Public Lecture of the Library Science Program: Excellent Service in the Library

Yogyakarta, 16 June 2025 — The Library Science Study Program of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta once again held a public lecture, this time themed “Excellent Service in the Library”, featuring Agung Wibawa, S.IP., a librarian at the Gunungkidul Office of Library and Archives. The event took place in the Teatrikal Room of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences and was attended by lecturers and Library Science students from the 2023 cohort.

The program was moderated by Kenar Fauziah Imani as master of ceremony, who introduced the event as a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of the importance of excellent library services in creating positive user experiences and maintaining institutional relevance in the digital era. The agenda began with an opening, followed by the singing of the national anthem Indonesia Raya and the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Hymn, and continued with welcoming remarks from the Head of the Library Science Study Program, Muhammad Ainul Yaqin, S.Pd., M.Ed.

According to him, the theme “Excellent Service in the Library” is highly important for students who will one day serve as librarians. Although it may seem simple, he emphasized that the topic of library service is actually central to what students learn during their studies.

Library service as proof of program relevance

The second speech, which also officially opened the event, was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, Prof. Nurdin, S.Ag., S.S., M.A. He stated that this public lecture is one of the key activities that showcase the existence and competitiveness of the Library Science Study Program amid many other institutions operating in the same field.

Before the main presentation, Library Science lecturer Drs. Djazim Rohmadi gave an introductory note. He argued that libraries must adapt to the digital era, including in terms of their services. In his view, library services should function as a means of problem solving and learning for users. Therefore, he welcomed the choice of theme and appreciated the presence of a practitioner with extensive experience in library services who could share practical insights with students.

Excellent service and reading as a habit

The main session continued with the presentation by the speaker, Agung Wibawa, S.IP. He explained the General Guidelines for the Implementation of Public Service as a reference for services in libraries, which include service procedure guidelines, time standards for service completion, and service fee structures.

According to him, the goal of library services should not stop at “increasing interest in reading”. More importantly, services must be designed so that reading becomes a habit for users. For this reason, he stressed that library services need to be arranged in such a way that visitors are attracted to make reading part of their daily routine. In his presentation, he also introduced several service programs implemented at the Gunungkidul Office of Library and Archives as concrete examples of user-oriented innovation.

Interactive discussion and student reflections

The material presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session with Library Science lecturers and students. The discussion took place in an interactive atmosphere, with several students sharing their views, questions, and analyses regarding what constitutes ideal library service. Topics raised included how to design user-friendly services, how to respond to user complaints, and how to align services with the needs of the digital generation.

The event concluded with a group photo session and formal closing. Participants expressed that the public lecture had broadened their perspectives on innovative service models that can be implemented in libraries to create meaningful and memorable experiences for users. It is hoped that this guest lecture organized by the Library Science Study Program will inspire students about the crucial role of library services in supporting literacy and lifelong learning.

Writer:

Nabilah Izzati Zahirah (niz)