Along with the development of this era, people have to grow more aware of the importance of information literacy. Information literacy often becomes the barometer that measures the progress of the information-based society. This means that the public is now facing a challenge to use information wisely so that information democratization can be realized, and so that the ‘smart society’ concept can really come true.
Upon realizing the importance the art of literacy, ‘The Johannes Oentoro Library’ of Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) initiates Information Literacy Exposure – “Smart Citizen, Smart Society, Smart Learning” in collaboration with Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) and Swiss German University (SGU) on February 29, 2020, at The Garden Mall Living World, Tangerang.

According to Dharma Gustia Baskoro, Manager of ‘The Johannes Oentoro Library’ UPH, “Information literacy is closely related to one’s ability to delve, understand, and evaluate issues, topics, and other information with great accuracy. This skill is important for everyone and should be understood as a positive culture.”

He believes that there could be a variety of approaches, adjusting to each individual’s needs. This includes the Millenials who have to be mature enough to obtain, use, and share information in social media.
Because the event wants to focus on Millenial’s needs, UPH along with UMN and SGU presents a literacy awareness movement using a popular interest and trend among the young people; board game. The development of board games could be seen with the rising number of popular cafés that rented board games to their visitors. UPH sees this phenomenon as an opportunity to use board games as an alternative media for the ‘smart society’ campaign and information literacy penetration. Boardgame itself is not just a game, it has plot, technology, strategy and many other aspects that can be related to literacy.
“One part of the event is a Board Game session called the “Wide Wit War” which was followed by 11 groups consisting of 3 persons. The participants were High School students around Tangerang and Jakarta. Each group is going to represent their respective school or campus,” said Dharma who was also the Committee Head.

Talk Show was chosen as an event that is believed to educate the public better, especially with the presence of information literacy actors such as the Jabodetabek’s librarian and teacher, Ismail Fahmi, Ph.D. – Founder od Drone Emprit & Drone Emprit Academy, Hanna Chaterina George, S.S., M.I.Kom. – Head of Asosiasi Pekerja Profesional Informasi Sekolah Indonesia (APISI) and Information Literacy Educators for Schools; as the key speakers for the topic “Smart Citizen, Smart Society, Smart Learning.”

Ismail Fahmi said that sorting out information in this digital era is very important, because, on the internet, only 20% of its whole content is credible and structured. He also stated that Indonesian people need a direct approach to fight against hoax as a community. Right now, all layers of the Indonesian public is in great need of the right education on how to detect hoax.

In addition to that, Hanna also stated that parents and educational institutions have to create more innovations and bear more creative programs for students to learn about information literacy. As an example, educational institutions can incorporate information literacy within their curriculum. As for parents, they can play a major role in instilling the values of reading early on within their family.

“Moreover, as a proactive measure, the committee will urge other mall visitors to join a trivia, mini literacy survey, and a Kahoot game about information literacy. Through this method, at least, we are able to know the extent to which the public have understand what information literacy really is and its implication,” Dharma added.

With a total target of 400 visitors, hopefully, this event can raise awareness on the importance of individual information literacy skill, as a member of an information-literate academicians who aims to develop new researches, as democratic and transparent politicians who would not use certain issues for the good of political groups, and also as a member of the general public who can obtain, use, and share information in social media maturely. (mt)

Following are the winners of Board Berikut Juara Kompetisi Board Game:

1st Winner: UPH team (Alandia, Georgina Penna, Dian Lase)
2nd Winner: SGU team (William Hartowidjojo, Jonathan Stevandhy, Nikolas Parlindungan Simorangkir)
3rd Winner: UPH team ( Rina Mersiani, Anastasia Geraldine, Eventfull Octo)