In an era overwhelmed by an abundance of information, technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) undoubtedly bring convenience. However, AI still has its limitations, as its capabilities are dependent on the algorithms and training data provided. It is in this context that the role of libraries and librarians becomes increasingly relevant and irreplaceable.

Libraries serve as sources of authentic, valid, and verified information. Collections of books, scientific journals, theses, and dissertations—both physical and digital—remain trusted references for the academic community. However, the strength of a library lies not only in its collection, but also in the presence of librarians as the frontliners of service and literacy guidance.

According to Muhammad Syarif Bando, Head of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (PERPUSNAS), as stated on the official PERPUSNAS website, librarians are not merely custodians and facilitators. They are also active contributors in spreading and nurturing the spirit of knowledge, providers of relevant information sources, and facilitators who bridge the public’s literacy needs.

This aligns with Law No. 43 of 2007 on Libraries, which defines a librarian as an individual with specific competencies obtained through education or training in library science, responsible for the management and services of a library.

National Librarian Day, observed every July 7, is a moment of reflection to appreciate their contributions. The date commemorates the establishment of the Indonesian Librarian Association (IPI) on July 7, 1973 in Bogor, a professional organization that promotes quality, ethics, and professionalism among librarians, while also serving as a driving force for national literacy.

In line with this spirit, Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) continues to reinforce a culture of literacy among students and lecturers through various initiatives. The library is accessible to all members of the academic community, with librarians ready to assist in archiving processes and checking the originality of academic works through the Turnitin system. This serves as a concrete effort to uphold academic quality while promoting innovation and creativity within the campus environment.

Moreover, the UNDIRA Library Bureau actively organizes interactive programs such as the recent Book Discussion Events, one of which highlighted the work of the late Yudhistira Massardi, a renowned Indonesian literary figure, in his book "Mengunci Ingatan" (Locking the Memory), through a seminar-style public discussion forum. These programs foster critical literacy and create meaningful engagement between students and works of literature and knowledge. Such efforts clearly demonstrate the commitment of the UNDIRA Library Bureau and its librarians to bring knowledge and information closer to students and the broader community.

Collaborations between UNDIRA Library and the Jakarta Library and Archives Office (DISPUSIP) are also being continuously nurtured to advance library development, mainly through digitization in which librarians will input variety of journals and research in order to better categorize each section when needed, alongside librarian competency building.

Behind the quiet reading rooms and the rise of automation and technological convenience, librarians remain the driving force that brings the library to life. They are not only support systems, but also guardians of the literacy, symbolizing a shared commitment to managing libraries creatively and inclusively.