Ngee Ann Polytechnic Library

Before visiting the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Library, not many members had an idea of what this institution would look like.  At the beginning, we were more interested to look at the book sorter, an add-on solution to the 3M RFID technology.  The sorter did not disappoint us.  It is powerful, sophisticated and state-of-the-art.  As soon as books are returned to the drop box, they will be carried via conveyor belts into the processing center where the sorter is located.  Then a sensor will identify the correct locations for these books and an mechanical arm will sweep the books into large bins.  The sorter definitely saves a lot of manpower in sorting returned library items.

After looking at the sorter, Mrs. Caroline Loh, Deputy Director of User Services and Mrs. Bee Lan Tan, Deputy Director of Technical Services, introduced the Ngee Ann Library to us.  The front entrance has a chic window display plus a large built-in LCD panel to attract the attention of people passing by.  After entering the library, you will find on the left-hand side an exhibition area that is perfect for modern art.  The main circulation counter with its unfurnished cement structure looks unusual yet artistic.  It feels like walking into an art gallery instead of a traditional academic library.

The first or ground floor is called the Lifestyle Library.  It was created by pulling out a few thousand volumes of books from the main collection that were considered to be popular among students.  Titles, for example, are related to travel, art and culture, music, design and architecture.  These treasures used to be buried and scattered among different floors and users had to use the online catalog to locate them.  Now, these books are visibly arranged on eye-catching and beautifully designed shelves which beckon you to browse and discover by serendipity.  Display cabinets sometimes integrate into the book shelves to mix exhibits with books.  Students welcome the Lifestyle Library since trendy and popular items are now all in one place.

The Lifestyle Library also feels like a club house.  Sections of the Library are used for playing CDs and visual resources.  And you can sit back relaxed and enjoy cable television too.  No booking or registration is required.  Students simply walk in and have a choice of 4 different educational channels.   Art objects are displayed here and there to add extra warmth and human touch to the place.  To our surprise, we even found an Internet cafe at the far end of the Lifestyle Library and most of the seats were filled up.  The Lifestyle Library gives good food for thought.  It utilizes refreshing designer concepts to attract the attention of users and arouse their interest.

Above the Lifestyle Library is a 3-storey academic library.  The layout there is like a regular academic library so that student can always find a quiet and comfortable place to pursue their scholarly activities.  Ms. Loh was kind enough to share with us the developments of their digital initiatives in Ngee Ann.  During her presentation, we were served with tasty Taiwanese style tea.

The Ngee Ann campus has a modern and functional outlook.  Buildings are mainly constructed of steel and glass.  The Polytechnic also boasts a hi-tech infrastructure and LAN connection is available even in open space.  If you happen to be in Singapore this summer, please do not miss Ngee Ann.  Try to get a taste of this dream library jointly crafted by librarians and designers. 


Reported by Tommy Yeung
 
 

Library main entrance
 

Exhibition and new book area

 

Book stacks in Lifestyle Library

CD collection in Lifestyle Library

Book sorter in the book return processing unit