South Sulawesi Library Launches 'Student Goes to Archives' Programme

The Library and Archives Service of South Sulawesi Province has launched the Student Goes to Archives programme as a new approach to introduce authentic archives as a source of learning and research for university students. Unlike the previous concept, Arsip Goes to Campus, this programme encourages students to visit archival institutions directly so they can utilise archives as primary data sources while understanding the importance of preserving the region’s collective memory. Acting Head of the South Sulawesi Library and Archives Service, Muhammad Jufri, stated in Makassar on Wednesday that the concept was changed because archives are authentic documents whose originality must be maintained, making it impossible to move them out of storage. “Initially, our concept was indeed Arsip Goes to Campus, but we changed it to Student Goes to Archives because archives cannot be taken out,” he said. He stated that archives must remain in their storage places so that their authenticity is preserved and they are not damaged due to being moved or handled too frequently. Through this concept, students are encouraged to come directly to the Technical Implementation Unit for Archival Services to utilise the archive collections as primary data sources. Currently, the South Sulawesi Library and Archives Service manages 48 static archival collections of historical value that can be used for research, education, and public literacy in accordance with service procedures. Jufri reminded of the need to strengthen collaboration between the government, universities, and communities in increasing the use of archives as a source of scientific information for lecturers, students, researchers, and the public. “Campuses have lecturers, researchers, students, and academics who need primary data. Archives are one of the most authentic sources for writing theses, dissertations, or historical research,” he said.