In today’s environment, libraries are no longer just places to keep books; they are dynamic hubs of education and social development in the community. But how do we truly show that impact and demonstrate the tangible value we create for our users and stakeholders?

This question was the driving force behind the intensive three-day workshop, Measurement, Evaluation and Demonstrating Impact of Library Services, a collaborative effort between the Librarians Association of Malaysia, also known as Persatuan Pustakawan Malaysia (PPM), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).

The three-day workshop, held from 9 to 11 September 2025 at the Raja Tun Uda Library in Shah Alam, Selangor, was facilitated by Dr Premila Gamage to enhance skills in assessing and showcasing the impact of library services. The workshop brought together 38 senior librarians from various types of libraries and organisations to master the essential skills of strategic value demonstration. The diverse participation ensured the discussions were relevant to various library settings that serve users across all age ranges and education levels. The following libraries were represented:

  1. National Library of Malaysia
  2. Public libraries: a) Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor b) Perpustakaan Negeri Sabah
  3. Academic libraries:
  1. Universiti Utara Malaysia
  2. Universiti Malaya
  3. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
  4. Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia
  5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  6. Universiti Sains Malaysia
  7. Management and Science University
  8. Goon International College
  9. International Islamic University Malaysia
  10. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
  11. Universiti Putra Malaysia
  12. Universiti Teknologi Petronas
  13. Universiti Malaysia Perlis

The workshop began with an inspiring opening address from the President of PPM, Dr Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil. The energy continued under the expert guidance of the IFLA trainer, Dr Premila Gamage.

Group photo of participants taken on 10 September 2025
Group photo of participants taken on 10 September 2025
Workshop session with IFLA trainer, Dr Premila Gamage
Workshop session with IFLA trainer, Dr Premila Gamage

The workshop was designed to move participants from basic statistics to powerful strategic narratives, involving five modules, namely:

  1. Evaluating and demonstrating value and impact of library services,
  2. Community needs assessment and identification,
  3. Outputs and performance,
  4. Outcomes and impact, and
  5. Evidence-based storytelling.

 

Throughout the three-day workshop, participants were actively engaged and discussed methods for immediate improvement in their library services. The PPM support team included Madam Beghum Ulfhat Shehnaaz Amir Razli, Madam Rashidah Begum Fazal Mohamed, Dr Nor Edzan Che Nasir, and Ms Nur Izzah Sakina Ahmad Sazali, whose coordination ensured the seamless delivery of the intensive workshop.

PARTICIPANTS’ FEEDBACK

The success of the workshop was evident in the high level of participant involvement both duringthe sessions and in the rich feedback provided afterwards. Overall, the participants were satisfied with the outcome of the workshop. The workshop provided good sharing and a framework which they could use in their workplace.

Here are two pieces of feedback that were received:

“This is the first step for us to IFLA. Please conduct more training until we also can be a part of a trainer and represent in IFLA.” Nur Avalina Francis Abdullah, Senior Librarian, Sabah State Library

“Please repeat the course again. The staff also should be exposed to everything about library worlds, not only shelving the books!” Shazwani Mohd Ezazi, Librarian, Universiti Malaysia

Presentation by workshop participants
Presentation by workshop participants

FUTURE INSPIRATION

PPM will take inspiration from the modules covered in this IFLA-partnered workshop to create its own core modules in Bahasa Malaysia for future training of librarians. The workshop achieved much more than just training; it initiated a strategic movement that reinforces the vital role libraries play in Malaysia’s future.

A more personalised account of the workshop by one of the participants is available at: https://beritappm.wordpress.com/2025/09/26/professional-transformation-through-community-centered-evaluation-insights-from-an-ifla-training-experience/

Contributed by Nur Izzah Sakina Ahmad Sazali, Executive Officer, Librarians Association of Malaysia