General Principles of Library/Maktabah Management

By Neng Ayu Ratnawati

Undergraduate Student Reg.lllA UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

The phenomenon is that digital transformation has changed the library from merely a physical cpllection storage place into a center for information, leraning, literacy, and knowlagde sevices. The assumption is that, theoretically, ideal library management relies on the integrated application of management function, starting from planning, organizing, executing, coordinating, to suvervision and evaluation. However, the problem/gap is that there is still a discrepancy between the demands of a modern library and ita management capability, where some libraries are still understood merely as book storage places and have not been fully managed as information and educational organizations. The purpose of writing is to build a conceptual foundation regarding terminology, management principles, scope, and the position of the library as an information and educational organization.  

First, the terminology maktabah from the Arabic word kataba emphasize the tradition of reading, writing, and the development of knowledge. In a modern context, a library is an institution managing both print and digital collections oriented toward library users. The terms maktabah, library, and perpustakaan unify into a systemic function that gathers, organizes, preserves, and disseminates sources of knowledge in an integrated.

Second, library management is a systematic process to achieve organizational goals through a cyle of planning, executing,and suvervising. Its management is based on the principles of effectiveness, efficiency, and user orientation. In addition, professionalism, inter-institutional collaboration, and the ability to adapt to social dynamics and technological advancements are required.

Third, the scope of library management is multidimensional. Its coverage includes human resource management, physical and digital collection delelopment, application of information technology, budget management, provision of facilities and infrastructure, service promotion, to continuous evaluation. All of these components are interdent and require a systems approach.

Fourth, the library holds two strategic roles. As am imformation organization, the library manages the knowledge cycle and facilitates the accurate retrieval of information. As an educational organization, the library provides a self-learning ecosystem, support the curriculum, and becomes a center for literacy and lifelong learning.

Library/maktabah management is an integrated instrument for managing resources, collection, technology, and services. User-oriented management that is adaptive to technology advancesments can transform the library from a mere book storage place into a literacy, education, and knowledge empowerment. (summary)

This writing is abstracted from the teaching module of the intership couse, course Lecturer: Prof. Dr. A. Rusdiana, M.M