Page 24 - MSU Campus Tour Guide eBook

Mahasarakham University Campus Tour Guide 23

7. Sirindhorn Isaan Information Centre

The Sirindhorn Isaan Information Center, which Her Royal Highness Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn graciously bestowed her name to, operates in conjunction with
the Mahasarakham University Academic Resource Centre, housing and
conserving one of the best collections of its kind in the country. The richness of
learning resources and cultural information available at the touch of a finger often
amazes first-time visitors. Like the eco-treasures it holds, the significance of this
center itself exceeds what might initially meet the eye. This center contributes
directly to a wide range of Thai studies, providing services to users both
domestically and internationally. The center functions as a repository where users
can learn about the cultural heritage of the Isaan people through accessing a
unique collection of artifacts and information relating to Isaan culture, traditions,
education, arts, history, literature, and all other aspects of northeastern Thailand.
The center’s collection includes historical objects, relics, models, and materials
such as: books, research studies, journal articles, local newspapers, clippings,
maps, slides, pamphlets, videos, microfilm, CD-ROMS, digital images and other
media containing Isaan information such as calendars, stamps, greeting cards,
etc. Systematically managed and arranged using modern digital technology, the
information and artifacts contained in this analog treasure-chest have been
mindfully preserved and made easily available to visitors, curious students, and
scholars with a hunch. The center’s collection acts to foster a much deeper
understanding and appreciation of a society comprised of people from a variety
of social backgrounds and occupations, and serves to promote a sense of
regional pride and cultural identity. Additionally, the collection is a way of demon-
strating to the people of other regions, as well as to foreign visitors, that the roots
of Isaan cultural run deep, and remain ever evolving, to the keenest of eye.

The centre is
located on the 1st
floor of the Academic
Resource Centre, open from
Monday to Saturday 8.00 am to
8.00 pm and Sunday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.
It is closed on public holidays.