Friday, November 27, 2009

Is Our National Library Internationally Friendly?

A foreign friend visited us recently and to let her have a view of Malaysian literary circle, I took her to the National Library. I had not been to the place for some time because of work and other commitment. To read, I just buy books.

I was surprised by the changes which I saw this time, with many facilities in the huge building. Even the staff were exceptionally friendly. Deciding that it was better for my friend to browse through the books herself, I left her there thinking that it would be a breeze.

An hour later, when we met again at the cafetaria, I was shocked. She said while the staff were helpful, the signages were not. I could now see why for a foreign person not conversant in Arabic nor Bahasa Malaysia.

2 comments:

Calvin said...

The signs are only in Malay (romanized & Jawi), not even Arabic. Looks like the national library is only for Malaysians. I've been to branches of Singapore's national library, which are located inside shopping complexes. They typically are themed e.g. arts theme when it is at the Esplanade. National Library should do something creative like that to reach out to the masses so that more Malaysians will catch on to the reading culture.

Alice Lee said...

Agreed Calvin. Hope someone up there is sensible and read blogs and see what should be done quickly.