Indonesia's National Library launches new literacy index measurement

The National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas) has introduced a comprehensive method to measure the Index of Literacy Development (IPLM) at the level of individual libraries across the country. The approach, presented at a workshop in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, covers public, special and school libraries and uses four main dimensions – compliance (collection and human resources) and performance (management and service).

Data from South Kalimantan show an overall IPLM score of 25.16, with compliance at 0.280 and performance at 0.246. Public libraries managed by local governments achieved a provisional score of 85 out of 100, while school libraries recorded only 23 out of 100. "The new method is more comprehensive, allowing measurement down to the individual library level, whether special, public or school," said Irhamni, head of the IPLM and Reading Enthusiasm Index (TKM) team. He added, "The school library level in Kalsel is 23 out of 100, meaning much improvement is needed, especially since budget authority lies with the education department."

Irhamni called for stronger coordination among provincial, district and city governments, the education sector and other stakeholders to boost library development, raise IPLM and TKM scores, and strengthen the reading culture in the region.