USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., accompanied by Vice Rector for Human Resources, Finance, and Information Systems Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., M.SP., attended the opening of the USU Library reaccreditation process, held at the USU Library Building on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).

The event marked an important moment for the USU Library to evaluate and improve its service standards, governance, and digital-based literacy infrastructure across the university campus.

In his remarks, Rector of USU Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., emphasized the importance of developing a Smart Digital Library to respond to challenges in literacy levels and technological advancement.

“The library accreditation process will begin shortly. We are ready to support excellent services for everyone,” he said.

The Rector explained that the development of the Smart Digital Library focuses on two main aspects: improving governance structures and strengthening the culture of reading. “Smart digital, in my view, has only two aspects. First, we need to strengthen the structure of the library, which is related to governance. Second is the cultural aspect—the habit of reading and accessing library services,” he explained.

(Photo: Amri Affandi Simatupang)

Head of the USU Library Prof. Dr. Syahril Efendi, S.Si., M.I.T., outlined the direction of the library’s transformation toward an artificial intelligence-driven academic knowledge ecosystem (AI-Driven Academic Knowledge Ecosystem). The library also introduced several innovations, including the Digital Shelf Packaging (Kemasan Rak Digital/KRD) and an updated catalog system.

“University libraries must serve as knowledge infrastructure. Therefore, we have formulated the direction of USU Library development in the spirit of transforming data into knowledge, knowledge into innovation, and innovation into impact,” he explained.

Prof. Syahril also conveyed plans to develop hybrid services so that students and researchers can access library services without time limitations. “We expect a shift from conventional services toward digitalization, and we will make these services, so to speak, available 24/7. By combining conventional and digital services, we can provide both online and offline access,” he said.

Furthermore, Deputy for Resource Development of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI), Dr. Adin Bondar, S.Sos., M.Si., who attended the event online, expressed his appreciation for USU’s commitment to strengthening the culture of literacy.

“We greatly appreciate this initiative to reaccredit the USU Library. Strengthening a knowledgeable society through a culture of reading and literacy is essential to the nation’s advancement,” he said.

He expressed hope that the accreditation process would provide concrete recommendations for the advancement of the USU Library. “Hopefully, the assessment team will not only evaluate compliance but also provide recommendations and opportunities for collaboration so that the USU Library can become a modern library.”