Library of HKBP University Nommensen Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 115 views

Introduction

In today's digital age, the role of librarians in higher education institutions has become increasingly important. Not only do they manage book collections, but they also serve as information facilitators for students and lecturers. However, the need for competent librarians in private higher education libraries in Medan City has been a pressing concern. This study aims to understand the needs of professional librarians in these institutions and provide insights into the importance of their role in supporting the learning process and research.

Background

The city of Medan is home to several private higher education institutions, including the Panca Budi Development University, the Nommensen HKBP University, and the St. Thomas Catholic University. These institutions have a significant impact on the education and research landscape in the region. However, the quality of library services in these institutions has been a concern, with many students and lecturers expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of library facilities and services.

Research Methodology

This study employed a qualitative approach to gather data on the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in Medan City. The research method used was a descriptive method, which involved collecting data through interviews with the head of the library and librarians involved, as well as documentation and observation studies. The study involved four informants selected through purposive sampling techniques, namely the head of the library and librarian of the three institutions.

Research Result

Based on the Regulation of the Head of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia Number 13 of 2017 concerning National Standards of Higher Education Library, this research found the need for librarians in each private university as follows:

Library of HKBP University Nommensen Medan: requires 16 professional librarians and 2 library technical personnel.
Santo Thomas Medan Catholic University Library: requires 60 professional librarians and 6 library technical staff.

Needs Analysis

From the data obtained, it appears that the University of Panca Budi Medan Development University has the highest need for professional librarians, followed by St. Thomas Catholic University and HKBP Nommensen University. The number of librarians needed shows the importance of the existence of professionals in improving the quality of information services in the library.

In the context of higher education, librarians not only function as managers of book collections, but also as information facilitators for students and lecturers. With the increasing number of library users, the need for competent librarians is very urgent. This is in line with the development of information technology that requires librarians to have skills in managing digital data and access to online information.

Conclusion

Professional librarian needs in the Private Higher Education Library in Medan City reflect efforts to meet quality library service standards. This study revealed that each tertiary institution has different demands in terms of the number and qualifications of the librarians needed. Therefore, the development and training for professional librarians needs to be prioritized so that they can meet the demands that continue to develop in the current information age.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Development of Library Staff: The development of library staff is crucial to meet the demands of the current information age. This can be achieved through training and development programs that focus on digital literacy, information technology, and communication skills.
Recruitment of Professional Librarians: The recruitment of professional librarians is essential to meet the needs of private higher education libraries in Medan City. This can be achieved through the development of a recruitment strategy that targets qualified librarians with the necessary skills and qualifications.
Improvement of Library Facilities: The improvement of library facilities is crucial to provide a conducive learning environment for students and lecturers. This can be achieved through the development of a library facilities improvement plan that focuses on the provision of digital resources, study spaces, and other amenities.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that need to be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted in a limited number of private higher education institutions in Medan City, which may not be representative of the broader context. Secondly, the study relied on a qualitative approach, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions for this study include:

Quantitative Study: A quantitative study can be conducted to gather data on the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in Medan City.
Broader Context: A study can be conducted to gather data on the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in other cities in Indonesia.
Development of Library Staff: A study can be conducted to gather data on the development of library staff in private higher education libraries in Medan City.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

This Q&A article provides answers to frequently asked questions related to the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in Medan City.

Q1: What is the current state of library services in private higher education institutions in Medan City?

A1: The current state of library services in private higher education institutions in Medan City is a concern, with many students and lecturers expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of library facilities and services.

Q2: What are the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in Medan City?

A2: The needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in Medan City include the development of digital literacy, information technology, and communication skills, as well as the recruitment of qualified librarians with the necessary skills and qualifications.

Q3: What is the importance of the role of librarians in supporting the learning process and research in private tertiary institutions?

A3: The role of librarians in supporting the learning process and research in private tertiary institutions is crucial, as they provide information facilitation services, manage book collections, and provide a conducive learning environment for students and lecturers.

Q4: What are the implications of the findings of this study for the development and training of professional librarians?

A4: The findings of this study have implications for the development and training of professional librarians, as they highlight the need for librarians to have skills in managing digital data and access to online information, as well as the importance of recruitment and development of qualified librarians.

Q5: What are the limitations of this study?

A5: The limitations of this study include the limited number of private higher education institutions in Medan City that were studied, and the reliance on a qualitative approach, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries.

Q6: What are the future research directions for this study?

A6: Future research directions for this study include conducting a quantitative study to gather data on the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in Medan City, as well as studying the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries in other cities in Indonesia.

Q7: What are the recommendations for improving library services in private higher education institutions in Medan City?

A7: The recommendations for improving library services in private higher education institutions in Medan City include the development of library staff, the recruitment of professional librarians, and the improvement of library facilities.

Q8: What is the significance of this study for the education and research landscape in Medan City?

A8: The significance of this study for the education and research landscape in Medan City is that it highlights the importance of the role of librarians in supporting the learning process and research in private tertiary institutions, and provides insights into the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries.

Q9: What are the implications of this study for the development of library services in private higher education institutions in Medan City?

A9: The implications of this study for the development of library services in private higher education institutions in Medan City are that it highlights the need for librarians to have skills in managing digital data and access to online information, as well as the importance of recruitment and development of qualified librarians.

Q10: What are the future implications of this study for the education and research landscape in Medan City?

A10: The future implications of this study for the education and research landscape in Medan City are that it will provide insights into the needs of professional librarians in private higher education libraries, and highlight the importance of the role of librarians in supporting the learning process and research in private tertiary institutions.