Two distinguished academics from UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Dr. Labibah Zain, M.LIS, and Marwiyah, S.Ag., S.S., M.LIS, have secured strategic positions within the Special Library Association (SLA) Asia. Dr. Labibah was elected as President of the SLA Asia Community for the 2025 term, while Marwiyah has been appointed Director 2 of the organization. The election, conducted virtually, involved librarians from across Asia.

As both an academic and a library practitioner, Dr. Labibah Zain, a lecturer at UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Library Science Study Program, wasted no time in leading the first meeting of the newly elected SLA Asia board on February 4, 2025. The session focused on crafting strategic programs for the year ahead, with an emphasis on enhancing the competencies of SLA members through a series of international webinars. These events will engage professional associations such as the Society Library Professional (India), Pakistan Library Club (Pakistan), the Philippine Special Library Association, and Indonesian groups like APPTIS, IPI, and APPTNU.

Additionally, SLA Asia plans to offer scholarships for member librarians to attend workshops and SLA’s annual conference in the United States. Other initiatives include speaker exchanges, joint research projects, and collaborative library programs.

“SLA Asia stands apart from other global library organizations. The sense of community is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Labibah. “I am confident that our involvement will enhance UIN Sunan Kalijaga's global recognition,” she added.

Marwiyah, S.Ag., S.S., M.LIS, who also serves as a lecturer in the Library Science Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, will play a vital role in expanding library networks and fostering international collaboration as Director 2 of SLA Asia.

The Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, expressed pride and optimism over this achievement. “This aligns perfectly with our vision of Empowering Knowledge, Shaping the Future. I believe their active roles in SLA Asia will bring significant positive impacts not only to UIN Sunan Kalijaga but also to the global library community,” he stated.

Prof. Istiningsih, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development, emphasized the broader implications of this success. “Their achievement further strengthens our university’s contribution on the international stage. It stands as concrete proof that UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to grow and gain global recognition,” she noted.

Under Dr. Labibah's and Marwiyah's leadership, SLA Asia is expected to become an innovative platform that fosters library growth and strengthens cross-border collaboration in Asia. Their success reinforces UIN Sunan Kalijaga's position as a globally competitive institution.