Library is not only about books on shelves but also how people without an income can be mentored
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Library has collaborated with some local governments to increase the People Literacy Development Index (IPLM) and boost the level of reading habit of members of society.

"We support the efforts to improve the quality of human resources. I am here to explain the importance of reading habits in supporting the 2020 - 2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN)," National Library Head Muhammad Syarif Bando stated here on Friday.

Bando explained that as society enters the era of technology, the National Library must also make a paradigm shift wherein its functions encompass 10 percent for collection management, 20 percent for knowledge management, and 70 percent for the transfer of knowledge.

Bando cautioned that if the shift in its functions is not conducted, then the people would slowly leave libraries.

"Library is not only about books on shelves but also how people without an income can be mentored, so they can earn money (by learning) through books of applicable knowledge," he explained.

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of reading and building literacy for global interests. However, he affirmed that today's meaning of literacy is not only about the basic abilities to read and write.

According to Bando, people's ability in literacy means the ownership of science and skills that can be implemented to create products and services that can compete globally.

"This is the foundation of what Mr. President has said that there is no other way apart from making human resources the keyword in the RPJMN 2020-2024," he added.

For the initial stage, the National Library has synergized with the South Sumatra provincial government and its local administrations as well as Paser District in East Kalimantan.

Head of the South Sumatra Provincial Library Office, Fitriani, affirmed that the IPLM in her province had increased, from 13.63 in 2020 to 14.57 in 2021, while the level of reading habit rose, from 52.38 percent to 55.84 percent.

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Translator: Indriani, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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