Blitar — Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) continues to strengthen practice-based learning by inviting students from the undergraduate Library Science Study Program to attend a guest lecture at the Bung Karno Proclamator Library, Blitar City, on Saturday, May 9. Through this activity, students were encouraged to understand the transformation of modern libraries by digital technology amidst the increasingly dynamic development of the information ecosystem.
Moving beyond classroom theory, students experienced firsthand the management of a specialized library that has been integrated with digital systems. This field experience was designed to broaden students’ insights into the library’s work ecosystem in the era of information transformation.
The guest lecture began with a presentation on the history and profile of the Bung Karno Proclamator Library by librarian, Dr. Hartono, S.S., M.Hum. In his explanation, he outlined the development of the library’s evolution over time and its ongoing transformation into digital-based services.
“The Bung Karno Library is unique because it manages collections directly linked to Bung Karno, including books he actually used and works written about him,” said Hartono.
As part of the Bung Karno Burial Site complex, the library houses various historical collections, national archives, and specialized literature that serve as vital references for both the public and researchers.
The 2025 cohort of undergraduate Library Science students was also introduced to digital library services through the iSukarno application and the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia’s online platform. These innovations are considered capable of expanding public access to historical information and national literacy in a more inclusive manner.
In addition to digital services, the Bung Karno Library also manages general collections, classical manuscripts, and Nusantara manuscripts as part of its efforts to preserve national knowledge and culture. The presence of these services demonstrates how libraries are no longer just book repositories, but rather centers for education, literacy, and cultural preservation.
Following the presentation session, students participated in a library tour guided by Dr. Hartono. During the activity, participants observed information service processes, collection processing, and the utilization of information technology in supporting modern library activities.
Students also witnessed firsthand the interaction between librarians and users, including various self-service activities by visitors utilizing the available digital facilities. This experience provided a concrete overview of both the challenges and innovations in library services in the digital era.
The activity concluded with a joint reflection forum. Several students expressed their interest in the children’s services, the architectural design of the building, and the implementation of the Gallery, Library, Archive, and Museum (GLAM) concept at the Bung Karno Library.
According to the supervising lecturer, such field experiences serve as a vital tool to enhance students’ professional preparedness.
“Students need to directly understand the development of modern libraries to gain a broader perspective on the librarian profession and technology-based information services,” he said.
This activity also supports the strengthening of the university’s Key Performance Indicators (IKU) by providing off-campus learning experiences relevant to the needs of the professional world. Students gained the opportunity to interact directly with practitioners while understanding the implementation of information services.
Furthermore, this activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education. Practice-based learning is considered to support the enhancement of professional skills, access to relevant higher education, and the strengthening of historical and cultural literacy among the younger generation.
Moving forward, the UM Library Science Study Program is committed to expanding collaborative practice-based learning so that students not only excel academically but also adapt to the developments in the world of libraries and digital information.
Editor: Muhammad Salmanudin Hafizh Shobirin – UM Public Relations