On Friday, December 20, 2024, the rooftop of the UGM Library and Archives witnessed an important moment for the UGM librarians. The election of the Chairperson of the UGM Librarians Forum for the 2025-2027 period took place with great enthusiasm. Attended by a number of librarians within UGM, this event served as a strategic platform for selecting a leader who will take the Librarians Forum to a more innovative and progressive direction.
The event began with a report on the activities of the Forum Pustakawan for the year 2024, presented by Dr. Purwani Istiana. The report covered various achievements and activities of the Forum Pustakawan, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of library services at UGM. Next, the Head of UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, S.IP., M.B.A., expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm and commitment of UGM librarians in supporting the development of the library.
Following the opening session, the event continued with a sharing session by Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., who discussed the development and innovations of libraries in Singapore (National University Singapore, Singapore Management University dan National Library Board) and Malaysia (University of Malaya). In this session, participants were introduced to various models of university and public libraries in Singapore and Malaysia that have successfully provided inclusive and high-quality services. The knowledge and insights gained were intended to inspire UGM librarians in improving library services. This aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education, as well as increasing learning opportunities for all throughout life. Participants appeared eager to listen to the insights and experiences shared.
After the inspiring sharing session, the event continued with the election of the Chairperson of the UGM Librarians Forum for the 2025-2027 period. The election process was tight, with fierce competition among the candidates. In the end, Maniso Mustar, S.I.Pust. was successfully elected as the new Chairperson of the UGM Librarians Forum for the 2025-2027 period.
"Congratulations to Mas Maniso on being elected as the new Chairperson of the UGM Librarians Forum. We hope this mandate will be carried out well, bringing the UGM Librarians Forum closer together, and actively contributing to the development of libraries at UGM," said Ratna, one of the UGM librarians, offering congratulations.
This election reflects the spirit of democracy and unity among UGM librarians. With the new leadership, the UGM Librarians Forum can continue to be a space for collaboration and innovation that supports the library’s mission to provide the best services to the academic community.
The event concluded with a friendly gathering filled with warmth. This moment helped strengthen the bond of camaraderie among the librarians and provided space for mutual support and collaboration to achieve common goals. The sense of togetherness at the end of the event further strengthened the commitment of all parties to continue innovating and contributing to improving the quality of library services at UGM.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh