“We are preparing a strategy for the new normal to support National Library service activity prior to a public reopening,” Joko Santoso, head of the National Library's law and planning bureau, said in a statement.

Joko said that as there was no certainty over when the COVID-19 pandemic would end, the library was preparing an operating procedure that would comply with requirements set by the COVID-19 task force.

Employees of the National Library have been working from home since the start of the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in April. They are expected to work from home until June 4, the end of Jakarta’s latest PSBB extension.

Read also: National Library in Jakarta extends closure to late May

Since its closure, the library has been flooded with online visitors. The number has increased to 130 percent.

“Our digital service such as iPusnas has become an alternative source for the public amid the pandemic,” said Muhammad Syarif Bando, head of the National Library.

Throughout this period, the library's online digital service remains accessible to visitors, including for those looking to access its International Standard Book Number (ISBN), Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), Indonesia OneSearch (IOS), online membership (K-OL) and e-Resources or Khasanah Nusantara (Khastara) services. More than 50,000 book titles are accessible through its mobile app iPusnas for users of iOS and Android devices. 

Perpusnas also provides the Tanya Pustawakan (Ask A Librarian) service that allows the public to submit queries regarding data, information, education or library materials. They may send their questions by email to layanan_referensi@perpusnas.go.id or through the live chat feature on the website. (gis/wng)