Organic Adaptation of Government Special Library Services for General Users: A Case Study of Monumen Pers Nasional Surakarta

Abstract

The Monumen Pers Nasional (MPN) Library of Surakarta is a special library under the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, formally mandated to focus on press and communication collections. However, field realities indicate that the majority of its visitors are university students, school students, and members of the general public whose information needs extend beyond the press collection. This study aims to analyze the service management strategies employed by MPN Library in adapting to the needs of general users beyond its primary institutional mission.

A descriptive-evaluative qualitative approach was employed using a purposive sampling technique. Key informants were Febriyani (Junior Librarian) and Laila (First-Class Librarian). Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman interactive model, supported by source triangulation across interviews, participatory observation, and official documents.

The findings reveal that MPN has developed a structured organic adaptation model across four dimensions: (1) differentiated membership policies based on geographic area and academic status; (2) non-press supplementary collection development through a QR Code-based public suggestion mechanism; (3) spatial zoning through the repurposing of the Komala Room as a group discussion area; and (4) proactive management of heterogeneous user behavior. The critical finding is that all these adaptations operate bottom-up without formal written policies, rendering the service model vulnerable to bureaucratic leadership changes. This study contributes to filling a literature gap regarding the managerial adaptation of government special libraries that organically serve the general public.