[3 September 1999]
The National Library Board Signs Memorandum of Understanding With Singapore Management University

The National Library Board (NLB) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore Management University (SMU) with regard to the provision and management of library, research and information services for the university.

Under the MOU, working closely with SMU, the NLB will provide expertise in planning, establishing and managing library and information services for the university. SMU will gain access to the NLB's extensive collections and services, and through the NLB's partnerships with other institutions both locally and internationally, SMU will also have access to the information resources at these institutions. This agreement will allow SMU to use NLB's facilities, logistics and support services, including its up-to-date IT infrastructure.

"As we strive towards transforming Singapore into a knowledge-based economy and a learning nation, the NLB is glad to work hand in hand with the SMU to make information readily available to the university's students and to the business community in Singapore," said Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive of NLB. "As a premier national library in Asia, it is important that the NLB takes an active role in working with other parties to boost the learning capacity of the nation - whether it is for learning within the classroom or without. The NLB has the expertise and infrastructure to manage vast resources and information flow, and I am confident that this partnership is going to be highly beneficial to the strengthening of both our organisations."

Professor Janice Bellace, President of SMU, added, "Our collaboration with the NLB will help place SMU in a strategic position as a world-class tertiary institution supporting business learning. We are committed to establishing a high standard of quality education, and this collaboration with NLB will have the synergistic effect of delivering an expanded store of resources and capabilities to students, faculty and the community at large in a cost effective manner."

Other areas of co-operation under the MOU include organising joint seminars, workshops and courses in the business and management fields. The two parties will also consider other areas of co-operation which are to their mutual benefit. A steering committee and a working committee comprising representatives from the NLB and SMU will be set up to implement and achieve the objectives and goals of this Memorandum.

Established as Singapore's third and newest university, SMU will commence classes in July 2000, offering full-time Bachelor of Business Management programmes to a pioneer batch of 300 students. To establish the university quickly, SMU recently signed a five year collaboration with the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania covering curriculum and institutional development.

The mission of the NLB is to expand the learning capacity of Singapore as so as to enhance national competitiveness and to promote a gracious society. The NLB's public library network now comprises the National Library in Stamford Road, the Tampines Regional Library, 15 Community Libraries and 41 Community Children's Libraries. By the year 2003, the Board aims to bring the library closer to the people by having at least one public library within a 10-minute walk from an MRT station or bus interchange.