KUCHING – The Sarawak State Library has strengthened its archive literacy initiatives through the implementation of the Enrolment of Membership Program for Pustaka Negeri Sarawak at State Record Repository (EMPUN) Series 3–4 and the Friend of Archive (FOA) Program Series 5–8. The programmes were conducted from 6 to 9 July 2026 at the State Record Repository.
The EMPUN programme is designed to simplify membership registration, enabling users to access reference services for records and archival materials transferred to the Sarawak State Library. Participants were introduced to procedures for ordering and referencing records using the Archival Records Management System (ARMS), which can be accessed both online and physically at the repository’s reference area.
Meanwhile, the FOA programme provides opportunities for students and members of the public to volunteer in supporting archive-related activities. Volunteers assist in programmes and services offered by the Archives Management Sector, gaining practical exposure to archival work.
This latest series involved 66 participants, including students from TVET MARA’s Skills Institute (IKM) Kuching, Kuching Community College, tutors and an assistant librarian. Of these, 63 successfully registered as EMPUN members and utilised ARMS to reference archival materials online.
Over the four-day FOA programme, participants engaged in a variety of volunteer activities. These included digitising archive materials, installing archive labels, describing archival content, and undertaking preservation and conservation work. Such tasks provided hands-on experience in managing and safeguarding documentary heritage.
The Sarawak State Library emphasised that the EMPUN and FOA programmes reflect its commitment to expanding access to the state’s archival treasures. By involving students and the wider community, the library aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Sarawak’s documentary heritage, particularly among younger generations.
The initiatives also highlight the role of archives in supporting education, research and cultural continuity. By digitising and cataloguing materials, the library ensures that records remain accessible for future reference, while conservation efforts protect fragile documents from deterioration.
The EMPUN programme, in particular, enhances user convenience by streamlining access to archival resources. With ARMS, users can search and reference materials remotely, making archival research more efficient and accessible. This digital integration reflects Sarawak’s broader push towards embracing technology in education and public services.
The FOA programme complements this by fostering community involvement. By volunteering, participants not only contribute to the preservation of records but also gain valuable skills in archival management. Such experiences encourage greater appreciation of Sarawak’s historical and cultural legacy.
The Sarawak State Library expressed gratitude to participating institutions for their cooperation and support. It noted that the involvement of students from technical and community colleges demonstrates the growing interest in archival literacy and the importance of equipping young people with knowledge of heritage preservation.
Looking ahead, the library hopes that initiatives like EMPUN and FOA will continue to inspire students and the public to explore, innovate and contribute to the safeguarding of Sarawak’s documentary heritage. These programmes are seen as vital in producing a generation that is not only technologically literate but also deeply aware of the value of historical records.
By combining digital tools with volunteer engagement, the Sarawak State Library is positioning itself as a leader in archival literacy and preservation. Its efforts ensure that Sarawak’s records remain a living resource for education, research and cultural identity, supporting the state’s development aspirations.
