Affirming the Professional Equality of Librarians in the Digital Age
By Agus Rifai Ph.D.
July 7, 2025, marks Indonesian Librarian Day, a significant milestone signifying the nation's recognition of librarians' strategic role in building a knowledge-based society. However, behind the euphoria of this commemoration, a fundamental issue remains that needs attention: the professional equality of librarians among other professions, especially within the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Historically, librarians have often been positioned as supplementary to the education and information system. Yet, Law Number 43 of 2007 concerning Libraries explicitly recognizes librarians as professionals with competence, a code of ethics, and social responsibilities equal to other professions like teachers, lecturers, or researchers. In practice, however, this recognition has not been fully realized through affirmative policies, career advancement, or access to digital competence training and development.
The dichotomy between teaching staff and educational staff in our education system's regulations has also contributed to a structural dichotomy that places the librarian profession as subordinate to others. Instead of being partners, the presence of librarians merely complements the education system.
In the digital era, the challenges faced by librarians are increasingly complex. They are not only required to manage physical collections but also must master information technology, data management, digital literacy, and even artificial intelligence. Librarians are now information specialists and literacy educators who help the public sift valid information, avoid disinformation, and access knowledge resources ethically and efficiently. This role is vital, especially amidst the proliferation of hoaxes and unverified information.
Unfortunately, this transformation of roles has not been accompanied by adequate structural transformation. Many librarians in Indonesia still face limitations in terms of training access, stagnant career paths, and minimal social recognition for their contributions. Yet, in developed countries like Finland and South Korea, librarians are positioned as strategic partners in education and research, with full state support for professional development.
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Therefore, Indonesian Librarian Day must be a moment to affirm the professional equality of librarians. The government needs to formulate policies that guarantee librarians' professional rights, including certification, incentives, and access to technology. Educational and research institutions also need to build equal partnerships with librarians, rather than merely treating them as administrative complements or subordinating them to other professionals.
Furthermore, society also needs to change its perception of this profession. Librarians are not just book guardians; they are guardians of civilization. They are the bridge between knowledge and society, between data and wisdom. In an increasingly digital world, this role becomes even more crucial and irreplaceable.
Professional equality is not just about justice; it's also about effectiveness. A nation that wishes to advance in science and technology must position librarians as an integral part of the innovation ecosystem. Without that, we will only build magnificent library buildings, but devoid of the spirit and vitality of knowledge. Therefore, on this Indonesian Librarian Day, librarians need to reaffirm their professionalism in carrying out their duties and demonstrate innovative work, especially in facing digital challenges.
Salam Satu Indonesia, Pustakawan Berjaya! (Greetings One Indonesia, Librarians Victorious!)
The author is the Head of the UPT Library/Librarian at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The article was published in the Kumparan opinion column.