Library and information education at Islamic universities in Indonesia: Obstacles and opportunities

The Library and Information Studies programs at Islamic universities in Indonesia were born from the idealism thought that the advent of globalization era is a reality fact that we have no choice but to face and anticipate it. This is, not only as a challenge toward social culture and social religious for each society group or country, but also as an opportunity for all people to enrich their vision and empower their identity. The establishment of these library studies programs at state Islamic universities in Indonesia also has a pragmatic background, the real needs of professional librarian provision to fulfill the expectation of people in improving the quality of Islamic educational institutions is very high. It means that the absence of this library and information education, including that is characterized by Islamic literatures, in Indonesia will cause stagnation of our efforts to improve the quality of Islamic educational institutions as a whole. In Indonesia among Islamic universities, which are offering library and information science program, are Arranity State Islamic University, Imam Bonjol State Islamic University, Sunan Kali Jaga State Islamic University and Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University. In general, at least, there are three similar elements in the mission of the library and information program offered in Islamic Universities. Firstly, to be involved actively in developing librarianship sciences in Indonesia, specifically related to Islamic sciences. Secondly, to fulfill the needs for professional librarians for all kinds of library, documentation and information centers, especially in Islamic educational institutions like madrasah libraries (Islamic school libraries) and Islamic university libraries. And finally, to apply and anticipate the global development of information technology for improving library services. Our mission in establishing the program of library and information sciences is not only to prepare professional librarians but also to keep in touch with all our stakeholders in the government and private sectors.