Padang Jawa, 23 May 2024 – In an effort to enrich students’ knowledge about library management, students from the Library Management program (IM2445ST1) at the College of Computing, Informatics, and Mathematics (KPPIM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Perdana Campus, in collaboration with Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Jawa (SK Padang Jawa), organized a program called Program Sulam Dahlia@Padang Jawa. Among interesting activities conducted was the “Simple Cataloging and Introduction to Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)” program. The program, supervised by Dr. Nor Zaina Zaharah Binti Mohamad Ariff, was held at the SK Padang Jawa Library and was attended by 28 School Resource Center (SRC) prefects from grades 4 to 6.

This activity aimed to provide early exposure to students, especially SRC prefects, on the basics of book cataloging and the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, one of the most widely used book classification systems in libraries worldwide. Through this program, students were exposed to the importance of systematic library management and application of the knowledge in their daily tasks as SRC prefects.

Before the program began, KPPIM’s Library Management students conducted research and sought insights from Ms. Rashidah, the SRC teacher at SK Padang Jawa, regarding the level of exposure of SRC prefects at SK Padang Jawa to the actual duties of a librarian. Through understanding and observation, the participating students were able to design engaging and beneficial activities to ensure the success of the Sulam Dahlia@Padang Jawa program and simultaneously provide early exposure to ‘Cataloging’ and ‘DDC’ to the participants.

The program started with an introductory session on book cataloging, where SRC prefects were introduced to the basic concepts of cataloging, including titles, authors, and publication information. Next, participants were guided to understand and use the DDC system in book classification. Practical activities were also conducted, where participants had the opportunity to catalog school library books using the DDC system. Moreover, UiTM provided souvenirs and certificates to the participants as a token of appreciation for their involvement in the organized activities.

This activity received multiple positive responses and enthusiastic participation in all sessions from the young students. “I now know how to find books using the DDC,” remarked excitedly by an SRC prefect after learning how to use the DDC system. “It’s quite easy to create a catalog,” commented another SRC prefect who participated in the program. This program not only successfully increased students’ knowledge about library management but also helped them develop systematic and organized thinking skills.

Observing the success and positive reception of this program, Ms. Rashidah commented, “The content of this program has had a very positive impact on the SRC prefects, particularly in guiding them on how to catalog books and classify them according to the DDC. I welcome the collaboration between UiTM and SK Padang Jawa, and I hope there will be more activities related to library management and reading to continue fostering students’ interest in this field.”

The Sulam Dahlia@Padang Jawa program was conducted to nurture a young generation that not only loves knowledge but is also skilled in managing and handling libraries effectively. Sulam Dahlia@Padang Jawa also remains committed to supporting educational aspirations and empowering students through various beneficial initiatives and programs.

Authors: Farah Shafiqah Ahmad Fauzi, Siti Nuraida Mamat (Editor:  KPPIM News Team)