Literacy and Librarianship: Andri Yanto’s Journey as Lecturer and Head of Publishing at Unpad Press

On his journey in education, Andri Yanto, S.Sos., M.I.Kom. has carved an inspiring trail of achievement in the field of library and information science. Andri Yanto or often called Pak Ato is a lecturer at the Library and Information Science Study Program, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran. He began his journey at Fikom Unpad in 2006 as a teaching assistant. Pak Ato has also participated in an archive digitization program at Universiteit Leiden, the Netherlands and an e-learning and library program at Monash University, Australia. In the field of Library and Information Science, Pak Ato teaches several courses related to information processing. One of them is the Research Data Management course related to research data management. In addition to Library and Information Science, Pak Ato also teaches SEO Analytics courses in the Media Production Management Study Program. Mr. Ato is also actively researching the literacy movement in Taman Bacaan Masyarakat (TBM). His interest in digitization and information management in the context of digital media proves his dedication to the ever-changing development of science as well as conducting research and community service related to literacy activities in community-based libraries. In addition to being active in the tridharma of higher education, Pak Ato also serves as the Head of the Unpad Publishing Service Unit, also known as Unpad Press. Pak Ato has served since the beginning of 2023. Here, he not only carries out his duties related to publishing management, but also brings significant innovations. One of them is developing the concept of digitizing book publishing in Unpad Press and marketing books in the digital content ecosystem. Initially, Unpad Press only facilitated the proposal of ISBNs for books to be published, then, through the idea of Pak Ato, publishing services and sales promotion for authors at Unpad Press were developed by optimizing the use of publishing information systems. As a result, publishing services at Unpad Press have become more professional. Pak Ato’s innovation did not stop there, he also started publishing fiction books at Unpad Press since the beginning of 2023 and began accepting manuscripts from outside the academic community. At first, Unpad Press focused on publishing academic and scientific books, but this new innovation was developed by Pak Ato and brought significant development to Unpad Press. This step proves that Pak Ato’s involvement has brought positive changes. The university’s full support for this change reflects confidence in the vision and mission of Unpad Press management under Pak Ato’s leadership. The development of Unpad Press has long been desired by the university because it wants to be managed more professionally by adopting information technology in publishing management. At that time, Pak Ato was asked to manage publishing and innovate for Unpad Press. “If there is a challenge, yes, and if it is still relevant to my field of science, I want it,” said Pak Ato. This is evidenced by new innovations that have made Unpad Press experience very significant development since Pak Ato became Head of the Publishing Services Unit in February 2023.

The inspiring journey of Mr. Andri Yanto, or Pak Ato, in the academic world and Library and Information Science provides insight into his dedication to the development of knowledge and publishing. Since the beginning of his journey as a lecturer, Pak Ato has shown a deep interest in archival digitization and data management in the context of digital media. His key role as Head of Publishing Services Unit at Unpad Press has also proven his ability to face challenges, bring innovation, and develop publishing services to reach a higher level of professionalism. Pak Ato has contributed to the development of knowledge in library and information science and publishing, making Unpad Press an entity that is not only relevant, but also dynamic in the face of changing times.

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