Tracing Sarawakiana: Inspiring Knowledge, Transforming Lives Through Community-Centered Heritage Outreach

Abstract

Tracing Sarawakiana or Jejak Sarawakiana is a strategic community outreach programme initiated by the Sarawakiana Division of the Sarawak State Library, Sibu, to advance inclusive access to cultural heritage and local knowledge. Established in 2022, the programme extends heritage-based learning beyond library spaces into communities across Kapit, Mukah, and Sibu, ensuring broader access to cultural resources and information. Aligned with the IFLA theme “Transforming Lives,” the initiative positions libraries as catalysts for community empowerment by connecting people with Sarawak’s documentary heritage, Indigenous traditions, and collective memory.

The programme integrates curated exhibitions, experiential workshops, heritage talks, and awareness activities that promote cultural preservation and public engagement. Workshops highlight traditional knowledge and craftsmanship from Iban, Melanau, and Orang Ulu communities, showcasing the diversity of Sarawak’s Indigenous cultural heritage while supporting the transmission of skills, values, and historical narratives across generations. Through interactive and community-centred approaches, participants actively engage with local heritage, encouraging meaningful learning experiences and cultural appreciation. By bringing heritage resources directly into community settings, Jejak Sarawakiana demonstrates how libraries contribute to cultural sustainability, lifelong learning, and social inclusion. The programme strengthens community identity, fosters intergenerational knowledge transfer, and exemplifies the transformative role of libraries in enriching lives and preserving heritage.