Nalanda Library IT Manager Bro. Lam (left) conducting the training session on how to use the OPAC cataloging system.

On Saturday 18 June, six volunteer librarians from the Buddhist Māhavihāra (BMV) received training at Nalanda on how to use the OPAC library cataloging system.  A special session to understand the functions and capabilities of the OPAC system was conducted by Pustaka Nalanda (Library) Director Bro. Ananda Fong, IT Manager Bro. Lam, and Operations Manager Sis. Chin.

Bro. Ananda, who hosted the BMV volunteers, also took them on a tour of Nalanda Centre.  The group met briefly with Nalanda founder Bro. Tan, who expressed his gladness in the volunteers’ initiative to receive training in library management.

Bro. Ananda showing the BMV librarians the precious sets of Pāli Tipitaka at Pustaka Nalanda.

Bro. Tan noted that the Buddhist Māhavihāra library is centrally located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.  Thus it has potential to be developed into a ‘Buddhist research and referral library’ for the entire community.  For that, the BMV management would need to invest resources to upgrade library facilities, to train personnel, to properly catalogue the collection, and to computerize the library management system.  He said that Nalanda is committed to help in those efforts should BMV request for assistance.

Bro. Tan said that a good library is essential for any educational centre.  Thus, Nalanda is committed to assist BMV in upgrading its library.

Having good libraries is an important component in providing successful education.  Over the last 4 years, Pustaka Nalanda has been progressively improving our operational system, as well as assisting a few Klang Valley Buddhist Societies to upgrade their library systems.  This is part of Nalanda’s objective to forge closer cooperation, encourage resource-sharing, and foster unity among Theravada organisations in Malaysia.

Nalanda officers and BMV volunteer librarians after the training session.