National Library

From Kompas

Some time ago, I went to the National Library at Jalan Salemba, Jakarta, to get some information on legal matters. It was my first visit to the library. I met an employee on the ground floor who explained that activities such as reading, and copy making, were only allowed for members. Entrance to non- members is permitted, provided they are armed with an authorization from office or school. The regulation barred me from entering the library chambers even though the material I was looking for was of a simple nature.

The incident seems ironic, especially if we observe the stylish pomp of the library building, and the aim to boost interest in libraries in Indonesia. If restriction were a matter of security only, a way out could have been found, like instituting changes in spatial layout, changes of reading space, or more supervising personnel. If it's only a "gimmick" to widen membership, I must say that this is pointless. Would-be members could be attracted by a good book collection, or by offering good service. This could be compared with other libraries.

Or is it that the books must remain neatly stacked on the shelves, so that the employee in question appears presentable and impeccably smart at all times? Or is it just that we always need bureaucracy in this country? If this is the case, we shouldn't be surprised if we miss the train.

ANANG R. NOOR

Tangerang, West Java