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INTRODUCTION
The National Library of Malaysia (NLM) is a Federal Department under
the Ministry of Education. It was set up under the National Library
Act 1972 which was subsequently amended as the National Library
Act (Amendment) 1987. The purpose and objectives of NLM as stipulated
in the Act are:
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to make available for the use of present and future generations a national
collection of library resources,
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to facilitate nation-wide access to library resources available within
the country and abroad, and
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to provide leadership on matters pertaining to libraries
The NLM is also the agency responsible for the enforcement of the Deposit
of Library Material Act, 1986. The objectives of the NLM as a National
Depository Centre are:
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to provide for the conservation and use of library materials published
in Malaysia
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to create standard bibliographic record of library materials published
in Malaysia
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to maintain statistical records of library materials published in Malaysia
The NLM's philosophy, vision and mission statements are:
Philosophy
Development of a reading culture in Malaysian
society through life-long learning towards enhancing knowledge |
Vision
To be a premier library in providing world class
network of library services towards achieving the objectives of the National
Vision Policy |
Mission
To enable all Malaysians equitable access to
information and library services and to utilise knowledge resources through
a National Digital Library System (PERDANA) |
NLM'S
STRATEGIC PLAN 2004-2005
The NLM's Strategic Plan 2004-2005 sets out the vision, strategic thrusts
and objectives, and action plan that will govern the National Library for
the next two years. It provides the direction for NLM and a way to convey
its perspectives and intentions to others who share its interests, programmes
and support the library's efforts. The Strategic Plan has helped NLM to
focus its energy and resources and ensure that members of the organisation
are working toward the same goals. Through SWOT Analysis NLM's Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats were identified and examined. By
carrying out an analysis using the SWOT framework, it has helped NLM to
focus its activities into areas where it is strong and where the greatest
opportunities lie.
STRATEGIC
THRUSTS AND OBJECTIVES
The following are the seven (7) Strategic Thrusts of NLM's Strategic
Plan:
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to review and update the functions and roles of the National Library of
Malaysia in line with the national development,
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to develop NLM's information services as a centre of excellence for Malaysiana
and ensure availability of world class services,
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to implement a comprehensive human resources development programme and
enhance the competency and expertise of library and information personnel,
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to optimise the application of information and Communication Technology
(ICT) in the management of organisation information system and the National
Digital Library System Network (PERDANA),
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to bridge the digital divide and provide nationwide access to knowledge
and information resources,
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to undertake research in critical areas and the production of electronic
publications for the development and promotion of library and information
services; and
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to widen and intensify the impact of the national reading acculturation
programme and the role of libraries in life-long learning
The objectives of the seven Strategic Thrusts outlined above set out the
action/implementation plans for the key strategies which take into consideration
the critical success factors, performance indicators and deadlines. Review
of NLM's Strategic Plan 2004-2005 was carried out in mid-2004 which include
refining, revising and restating NLM's action/implementation plans for
the second half of 2004 and 2005. The objectives to achieve the 7 Strategic
Thrusts are outlines as follows:
1. To review and update the functions and
roles of the National Library of Malaysia in line with national development
Objectives:
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To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the organisation's
mission
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To enhance and services of the NLM at national and international levels
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To enhance the implementation of quality programmes of the NLM
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To revise the laws and policies pertaining to the NLM
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To ensure strong leadership of the NLM at all levels
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To promote the NLM's services to society
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To enhance the financial management performance of the NLM and the State
Public Libraries
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To corporatise the NLM
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To encourage voluntary services in activities carried out by the NLM
2. To realise NLM's information services as
a centre of excellence for Malaysiana and ensure availability of world
class library services
Objectives:
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To strengthen the Malaysiana collection to fulfill the role of the library
as stipulated in the related Acts
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To strengthen the delivery of information and services to meet the needs
of library users
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To promote knowledge sources and information services provided through
publications and continuous marketing programmes
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To utilize ICT facilities to develop Malaysiana digital content
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To enhance the preservation of Malaysiana knowledge resources as the nation's
intellectual heritage
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To ensure the quality of documentation of library resources in accordance
with the national and international standards and rules
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To enhance the information service infrastructure to ensure the efficient
and effective delivery of services
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To ensure the competency level of staff through continuous in service training
and coaching
3. To implement a comprehensive human
resources development programme to enhance the competency and expertise
of library and information personnel
Objectives:
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To provide Competency Development Programmes for Librarians and staff of
National Library of Malaysia and Common User Library Service
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To upgrade the Human Resource Development Division into a Training Institute
of Librarianship and Knowledge Management to cope with the training needs
in library and information services at the national level including the
education and private sectors
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To ensure that all library personnels are given the opportunity to participate
in courses/examinations as required under the Malaysian Remuneration System
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To enhance continuous educational programmes for NLM/Common User Library
Service to support the library's vision and objectives
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To establish smart partnership with local university faculties of library
studies and information management
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To enhance training programmes at the international level
4. To optimise the application of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) in the management of organisation information
system and the National Digital Library System Network (PERDANA)
Objectives:
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To enhance NLM's ICT infrastructure to support the continuous needs of
the organisation's Information Management System
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To maximise ICT application in organisation management and operation
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To ascertain smooth operation of the integrated library system to ensure
effective development of library services and to satisfy clients' needs
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To plan and implement the development of PERDANA System as outlined in
the Consultant's Implementation Strategic Plan PERDANA System, Phase II
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To ensure efficient and effective management of ICT initiations involving
NLM
5. To bridge the digital divide and provide
nationwide access to knowledge and information resources
Objectives:
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To widen the network of library services to all districts, mukims and villages
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To ensure a balanced distribution of public libraries in the states
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To ensure the implementation of NLM's development projects under the 8th
Malaysia Plan
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To enhance the development of special library services throughout the country
through advisory and consultancy services
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To enhance the role of advisory services towards the development of special
libraries
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To strengthen the provision of library services through the use of ICT
6. To undertake research in critical
areas and the production of electronic publications for the development
and promotion of library and information services; and
Objectives:
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To enhance the role of NLM as a centre of excellence for research in library
and information services at the national level
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To inculcate research culture in librarianship, library and information
services as well as literacy and reading
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To enhance the ability and quality of NLM's publications in printed and
electronic formats
7. To widen and intensify the impact
of the national reading acculturation programme and the role of libraries
in life-long learning
Objectives:
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To ensure the National Reading Campaign is implemented widely and continuously
to increase the reading habit culture amongst society
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To enhance knowledge and skills toward making reading habit a way of life
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To ensure the National Reading Agenda is implemented at the National Level
in achieving a knowledge society
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To enhance access and sharing of information in reading promotion and information
literacy
CONCLUSION
NLM's Strategic Plan 2004-2005 has and will determine its direction
for the next year or more, how and whether it is going to achieve it. There
is no doubt that NLM's Strategic Plan has helped the library ensure the
most effective use of its resources and bring together everyone's best
efforts and consensus about the future of the library.
A
Strategic Plan retreat was held on 8-11 February
2004
in Malacca to discuss and review the Plan for 2004-2005. |
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