KUALA LUMPUR: As the digital information landscape continues to evolve, digital library services such as u-Pustaka and the BERNAMA Library and Infolink Service (BLIS) are playing an increasingly important role in promoting a culture of knowledge by providing access to reliable, high-quality and trustworthy information.
National Digital Library (PERDANA) and National Library of Malaysia Director, Ali Rashid, said u-Pustaka serves as the nation’s digital information hub, enabling Malaysians to access millions of digital resources and borrow physical materials from 12 consortium libraries nationwide.
He said the portal offers a wide range of free resources, including e-books, e-journals, e-magazines, audiobooks, videos, interactive learning materials and academic databases to support lifelong learning.
“We do not only provide digital materials. Users across Malaysia, including those in Sabah, can also borrow physical books through Pos Malaysia, with deliveries made directly to their homes or offices.
“This is one of u-Pustaka’s value-added features, allowing users to benefit from its databases for lifelong learning, research and daily tasks,” he said during BERNAMA TV’s ‘Ruang Bicara’ programme titled ‘Digital Information: Enriching Knowledge, Empowering Learning’, which also featured BERNAMA’s Senior Manager of Digital Library, Hasnita Ibrahim.
Ali, who is also Second Vice-President of the Librarians Association of Malaysia, said u-Pustaka currently has nearly 1.2 million members, with efforts ongoing to expand membership so that more Malaysians can benefit from its services.
He added that u-Pustaka also provides access to international databases and digital learning platforms such as MyGuru, i-LEARN Ace and BLIS to support revision and research.
Meanwhile, Hasnita said BLIS is a news and information database focusing on Malaysian content, covering current affairs, archives, the economy, politics, society, industry, sports and the environment.
She said BLIS currently contains 12 core modules, including BERNAMA News, news archives dating back to 1968, international news, sector reports, directories, facts and figures, and an events calendar.
“The BLIS platform has also been upgraded in line with technological advancements through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) features, multimedia editing capabilities for video, images and audio, analytics tools, and an e-payment system to enhance the user experience,” she said.
Hasnita, who is also President of the Librarians Association of Malaysia, said BLIS is not only utilised by BERNAMA staff but also serves as a key reference source for government agencies, higher education institutions, researchers, media practitioners and the general public.
Those interested can register for u-Pustaka through its official portal, while agencies or organisations interested in subscribing to BLIS may contact BERNAMA’s Commercial Department Subscription Division at 03-2631 1394 or e-mail izzul@bernama.com. – BERNAMA
