Transformation of libraries in Singapore

Abstract

A landmark study by the Library 2000 Review Committee created the National Library Board (NLB) in 1995. The NLB has since tranformed libraries in Singapore by leveraging four building blocks – content, services, people and infrastructure. Through an ambitious library development programme, NLB found in each new library site an incubator for innovation. This has spawned a stream of killer applications. To move the organization towards achieving these, NLB has infused the organization with methodologies such as the business process re‐engineering (BPR) exercise conducted for the redesign of core business processes. NLB has also harnessed project management methodology to help it develop ideas from inception to implementation. The achievements by NLB since 1995 have not only fulfilled many of the strategies outlined in the Library 2000 Report, but established a firm basis for further development by the NLB into a key player in the nation’s national learning enterprise.

Citation

Chia, C. (2001), "Transformation of libraries in Singapore", Library Review, Vol. 50 No. 7/8, pp. 343-348. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000006071