Rethinking the Special Library’s Role in Building a Foundation of Interreligious Harmony

Abstract

Special Libraries which belong to the houses of worship, the likes of mosques, monasteries, temples and churches, face major challenges in building the foundation of interreligious harmony. Religious issues related to radicalism up to terrorism can be a sensitive issue which is likely able to create disunity. This study sought to uncover the efforts conducted by special libraries in Indonesia to maintain the harmony and to capture social activities in developing proper spiritual knowledge. The research methodology employed was a qualitative method by undertaking observation and interviews with librarians and visitors. The research was carried out in the library of Besakih temple in Bali, Budha Sakyamuni monastery in Bali, Gedhe Kauman mosque in Yogyakarta, and Kolese St. Ignatius - kolsani in Yogyakarta. The results portrayed their means in adding library collections and in delivering their particular program to achieve the harmony and captured visitors activities inside of those special libraries. In a broader purpose, the research can be used by information managers to get the right position in their contribution effort as peacekeepers by being a bridge between the individual and the needs of spirituality and humanity.