SDG 11 In Number
University expenditure (IDR)
1.550.122.866.706
University expenditure on arts and heritage (IDR)
20.280.022.432
11.2.2 Public Access to UNS Library
Public Access to Knowledge through UNS Library
The Library of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta is more than a repository of books; it is a vibrant center of knowledge, learning, and culture that continually adapts to the needs of its users. Situated prominently on the main Kentingan campus, the UNS Library serves as a landmark supporting education, research, and community engagement.
Collections and Services
The Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Library is a strategic unit that supports the university’s achievement in international rankings. The library offers comprehensive collections—both print and digital—and provides access to a wide range of electronic resources.
The print collection consists of more than 209,000 titles, accessible through the online catalog (UNSLA, https://unsla.uns.ac.id/). The electronic collection from Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald, Springer, and other sources includes international databases, subscribed e-books, and e-journals that can be accessed online via https://ezproxy.uns.ac.id/.
To enhance access and visibility, the library manages the institutional repository (https://digilib.uns.ac.id), which contains theses, dissertations, research reports, scientific articles, and other scholarly materials, with over 125,000 titles available. Additionally, the library offers free access to reputable scientific journals for practitioners, students, lecturers, and the general public through https://library.uns.ac.id/subject-guide/. This directly supports indicators related to quality education (SDG 4), research infrastructure, and open dissemination of knowledge (SDG 9).
The library also provides inclusive services for individuals with disabilities, offering a dedicated space (Disability Corner) equipped with Braille collections, PCs with audio-voice software, and wheelchair accessibility. Library access is also open to the general public, contributing to the achievement of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The presence of strong and easily accessible collections represents one of the library’s key contributions in supporting the university’s performance in international rankings.
Membership and Public Access
The UNS Library provides multiple pathways to access knowledge, aligned with SDG 11 indicators:
- Automatic free access
All visitors can freely use reading areas, open-access digital collections, the literacy center, and The Gade Creative Lounge Corner—a collaborative and comfortable space for study, discussion, and informal learning.
- Access to all after application
UNS students and staff activate their membership using their student or staff ID cards, which enable borrowing, special loans, and access to subscription-based e-resources. Alumni and students from FKP2TN university consortium members can register for free or a nominal fee (Kartu Sakti for three months).
- Access in some circumstances
Members of the general public can obtain limited access through Kartu Kunjung (one-day pass) or Kartu Baca (one-month pass) for on-site reading of printed collections, use of study spaces, and up to seven days of e-resources after registration with library staff. Subscription e-journals remain restricted to UNS-affiliated users via SSO authentication.
Library Services and Facilities
The library spans seven floors with reading rooms, discussion areas, and a campus museum. Facilities include:
- Self-Access Terminals (SAT): Developed with PT Pertamina, providing internet access for UNS academics and non-academics to explore ICT and online resources.
- The Gade Creative Lounge Corner: A grant from PT Pegadaian, supporting collaborative study, relaxation, and informal learning.
- Bookable rooms: Seminar rooms and study spaces are available for students, lecturers, and staff.
- Canteens and prayer rooms: Ensuring comfort and inclusivity for all visitors.
Opening hours vary by service: reading rooms operate Monday through Friday (08:00–18:00), SAT operates Monday through Saturday (07:30–21:00), and the creative lounge and bookable rooms follow designated schedules.
Community Engagement
UNS Library hosts webinars, literacy series, and benchmarking visits for other universities, sharing expertise in library management, heritage preservation, and digital innovation. These initiatives expand access to knowledge and promote collaboration within and beyond the UNS community.
In October 2024, for example, the University of Lampung conducted a benchmarking visit to the UNS Library, focusing on the management of ancient manuscripts and the integration of local cultural literacy. The discussions between Unila and UNS covered innovative library services and the utilization of heritage collections. The fact that UNS has become a benchmarking destination for other universities confirms that its services and management practices are regarded as exemplary models.
On the UNS Library YouTube channel, the 2025 library profile video presents the latest facilities, reading rooms, and services. A series of Online Literacy Series (OLS) webinars have also been conducted, such as “Exploring e-Journals ScienceDirect & ProQuest” in 2024, which educated users on maximizing electronic resources.
Source :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCm9ZHddJEs
By providing inclusive access to books, publications, and digital collections, UNS Library contributes to the development of sustainable cities and communities. Its multi-level access system—automatic free access, access after application, and conditional access—ensures knowledge is widely available while balancing licensing and institutional policies. In doing so, the library functions as both an intellectual public space and a guardian of UNS’s cultural and academic heritage, supporting lifelong learning and community engagement.