Libraries face bleak prospects in regions
Fitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Librarians expressed concern on Thursday that the implementation of regional autonomy will hamper the development of libraries in regions where the local administrations are feared to pay no attention to their existence.
Supriyanto, secretary general of the National Library (Perpusnas RI), said that in line with the implementation of regional autonomy, management of provincial libraries has been handed over from Perpusnas to the local administrations.
Therefore, the further development of libraries will depend on the policy of the governors as they are the province leaders, Supriyanto said.
"If the governors pay a lot of attention to libraries, it will be no problem. But if they do not, libraries will be neglected," Supriyanto told a media conference in connection with the upcoming working meeting and scientific seminar of the Indonesian Library Association (IPI).
The working meeting, to be held at Perpusnas RI from Nov. 5 to Nov. 7, is scheduled to be opened by State Minister of Communications and Information Syamsul Mu'arif.
According to Perpusnas RI, there are 25 provincial libraries located in provincial capitals across the country.
However, Supriyanto said that local administrations tended to sacrifice resources for libraries for the sake of regional development.
Under such circumstances, where local administrations were likely to face limited funds, it would be difficult for libraries to develop, he said.
"As some regions have cut their operational budget for libraries, libraries will not be able to carry out their daily activities, including the purchasing of new books or the operation of mobile libraries," said Supriyanto, who is also the chairman of IPI's Jakarta chapter.
He said there were also many local administrations that have cut or eliminated allowances for librarians. "Librarians will feel that they are not appreciated, thereby lowering morale in the profession," Supriyanto said.
"If libraries do not have adequate funds to finance their daily operations, how can they develop?" Supriyanto asked.