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Library Collections


1.
Where can i find NLB's ebooks?
NLB ebooks can be browsed and searched via eReads. NLB eReads is the National Library Board's catalogue of digital and audio books, newspapers and magazines. It has titles in various genres and in Singapore's four official languages. If you are new to ebooks, please visit the Help page to get started.

Below are links on how to use some of the ebooks:
  • Guide on how to use Overdrive
  • Guide on how to use iRead Chinese Books
  • Guide on how to use HyRead;
 


2.
How do I recommend a particular title or collection to NLB?
You can use the 'Recommend A Title' link to forward us your recommendation. (login using mylibrary ID required). 
3.
Why are books in the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library classified as reference titles?
The National Library Board Singapore (NLB) purchases reference books with the intention to encourage library users to refer to these titles for research or consultation.

The purpose of classifying a book as a reference title is to ensure that core materials are always available for our users to use when everything else on the topic/subject has been loaned out. Our librarians can also refer to the reference copy for walk-in and telephone enquiries from members of the public.

Books may also be labelled as reference titles if the cost of the book is high, the materials are from multi-volume sets (for example, encyclopaedias), the title is very specialised, the book has accompanying materials like slides, or if the book has been out-of-print or with limited circulation. NLB will try to buy duplicate copies of the reference titles where possible for the convenience of our library users.
4.
Why can't we borrow out a reference book?
Reference books are meant for patrons to read within the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. For instance, this would allow patrons to access popular magazines at any time. Some of these Reference materials are out-of-print or expensive.  In addition, some collections are of heritage value.  Loss or damage of such items would be difficult to replace.
5.
What is RCLOS?  Where are these kept?

RCLOS items are reference closed accessed items housed at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.  They include heritage materials and out-of-print materials published in Singapore.  Patrons are to request for these RCLOS items online at https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg. Walk in requests may also be carried out at Level 11 counter. The cut-off time for such walk-in request is 7:00pm.    

6.
Why can't I view the rare books on level 13 of the National Library Building?
Rare books form a part of our literary heritage and are kept under climatically-controlled conditions for preservation purposes. Public access to these materials is via microfilm copies or digitised images of selected rare titles at BookSG.
7.
Why can't I borrow Audio-Visual (AV) materials from the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library?
These cannot be borrowed due to strict copyright regulations. As copyrighted reference materials with viewing restrictions, all AV items in the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library can only be viewed within the library's premises.
8.
What are RUR books? How do I loan RUR books?
The Repository Used Reference (RUR) book collection contains old editions and the less frequently used titles from NLB’s collection. These are old materials which are still valuable for research and are thus for reference only. RUR books are not for loan but will be available for consultation at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library (LKCRL).

Library members who wish to consult RUR books can make a reservation online via the Catalogue at http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg. Reservation fee of $1.55 per item applies.
Once the requested book has arrived at the selected library, patrons will be notified by email/SMS and may use the book at the library for a period of three weeks.
9.
How do I gain access to the microfilms in your collection?

The Lee Kong Chian Reference Library provides microfilms and microfiches for reference at the Singapore & Southeast Asian Collections on Level 11 of the National Library Building.

Microfilms are arranged for public access by microfilm number (e.g. NL0023) or barcode number ('A' series: e.g. A00000234G) and DDC or MFC number for microfiche.

All newspapers on microfilms published on year 2000 and after are shelved by title and date. You can check for the microfilm number of the newspapers/journals/books/manuscripts from the Newspapers on Microfilm site through NewspaperSG or the Microfilm catalogue station at Level 11 of the National Library Building.

Library users will need to retrieve the required microfilm from the microfilm cabinets personally, place it in the basket provided and bring it to the Information Counter.  For microfiche, library users can approach the Information Counter for assistance to retrieve them from the locked cabinets.

All requests are to be written on the ‘Application to Consult Microfilm’ form and submitted to the librarian at the Information Counter.

10.
Where can I locate old photographs of Singapore and the National Library?
You could visit our PictureSG which showcases the National Library Singapore's collections of photographic images of Singapore's past and present. Images of the old National Library at Stamford Road can be found under Architecture and Landscape.
11.
Where can I locate softcopies of BiblioAsia and find various content of the National Library Singapore?
You can view or download softcopies of our newsletter 'BiblioAsia' by clicking here.

National Library resources can be found under National Library Board website under Research:
National Collections
Rare Collections
General Collections

Donor Collections
12.
How do I gain access to the eResources of NLB?
NLB's collection of electronic resources can be accessed through the eResources page.
13.
Can library books that are borrowed be returned at any Public Libraries?
Library members can return books at any of the Public Libraries. 

Please refer to our List of Library Locations for details. The library information will include details such as location, opening hours of the library and its bookdrop (for book returning).

NLB will not be responsible for books returned at any other libraries that are not part of NLB's network.

 
If you are unable to find an answer to your query, please submit your Feedback to let us know how we can help you.
Report Vulnerability Last updated on 2 Sep 2019