Jatigede, October 26, 2024. The lecturers of the Library and Information Science (LIS) Study Program at the Faculty of Communication Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, conducted a Public Service Program (PKM) at the SEHATI Library in Kadujaya Village, Jatigede, Sumedang. This project is a part of the university’s public service program that focuses on literacy and access to information in rural areas.
The Kadujaya Village Library had previously ceased operations due to a large number of its book collections being lost and damaged. According to the Village Secretary, Yayat Hidayat, this condition rendered the library unable to function. In response, a team from the LIS Study Program, led by Dr. Saleha Rodiah, M.Si., was moved to re-establish the village library.
Library Development Stages
The program began with an analysis of the information needs of the Kadujaya Village community through a pre-PKM survey. This survey was conducted by visiting the Kadujaya Village Office and holding an online interview with the Literacy Ambassador, Titin Sutini. The survey results revealed that the community had diverse reading interests, ranging from creativity, health, and animal husbandry to entrepreneurship. These findings served as the basis for the team to compile a relevant book collection.
Following this, books were acquired through donations and purchases. The total collection reached 1,013 volumes from various sources, including Alumni of the LIS Study Program, the Arcamanik Reading House, the BRIN Library, the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, and direct purchases from bookstores.
LIS students were also actively involved in the book processing, from metadata collection and assigning classification numbers to arranging the collection on the shelves. This process ensured the books were neatly organized and easily accessible to visitors.
Grand Opening and Management
The new library was named Perpustakaan SEHATI (Prosperous, Religious, Transparent, and Beautiful). The grand opening was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and was attended by several important figures, including the Head of Kadujaya Village, Nandi Supriatna, the Head of the Sumedang Regency Archives & Library Service, Hari Tri Santosa, representatives from the Jatigede Sub-district, lecturers and students of the LIS Study Program, and local community leaders.
As a symbol of the start of operations, the inauguration of the SEHATI Library management team was held. The team consists of active women from the PKK and Posyandu cadres. This new management team will be responsible for operating the library and serving the community’s literacy needs. With the re-establishment of the SEHATI Library, it is hoped that the Kadujaya Village community will enjoy easier access to information and knowledge, and that it will foster a reading culture for all ages, from children to adults.
