Opening of Gadjah Mada Library and Archives Fair: Strengthening Literacy and Partnerships for SDGs

Here’s the Library Event That Will Keep You Glued to Your Seat! Discover What’s Happening at GMLAF 2024

The Gadjah Mada Library and Archives Fair (GMLAF) officially opened on Monday, August 19, 2024, as part of the first Dies Natalis celebration of the Library and Archives at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This four-day event, running from August 19 to 22, 2024, at the UGM Library and Archives, showcases a range of exciting activities that blend literacy, history, and student creativity, all in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 17 on partnerships for achieving goals.

The opening of GMLAF began with a report from the Dies Natalis Chair, Sarwono, S.IP., M.A., who detailed the various activities held since March 2024 as part of this anniversary celebration. In his report, Sarwono emphasized the crucial role of libraries and archives in supporting educational sustainability and knowledge preservation.

Following this, the Head of the UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, S.IP., MBA, gave a speech highlighting the library’s contribution to SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for achieving goals. "We aim to present a series of events with a specific theme that includes elements of libraries, archives, and museums," he stated.

To mark the official opening of the event, Arif Surachman, together with the Head of the UGM Museum, Dr. Tjahjono Prasodjo, M.A., performed a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony. The opening event was attended by faculty library heads, library directors from Yogyakarta, and bazaar participants.

The GMLAF activities include a book bazaar, culinary delights, plants, and student creativity, as well as exhibitions of libraries, archives, and museums. The exhibition explores the historical journey and transformation of the Community Service Program (KKN).

GMLAF represents a key moment in strengthening the role of libraries and archives as centers of literacy and in building strategic partnerships that support sustainable development. Through GMLAF, the UGM Library and Archives is committed to supporting SDG 4 by providing credible information sources at the book bazaar and SDG 17 by enhancing strategic partnerships through the event’s various collaborations.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh