[Case Study] UIN Malang Library: Bridging the Gap Between Islamic Academic Traditions and Global Sustainable Development Goals
Supporting SDGs through Academic Library Programs: A Case of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Library Malang Indonesia
This study evaluates the contribution of the UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Library in Indonesia toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By mapping programs, services, and resources from 2020-2021, the research identifies a significant alignment with 6 specific SDGs, positioning the library as a key driver for lifelong learning and digital inclusion.
TL;DR
This research highlights how the UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Library in Malang, Indonesia, transitioned from a traditional repository to a proactive participant in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By systematically mapping its 2020-2021 activities, the library demonstrated impact across six core SDGs, ranging from quality education to reduced inequalities, setting a benchmark for Islamic academic institutions.
Problem & Motivation: Beyond "Quiet Study" Spaces
In the era of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions (4IR & 5IR), the role of the academic library is undergoing a tectonic shift. It is no longer just a warehouse for books but a hub for "access" and "co-working." However, the problem remains: many libraries in Indonesia—particularly Islamic university libraries—operate under tight budgets and lack a formal framework to align their daily operations with global sustainability targets.
The author's intuition was that the UIN Malang library was already contributing to these goals, but these efforts were invisible due to a lack of systematic mapping.
Methodology: Mapping the Annual Report
The study utilized a documentation research method, cross-referencing the library’s 2020-2021 annual reports with the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations) recommendations.
The Library Action Matrix
| Programs | Services | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Information Literacy | Sakti Card (Shared Access) | Institutional Repository |
| Research Tool Training | Arabic Catalog Metadata | e-Journal Subscriptions |
| International Partnerships | Disabled Lifts/Spaces | Open Access e-Books |
Core Contributions to the SDGs
The research breaks down the library's impact into six distinct pillars:
1. SDG 4: Quality Education & Lifelong Learning
The library moved beyond basic lending to provide Information Literacy instructions. By training students in tools like Mendeley, Zotero, and Turnitin, the library directly supports academic integrity and lifelong research skills.
2. SDG 10 & 16: Reducing Inequality & Access to Information
One of the most unique insights is the library's focus on Arabic catalog metadata. By improving the retrieval of Arabic collections, the library reduces the "language gap" for its specific community. Furthermore, providing a Sakti Card allows students to access resources across a network of state university libraries, democratizing information.
3. SDG 11 & 12: Preservation and Responsible Consumption
The library has phased out printed thesis submissions in favor of electronic formats, significantly reducing paper waste. Simultaneously, their Open Access Repository (established in 2010) serves to preserve the university's intellectual cultural heritage while making it globally accessible.
Results & Challenges: The Cost of Knowledge
The library provides access to over 4,000,000 articles and 210,000 physical volumes. However, the study pulls no punches regarding the challenges:
- Budgetary Friction: Rising subscription costs for international databases (Springer, Emerald) remain a major hurdle.
- Human Capital: Limitation in staff specialized in international association engagement.
Deep Insight & Conclusion
The evolution of the UIN Malang library proves that Islamic academic libraries can be modern disruptors. By aligning with the 5th Industrial Revolution (which emphasizes human-technology collaboration), the library has transitioned from strengthening "ownership" to strengthening "access."
Takeaway: To survive and remain relevant, university libraries must stop viewing themselves as isolated entities and start viewing themselves as nodes in a global network for sustainable development.
Future Outlook: The next step for Indonesian libraries is the formation of national consortia to negotiate with publishers, ensuring that "Access for All" doesn't become a "Luxury for Few."