The Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) Library served as one of the destinations for the library tour held in conjunction with the 2026 National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Indonesian Librarians Association (IPI). The event took place at the Unissula Library on Thursday (October 8, 2026). The visit provided an opportunity to share experiences regarding library management, information services, innovation, and best practices in library development.
Attendees included the Principal Secretary of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, who also serves as the General Chairperson of the IPI Central Board, Dr. Joko Santoso, M.Hum. Also present were the Chairperson of the IPI Central Java Regional Board, Itmamuddin, S.S., M.I.P., and an IPI Central Java board member, Aan Prabowo, S.H., M.A. Representing Unissula was the Head of the Library and Publishing Institute, Erna Sunarti, S.Pd., M.Hum., CPS, alongside librarians and library administrators from 45 institutions across various regions of Indonesia.
Unissula’s Vice Rector I, Dr. Mochamad Abdul Basir, S.Pd., M.Pd., expressed his appreciation for the visit by librarians from various regions. On behalf of Unissula’s leadership, he welcomed all participants of the 2026 IPI National Working Meeting. He also noted that the decision to include the Unissula Library as a library tour destination was an honor for the university.
"It is an honor and a source of pride for us that the Unissula Library has been selected as a destination for the library tour during the 2026 IPI National Working Meeting. This event serves as a means to broaden horizons and share experiences regarding library management, information services, innovation, and the best practices developed by the Unissula Library," he said.
According to him, for Unissula, the library is not merely a place to store and borrow books. The library serves as the heart of knowledge, a hub for literacy, and a space where academic culture flourishes. It also acts as a cornerstone in cultivating the *khaira ummah* (an exemplary community) generation—a vital component of Unissula’s vision.
"For Unissula, the library has never been viewed merely as a place to store or borrow books. It is the heart of knowledge, a literacy hub, a space for academic growth, and a foundation for building the *khaira ummah* generation," he explained.
Consequently, the development of the Unissula library goes beyond simply strengthening collections and services. The library is also encouraged to provide learning, literacy, cultural, and academic experiences for the academic community and the public alike. This aligns with Unissula’s vision of fostering a generation that excels intellectually while embodying Islamic morals, character, and values.
Literacy and Culture
Dr. Mochamad Abdul Basir also revealed plans to further expand the Unissula Library. Beyond serving as a literacy hub, the library is set to evolve into a space that offers cultural and historical experiences. There is even a proposal to develop the library with a museum concept, further reinforcing Unissula’s identity.
"Future plans for the Unissula Library go beyond literacy services; it will also evolve into a museum. This is part of our effort to create a library that not only provides information but also offers visitors cultural and historical experiences," he stated.
He noted that the Unissula Library possesses a unique character through its collections related to the history of Sultan Agung and the Sultan Agung Waqf Foundation (YBWSA). This identity is showcased, in part, through the "Sultan Agung Corner." Additionally, various spaces and facilities have been introduced as part of the library's service development.
During the library tour, participants were also introduced to the literacy garden located within the Unissula Library complex. The garden has become a favorite spot for students to relax between classes. It is also used for discussions, reading, and various literacy-related activities.
"A" Accreditation
Unissula’s Vice Rector I also stated that maintaining consistent quality is a key commitment in the development of the Unissula Library. The library has held "A" accreditation continuously since 2017 and successfully retained this rating in 2021. Unissula hopes to maintain this "A" accreditation status again in 2026.
"We hope for—and ask for the prayers and support of—everyone here so that the Unissula Library can once again achieve the best results and retain its 'A' accreditation status," he said.
According to him, one of the Unissula Library's greatest strengths is its human resources; all of the library's staff members hold professional certifications. This represents a crucial investment, as a great library requires more than just...
