Bandar Seri Begawan - The Islamic library at the State Mufti's Office will be taking in new members from the public within the coming months, allowing them to loan books from the library, according to a senior government official.

Hj Mohidin Hj Mustapha, the chief publication and information officer at the State Mufti's Office said that the library was previously a place for reference and research for students only, but books could now be borrowed with the introduction of the membership "in the near future".

"Ina short time, we will open the library's membership to the public, they are expected to follow the library guidelines we have set up, for instance, students will have different privileges compared to the public," he said.

He added that these guidelines will also include fees for members, deposit charges and fines in accordance to international library procedures.

"When we feel that everything is ready, we will invite the public to register for the members card, once they do so, they will be able to borrow the books," he said.

However, the library will be using a manual procedure in lending the books to the public, but future plans are in the pipeline, said the officer. 'Digitising the process is part of our plans."

The Islamic library, which has a catalogue of about 300,000 books throughout its four floors, specialises in academic Islamic references on Islam and its followers.

The books are mostly in Arabic language, written by prominent Muslim scholars, but Malay and English language titles are also available. Hj Mohidin went on to say the purchasing of these books has been an ongoing process since the library was opened in 2000.

He added that many additions have been made throughout the years to ensure that the library is equipped with proper materials.

With the Islamic library strategically positioned, Hj Mohidin said this would enable the nearby institutions to gain better access to the available materials, including those from Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College and Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

He observed that local students who studies at Malaysia's International Islamic University (UIA) often visits the library for reference materials.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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