One cannot possibly be independent, (because) to become independent, one must have access to sources of knowledge to learn and seek information
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Library Muhammad Syarif Bando encouraged libraries to offer assistance to the community, especially those who do not graduate from school, through the development of applicable skills.

"Libraries must provide assistance to those, who do not finish school, by providing training directly or through applied sciences books," he noted here on Friday.

Bando said the training and applied sciences would increase the community's ability to produce goods and services, thereby supporting government programs to successfully empower community-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He believes that the National Library is currently working to produce three more contents to be released to the public in early 2023.

"The information needed by the community will be facilitated by the contents produced by the National Library. Indonesia must rise with its (creative) works, starting from the home industry," Bando remarked.

Meanwhile, the National Library's Acting Deputy for Library Resource Development, Deni Kurniadi explained that the role and commitment of stakeholders in districts are crucial in encouraging the success of the "Library Transformation Based on Social Inclusion" Program.

The inclusive transformation program is targeted to reach societies that need better access to libraries, such as those residing in villages.

"Support from regional leaders and stakeholders can accelerate the mobilization of policies, human resources, and budgets for the sustainable transformation of libraries," Kurniadi remarked.

To advance society in national economic development, serious emphasis should be laid on improving human resources with literacy skills, Director of Religion, Education, and Culture at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Amich Alhumami, stated.

"One cannot possibly be independent, (because) to become independent, one must have access to sources of knowledge to learn and seek information," Alhumami remarked.

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Translator: Indriani, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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