الأخبار

By Najmi Mamat

GOMBAK, 11 July 2018: Despite officially ending his career as Chief Librarian of Dar Al-Hikmah on Tuesday (10 July), Dr. Hassan Basri, never regretted retiring as he managed to accomplish his dream to bring about improvement to the library’s facilities.

After contributing his service to Dar al-Hikmah library for about 3 years and 4 months, Dr. Hassan left the library with latest and new facilities following the launch of Rector’s books collection and the opening a Library Rest and Refresh (RnR) area.

Hassan said that making the library a ‘common learning’ space was in line with industrial needs demanded by the new generation of young age users which has become his main innovation after coming back from his visit to one of the libraries in Melbourne.

“The concept of modern library now is different from the olden days, whereby users come and do interaction whether in a way of learning, discussion or socialisation among them,” he said.

“Along my career journey here, I always fought for emphasising on making Dar al-Hikmah a learning common concept,” Hassan said, expecting that students will regard the library as their second home after Mahallah (hostel).

He said that he always reminded his successor to become more creative and innovative in performing the duties as a liaison librarian, besides treating visitors to the library in the best manner.

“Our duty is actually to help students in doing research in terms of providing services, resources and facilities for them to learn in a conducive space as they are our main clients,” he added during his farewell speech in a ceremony held last week which was attended by the Rector.

Another mandate to his successor was to ensure a consistent collaboration between librarians and all academicians in various Kulliyyah.

Hassan, who was former assistant professor under the Department of Library and Information Science, Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT), has published some publications including book chapters, conference proceedings and articles.

Asked about his plan after retirement, Hassan, who began his career as Chief Librarian in March 2015, thought of becoming a part time trainer in research methodology and information science.