At NUS Libraries, our mission is to empower the NUS community by providing access to essential information resources, knowledge networks, and interactive platforms that advance interdisciplinary learning, research, and innovation. We acquire and curate materials that align with the University’s mission, with a strong commitment to enhancing teaching, advancing research, and facilitating learning across all disciplines.

I. General Collections

Our goal is to build a comprehensive collection that supports your academic and research needs. Through meticulous acquisition and curation, we ensure that our resources reflect the curricula and research priorities of the University. Our subject librarians and curators continually evaluate and update the collection, taking into account the University’s strategic goals, financial considerations, and our role within the national academic community. We welcome your feedback and focus on content quality to create a collection that meets the diverse needs of the NUS community.

II. Special Collections

NUS Libraries’ Special Collections offer access to rare and valuable materials, including historical archives and in-depth collections that set our institution apart. These resources are available in various formats and are crucial for both local and international teaching and research. Whether you are engaging in scholarly inquiry or exploring Singaporean and Southeast Asian history, our Special Collections provide unique materials that support your academic endeavours.

Our Special Collections include the Singapore-Malaysia Collection, Southeast Asian Chinese Collection, Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection, University Archives Collection, Private Papers Collection, Natural History Collection, and Colonial Records on Singapore and Malaysia. These resources are strategically developed to enhance your research and learning experiences, providing invaluable support for pedagogy and scholarship.

III. Collection Development Principles

• Relevance and Significance: We focus on acquiring materials that directly support your academic, research, and student life programmes. We consider factors such as how well the materials align with current research and teaching, their authority, uniqueness, and physical condition.

• Accessibility: We are dedicated to ensuring that the technology and content we acquire meet high accessibility standards, accommodating individuals with disabilities in line with national guidelines.

• Ownership and Access: We aim to secure perpetual ownership of our collections whenever possible. If this is not feasible, we explore leasing options. We carefully evaluate access conditions, such as read-only or download options, to ensure they meet the needs of our user community.