the Centre of Reference, Albukhary International University (AIU), proudly hosted a benchmarking visit from Perpustakaan Raja Ashman Shah, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) — an event that celebrated shared learning, professional growth, and the spirit of collaboration within Malaysia’s academic library community.
🤝 A Warm Welcome and Shared Mission
At exactly 10:00 a.m., the AIU Library came alive with the arrival of 17 representatives from the USAS Library. They were warmly received by the AIU Centre of Reference team, who guided the guests through a detailed tour showcasing the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and library operations.
The session highlighted AIU’s holistic approach to academic support, encompassing:
- User services and circulation management
- Digital and print collection curation
- Research assistance and scholarly communication
- Information literacy and learning support
- Collaborative and inclusive study spaces
This guided visit offered a comprehensive look into how AIU Library integrates technology, service innovation, and community engagement to create a dynamic environment for both learning and personal growth.
💡 Benchmarking for Excellence
The benchmarking engagement served as more than just a visit — it was a knowledge exchange platform for both institutions to share insights, strategies, and experiences in library management.
Discussions centered around:
- Enhancing user experience and engagement
- Leveraging digital transformation for improved access
- Adopting innovative practices in research support
- Promoting collaborative learning spaces that foster academic excellence
Both libraries emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of students and researchers in today’s fast-changing educational landscape.
🗣️ Words of Appreciation
In his closing remarks, USAS Chief Librarian, En. Nor Fadzil bin Shoib, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to connect and learn from AIU’s experiences.
“We truly appreciate the chance to learn from the AIU Library,” he said.
“Knowledge-sharing sessions like this inspire new ideas and help us enhance the quality of services we offer to our users.”
His sentiment echoed the shared commitment of both institutions to elevate academic library standards and nurture a stronger network of professional collaboration.
🎁 A Partnership for the Future
The benchmarking visit concluded with a token exchange ceremony and a group photo session, symbolizing the beginning of a long-term partnership between AIU and USAS.
Looking ahead, both libraries aim to strengthen ties through:
- Joint staff development programmes
- Collaborative resource sharing
- Innovative projects in digital library advancement
As the participants departed, the sense of unity and inspiration was palpable — a reminder that libraries are not only repositories of knowledge but also bridges of collaboration, connecting people, institutions, and ideas.
🌟 Empowering Education Through Collaboration
This visit reaffirmed AIU Library’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and community building, while highlighting its role as a leader in fostering meaningful partnerships within Malaysia’s higher education ecosystem.
Through such collaborations, AIU continues to advance its mission of creating an inclusive, resource-rich environment that inspires lifelong learning and global citizenship.
