The Covid 19 pandemic caused open services in UB Libraries such as circulation services and reading services to be temporarily closed due to the Work From Home (WFH) policy. Based on the field, UB Library is still very needed by students. This can be seen from the data of online visits by students who actively use online services at the UB Library.
Since October 11, 2021, UB Libraries reopen offline services. However, it is undeniable that during this pandemic, UB Library must limit the number of visitors to a maximum of 100, so that the number of visitors is much different compared to before the pandemic.
So, to revive the existing offline library services, Universitas Brawijaya Library held a UB Library Sharing Session: Understanding The Users’ Needs. In the event which was held on December 15, 2021, UB Library presented 4 speakers, including Dr. Iwan Permadi, S.H., M. Hum. as the Head of UB Library, Mr. Karuniawan Puji Wicaksono, Sp., MP., Ph.D. as the representative of the Vice-Rector for Planning and Cooperation, Mrs. Welmin Sunyi Ariningsih, M.Lib. as the Head of UB Library in 1997-2008 & 2012 and Drs. John A.E. Noor., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the Head of UB Library in 2013-2021
What is also important is that we invite representatives from foreign students, students with disabilities, representatives of UB’s Student Executive Board (BEM), representatives of UB’s Student Activity Unit (UKM), representatives of the Student Association (HIMA), giveaway winners, journalists, and representatives UB Librarians. This activity was carried out in collaboration with Igroup/Indoaccess, Sagung Seto, Springer Nature, Jasaraya Jasatama Buana, Proquest, Ebscho, Cambridge Publishing, Young Talent, Telkomsel, Chingoo, and Aventree.
The event begins with an appearance from UKM Unitantri UB who brings Beskalan Dance. Beskalan dance is a traditional dance from Malang which is usually performed to welcome honorable guests. Then followed by a speech from the Head of UB Library, Dr. Iwan Permadi, S.H, M.Hum who explained a little about UB’s library services during the pandemic. After that, it was followed by a speech by Mr. Karuniawan Puji Wicaksono, Sp., MP., Ph.D. who mentioned the importance of printed book collections in libraries in this digital era. He said that human work is civilization.
“I was having a conversation with Danton about the French revolution, I read books about the French Revolution, nothing beats the writings of an original author, so it can be said that libraries still need a collection of printed books.” From Mr. Puji’s remarks, it can be concluded that libraries still really need a collection of printed books, so it is hoped that in the future UB Library will procure printed books again.
In the sharing session, all talk show participants can ask questions, or share opinions, suggestions, and criticisms as well as inputs to UB Libraries, which will be summarized and become inspiration and aspirations for UB Libraries to improve themselves, so that they can provide better services to UB’s Library users.
In this event, prizes were also given to the winners of the November UB Library Giveaway. For students who asked questions and input, door prizes were also given. To make it more fun, don’t miss a quiz with questions about the UB Library with a BRONE doll as a prize.