The Singapore National Library: Exchange and Cooperation at National and International Levels
The Singapore National Library: Exchange and Cooperation at National and International Levels
Table of Contents
Introduction
Singapore Integrated Library Automation Service (SILAS)
International Serials Data System (ISDS)
ASEAN Libraries Network
Cooperative Cataloguing of Southeast Asian Materials
Cooperation in Collection Development
National Indexing System
Computerisation of Chinese Bibliographic Records
Interlibrary Loans and Exchange Programs
Staff Training and Professional Exchange
Future Expansion of Library Cooperation
Conclusion
1. Introduction
The National Library of Singapore plays a vital role in strengthening national and international library cooperation. In line with the National Library Act (Cap. 197, 1988), the library actively participates in exchange programmes, shared cataloguing systems, and global information networks.
These initiatives aim to improve access to knowledge, enhance resource sharing, and support the development of a strong library ecosystem in Singapore and beyond.
2. Singapore Integrated Library Automation Service (SILAS)
The Singapore Integrated Library Automation Service (SILAS) is one of the country’s most important library cooperation systems.
Key Functions of SILAS:
National bibliographic database
Shared library network
Online cooperative cataloguing system
National union catalogue
Network Participation:
SILAS connects major institutions including:
National Library of Singapore
National University of Singapore
Nanyang Technological Institute
Supreme Court and government agencies
Various educational and research institutions
Importance:
With over 5 million bibliographic records, SILAS serves as a major information hub for Singapore and Southeast Asia.
3. International Serials Data System (ISDS)
The National Library of Singapore also functions as the ISDS National Centre.
Main Responsibilities:
Assigning ISSN numbers to serial publications
Maintaining national serial records
Responding to international ISSN requests
Promoting standardized serial identification
The system maintains thousands of records and ensures global standardization of serial publications.
4. ASEAN Libraries Network
Singapore is an active member of the ASEAN Libraries Network, which includes:
Brunei
Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Objectives:
Promote interlibrary cooperation
Improve access to regional publications
Support resource sharing
Reduce barriers to information flow
Strengthen national bibliographic systems
This network enhances regional knowledge exchange across Southeast Asia.
5. Cooperative Cataloguing of Southeast Asian Materials
To improve efficiency in cataloguing, Singapore launched a Cooperative Cataloguing Project (1988) involving major libraries.
Participating Institutions:
National Library of Singapore
National University of Singapore
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
SEAMEO Regional Language Centre
Purpose:
Reduce duplication of cataloguing work
Improve subject coverage
Strengthen shared database systems
This initiative ensures faster and more accurate bibliographic control of regional materials.
6. Cooperation in Collection Development
The National Library regularly collaborates with academic and research libraries to improve collection development policies.
Focus Areas:
Southeast Asian studies
Singapore-related publications
Humanities and social sciences
Libraries use the Conspectus method to:
Identify collection strengths
Detect gaps in holdings
Reduce unnecessary duplication
This leads to better coordination and improved resource allocation.
7. National Indexing System
A proposed National Indexing System aims to streamline indexing activities across libraries in Singapore.
Objectives:
Eliminate duplication of indexing work
Expand coverage beyond core journals
Include fringe and specialized journals
This system will enhance information retrieval and research efficiency nationwide.
8. Computerisation of Chinese Bibliographic Records
SILAS currently supports Roman script records, but efforts are underway to include Chinese character processing.
Key Developments:
Collaboration with Academia Sinica
Testing of Chinese character systems
Integration of multilingual bibliographic data
This advancement will improve access to non-Roman script materials in the database.
9. Interlibrary Loans and Exchange Programs
Singapore plays a central role in international interlibrary cooperation.
Highlights:
Over 300 exchange agreements in 56 countries
Active partnerships with national libraries in Asia and Oceania
Strong interlibrary loan system supported by SILAS
This system ensures efficient global document sharing and access.
10. Staff Training and Professional Exchange
The National Library provides structured training programs for librarians.
Programs Include:
ASEAN Training Awards
Colombo Plan training schemes
Study tours and workshops
Library automation seminars
These programs help build professional capacity and regional expertise.
11. Future Expansion of Library Cooperation
The National Library of Singapore plans to expand cooperation in:
Data exchange
Staff mobility programs
Preservation training
Information technology sharing
A proposed informal regional network among Asia and Oceania libraries will strengthen:
Knowledge sharing
Digital transformation
Multilingual library systems
Conservation practices
This will create a more integrated regional library ecosystem.
12. Conclusion
The Singapore National Library has developed a strong framework for library cooperation, automation, and international exchange. Through systems like SILAS, ISDS, and ASEAN collaboration, it has become a key player in regional and global library development.
Its continuous efforts in cataloguing, indexing, digitization, and training demonstrate a long-term commitment to building a modern, connected, and knowledge-driven library network.
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