Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has reinforced its commitment to academic inclusivity and educational advancement through the issuance of Circular Letter No. B/28392/UN37/TU.01.02/2024, concerning the Utilization of Library and Free E-Book Access. The policy underscores UNNES’s strategic effort to broaden access to academic resources for both its academic community and the wider public, promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning.
The regulation, grounded in the Higher Education Law No. 12 of 2012, Library Law No. 43 of 2007, and National Library Regulation No. 5 of 2024 on Higher Education Library Standards, mandates that all members of the university community can benefit from free access to library facilities and e-book collections. This initiative aims to support the university’s threefold mission of education, research, and community service (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi) by ensuring equitable and cost-free access to digital and physical learning materials.
Through this policy, UNNES provides:
- A well-equipped library environment that enhances academic performance and research productivity.
- Free access to e-books that complement physical library services.
- Open library use and e-book access for both the university community and surrounding public.
- Transparent, non-paid utilization of all services listed within the policy.
In a statement accompanying the circular, Prof. Heri Yanto, M.B.A., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Planning, General Affairs, Human Resources, and Finance, emphasized that this measure reflects UNNES’s ongoing dedication to improving academic quality through accessible knowledge resources. The initiative is also part of the university’s broader digital transformation in library services, aligning with the institution’s status as a Conservation and Sustainable University.
By ensuring that library services and digital learning materials are freely available, UNNES fosters an inclusive academic environment that empowers students, educators, and the public to engage in continuous intellectual development and scholarly collaboration.
