Jatinangor – Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The Library Science Study Program, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya (FIA UB), conducted a benchmarking visit to the Library and Information Science Study Program, Faculty of Communication Sciences (Fikom), Universitas Padjadjaran. The visit was officially received at the Oemi Room, 2nd Floor of the Dean’s Building, Fikom Unpad Campus, Jatinangor. The activity focused on an in-depth discussion regarding the nomenclature transformation of the Library and Information Science Study Program. The delegation from Universitas Brawijaya was led by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Fadillah Amin, M.AP., Ph.D., accompanied by several faculty members. The representatives from Universitas Brawijaya were welcomed directly by the leadership of Fikom Unpad, including the Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affairs, and Research, Dr. Ira Mirawati, M.Si.; the Vice Dean for Resources and Organization, Centurion Chandratama Priyatna, PhD.; and faculty members of the Unpad Library and Information Science Study Program led by Dr. Saleha Rodiah, M.Si.
The primary focus of the meeting was the rationale behind Unpad’s choice of the name “Library and Information Science.” UB representative, Dr. Farida Nuraeni, S.Sos., M.Si., revealed that internal debates still persist within their program regarding the use of the terms “Science” (Ilmu) or “Information Science” (Sains). In response, Fikom Unpad lecturers—Dr. Ute Lies Siti Khadijah, Asep Saepul Rohman, M.I.Kom., and Wina Erwina, Ph.D.—explained that the name selection was a response to national policies, international developments, and stakeholder needs.
“This choice of name refers to the Decree of the Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education (Menristek Dikti) and the formulations by the Association of Library Higher Education Providers (APTIPI). The name ‘Library and Information Science’ is the official translation of Library and Information Science (LIS). We follow this nomenclature for the benefit of our graduates, ensuring their degrees and program names align with government regulations and international standards,” they stated.
Beyond the naming issue, the discussion also touched upon the technical aspects of data migration in the Higher Education Database (PDDikti). Andri Yanto, M.I.Kom., explained that as a Legal Entity State University (PTNBH), Unpad has the flexibility to determine program names but continues to prioritize the administrative security of its graduates. The transition from the old program to the new one takes approximately 1.5 years, during which senior students complete their studies under the old program’s framework while the new program operates simultaneously.
Regarding curriculum and graduate profiles, Dr. Saleha Rodiah explained that Unpad’s 2021 curriculum has been adapted into seven main areas of study oriented toward information technology. To address the challenge of needing specialized teaching resources in technology, Unpad actively collaborates with practitioners, including those from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This collaboration ensures that graduate competencies remain relevant to current industry demands.
This visit is expected to provide a comprehensive overview for Universitas Brawijaya in determining strategic steps for future nomenclature changes. Through this inter-university synergy, it is hoped that the development of library and information science in Indonesia will become increasingly solid and globally competitive.
Author: Evi Nursanti Rukmana
