With the physical and technological infrastructure in place, the NLB is now guided by its next bolder vision. Encapsulated in a new masterplan called Library 2010, NLB spells out its new mission and vision to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society by inspiring lifelong learning, bringing knowledge alive, sparking imagination and creating possibility for a vibrant and creative Singapore.

NLB is the governing statutory board that oversees both the National Library as well as the Public Libraries. By international convention, the functions of these two kinds of libraries are distinct and well-differentiated. The National Library is every nation's knowledge institution, preserving its cultural and literary heritage as well as providing trusted reference services.

The National Library of Singapore (NLS), situated at 100 Victoria Street, is a national knowledge institution empowering individuals and businesses with knowledge and information as it continuously expands its vast array of reference collections and services. The NLS is responsible for preserving and making acessible the nation's literary and publishing heritage, and intellectual memory.

The Public Libraries Singapore (PLS) provides a professional and engaging public library service to Singaporeans in their pursuit of lifelong learning and discovery through its network of 22 Public Libraries (including three regional libraries) located conveniently across Singapore.

With greater public awareness and understanding of the different functions of the National Library and Public Libraries, NLB looks forward to fulfilling its mission with higher levels of effectiveness.

Moving ahead in the technological age, digital services to the public have been further enhanced. For instance, users of the National Library are now given the choice to make reference and research enquiries by email to reference librarians at ref@nlb.gov.sg , by Short Messaging Service (SMS) to 91787792 or via the National Library website. The SMS service is free of charge and customers would only have to pay for the usual SMS charges. More information on the National Library's services and resources can be found at http://www.nl.sg/.

At the Public Libraries, librarians can help to make book recommendations according to the customers’ reading interests, via the Fiction Advisory Service. Customers can also submit their enquiries on any particular theme, author, character or genre at the Reference & Advisory counters found at the three Regional Libraries in the Public Libraries network, by email or their website, http://www.pl.sg/.

NLB also carries a rich collection of eResources available to the public via the NLB eResources website. With over 800,000 eBooks, 600 eMagazines, 157 databases, 700 eNewspapers in 37 languages, 25,000 audiobooks, and 2,000 eComics, all that is required to access these electronic content is to register online for free at our website. To engage NLB’s customers on the new media front, NLB has customer-driven blogs like ASK!, INVENT, High Browse Online and digi.talk. More NLB blogs can be found at http://www.nlb.gov.sg/. Vodcasts and podcasts of library events can also be found at gomedia.nlb.gov.sg while users can sign up for upcoming events, programmes, workshops and activities at golibrary.nlb.gov.sg.

As NLB progresses towards L2010, a network of borderless libraries is being formed with overseas libraries to allow easy reach to a wealth of knowledge and information service for all Singaporeans.

The libraries of tomorrow will continue to focus on reaching out to the community through its wide spectrum of activities that encourages interaction, learning and social bonding in a environment that is conducive.

NLB aims to provide a trusted, accessible and globally-connected library and information service so as to promote a knowledgeable and engaged society.

Library-related Act

National Library Board Act Cap. 197

 

"We are changing the concept of a library from being a repository of books to a learning centre, a place that helps people to access information worldwide using technology."

- Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Republic of Singapore