A feature story exploring the role of a librarian in supporting students’ academic life

By Peng Yashi 1002580929, Guo Wentao 1002579050, He Yongzhen 1002579027 Huang Yushi 1002477299, Fu Zhe 1002578963

“ Students should make full use of library resources and not hesitate to ask for help.” —— Chief Librarian

KUALA LUMPUR–The university library is more than just a quiet place for study; it is an important resource hub supported by dedicated professionals. As part of our “Humans Around Us” series, we visited the Science Library to speak with its Chief Librarian, who has nearly 14 years of experience in the library field.

Through the interview, she shared her daily responsibilities, the challenges of her profession, and the satisfaction she gains from helping students succeed in their academic journey.

Since joining the library profession in 2009, her main responsibility has been managing and organizing a wide range of academic resources, including books, journals, databases, and e-books. She explained that these resources are carefully maintained to ensure students can easily access reliable information for coursework, assignments, and research projects.

However, her role extends beyond administration. On a daily basis, she also assists students who encounter difficulties in finding suitable academic materials, guiding them through the research process and helping them identify trustworthy sources that meet their academic needs.

According to her, every student faces different challenges when conducting research. Some need help locating books, while others require assistance in accessing online journals or databases. By listening to their questions and understanding their needs, she is able to recommend appropriate resources and provide practical guidance.

She believes that offering timely support allows students to study more effectively and confidently.

She shared that one of the most meaningful parts of her job is seeing students complete their assignments after receiving help in locating the right resources. Rather than focusing only on routine tasks, she values these moments of academic support and interaction with students. Before becoming a librarian, she also had experience teaching, which strengthened her passion for sharing knowledge and helping others learn.

The interview concluded with a simple but meaningful message: students should make full use of the library’s resources and services, which represent a significant investment in supporting academic learning. She also encouraged students to approach librarians whenever they need assistance with research or finding reliable information. Her perspective serves as a reminder that making use of the support available can often make the learning process more effective and rewarding.

Figure 1. The Circulation Counter at the university library, the main point of contact for student research assistance and resource lending.

“ My job is to ensure students can access the resources they need. ”

Figure 2. The library office where the Chief Librarian was interviewed, discussing her daily responsibilities and support for students.

“ We provide books, journals, and online databases for learning and research. ”

Figure 3. The silent study area where students focus on individual academic work.

“ Helping students find information is very rewarding. ”

Figure 4. The library bookshelves providing academic resources for students’ learning and research.

“ Life experience is also an important part of learning. ”