aspects but also offers practical approaches that can be directly implemented in university library environments. The training provides an opportunity to deeply explore concepts of innovative leadership and strategies to drive and manage change within academic libraries.

The program focuses on enhancing librarians' leadership capabilities, enabling them to effectively manage rapid changes in the higher education sector. Key topics discussed include digital library transformation, the implementation of advanced technology in resource management, user-centered service development, and the use of data and AI to enhance library user experience.

TULLIP emphasizes not only individual development but also the building of an inclusive library community and a knowledge-sharing platform. Activities included workshops, seminars, site visits, and discussions. Participants were also invited to collaborate on library case studies to sharpen their creative and innovative problem-solving skills.

In a highly collaborative environment, participants toured other facilities such as the NUS Libraries, the National Library, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Medical+Science Library, Department of Food Science & Technology, and University Town. These visits offered valuable insights into the integration of innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and cultural elements in the delivery of academic library services.

The participation of UGM Library and Archives staff in TULLIP aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The program supports SDG 4 by improving the quality of education and learning through librarian competency development, while SDG 17 is realized through international collaboration among educational institutions and libraries from various countries.

This involvement is part of UGM’s ongoing efforts to enhance staff capacity in library services and to lead transformation in academic environments. It is hoped that the knowledge and skills gained through this program will enable the implementation of more efficient, technology-based strategies and help create libraries that are more inclusive, responsive, and user-oriented.

Contributor: Afni Isnaini Aprilia

The Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to expand its network of strategic collaborations with regional partner institutions. Most recently, this partnership was formalized through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) with the Yogyakarta City Library and Archives Service (DPK), held on Tuesday (July 8) at the 3rd Floor Meeting Room of the Yogyakarta City Library, Jl. Suroto No. 9, Kotabaru.

Both institutions' signing marked a concrete step in their shared commitment to strengthening information services, developing literacy initiatives, and fostering library innovation through collaboration. The event was led by the Head of DPK Yogyakarta and attended by the Head of the Economic and Cooperation Division of the Yogyakarta City Government Secretariat and the Head of UGM Library and Archives. Also present from UGM Library and Archives were the Heads of the Library Division and the Data and Information Systems Division.

As a university that upholds values of public benefit and openness, UGM Library and Archives welcome this partnership as a strategic opportunity, particularly through public literacy activities such as literacy festivals, joint exhibitions and talk shows, knowledge exchange, and potential collaboration in podcast content management that can benefit both students and the wider community.

"We believe libraries cannot work in isolation. Cross-institutional collaboration, especially with public libraries, is crucial in ensuring that literacy and access to information become part of people’s everyday lives," said Arif Surachman, Head of UGM Library and Archives.

This initiative also aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through strengthening information literacy, providing non-formal education access, and enhancing lifelong learning capacities; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting the preservation of cultural information heritage and developing inclusive community learning spaces; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and local governments to support open, collaborative, and impact-oriented information systems.

Driven by the spirit of synergy, this partnership is expected to serve as a sustainable model of collaboration between academic and public libraries in fostering a resilient, adaptive, and knowledge-based society.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

Improving the quality and impact of scientific publications has become a strategic priority for the academic community. As a concrete form of support for this agenda, the UGM Library and Archives in collaboration with Springer Nature held a workshop titled "Guide for Academic: from Research to Publication" on Monday, June 30, 2025. The event took place at the Auditorium of the Tahir Foundation Building, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing (FKKMK) UGM, and was attended both onsite and online by students, lecturers, education staff, and researchers from various faculties across UGM.

The workshop featured Xian Toh, Account Development Manager at Springer Nature, as the keynote speaker, and Handoko Bagaskara, Licensing Manager at Springer Nature, as the moderator. The program was designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the academic publishing process, from pre-writing strategies to enhancing post-publication visibility.

"Writing a scientific article is not just about content, it’s also about strategy and positioning. Understanding your target journal, editorial tone, and the publication cycle significantly increases your chances of acceptance", said Xian Toh during the presentation.

The session covered essential topics, including how to select the right journal, structure manuscripts according to international editorial standards, navigate the peer review process professionally, and manage the impact of publications through indexing platforms and dissemination channels. The workshop drew enthusiastic participation, evident from the high level of engagement both in-person and via the online webinar.

This initiative not only strengthens the academic capacity of UGM’s academic community but also reflects the university’s concrete support for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by promoting scientific literacy, academic integrity, and inclusive, globally competitive publication skills. Additionally, the strategic collaboration between UGM and Springer Nature exemplifies the implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering access to knowledge and a sustainable research ecosystem.

In today’s globalized academic landscape, mastering the publication process is no longer merely a technical skill, it is a crucial academic asset for actively contributing to the advancement of global knowledge.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

The Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again held the Literacy Class on Effective Search Strategies for Multi-Subject Databases, continuing a series of successful training sessions conducted previously. The two latest sessions focused on the use of Springer Nature on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, and Sage Journals on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Both sessions took place in the Computer Laboratory, Building L1, 5th Floor.

The program attracted participation from students, lecturers, and librarians from various faculties, aiming to equip attendees with strategic skills for accessing credible and relevant global scientific information.

Springer Nature, a leading provider of more than 3,000 multidisciplinary scientific journals, was presented in detail by Barid Budi Wicaksono, S.TP., M.A. He guided participants through keyword-based search techniques, the use of topic and date filters, and methods for managing references to support academic writing.

The following session, led by Maryono, SIP., highlighted the strengths of Sage Journals, particularly in the fields of social sciences, education, psychology, and public policy. Maryono emphasized the importance of critical digital literacy in selecting credible information amidst the growing volume of online publications. "An effective search strategy is not only about technique", he asserted, "but also about understanding context and user needs."

This literacy class series is part of UGM Library’s ongoing effort to foster an adaptive and inclusive research ecosystem. Previously, similar training focused on ScienceDirect and Scopus, and more sessions are scheduled for July, featuring other international databases.

The program supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing open and targeted access to global knowledge. As the landscape of scientific information becomes increasingly complex in the digital age, the ability to search, evaluate, and utilize the right sources has become an essential academic skill.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

How does Pancasila live on the people’s campus and respond to the challenges of the times? This question served as the main thread in the archival talk show themed "Pancasila and the People’s Campus: UGM in the Trajectory of History and the Future", organized by the UGM Library and Archives in collaboration with the UGM Museum, on Thursday (June 26). The event was held in the Seminar Room, 2nd Floor, Building L1, and was part of the series of activities in the Gadjah Mada Library and Archives Fair (GMLAF) 2025.

The event opened with remarks by Dr. Tjahjono Prasodjo, M.A., Head of the UGM Museum, who emphasized the importance of archives as markers of institutional identity and as a bridge of values between the past and the future. He stated that initiatives such as this serve as an effective medium to reinterpret the foundational values of the nation in today’s context, with the campus acting as a living space for the ideology of Pancasila.

The talk show featured two keynote speakers: Dr. Heri Santoso, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer in Pancasila Philosophy from the UGM Doctoral Program in Philosophy, and Baha'uddin, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer in History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Herman Setyawan, M.Sc.

In his presentation, Dr. Heri Santoso emphasized that Pancasila must not remain as a normative document or institutional jargon. "Pancasila must become a way of thinking, a way of behaving, and a way of acting in academic and social life. It is an ethical energy that animates campus activities," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Baha'uddin highlighted the historical dimension of UGM, which from its very founding has become a campus of struggle and cultural resistance. "UGM was founded amid a national crisis, and since then it has positioned itself as the people’s campus. This identity must continuously be preserved by critically and historically upholding the values of Pancasila," he said.

The speakers highlighted UGM’s role as a national university since 1949 that brings Pancasila to life in practice, ranging from community service in remote areas to the symbolism of campus identity. They also discussed the

integration of Pancasila values into the curriculum, academic ethics, and its relevance in the global arena as a moral compass and vision of nationhood.

The event was attended by guests from various backgrounds, including representatives from the Yogyakarta Provincial Library and Archives Office, the Yogyakarta City Library and Archives Service, the Library of Sanata Dharma University, the Head of the Archival and Information Records Management Study Program at the UGM Vocational School, as well as archivists, librarians, museum curators, and UGM students.

This talk show reflects UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the cultivation of national values in higher education, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through value-based institutional strengthening, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the preservation of collective memory and campus cultural heritage.

The talk show became a reflective space for the academic community to reaffirm UGM’s commitment to nurturing national values, safeguarding institutional integrity, and enlivening Pancasila as the intellectual, ethical, and social foundation of the university.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

The international accreditation team from ASIIN (Akkreditierungsagentur für Studiengänge der Ingenieurwissenschaften, der Informatik, der Naturwissenschaften und der Mathematik) conducted an official visit to the Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Monday (June 23), as part of the accreditation assessment for academic programs at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.

During the visit, the ASIIN team, accompanied by representatives from the Faculty of Agriculture, was formally welcomed by Arif Surachman, S.I.P., MBA, Head of the UGM Library and Archives, along with Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., Coordinator for Public Relations and International Affairs. The delegation was invited to explore key facilities at the UGM Library and Archives that play a vital role in the university’s learning ecosystem.

The team toured several flagship learning spaces, including the WOW Room (Window of the World), the TGCL Room (The Gade Creative Lounge), which supports studies in law and global governance, and the Podcast Room, a creative digital literacy hub for students. These facilities illustrate how UGM is evolving its library into an active and participatory learning environment that extends beyond traditional functions.

The visit reflects the strategic role of the library in supporting quality assurance indicators in higher education. It also affirms the UGM Library and Archives’ commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly

SDG 4: Quality Education, through inclusive, technology-based access to learning. The expansion of service infrastructure, such as discussion rooms, creative studios, and digital platforms, further demonstrates support for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Additionally, the collaboration between the Library, the Faculty of Agriculture, and international partners throughout this accreditation process embodies the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

As part of a research-driven and globally engaged university, UGM continues to advance the transformation of its library services, not only to respond to academic needs but also to proactively shape a 21st-century learning ecosystem.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

Yogyakarta, June 24, 2025 - Imagine a library you can carry anywhere, anytime, complete with an e-book collection, social features, and an online borrowing system. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Library and Archives has turned that vision into reality with the launch of SIDILA (Sistem Informasi UGM’s Digital Library), a digital library application designed to meet the learning needs and challenges of today’s generation.

Launched in June 2025, SIDILA is a new service from UGM Library and Archives. The application allows UGM students, lecturers, and researchers to access thousands of e-books through a modern and user-friendly interface. More than just a virtual reading room, SIDILA offers distinctive features such as a personal digital bookshelf, interactive e-reader, and a social feed that displays users’ reading activities, turning literacy into a collective and participatory experience.

SIDILA’s emergence cannot be separated from the global context that demands higher education to transform toward inclusive digitalization. UGM’s initia-

tive aligns with its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes the importance of equitable, technology-based access to information. Moreover, its collaboration with application developers strengthens the implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through joint efforts to deliver impactful and relevant innovation.

With a lightweight file size and compatibility with Android systems, SIDILA is available for download via Google Play Store. Users only need to register and become a member of ePustaka to explore the collection and borrow books digitally. In addition, the offline feature enables users to read anytime, even without an internet connection.

The launch of SIDILA is more than just a technological upgrade. It is a statement about the future direction of libraries: more open, more intelligent, and more connected. In an age where information flows endlessly, the question is no longer why we need a digital library, but rather how ready we are to make it a new living space for knowledge.

For complete information about SIDILA, visit the official website at: https://sidila.moco.co.id

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh