Kuala Lampur:According to BERNAMA News Agency, the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) is enhancing its digital transformation efforts to modernize services and expand public access to knowledge. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide while preserving the nation's repository of knowledge and fostering an understanding of Malaysia's history, language, culture, and identity.

Deputy Minister of National Unity R. Yuneswaran emphasized the importance of PNM's role in transitioning from analogue to digital formats to facilitate public access to information and enhance reading literacy. He highlighted technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud computing as transformative forces in how information is accessed and consumed. Over the past 15 years, reading literacy has increased to an average of 20 to 25 books per person per year.

The recent National Digital Librarians Seminar, themed 'Visibility, Inclusivity, Resilience,' gathered over 400 participants from various sectors to enhance digital competencies and accelerate the transformation of library services. PNM director-general Edy Irwan Zulkafli noted the need for librarians to develop skills in data management and AI interaction, highlighting seven AI- and digital-based initiatives that PNM has developed.

These initiatives, including the eDana Penulis system and the AI-Chatbot librarian, demonstrate the integration of technology in library services, covering areas like cataloguing and digital reference services. PNM has also digitized over 75,000 titles, enriching digital content accessible through the MyRepositori portal. At the seminar, the PNM Digitalisation Strategic Plan 2026-2030 eBook and the Digital Library Guidelines in Malaysia were launched to strengthen the digital library ecosystem.