By: Nur Azleen binti Hasan

Kuala Lumpur, 12 October 2022 - The rare collection benchmarking visit was held on 12^th October 2022 at the Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas Library (SMNA), ISTAC-IIUM. The visit aimed at gaining knowledge related to the Rare Collections in SMNA Library, ISTAC-IIUM and taking input from their best practices for the development and management of the Rare Agriculture Collection in PSAS.

A visit delegation consist of 5 officers from Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad (PSAS), led by Mrs. Azwana Ab Rahman, the Head of Malaysia Agricultural Resources Division has been welcomed by the Head of the SMNA Library, ISTAC-IIUM, Mr. Fazli Omar with a welcoming speech, followed by tour around the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM) building.

Briefing session of Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas (SMNA) Library, ISTAC-IIUM

The PSAS delegates were brought to the Special Collection Division to see the Rare Collection and were also being explained about the care and management of the collections. Moreover, the PSAS delegates were also given an opportunity to visit the IIUM Manuscript Digitization Project Laboratory which was the main ongoing project carried out by the SMNA Library and experienced the live process of manuscripts scanning.

Among the Rare Collections exhibits found in the SMNA Library, ISTAC-IIUM

Information sharing on preservation and conservation methods of rare materials by Mr. Fazli Omar, Head of the SMNA Library, ISTAC-IIUM

The benchmarking visit ended at 1.00pm with discussion and exchange of views from both sides. It is hoped that through this benchmarking visit, PSAS will be able to develop its Agricultural Rare Collection and further strengthen the good relationship between PSAS and the SMNA Library, ISTAC-IIUM.

IIUM Manuscript Digitization Project at SMNA Library's Manuscript Digitization Lab

Souvenir giving by Mrs. Azwana Ab Rahman, Head of Malaysia Agricultural Resources Division, PSAS as a representative of the Sultan Abdul Samad Library (PSAS) to the SMNA Library, ISTAC-IIUM

*Photo Credit : Instagram smnalibrary

Date of Input: 28/10/2022 | Updated: 28/10/2022 | j_mohdshahril