Community Engagement Services Division, Sibu

Community Engagement Services Division (Pustaka Sibu)

Community engagement Services Division collaboratively organize events and activities for users and communities of all levels, to connect with each another, through cultural, informational and educational programs to support libraries and life-long learning. CESD of Pustaka Sibu consists of two (2) units which are Community Library Services Unit and Unit.

History

Formerly, Community Engagement Services was a unit under the Library Sector of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Pustaka). Later, Community Engagement Services Unit was changed to Community Engagement Services Division in 2021. The functions of CES division are as below:

(I) Community Library Services Unit
1. Reading Acculturation
2. Outreach programs
3. Collaboration

(II) Community Advisory Unit
1. Public and community Library advisory and training (PNM/Local Council/Community Libraries)
2. Inspection and maintenance of public libraries (PNM)

Current Staff

Currently, the Community Engagement Services Division is managed and administered by one officers, two assistant librarians and one support staff.

1. Fiona Ravia, Head of Community Engagement Services Division
   
2. Mohd Tarmizi bin Malek, Head of Community Library Services Unit
   
3. Nurrul Azzila Binti Abdul Rasid, Head of Community Advisory Unit
   
4. Mas Azreena binti Majenis, Library Assistant
   

Former Staff

1. Muhamad Ali Bin Abdul Wahab, Head of Community Engagement Services Unit - Resigned on 25 April 2021
2. Karen Angelina Lim Kar Leng - Reshuffled to Sarawakiana Unit on 1 January 2021

Functions

1. Executes community outreach activities related to applicable services; collaborates with representatives from other community agencies in planning outreach activities.
2. Plans age and interest appropriate programs/workshops for children, parents, adults, senior citizens, which includes storytelling, book discussions/talks, writing workshops, festival planning/participation, and/or other related activities.
3. Promote Library programs, services, and events, which may include use of social media, coordination with Marketing Services, community partner engagement, and other outreach activities.
4. Performs a variety of administrative activities in support of Library operations, which includes: preparing activity reports; processing a variety of forms and/or, performing other related activities.

Makerspace

Makerspaces can be any area where people gather to make, create, invent and learn. These spaces often include technologies that could help achieving the primary objectives of maker faire. Makerspaces grew out of maker culture--a group of people dedicated to craftsmanship and creation. Makerism focuses on DIY projects, and makers value creation by individuals or small groups rather than bulk production. In general, makerism is also a culture of creation over consumption. Many libraries have found that maker culture and Makerspaces fit naturally with their existing missions, and have begun to incorporate Makerspaces into the services they offer their communities.

Makerspace purposes in Pustaka?

Makerspace is intended to allow community members to experience technology or activities that they previously were not able to access. As many maker spaces include technology like 3D Printers, Arduino, Coding and Robotics, patrons are invited to experiment freely. The purpose of a makerspace is often expressed to be inspiring an interest in science, technology, design, and life-long learning in the people who are served by the library.

Equipments

1.3D Printers
2. mBOT
3. 3DOODLER
4. MBLOCK

Outreach Program

The outreach programme is another way for officers from Pustaka Negeri Sarawak to meet potential users, who are either unable to come or have yet to visit Pustaka Negeri Sarawak. The outreach programme basically is official outing or visit, which comprises of briefings and discussions on the services and facilities offered by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak to create awareness among potential users.

The programme includes visits to:

-schools
-government agencies
-institutions of higher learning
-villages
-organizations

Sarawak Children's Festival

From international storytelling, foreign language, Science experiment, crafts and games, to STEAM activities, the State Library inaugural Sarawak Children’s Festival is sure to deliver rich and diverse programmes for the young. The organiser brings together local and foreign authors, storytellers, illustrators, poets, artists, scientists and librarians together for a chance to interact and share knowledge with children and their families during the festival which began yesterday until today. It is a two-day of non-stop fun and total excitement with something for everyone aged four to 12, including activities like eco-awareness, 3D printing workshop, magic show, junior art market, dance performances and music exposures. The event aims to introduce new technologies to the young ones, promotes library membership among children, develops self-confidence and public speaking skills in children, as well as to celebrate the joy of reading among children.