National Library of Indonesia Implements New Method to Map Public Literacy Conditions

The National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas) is implementing a new, more comprehensive method to map the condition of public literacy by measuring the Community Literacy Development Index (IPLM) down to the level of every library in the regions. Ketua Tim Indeks Pembangunan Literasi Masyarakat (IPLM) dan Tingkat Kegemaran Membaca (TKM) Nasional Perpusnas Irhamani said the method is designed to provide a real picture of libraries in the regions by conducting direct assessments of every type of library, from public and special libraries to school libraries. “This new method is more comprehensive, where we measure down to the individual library level in the regions, whether special, public, or school libraries,” he said during an IPLM and TKM calculation workshop in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Wednesday. He explained that the IPLM measurement is based on four main dimensions divided into two major groups: the compliance dimension, which covers collections and human resources, and the performance dimension, which includes library management and services as indicators of literacy service quality. “The results of these measurements will later be correlated with the Reading Interest Level (TGM) to see the development of the community’s literacy culture,” he revealed. Based on provisional measurement results in South Kalimantan using the new method, Irhamani said public libraries managed by the local government have shown good achievement with a score of 85 out of 100. However, he highlighted that school libraries in South Kalimantan still require attention and further development, as they only obtained a score of 23. “The level of school libraries in South Kalimantan is at a score of 23 out of 100. This means a lot of improvement is needed at the school library level, where the budget authority for school library development lies with the education department,” he said. Irhamani expressed hope that synergy between the provincial government, district and city governments, the National Library, and relevant stakeholders could strengthen library development, especially in schools, so that the IPLM and TKM scores in the region continue to rise and the community’s literacy culture and reading interest become stronger.