Yusuf Hendra Dwi Kusuma, S.T., M.M. (left) with Eva Mursidah, S.I.Pust. (right) on the ITS Library podcast, which discusses the development of digital libraries—from research to service implementation.

Surabaya, August 6, 2026 — The Library of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) continues to drive digital transformation through the development of various technology-based systems and services. This journey was discussed in the fourth episode of the ITS Library podcast, titled “Digital Library Development: From Research to Reality,” which aired on the ITS Library YouTube channel on Thursday (August 6).

The podcast features Yusuf Hendra Dwi Kusuma, S.T., M.M., Head of the ITS Library Administrative Subdivision, as the guest, with Eva Mursidah, S.I.Pust., an ITS librarian, as the host. In this episode, the two discuss the journey of developing the ITS Library’s digital ecosystem, ranging from the system migration process and application development to an overview of future library services.

The digital transformation of the ITS Library originated from research conducted by librarians based on issues encountered in the delivery of day-to-day services. The results of this research did not remain mere ideas but began to be implemented and developed in collaboration with management starting in 2025. This approach ensures that the various digital innovations developed are directly aligned with the library’s service needs.

One of the main topics discussed in the podcast was the migration of the library automation system to INLISLite, an open-source application developed by the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. According to Yusuf, using an open-source system provides the ITS Library with the opportunity to develop the system to meet its specific needs while also sharing knowledge and experience with other libraries. The migration, which had already begun, will be fully implemented by 2025.

This process is not without its challenges, particularly regarding data migration and the need for integration with existing systems within the ITS environment. Collaboration with the ITS Directorate of Technology and Information Systems Development (DPTSI) has been a key component of this process, including the use of middleware to leverage student data so that user data can be integrated with the central system.

In addition to automation systems, the podcast also discusses a number of apps developed to support library services. One of them is Librigo, an app that streamlines the book return process. According to the podcast, implementing Librigo can increase the efficiency of service processes by about 70 percent. The system helps reduce manual processes and lines during book returns, although development is still ongoing to improve the flexibility of the service workflow.

The development of digital services is also aimed at integrating the various needs of library users. One example is the E-Library, which is designed as a portal to integrate library services for ITS students and the academic community. This concept aligns with efforts to provide digital services in a more centralized manner so that users can access a variety of services through a single portal.

The podcast also discussed the development of the E-Thesis Delivery service and flipbook-based innovations. This service is designed to make it easier for the academic community to access scholarly works available in the repository, particularly collections that previously required a request through the delivery service. These developments have been prepared and are in the final stages before launch. In the future, the concept is also planned to include other collections, such as e-books and e-journals owned by the library.

These various innovations demonstrate that the digital development of the ITS Library is not only focused on technology itself, but also on solving the problems faced by users and librarians. One of the principles Yusuf emphasizes is the importance of librarians being attuned to conditions in their work environment. According to him, ideas for development will emerge from the people who are directly involved with the work and services on a daily basis.

Collaboration between librarians and the IT team has been a key factor in bringing these innovations to life. Librarians’ research serves as a source of ideas, while technical expertise and management support help translate those ideas into usable systems. The roles played by various stakeholders—including all librarians and management—have been integral to the process of bringing these previously planned innovations to fruition.

Going beyond the development of current services, the ITS Library is also beginning to envision the concept of a smart library for the future. One idea under discussion is to provide a service that can serve as a 24-hour partner for users through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This technology is expected to function not merely as a chatbot, but to be developed into a kind of search engine capable of helping users find research information in a more targeted manner based on their needs.

Through this podcast, the ITS Library demonstrates that digital transformation is an ongoing process that requires research, the courage to innovate, collaboration, and an assessment of user needs. From various ideas born out of real-world challenges, technology is then developed into tangible services that are expected to provide an increasingly convenient, effective, and relevant library experience for the ITS academic community.