Dispusip Holds Virtual Tour to Libraries Abroad

Jakarta Library and Archives Agency (Dispusip) held Sharing Knowledge virtually with theme 'Library Tour Around the World' on Thursday (11/26).

From that we can learn together how libraries in other countries serve their visitors, especially in the midst of pandemic

This event was attended by around 500 participants consisting of Jakarta Dispusip librarians, teachers, housewives, students and students from various cities throughout Indonesia.

On this occasion, participants were invited to have a virtual tour to five libraries in Turkey, United States (Chicago and Boston), Germany, and Egypt.

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The speakers who guided participants in this virtual tour were Indonesian citizens (WNI) who currently live in those countries.

Jakarta Dispusip Head, Wahyu Haryadi assessed that it would be interesting to gain knowledge about how libraries in foreign countries operate and expected it could be a reference thus he could adapt and follow the development of libraries in the world.

According to him, information could be gained from internet or social media, but experience in exploring or managing library could only be obtained by visiting in person or through direct interviews with the speakers.

"From that we can learn together how libraries in other countries serve their visitors, especially in the midst of pandemic. We can also get the point of view from overseas library users for services they get," he explained.

Recently, he continued, his side has difficulty in attracting library users who often visited library before the pandemic to return using library services again. For this reason, his side needed experience and information from international sources to improve quality of Dispusip services.

Technically, speakers told their experience when visiting the local library and described it through photos and videos.

"This activity is expected to provide an overview for Indonesian people how libraries in various countries can provide inspiration and positive things that can be applied to advance library services in Indonesia," he conveyed.