National Library

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