ACADEMIC LIBRARY COLLABORATION: INSIGHTS AND INITIATIVES FROM THE 18TH AUNILO MEETING

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By: Nur Azleen Hasan

Serdang, 4 August - The 18th Libraries of ASEAN University Network (AUNILO) Meeting, which took place from 1 to 3 August 2023, was hosted by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This meeting has gathered participation from various countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia and Brunei. In total, 30 representatives from the AUNILO Member Library attended this meeting, along with the presence of three members from the Asean University Network (AUN) Secretariat. The theme "Co-Creating the Future of Libraries: Empowering Academic Librarians for Innovation and Impact" was chosen as the topic of discussion for this year.

On the first day of the program, each representative from AUN Member Universities delivered a comprehensive report from their respective countries. Listed here are the main reporting topics from each country:

Brunei: Increasing cooperation to drive digital transformation
Cambodia: Improving access to resources through technology-based initiatives
Indonesia: Utilizing technology to advance learning
Malaysia: Empowering through innovation and collaboration
Philippines: Practicing student-centered learning
Singapore: Digital transformation for the transition of students
Vietnam: Technology-based resource sharing
Thailand: Innovative learning and co-working spaces

On the second day, emphasized on matters related to networking among the Head Librarians of AUNILO Member Libraries. The main focus of discussions is to create a Resource Sharing Network among AUNILO Member Institutions and the implementation of the Staff Mobility Programme. The meeting also highlighted the agenda of AUNILO's New Strategic Plan for the period of 2023-2026. Among the contents in the New Strategy Plan are, the impact of digital technology and AI; sustainability; multidisciplinary approach; and the provision of facilities for a deeper understanding of Southeast Asian issues among library users, especially students.

In line with the theme of the meeting, the content on day 3 was a capacity building module involving librarians from AUNILO Member Libraries. Among the key point of sharing in the workshop includes, topic on the impact of changes in the learning system and the role of the library; different approaches to the empowerment of academic librarians; innovative initiatives and librarianship best practices; as well as a sharing session to exchange ideas and experiences among librarians in facing today's challenges. Dr. Nor Edzan Che Nasir, acting as Secretary and Committee Member of IFLA Asia Oceania Regional Section, was appointed as the speaker. Through this workshop, librarians had the opportunity to engage with experts in the field, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and adapt the results of the discussions to positively impact their libraries and communities.

The 18th AUNILO meeting as a whole has provided an opportunity for ASEAN member university academic libraries to cooperate and innovate. Along with the development of higher education, libraries should be dedicated in empowering librarians and utilizing technology to improve user experience. This platform is proof of the continued commitment of academic librarians in accepting changes, encouraging collaborations, and advancing the academic goals of ASEAN regional institutions.