Director's Column

In the past 40 to 50 years, human development has been significantly influenced by science and technology. From connectivity to lifestyle, the pervasiveness of this discipline cannot be understated. We have witnessed new recreational pursuits, such as digital creations impacting the movie industry, and new digital tools that often replaces human intervention altogether.

Science’s underlying goal is to produce useful models of possibilities, and to use these models to improve human lives. These scientific methods can also help us make reasonable predictions to benefit society or human individuals who make use of them. As a tool, science allows us to contend more effectively with our surroundings and to better adapt and evolve as a social whole.

While science seemingly often make its advances slowly, business, on the other hand, transforms and impacts our lives daily with globalisation and limitless possibilities of new products and services created by both scientific possibilities and business acumen. Business - both multi-national corporations (MNCs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) - creates millions of jobs and opportunities for the global population and provide most of us with comfortable lives. Business also encourages innovation and creativity as entrepreneurs strive to make a mark in the corporate world, and business organisations compete to stay ahead of each other. As part of international trade, business also fosters relationships between countries and governments, and promotes international cooperation.

The Science andTechnology, and Business Collections in the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library have been built to meet the information needs of researchers, businesses, professionals and library users. With the 24,000-strong Science and Technology Collection and 26,000- strong Business Collection, library users have a wealth of information to draw upon. These collections are by no means exhaustive, and we are constantly expanding our resources to cater to the growing demand in these two fields. You can find out more about these collections in the write-ups found in this issue of BiblioAsia, on pages 6 and 8.

Besides having quality collections, the National Library also provides reference and enquiry services to library users looking for guidance and assistance in getting the appropriate information. Very recently, we received a science reference enquiry on the refining of palm oil into edible cooking oil. Another interesting enquiry is from a user who required information on e-retailing in music industry and the key indicators worldwide. Following a quick clarification by the way of a reference interview, librarians will search the National library’s catalogue, subscribed databases and Internet for materials that cover the topics or are associated with the subject matter so as to provide the enquirers with the required information. We will also consult with our local and overseas colleagues and experts connected to NLB, where appropriate.

In the months of February and March, science and business take centre stage in the National Library. In February, we are extremely privileged to collaborate with the Imperial College Alumni Association to launch a mini-series entitled Body Parts: The Science of Human Reconstruction. The series begins on 4 February 2006, comprising workshops, public debates and lectures on cloning, prosthesis and building a synthetic man from scratch. In March, we will invite the China Enterprises Association and Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to conduct talks on business ventures in China and India. In addition, there are sharing sessions and workshops on how to enhance your business. We hope that these programmes will be of interest to you and we encourage you to sign up for them via the NLB website, https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/home.

We look forward to seeing you at the Library!

Ms Ngian Lek Choh
Director
National Library