Kadim hits the gong to launch the seminar. Also seen is Margaret (second right).

KUCHING: The reading habit is still low among students in Malaysia with a level of literacy just over 50 per cent.

While the trend of borrowing books from libraries is on a decline, visits to the library is on the rise because of the availability of electronic library and other ICT facilities, as well as open access concept practised by most libraries today.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Vice Chancellor Prof Dato Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said libraries still play a crucial role in building human capital through lifelong learning by carrying out various outcome-based services and facilities.

“Librarians also run programmes that leave the greatest impact and is outcome-based to help the country with its strategic planning,” he said during the opening ceremony of a two-day Librarianship Seminar 2015 yesterday.

The theme of this year’s seminar is ‘Empowering Libraries Through Outcome-Based Initiatives’.

The seminar is an annual affair that attracts librarians from all over the country and a few from the region.

A total of 17 working papers will be presented in four sessions – services, resources, competency and human capital development, and infrastructure.

Organised by the Centre for Academic Information Services (CAIS), it aims to discuss the role of librarians and information managers to trade ideas and gain new skills. It also allows various institutes to share knowledge and empower each other.

The seminar is a platform for librarians and information managers to realise the culture of lifelong learning, and the library’s contribution in the community.

CAIS head librarian Margaret Simeng was present.