BANDUNG – A student from the Library and Information Science (PSI) Study Program at Fikom Unpad, Fitri Annisa, has successfully published her scientific article. Supervised by Dr. Rully Khairul Anwar, Dr. Siti Chaerani Djen Amar, M.A., and Evi Nursanti Rukmana, M.I.Kom., the research is titled “Research on Interpersonal Communication between Librarians and Patrons in Libraries Through the Google Scholar and Dimensions Databases: A Narrative Literature Review.” Published in Bandung in 2024, this study delves into how interpersonal communication is key to fostering positive relationships and improving service quality in libraries.
The research is based on the premise that despite the increasing modernization of libraries, human interaction remains a vital foundation of their services. Interpersonal communication, as a form of direct message delivery, allows librarians and users to understand each other’s needs and resolve misunderstandings. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the crucial role of interpersonal communication in creating a more positive and efficient library environment.
Using a narrative literature review method, Fitri analyzed four scholarly articles from the Google Scholar and Dimensions databases spanning from 2013 to 2023. The analysis revealed that interpersonal communication between librarians and users is vital. This communication not only builds good relationships but also prevents conflicts arising from misunderstandings and dispels negative perceptions about librarians.
The research also identified several common barriers to this communication, such as perceptual errors, a lack of librarian sensitivity to user needs, and poorly conveyed information. However, these barriers can be overcome by implementing effective interpersonal communication skills, which include equality, positiveness, supportiveness, empathy, and openness. These skills enable librarians to better understand and serve users on a personal level.
The study concludes that librarians have a crucial role in managing and developing interpersonal communication. By applying these principles, librarians can build strong relationships with users, which will ultimately enhance user satisfaction and the overall effectiveness of the library.
This scholarly article has been published in the Libria Library of UIN Ar-Raniry Journal, making an important contribution to the development of library science. The research is also relevant to two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, SDG 4 (Quality Education), as effective communication is key to improving the quality of library services, which are an integral part of the education system. Second, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as good interpersonal communication helps build more responsive and inclusive institutions.
The publication can be accessed via the following link: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250122174214_7369.pdf
