Promotion of Mobile Libraries

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 4 views

Introduction

Mobile library services have become an essential initiative in reaching people who cannot access conventional library services. The Binjai City Library Office has implemented mobile library services to cater to the needs of its community. This research aims to analyze the mobile library services provided by the Binjai City Library Office, focusing on its types of services, service program, facilities and infrastructure, and service statistics. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, using purposive sampling to select informants from the Service Section, Library Material Management Section, Officers, and Mobile Library Drivers. Data collection methods included observation, interviews, and documentation, which were tested using data triangulation.

Types of Services

The mobile library in Binjai provides two primary types of services: loan services and reference services. However, due to the pandemic, the loan service is currently not operational, preventing people from borrowing books. Despite this challenge, the mobile library continues to offer reference services, which are essential for providing information and support to the community.

Loan Services

Loan services are an essential component of any library, allowing users to borrow books and other materials for a specified period. However, the pandemic has hindered the implementation of loan services in Binjai, limiting the mobile library's ability to provide this service. To overcome this challenge, the library should develop strict health protocols to ensure the safe borrowing and return of materials.

Reference Services

Reference services are an essential component of the mobile library, providing users with information and support on various topics. The mobile library in Binjai offers reference services, which are essential for promoting literacy and access to information among the community.

Service Program

The mobile library in Binjai has a service program that aims to promote literacy and access to information among the community. The program includes the promotion of mobile libraries and free reading services, which are carried out in schools to increase community reading interest, especially among children.

Promotion of Mobile Libraries

The promotion of mobile libraries is an essential component of the service program, aiming to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of mobile libraries among the community. This can be achieved through various activities, such as workshops, seminars, and social media campaigns.

Free Reading Services

Free reading services are an essential component of the service program, providing users with access to books and other materials without any cost. This service is particularly beneficial for children, who may not have the opportunity to access books and other materials due to financial constraints.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The mobile library in Binjai is equipped with various facilities and infrastructure, including two vehicles, collection shelves, folding chairs, loudspeakers, and fans. These facilities and infrastructure are essential for providing a comfortable and conducive environment for users.

Vehicles

The mobile library in Binjai uses two vehicles, which are equipped with various equipment, such as jacks, wheel locks, spare tires, medicinal boxes, and safety triangles. These vehicles are essential for transporting the mobile library and its equipment to various locations.

Collection Shelves

Collection shelves are an essential component of the mobile library, providing users with access to books and other materials. The mobile library in Binjai has collection shelves that are equipped with various materials, including books, magazines, and newspapers.

Folding Chairs

Folding chairs are an essential component of the mobile library, providing users with a comfortable seating arrangement. The mobile library in Binjai has folding chairs that are equipped with cushions and other amenities.

Loudspeakers

Loudspeakers are an essential component of the mobile library, providing users with access to audio materials and other resources. The mobile library in Binjai has loudspeakers that are equipped with various audio materials, including music and educational programs.

Fans

Fans are an essential component of the mobile library, providing users with a comfortable and cool environment. The mobile library in Binjai has fans that are equipped with various settings, allowing users to adjust the temperature to their liking.

Service Statistics

The mobile library in Binjai has collected various service statistics, including the amount of borrowed library material, the number of visitors, and the number of borrowers. In 2021, the number of mobile library visitors reached around 4,948 people, showing the enthusiasm of the community in utilizing this service.

Amount of Borrowed Library Material

The amount of borrowed library material is an essential component of the service statistics, providing users with access to books and other materials. The mobile library in Binjai has collected various statistics on the amount of borrowed library material, including the number of books borrowed and the number of users who have borrowed materials.

Number of Visitors

The number of visitors is an essential component of the service statistics, providing users with access to the mobile library and its services. The mobile library in Binjai has collected various statistics on the number of visitors, including the number of people who have visited the mobile library and the number of people who have used its services.

Number of Borrowers

The number of borrowers is an essential component of the service statistics, providing users with access to the mobile library and its services. The mobile library in Binjai has collected various statistics on the number of borrowers, including the number of people who have borrowed materials and the number of people who have used the mobile library's services.

Analysis and Implications

From the results of the analysis, it appears that although the mobile library in Binjai is facing challenges due to the pandemic, the programs that are run still show significant efforts to reach the community. With flexible and easily accessible services, mobile libraries can contribute to increasing literacy and access to information among the people who may not have the opportunity to visit the permanent library.

However, there are some things that need to be considered to increase the effectiveness of this mobile library service. First, it is essential to develop book loan services by applying strict health protocols. In addition, broader promotions and socialization about the existence and benefits of mobile libraries also need to be done so that more people are involved.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of the mobile library service at the Binjai City Library Office?

A: The mobile library service at the Binjai City Library Office aims to provide access to information and literacy to people who may not have the opportunity to visit the permanent library. The service is designed to reach remote and underserved communities, promoting education and awareness about various topics.

Q: What types of services are offered by the mobile library?

A: The mobile library offers two primary types of services: loan services and reference services. However, due to the pandemic, the loan service is currently not operational. The reference service provides users with information and support on various topics.

Q: How does the mobile library promote literacy and access to information?

A: The mobile library promotes literacy and access to information through various activities, such as promoting mobile libraries and free reading services. These activities are carried out in schools and other community centers to increase community reading interest, especially among children.

Q: What facilities and infrastructure are available at the mobile library?

A: The mobile library is equipped with various facilities and infrastructure, including two vehicles, collection shelves, folding chairs, loudspeakers, and fans. These facilities and infrastructure provide a comfortable and conducive environment for users.

Q: How does the mobile library collect and analyze data on its services?

A: The mobile library collects and analyzes data on its services through various methods, including observation, interviews, and documentation. The data is tested using data triangulation, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the results.

Q: What are the challenges faced by the mobile library in Binjai?

A: The mobile library in Binjai faces challenges due to the pandemic, including the inability to operate loan services. However, the library continues to offer reference services and other activities to promote literacy and access to information.

Q: How can the mobile library service be improved?

A: The mobile library service can be improved by developing book loan services by applying strict health protocols. Additionally, broader promotions and socialization about the existence and benefits of mobile libraries should be done to increase community awareness and involvement.

Q: What is the future of the mobile library service in Binjai?

A: The future of the mobile library service in Binjai is promising, with the potential to expand access to information and literacy among the community. With the right improvement and development, the service can be more optimal and beneficial for the community in the future.

Q: How can the community get involved in the mobile library service?

A: The community can get involved in the mobile library service by participating in various activities, such as promoting mobile libraries and free reading services. Additionally, community members can provide feedback and suggestions on how to improve the service.

Q: What are the benefits of the mobile library service for the community?

A: The benefits of the mobile library service for the community include increased access to information and literacy, improved education and awareness, and enhanced community engagement and participation.