The Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Library and Archives participated in the Cultural Parade of Nitilaku organized by the 75th UGM Anniversary Committee, held on Sunday, December 15, 2024. With the theme "National Unity Through Friendship," Nitilaku served as a meaningful moment to reflect on unity in the rich diversity of Indonesia's culture.

Carrying a unique concept rich in historical value, representatives from the UGM Library and Archives captivated the audience by wearing traditional attire representing the regions of origin of UGM’s rectors. In addition, they carried portraits of UGM rectors, from the first rector, Prof. Sardjito, to the current rector, Prof. Ova Emilia. This highlighted UGM’s identity as an inclusive institution, representing Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage through its leaders.

Beyond the parade, the UGM Library and Archives enriched the event by sharing valuable information about the legacy of UGM’s rectors, the history of UGM from its establishment in Yogyakarta Palace to its move to Bulaksumur, as well as the university's contributions to education, research, and community service over the past seven decades.

The UGM Library and Archives’ participation in Nitilaku also demonstrated its support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 4: Quality Education through the integration of local cultural education into academic activities; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by celebrating traditional attire as part of cultural heritage that must be preserved; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by honoring cultural diversity to create a peaceful and inclusive society.

The cultural parade began at Wisma Kagama and ended at the UGM Balairung, involving various units within UGM and the UGM Alumni Family (Kagama). Participants enthusiastically showcased the rich cultural traditions from across the archipelago, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the spirit of unity and nationalism.

Through its participation, the UGM Library and Archives reinforced its role as a custodian of the nation's history and culture, while also driving sustainable development in education and cultural preservation.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

A group of UGM Library and Archives staff gathered in the Archives Meeting Room on the 2nd floor to participate in the AI Utilization Sharing Session on Friday afternoon (6/12). This event served as an opportunity to explore and understand the vast potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in enhancing library and archival services.

Designed as a collaborative learning space, the session provided a platform for staff to delve into AI technology, which is currently a hot topic in various fields. Guided by Wasilatul Baroroh, S.S.I., a staff member of UGM Library and Archives, the session featured a variety of exciting topics, including prompt generation, article creation, AI detection, image creation, quick drawing, and advanced music creation tools.

“The world of technology is constantly evolving, and we must be ready to adapt. AI can be an incredible tool to support better services for our users,” said Wasilatul.

The session was not just about listening to material but also included hands-on practice. Participants eagerly tried out the platforms introduced during the session. Laughter and excitement filled the room as they experimented with AI to create unique images or generated songs from prompts.

“Wow, so AI can be used to make music too? This is so much fun!” exclaimed Ratna, one of the participants, enthusiastically exploring the music creation feature.

This sharing session reflects the commitment of UGM Library and Archives to continuous development, aligned with efforts to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. By learning together, the staff are expected to keep providing innovative and relevant services that meet the needs of the times.

The session concluded with a renewed spirit to implement AI in daily services. Through this initiative, UGM Library and Archives demonstrated that innovation can go hand-in-hand with a spirit of collaborative learning, creating services that are both technologically adaptive and user-centric.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

A warm and cheerful atmosphere filled the rooftop of the UGM Library and Archives on Friday morning (6/12). This regular meeting, attended by all staff, served as an essential moment to strengthen camaraderie, enhance coordination, and maintain a spirit of togetherness.

The meeting began with a warm greeting from the Head of the Library and Archives, followed by a storytelling session led by the management team. This session provided a space for sharing important work-related updates, as well as an opportunity for staff members to exchange experiences, express aspirations, and show mutual appreciation. This activity contributed significantly to mental well-being, aligning with the spirit of supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.

"Meetings like this are essential not only for smooth task execution but also for maintaining our well-being. When we feel closer to one another, our work spirit naturally improves," said Dewi, one of the Library and Archives staff members.

The camaraderie among the UGM Library and Archives staff reflects a healthy and harmonious work culture. This regular activity exemplifies the institution’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its employees by fostering a comfortable, inclusive, and productive work environment.

Through gatherings like this, the UGM Library and Archives remain dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of its staff. These meetings prove that strong collaboration and a positive work atmosphere are key to the success of various programs within the UGM Library and Archives.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

A number of staff from UGM Library and Archives participated in a drone pilot training session held in the Archives Meeting Room on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The session featured Megaputra Zulfikar Whana Aji Kesdu from UGM’s Public Relations and Protocol Office as the trainer, a professional with extensive expertise and experience in drone operation. This activity aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it highlights inter-unit collaboration within UGM.

The training provided UGM Library and Archives staff with new skills to create innovative digital content, supporting technology-based learning in line with SDG 4: Quality Education. Drone technology enables UGM Library and Archives to improve digital literacy within the community by presenting library information in more creative and interactive ways.

During the session, participants were introduced to various drone components, basic operating techniques, and the ethics and restrictions of drone use, especially in academic and official documentation contexts.

“Drones are a rapidly evolving technology that remains relevant across various fields, including documentation, service promotion, and information preservation,” said Megaputra.

Following the theoretical session, participants were taken outdoors to practice operating drones. With direct guidance from the trainer, they learned how to safely and effectively pilot drones. The hands-on practice reinforced the theoretical knowledge and provided real-world experience in controlling these advanced devices.

One of the participants, Nabiilah, shared her enthusiasm for the training. “We’ve gained a better understanding of how drones work and the regulations we need to follow. The practice session was exciting and opened new perspectives for supporting our roles in the library and archives,” she said.

This training encourages the adoption of advanced technologies to support documentation, service promotion, and archive preservation. It contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, equipping staff with the ability to create high-quality visual documentation and modernize the presentation of library and archival services.

Additionally, the initiative aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, fostering adaptation to new technologies that enhance efficiency and innovation to support both academic communities and the broader society. By embracing technology like drones, UGM Library and Archives stays relevant amidst evolving global trends, creating broader positive impacts for academic and public communities alike.

Looking ahead, UGM Library and Archives remains committed to innovation with cutting-edge technologies, unlocking new opportunities to improve service quality and advancing the achievement of various sustainable development goals. This drone pilot training marks not just a skill-building activity but also a tangible step toward sustainable digital transformation.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

In an era where access to education and information is crucial, the UGM Library and Archives are undergoing a transformation to meet the demands of the digital age. On December 4, 2024, staff participated in a podcast management training focused on digital transformation at the Archive Meeting Room. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing access to education and promoting education for sustainability.

The speaker for this training session was Wisaksono Adhi, S.PT, M.I.Kom., also known as Dhimas, the Project Manager of InaHealth, who shared his knowledge and expertise in podcast management. The event aimed to equip the Library and Archive staff with the skills needed to create and manage podcasts, thereby enhancing information services for both the library and archives. This training is an important step in adapting to new technologies and ensuring that the library remains relevant in the digital age.

Certainly, this aligns with the fact that internet access has become a basic need for education and the dissemination of information. By integrating podcasting into library and archive services, it is expected to reach a broader audience, providing informative, engaging, and accessible content anytime and anywhere. "I am interested in learning how to manage a podcast. This is an opportunity for us to develop into something more trendy and become well-known by the public with interesting information," said Yulis.

This training emphasized the importance of capacity building for the Library and Archive staff. By developing their skills in podcast management, staff members can create engaging, relevant, and adaptive content for their audience. "A podcast not only requires an interesting idea, but it also needs to be consistent. There are many tools available for designing ideas, from pre-production to production and post-production," said Dimas.

Participants were also given a direct look at the Podcast Studio, which will be used as a creative space. The creation of podcasts is expected to be carried out consistently. Dhimas added, "Just go ahead with the tools available, what's important is to produce work, and the equipment will follow later." By utilizing technology and focusing on capacity building, the Library and Archives can ensure that this is a testament to their commitment to adapt and evolve in the digital age, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Contributor: Nabiilah Khusnul Afifah

The Pancasila Sports Hall at UGM roared with cheers as the Women’s Volleyball Team from the UGM Library and Archives showcased their outstanding performance in the inter-faculty and unit volleyball tournament. This event, part of UGM’s 15^th Lustrum celebration, was filled with joy and enthusiasm from both participants and supporters.

On Monday afternoon (2/12), the UGM Library and Archives Women’s Volleyball Team faced off against the Academic Hospital (RSA) UGM team. Both teams played with great spirit, fostering camaraderie and collaboration among units within the university.

Dressed in their signature blue jerseys, the players exuded confidence on the court. The cheers and applause from the crowd added extra energy, driving their performance to greater heights. Beyond competition, this match also supported the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Good Health and Well-Being.

"Doing sports is a very good way to strengthen relationships among units at UGM," said Delta, one of the players. She added that the moments shared on the court created unforgettable memories.

The match concluded in a lively atmosphere, emphasizing that true victory lies in sportsmanship and the bonds of friendship formed. This game served as a reminder that sports are a powerful medium for building harmony, strengthening unity, and fostering a healthy spirit within the academic community.

Amid the vibrant atmosphere, this event inspired the entire UGM academic community to stay active and maintain their health. The volleyball tournament stood as a symbol of unity and well-being, reflecting the core values of UGM's Lustrum celebration.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

The inspiring workshop titled “Publishing Talk: Exploring & Publish with IEEE Xplore” was successfully held on Thursday, November 28, 2024. The event, which took place in the seminar room, served as a strategic step to strengthen international publication literacy among the academic community. This initiative was a collaboration between the UGM Library and Archives and iGroup. Through this initiative, the UGM Library and Archives demonstrated its strong commitment to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

A spirited welcome was delivered by Arif Surachman, S.IP., MBA., Head of the UGM Library and Archives. In his speech, Arif expressed hope that the event could serve as a strategic step to maximize the research potential of UGM's academic community in penetrating international journals.

“IEEE Xplore is a premier platform in the fields of computer science and electrical engineering that provides access to high-quality references and extensive publication opportunities. We hope that through this event, participants can explore the benefits of this platform to support their research productivity,” said Arif.

The workshop featured Alex Liu, Manager of Client Services at IEEE, as the speaker. In his presentation, Alex revealed various strategies for enhancing research quality, effectively utilizing the IEEE Xplore platform, and important steps for publishing in reputable international journals. Participants were then equipped with in-depth knowledge about the publication process, from selecting the right journal to improving their chances of acceptance for international publication.

Moderated by Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., Coordinator of Public Relations and International Affairs at the UGM Library and Archives, the event took place in a warm and interactive atmosphere. Safirotu not only moderated the discussion but also encouraged participants to actively ask questions and share their experiences in the world of scientific publication. The high enthusiasm from the participants was evident, reflecting their strong interest in the topics being discussed.

This event marked the beginning for UGM researchers to increasingly contribute to the international scientific community. The UGM Library and Archives remains committed to supporting the development of information literacy and research productivity within the academic community, in line with efforts to achieve SDG 4: Quality Education.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

UGM Library and Archives warmly welcomed a visit from the National Library of Indonesia on Monday morning on November 25, 2024. The enthusiastic meeting took place in the Archives Meeting Room, 2nd Floor L7 Building, UGM Library and Archives. The Head of UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, S.IP., MBA, welcomed the visit, accompanied by Erna Widayati, S.E., M.M., Head of the Archives Division; Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., Coordinator of Public Relations and International Affairs; and Sarwono, SIP., MA., Coordinator of the Academic Resources Center.

The National Library of Indonesia delegation, represented by Vira Farhana, S.S., M.M., with the team Herwin Saswita, S.IP., and Arie Zani Purnomo, S.Pust., conveyed the purpose of their visit to monitor the implementation of the expired Cooperation Agreement in September 2024 and to discuss the plans for drafting a new Cooperation Agreement.

Arif Surachman revealed that the previous collaboration with the National Library of Indonesia had been limited to coordination meetings and data collection. “We hope that the next collaboration can generate more tangible and beneficial impacts, both for UGM Library and Archives and the broader academic community,” he said.

The meeting served as a productive discussion space to evaluate the results of the previous collaboration and formulate strategic steps for the new agreement. Several points discussed included joint training for librarians, research collaboration in the field of library and information science, preservation training and support for preserving physical forms of rare collections, the formulation of librarian standards relevant to UGM's needs, and a book donation program. These program initiatives are part of UGM Library and Archives’ efforts to support the achievement of SDG 4: Quality Education.

The visit concluded with an agreement to immediately begin drafting a more comprehensive new Memorandum of Agreement. Vira Farhana expressed her appreciation for the collaborative spirit proposed by UGM. She explained that the National Library of Indonesia is ready to facilitate the needs of UGM Library and Archives.

This step aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, strengthening the synergy between UGM and National Library of Indonesia as the highest library institution in Indonesia. With the support of the National Library of Indonesia, UGM Library and Archives is optimistic about enhancing its role as an excellent information institution while contributing to the preservation of knowledge and education in Indonesia.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

The Student Activity Unit Peduli Difabel of Universitas Gadjah Mada held an exhibition titled "The Gate: A Portal to an Inclusive World" at the UGM Library and Archives on November 21-22, 2024. This exhibition aimed to raise public awareness about the extraordinary potential of individuals with disabilities and celebrate their inspiring works.

Qintara, a member of UKM Peduli Difabel, shared a unique perspective on the exhibition. She likened it to a journey to Elysium, a concept from Greek mythology representing an inclusive world where everyone is happy to be. "Through this exhibition, we aim to bring Elysium to life, creating a space where everyone is valued, accepted, and given room to shine," she expressed.

The exhibition was a collaboration between UKM Peduli Difabel UGM, Jogja Disability Art (JDA), and Difabel Zone, showcasing incredible works by both individuals with disabilities and non-disabled contributors as part of the implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. In addition to these collaborations, the organizers also invited the public to participate through an open submission, which had been available earlier.

Aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the exhibition successfully garnered appreciation from visitors. One visitor, Satiti, shared her admiration for the displayed works. "The creations by individuals with disabilities are extraordinary. I feel inspired to be more motivated in producing art. Coincidentally, I’m also passionate about the arts," said Satiti.

The exhibition is part of the Harmoni Inklusi series, which consists of four chapters. This is the third chapter, themed "Gallery of Legends." As a form of support for individuals with disabilities, visitors are also encouraged to attend the grand finale of Harmoni Inklusi, set to take place on November 30, 2024, at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences promenade.

Through partnerships with various communities, UGM Library and Archives continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering an inclusive society that cares for every individual, without exception. This collaboration not only strengthens the library's role as a center for literacy and information but also creates significant positive impacts in raising social awareness and promoting a space that embraces diversity.

Contributors: Nabiilah Khusnul Afifah & Wasilatul Baroroh