Librarian from Faculty of Geography UGM, Purwani Istiani, S.IP., M.A., has been named the Best National Librarian on Friday (18/8). The annual award is an appreciation and recognition of librarians that have showed their performance as strategic partners in forming a knowledgeable society.
Purwani earned the award due to her contribution in terms of library services at the Faculty and to the wider public. She has also been involved in community empowerment, including giving training to teachers in Bantul regency.
“The criteria is focused on librarian’s contribution to society and the general public. Besides, I give training to geography teachers in Bantul how to access information online,” she explained.
Previously, Purwani has been awarded several times, including being the second winner in the province of Yogyakarta Special Region year 2007 as well as UGM Best Librarian year 2011. She considered these awards as a form of appreciation to the profession of librarian that is still seen as inferior.
“For me, this is a form of appreciation to my profession as a librarian. During this time people still see us as someone that only serves book loans whereas librarians also make contribution to research, writing, and publication,” she said.
With the award, she hoped to be always able to make contribution to society in a wider scope. She also hoped to inspire her fellow librarians to show their role and contribution in a number of areas.
“When we feel we can make contribution to our unit, we’re not just bound by our daily tasks, but also see what’s needed by society. If we focus and do our job as best as we can, we will get rewarded by others,” she said.