The Library and Information Science Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Diponegoro University once again held the UNDIP Global Classroom (UGC) event with the theme “Designing Usable Multimedia Systems for Libraries,” presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tengku Siti Meriam Tengku Wook, a lecturer from the Faculty of Information Science and Technology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
This event also supported learning in the Multimedia course, particularly in discussions regarding the design of interactive and user-friendly multimedia systems in a library environment. The event was held online via Zoom in two sessions, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, and Thursday, May 21, 2026, with participants consisting of fourth-semester students from the Library and Information Science Program.
In her presentation, Dr. Tengku Siti Meriam explained that Virtual Reality (VR) technology and multimedia—which combine text, images, audio, video, and interactive content—have developed rapidly from 1962 to the present. These technologies are considered capable of enhancing library services through interactive experiences, improved accessibility, and user engagement. The implementation of VR in libraries is also seen as capable of creating unique learning experiences and improving information retention, as demonstrated in case studies from the San Jose Public Library and The New York Public Library.
The speakers also discussed the challenges of implementing these technologies in libraries, such as budget constraints, infrastructure limitations, and the need to train librarians on technological advancements. Additionally, the presentation on the future transformation of library services through the use of AR, MR, gamification, and AI is valuable for creating more interactive learning experiences, enabling libraries to evolve into dynamic and inclusive learning spaces.
Through this UGC activity, students gain academic insights and a critical understanding of how to innovatively integrate the latest technological developments into the field of Library and Information Science in ways that can have a tangible impact on society. Equally important, this UGC activity helps build an international academic network between the Library and Information Science Program at Universitas Diponegoro and University Kebangsaan Malaysia, particularly through guest lecturer collaborations.
Writer: Aqilah Nadya Shifwah H.
