The Library Director’s Strategy for Promoting a Culture of Reading at the Bumi Melayu Riau Vocational High School for the Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

Background

School libraries play a crucial role as the heart of education in building a school ecosystem rich in literacy. However, in reality, student interest and reading culture at SMK Migas Bumi Melayu Riau are still relatively low due to a lack of regular visits, limited literacy promotion, and suboptimal circulation and facility management.

Aims

This study aims to describe and analyze in depth the strategies implemented by the Head Librarian to improve the reading culture of students at SMK Migas Bumi Melayu Riau.

Methods

This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The primary informant was the library director, supported by the school principal, teachers, and student representatives. Data analysis techniques included data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions, with validity testing conducted using source triangulation.

Results

The results of the study indicate that the library director implements two strategic pillars: (1) Short-Term Strategy, which includes periodic literacy outreach, providing book collections based on student trends, arranging a comfortable space, optimizing classroom reading corners, simplifying the lending system, and promotion via social media; and (2) Long-Term Strategies, which are oriented toward the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Reading Culture, the formation of a School Literacy Team (TLS), planning for the digitization of the library system, and the expansion of external partnerships.

Conclusion

The dual strategy implemented by the library director is effective in stimulating students’ motivation to read while simultaneously building the foundation for a structured school literacy system. Accelerating the transformation toward a digital library is the primary recommendation for the sustainability of reading culture in the modern era.