1. ACADEMIC: visiting SEGI University Library. Left: in addition to Malaysia's various public universities, like the University of Malaya, there are many private universities, such as SEGI University in Kuala Lumpur. Right: presenting a CSUF LED light gift to SEGI Library Director, Raja Nur Ashykin Bt Raja Iskandar. She will be participating in the ALA ASEAN Sister Library project.
2. PUBLIC: visiting the Penang Public Library. The public library of Penang, Malaysia (2nd largest city, after capital Kuala Lumpur) is a fantastic public library network, complete with multiple branches, mobile bus libraries, children's programming, services for the disabled, and much more. Left: outside the central library. Right: At the Reference Desk with Librarian Azizah Binti Zainon
Left: in preparation for the 2022 World Cup, the library has a soccer display, featuring Malaysian players' jerseys. Right: some of the Penang mobile libraries (bookmobiles); the library has a whole fleet, reaching remote areas of the surrounding Penang province.
Left: the "Lincoln Corner" is a section of Americana books donated by the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia. Right: enjoying some flatbread pastries in the library's cafe. The Penang Public Library will be the public library participant in the ALA ASEAN Sister Library project.
3. SCHOOL: Visiting the "Nobel" school library in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has both public and private schools, and the librarian of the Nobel International private school, Dr. Mayasari Abdul Majid, volunteered to be the school librarian participant in the ALA ASEAN Sister Library project. Right, below, she is posing with her "knowledge tree" she designed and had constructed in her library.
1. ACADEMIC: Rangsit University Library. Rangsit University, a private university in north Bangkok, is doing amazing things at their library. They were the recipient of the 2020 IFLA Green Library Award for their multi-approach efforts at conservation and green sustainability. Left: outside the library entrance. Right: the library's IFLA award, and a display of recycled plastics into daily items (cupholder, purse, etc.)
Left: the library's very popular self-checkout machine. Right: sharing a gift with Library director Dr. Malivan Praditteera. She and her staff are the Thailand academic Library participants in the ALA ASEAN Sister Library grant project.
2. ACADEMIC: Chulalongkorn University Library. Chulalongkorn is one of Thailand's top universities, and their library is modernized with high-tech equipment, collaborative learning spaces, robust e-resources, and more. Left: outside library entrance Right: the combined Reference and Circulation Desks
Left: comparison of the Chulalongkorn e-library card with QR code and CSUF's Titan card. Right: meeting with Ms. Sukalin Wanakasemsan, Director of the Division of Global Academic Affairs, Chulalongkorn's Office of International Affairs and Global Network.
3. PUBLIC: Bangkok City Public Library. The Bangkok City Public Library is a network of 35 branch libraries throughout the city. The Central Library is the crown jewel: constructed in 2017 using existing architecture of an historic art-deco government building, it is an amazing fusion of historic-on-the-outside and modern/artistic-on-the-inside. Left: the exterior entrance, posing with a delegation of the Library's officers, including the Director of the entire Bangkok City Public Library network (right of me). Right: the spacious interior with natural lighting.
Left: an ornate crystal chandelier cascades down the open space between the library's 3 floors. Right: having fun in a reading nook of the Children's Library. The Bangkok City Public Library will be the public library participant in the ALA ASEAN Sister Library grant project.
4. PUBLIC: TK Park Cyber Library. Another type of public library in Bangkok is the network of TK Park ("Thailand Knowledge" Park) Cyber Libraries. These don't fall under the authority of the Bangkok City Public Libraries, but rather, under other ministries and the governor's office. The are high-tech libraries to promote tech-literacy, reading-literacy, and art/music creativity spaces. Top Right: the TK Park main entrance, located in Central World, one of Bangkok's largest malls. Top Left: honeycomb reading cubicles in the children's zone. Bottom Right: the Wi-Fi quiet study zone. Bottom Left: the music instrument & practice zone.
5. SCHOOL: Samsen Wittayalai School Library. This public school in Bangkok is famous for its generous alumni support, and that includes the library. It was recently renovated to include group learning rooms, multimedia zones, computer support staffing, and more. Top left: entrance of the library. Top right: the computing & multimedia zones. Middle left: a view of the library seating area. Middle right: book shelves and the decorative interior design (tree theme). Bottom left: a library instruction room designed like a hotel ballroom(!) Bottom right: standing by the school's front entrance sign. This school library is the Thailand school library participant in the ALA ASEAN Sister Library grant project.