The meeting room at the UGM Library and Archives was filled with engaging discussions on Wednesday (August 5). More than just a courtesy visit, the benchmarking session between the Library of UIN Sunan Kudus and the UGM Library and Archives provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on how academic libraries continue to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital information ecosystem.
Led by Dr. Muhaimin, M.H.I., Head of the Academic Support Unit of the UIN Sunan Kudus Library, the delegation visited UGM to learn about best practices implemented by the UGM Library and Archives. These included information literacy services, scholarly journal management, institutional repository governance, and opportunities for future institutional collaboration.
“We would like to learn from the best practices developed by the UGM Library and Archives, ranging from information literacy services and journal management to institutional repository governance. We also hope to explore potential collaborations that can be developed in the future,” said Muhaimin.
The benchmarking visit was welcomed by Wahyu Supriyanto, S.E., M.Si., Head of the Library Division at the UGM Library and Archives. He emphasized that sharing knowledge and experiences is one of the most effective ways to enhance the quality of library services across higher education institutions.
The discussion then expanded to the topic of strengthening institutional collaboration. Arif Surachman, S.I.P., MBA., Director of the UGM Library and Archives, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
“We are always open to collaboration. The specific terms and scope can be discussed together. At present, our primary focus is strengthening our digital library, with much of our development directed toward acquiring and providing digital content for the academic community,” Arif explained.
UGM’s commitment to digital library development was further highlighted by Yulistiarini Kumaraningrum, S.P., M.M., Head of the Data and Information Systems Division at the UGM Library and Archives. She presented the implementation of the self-submission system for scholarly works and explained the development of integrated information systems that support both library and archival services.
In addition to sharing insights on library services and information systems, the UGM Library and Archives also showcased its experience in managing a reputable scholarly journal. During the session, Sri Junandi, S.I.P., Chief Editor of the Berkala Ilmu Perpustakaan dan Informasi (BIP), shared strategies for maintaining the journal’s SINTA 2 accreditation, including strengthening editorial governance, ensuring article quality, and maintaining consistency throughout the publishing process.
Through this visit, the UGM Library and Archives reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a learning partner for fellow academic libraries. It is hoped that the exchange of knowledge, experience, and innovation will extend beyond this discussion forum and grow into meaningful collaborations that strengthen information services, scholarly publishing, and the advancement of digital libraries in Indonesia.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by strengthening the capacity of higher education institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by promoting collaboration among universities to foster a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable knowledge ecosystem.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh