Achmad Riyadi Alberto, Head of the Virtual Reference Service Team at the Perpustakaan Nasional RI (National Library of Indonesia)

Looking back on a career shaped by service, adaptability, and the transformative power of education, one figure stands out as a symbol of the modern Indonesian librarian. As Head of the Virtual Reference Service Team at the Perpustakaan Nasional RI (National Library of Indonesia), he bridges tradition and technology, patriotism and global connectivity. That figure is Achmad Riyadi Alberto, S.Ptk., an innovator whose leadership continues to redefine what it means to serve in the digital age.

Achmad’s journey started humbly, but his passion for learning and service was ignited early in his life. Born in 1995 in Bandung, he was a diligent student with a fascination for information and communication. When he entered Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia in 2013 to study Library and Information Science, he saw his academic journey as a platform to serve the nation. Throughout his years at UPI, he actively participated in various university activities, from organizing seminars to leading student organizations, which helped him develop leadership skills and a deep sense of community responsibility.

Foundations of Excellence and Global Perspectives

Achmad’s time at UPI was not merely about classroom learning; it was about understanding the importance of community service, adapting to new challenges, and continuously refining his skills. His involvement in student initiatives, such as the annual Semiloka Kepustakawanan Indonesia, allowed him to engage with national issues of librarianship and information management. These experiences cemented his belief that librarianship is both a noble profession and a vital cog in societal development.

Achmad Riyadi Alberto (fourth from right) with fellow members of the Library and Information Science Student Association at the Indonesia University of Education, where he fostered a spirit of service and leadership that would later inspire his role as a pioneer of digital library innovation at the National Library of Indonesia.

He graduated in 2017 with a strong desire to serve Indonesia’s educational and informational needs, beginning his career at the National Library. His dedication and innovative approaches saw him quickly rise through the ranks, earning accolades such as the Pustakawan Layanan Perpusnas Terbaik (Best Librarian) in 2023 and recognition as a National Expert in Digital Library Services in 2024. His major breakthrough was leading the establishment of the Virtual Reference Service, which connects the library’s vast resources with users across Indonesia and beyond, tackling the digital divide and language barriers with ease.

A Pioneer in Digital Innovation and Inclusive Service

Achmad’s work exemplifies the integration of technological innovation and public service. Serving patrons from diverse backgrounds—including rural villagers, overseas Indonesian communities, and international researchers—has required him to develop skills in intercultural communication, language versatility, and problem-solving. His ability to serve multilingual users and cater to varying levels of digital literacy has made his team a model at the national level.

He believes that education at UPI played a vital role in shaping his outlook. “The university instilled in me a strong sense of patriotism and the importance of lifelong learning,” he says. “It taught me that knowledge should serve society, and that we must remain adaptable to the ever-changing landscape of information technology.”

He is dedicated to his own professional growth. He earned a Master’s degree in Information Management in 2020 and a certification as a Digital Librarian in 2022, all while doing his job. His hard work has turned the library into a lively center for digital literacy and open access.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Librarians and Leaders

Achmad’s message to UPI students and alumni is clear: stay curious, keep innovating, and serve with integrity. “The digital era demands librarians to be not only custodians of knowledge but also pioneers of change,” he emphasizes. He envisions UPI continuing to produce graduates who excel in digital literacy, multilingual competence, and community involvement—graduates who will shape Indonesia’s future in education and information.

As Indonesia advances in the digital age, Achmad Riyadi Alberto’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of education rooted in resilience, adaptability, and a genuine desire to serve. His journey from Bandung’s humble beginnings to national recognition embodies UPI’s mission to nurture leaders who make a real difference, leaders who serve with heart and innovate with purpose. (VS)