Kuala lumpur: The Librarians Association of Malaysia (PPM) will work with the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) to strengthen professional recognition for librarians and provide clearer career pathways. Its president, Hasnita Ibrahim, stated that formal recognition would not only safeguard the profession but also improve competency and create opportunities for career development and promotion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this long-term effort requires cooperation from relevant agencies, including the Public Service Department. PPM aims for librarians to continually update their skills and professional knowledge. Hasnita emphasized that the initiative will involve PPM council members, standing committees, and related groups, while expanding cooperation with libraries, educational institutions, the book industry, vendors, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders.
Hasnita, also a senior digital library manager of the Malaysian National News Agency, mentioned that PPM would study professional recognition models used in other ASEAN countries and adapt them to Malaysia's needs. To support this agenda, PPM will enhance its continuing professional development programs through training, workshops, seminars, and certification. Priority areas include data analysis, digital metadata management, information security, ethics, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Moreover, she highlighted the need for librarians to be repositioned as reference experts, data verifiers, and information navigators. This role is crucial in helping the public find reliable and authoritative sources amidst the rapid growth of AI and online content. The 'Library Without Walls' concept should be expanded through wider access to digital services, while community digital literacy programs should be intensified to assist young people, women, and senior citizens in assessing online information, understanding cybersecurity, and using smart devices productively.
Simultaneously, PPM will collaborate with the Department of Skills Development to expand Malaysian Skills Certificate courses for library assistants. It is hopeful that the government will support digital capacity-building and formal recognition of librarians within the public service. Hasnita expressed that PPM welcomes further strategic partnerships and industry sponsorships for literacy and technological innovation programs that benefit society. This agenda will be further deliberated at the Malaysian Library Conference 2026, slated for September 22 to 24.
Hasnita, who brings over 30 years of professional experience, was elected PPM president for the 2026-2028 term on June 27. She succeeds Dr. Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil, who led the association for two terms from 2022 to 2026.