Managing Traditional Knowledge Heritage in the Digital Age

A Case Study of Gedong Kirtya Library in Singaraja City, Bali

Abstract

Traditional knowledge management has been practised in various cultures to manage and transmit knowledge for generations. One of the institutions tasked with managing traditional knowledge is the library. Singaraja City has a manuscript library that manages various types of manuscripts (lontar) with diverse contents. This study explores knowledge management practices practised by Gedong Kirtya Library to manage, share, and socialise it with the broader community in the context of the digital era. The research method used in this study combines qualitative and cultural research. The results showed that the Gedong Kirtya Library maintains traditional management in the digital era, as the Dutch first established it. Gedong Kirtya's knowledge management includes identifying, developing, storing, and sharing knowledge with the community. In addition to Gedong Kirtya's lontar knowledge management, the staff also identified and preserved lontar belonging to the community. The general public will come to Gedong Kirtya and invite Gedong Kirtya to read and care for their lontar. Information Technology, which is developing rapidly, has not been utilised optimally by this library for various reasons, including the lack of human resource capabilities, traditional services, and the belief that lontar exposed to radiation will be easily damaged. The knowledge management practised by this library distributes lontar knowledge to schools and villages.