Yogyakarta — The Library Science Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta held a Field Practice (Praktik Pengalaman Lapangan/PPL) Preparation and Implementation Program to enhance students’ ability to apply library and information science knowledge directly in real work environments. The program carried the theme “Building Professional Competence Through Field Experience in the Library World” and was followed by 117 undergraduate students from the 2022 cohort. The activity was coordinated by Library Science lecturer Nur Riani, S.IP., M.A., as the person in charge, supported by a committee consisting of lecturers and administrative staff.

The event also presented experts in library information systems and professional practitioners as resource persons, including Library Science lecturer Dr. Anis Masruri, S.Ag., S.S., M.A., with Dr. Siti Rohaya, S.Ag., M.T., serving as moderator. Their involvement underlined the study program’s commitment to providing students with relevant and up-to-date professional insights.

Strengthening professional competence through practice

This program reflects the Library Science Study Program’s commitment to equipping its graduates with competencies that match the demands of the job market. In line with the rapid development of information technology, librarians are also required to continuously improve their skills. Students are expected not only to master theoretical concepts, but also to develop practical abilities that are directly applicable in library and information management institutions.

For this reason, field practice in libraries and other information management organizations is considered crucial in preparing students to face the professional world after graduation. Through PPL, students have the opportunity to experience firsthand how library services are managed, how information systems are implemented, and how communication and collaboration are built within institutional environments.

Three phases of PPL: preparation, implementation, and evaluation

The PPL Preparation and Implementation Program was carried out in three main phases. The first phase was preparation, during which students received an overview of the conditions at their respective PPL placements as well as practical guidance on managing libraries and interacting with workplace environments. This phase was intended to ensure that students understood their roles, responsibilities, and the basic procedures they would follow during field practice.

The second phase was implementation, starting when the Library Science Study Program officially assigned and handed over students to the heads of the host institutions. During this phase, students carried out various tasks related to library operations and information services under the supervision of field supervisors at the host institutions and academic supervisors from the study program.

The third phase was evaluation, conducted after the completion of PPL. This evaluation aimed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the program’s implementation as a basis for improving future PPL activities. Feedback from students, field supervisors, and academic supervisors was used to refine the design and management of field practice so that it can better support the development of students’ competencies.

Timeline and expected outcomes

The PPL activities began with the preparation phase on 1 September 2025, in the form of a briefing session. Students were then dispatched to their respective PPL placements on 3 October 2025. The field practice period concluded with the withdrawal of participants on 5 December 2025.

Through this series of PPL preparation and implementation activities, the Library Science Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga hopes to produce outcomes that align with the program’s objectives. These include providing students with concrete work experience, broadening their perspectives on self-development, and strengthening the professional competencies required of future librarians.

By:

Nabilah Izzati Zahirah (niz)