Information Services Division, Sibu

Information Services Division (Pustaka Sibu)

Information Services Division of Pustaka Sibu consists of two (2) units which are Reference Services Unit and Information Literacy Unit. The Reference Services Unit serves as a gateway to knowledge and culture by providing resources and services to support literacy, education and lifelong learning. Meanwhile, Information Literacy Unit organizes events and activities for users and communities of all levels, to connect with each other, through cultural, informational and educational programs to support libraries and life-long learning.

Reference Services Unit

This service provides reference assistance to members of the Sarawak State Library, Sibu, by phone, e-mail, letter, in person, straight to the counter, or through the use of other communication technologies in a timely manner. This service can help Library members who are looking for materials for study, reference, or current needs. Library users will also have simple access to information from library resources as well as those available through consortia or other sources through this program. This service will assist Library users in determining whether the necessary information is correct and satisfies their needs. Through this service, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak can improve the service by completing a survey of members following the provision of services at once. Through this service, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak can increase efficiency and effectiveness by performing a survey to members after the services are provided. This service also helps E-Government services as well as government activities in giving reference to all in various aspects. The following are some of the services offered to address client information needs:

• Online Services

1. Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)

The Online Public Access Catalog, also known as the OPAC, is a library catalog that is accessible online. OPAC is one of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak's online services that allows its members to search for required materials using a computer with an Internet connection.

The OPAC contains records for all materials, including books, journals (printed or electronic), maps, databases, manuscript collections, and so on. Members of the Sarawak State Library can use the OPAC to find the items they need, as well as find out where the materials are and their status, thereby facilitating their search.

2. Online Database

Database that has been developed and is accessible through the OPAC Pustaka Negeri Sarawak. Members of the Sarawak State Library can access collections such as journals, electronic books, reports, periodicals, and electronic newspapers for free to suit their managerial needs and as a reference in their studies.

3. E-knowbase

Pustaka Negeri Sarawak has taken the effort to create a database that would assist individuals in finding answers to the most frequently asked queries (FAQs). The Sarawak State Library's website provides access to e-KNOWBASE. Most of the queries on Library Services have been gathered by the Reference Librarian. Members of the Sarawak State Library can use e-KNOWBASE to discover answers to their questions simply by scouring the web.

History

The Information Services Division of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Sibu was established in November 2018. The functions of IS division are as below:

(I) Reference Services Unit
1. Reference and Referral Tasks
2. Circulation Management
3. Users’ Profiles Management
4. Information Literacy & User Education
5. Digital and Online Resources

Current Staff

Currently, the Information Services Division is managed and administered by one officer, one assistant librarian, and four support staff.

1. Nurfarathul Aqma Julani, Head of Information Services Division
2. Rayson Clinsmund anak Jensonray, Assistant Librarians
3. Nurrini Binti Esmani
4. Cassieafiefie
5. Annasyah binti Hajemi
6. Faeza Hanim Binti Morshidi

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
3. Fiona Ravia Asing - Reshuffled to Community Engagement Division on 1 January 2021
4. Mohd Tarmizi bin Malek - Reshuffled to Community Engagement Division on 1 January 2021
5. Nurrul Azzila Binti Abdul Rasid - Reshuffled to Community Engagement Division on 1 January 2021
6. Mas Azreena binti Majenis - Reshuffled to Community Engagement Division on 1 January 2020

Functions

(I) Reference Services Unit

1. Providing equitable reference assistance to users via telephone, emails, letters, in person or through the use of other communication technologies within a reasonable time frame.
2. Facilitating access to information from library resources and those available through consortium/held remotely, by locating, accessing and evaluating the required information.
3. Circulation and membership management.
4. Interlibrary loan and document delivery.
5. Providing library instructions/orientations, information and digital literacy sessions to users.
6. Promoting and marketing information resources and services.
7. Undertaking users’ surveys and evaluating information usage and services rendered.
8. Supporting E-Government services and initiatives.

(II) Information Literacy Unit

1. Management of user education classes
2. Responsible for the planning and implementation of User Education Programme, library instruction; Information Literacy Skills, online database training and workshop, library orientation tour, Digital Literacy PANDei Program (People Accessible Network for Digital Empowerment & Inclusivity) and Family Literacy (Reading Seeds Program).
3. To expose the library user on what type of library services, facilities and resources available in the Library
4. To guide the library user on how they can use the library services, facilities and resources available in the library
5. To train the library user to utilize the library resources effectively with correct methods and strategies
6. To provide the library user with the skills for independent information seeking for their learning, teaching and research process

30 November 2021	08 February 2022