The Role of Libraries in Building and Promoting the Cultural Heritage Collection

Abstract

In 2009, UNESCO recognised batik as one of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Previously in 2003 and 2005, UNESCO also admitted Wayang and Keris as part of human masterpieces. However, some evidences show that some cultural heritages were neglected, so other countries claim on those heritages. Many young generations did not pay much attention of cultural heritage both local and national. One of library functions is to preserve and promote cultural heritages. Libraries should spread the cultural heritages awareness among society, so they will know about their culture. This paper aims to discover the role of libraries in building the cultural heritages collection. Some libraries in Indonesia have initiative in cultural heritages preservation. Those libraries start to build their cultural heritages collection. The collection ranges from literature, painting, and photos. Those libraries also promote the cultural heritages collection either manual or digital. Some libraries exhibit their cultural collection to attract users attention or build special booth for cultural collection. Libraries have an important role to preserve and promote cultural heritage. Libraries have network all around Indonesia, from the provinces to the rural areas. We can rely on libraries in order to collect, organise, present, and disseminate cultural heritages of Indonesia. This paper gives recommendation for government, to empower information agency such as libraries to take part in cultural heritage preservation and promotion. So, all generation will get information and knowledge about Indonesian cultural heritages easily.

Keywords: Cultural Heritages, Cultural Heritages Collection, Promoting Cultural Heritages, Library Cultural Heritages

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