NUS Libraries Archives and Special Collections National University of Singapore

Overview

The Archives and Special Collections of NUS Libraries at the National University of Singapore (NUS) serves as a major repository of rare and unique primary source materials relating to Southeast Asian history, culture, and scholarship. Based at the main NUS campus in Kent Ridge, the collections support research, teaching, and scholarship at one of Asia's leading universities.

History and Founding

NUS traces its origins to 1905 and was formally established as the National University of Singapore in 1980 following the merger of Nanyang University and the University of Singapore. NUS Libraries' special collections have grown over many decades, preserving materials from predecessor institutions including Raffles College and the University of Malaya. The collections include treasures saved from Japanese invaders during World War II and items dating as far back as the 14th century.

Collections and Holdings

NUS Libraries' Special Collections is a steward of national and regional heritage. Its holdings include the world-renowned Singapore/Malaysia Collection, which offers broad and in-depth coverage of the economic, geographical, historical, political, and social development of Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and ASEAN. The Biodiversity Library of Southeast Asia (BLSEA) contains rare content on the flora and fauna of the region, while the Chinese Clan Organisations Collection preserves documents from clan organisations, schools, newspapers, and journals of Chinese emigrants to Southeast Asia.

The Theses and Academic Exercises collection contains print and electronic higher-degree theses submitted to NUS and its predecessor institutions since 1947. Private Papers collections include deposits from prominent individuals providing unique perspectives on the historical, literary, social, and political history of Southeast Asia. The Digital Gems portal provides online access to selected digitised rare books, manuscripts, private collections, journals, newspapers, drawings, pamphlets, photographs, and maps.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

The collections contain significant historical newspaper and periodical holdings, including Chinese-language newspapers from Singapore and Malaysia published in the 19th and 20th centuries, accessible through the Digital Gems platform. These materials are of significant value to researchers in media history and journalism studies.

Access and Usage

Special Collections materials may be requested for viewing through the NUS Libraries portal. Researchers may apply for external membership to access materials. Digitised materials are accessible online through the Digital Gems gateway at libguides.nus.edu.sg/asc.