Digital Reading Corners (Pocadi) Emerge as a Strategic Solution to Boost Public Literacy and Reading Interest

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FORMOSA NEWS

Digital Reading Corners (Pojok Baca Digital or Pocadi) have proven to be an effective technology-based library service innovation in expanding access to information and enhancing public digital literacy. Research conducted by Khusnul Hatimah and Dewi from Universitas Negeri Makassar examines the urgency of utilizing digital facilities in public spaces to overcome low reading culture amidst the disruptions of the digital era.

The national reading interest rate in Indonesia reached 72.44% in 2025, falling into the moderate category, with Generation Z emerging as the highest contributing reader demographic. These literacy challenges are exacerbated by digital distractions, a lack of early reading habits, and limited access to attractive reading materials. Addressing these challenges, the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI) introduced Pocadi as a modern information service hub positioned in strategic public locations such as regional libraries, educational institutions, government offices, hospitals, and airports.

This study employs a library research approach, gathering data from books, journals, and scholarly articles relevant to digital literacy and the utilization of Pocadi. The research instruments used include focused reference materials, an outlining framework, and a research recording format.

Based on the analysis, Pocadi provides comprehensive facilities including computers, tablets, internet and free Wi-Fi access, large-screen smart TVs, and diverse digital reading collections ranging from e-books, scientific journals, and magazines to encyclopedias. These facilities offer several key advantages:

• Providing faster and more flexible access to information for the public.
• Offering diverse digital collections and reducing storage space requirements through an environmentally friendly, paperless concept.
• Supporting independent learning and reaching communities across various regions.
• Assisting the public in filtering information critically and raising awareness regarding copyright before utilizing digital sources.

Despite offering numerous conveniences, the implementation of Pocadi still faces obstacles, including low community reading interest in certain areas and limited internet access in specific locations. Consequently, optimizing these facilities requires upgrading network quality, providing relevant digital collections, and implementing interactive literacy programs.

The presence of Pocadi is expected to drive the transformation of conventional libraries into inclusive digital information centers. As noted by Khusnul Hatimah and Dewi from Universitas Negeri Makassar, utilizing these digital reading corners functions not only as a reading facility but also as a medium for learning and community empowerment to foster a technology-adaptive and globally competitive society.

Author Profiles

• Full Name: Khusnul Hatimah and Dewi
• University Affiliation: Universitas Negeri Makassar
• Fields of Expertise: Public Administration and Library Science

Research Sources

• Journal Article Title: Utilization of Digital Reading Corners (Pocadi) to Enhance Public Digital Literacy
• Journal Name: International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST)
• Publication Year: 2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijist.v4i9.47
• Official URL: https://ntlmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijist