The George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship for Southeast Asia Collections (GLHF) aims to attract established subject matter experts to work with the National Library, Singapore to develop its collections on Singapore and Southeast Asia. Through the Fellowship, we also aim to foster partnerships with collectors worldwide and welcome talented librarians, researchers, curators, archivists and collectors to collaborate with us.

About the National Library, Singapore

Since 1958, the National Library, Singapore’s statutory mandate has been to collect, organise, preserve and make accessible the nation’s published legacy. The National Library also seeks to promote and inculcate knowledge of the city’s history and multicultural heritage, by collecting early documentation and unique material. These include hand-written manuscripts, maps, letters and diaries, which tell of life in Singapore and the region before its independence.

Our collection of cultural and heritage resources is housed at the National Library building at 100 Victoria Street. The library’s Singapore and Southeast Asian Collections consist of over 500,000 items, with collections dating as far back as the 16th century, such as the:

• Raffles Library Collection
• Dr Carl Alexander Gibson-Hill Collections
• Rare Books, Maps and Manuscripts Collection
• Singapore/Malaya Newspapers Collection

About National Library Board Singapore

The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through our network of 28 libraries across Singapore, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore. Established in 1995: Our libraries and archives promote reading, learning, information literacy, and a greater appreciation of Singapore’s history and heritage. More than 1.7 million digital resources: Our digital resources consist of eBooks, audiobooks and a plethora of online resources in NLB’s collection. 11….

NLB George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of NLB George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship

The Fellowship’s aims are to:

• Examine the comprehensiveness and gaps of the NLS Singapore and Southeast Asian special collections;
• Elevate the research standards and capability of librarians through mentorship and collaboration with Fellows;
• Facilitate NLS’s networking with other eminent collectors, institutions and subject experts that may have collections of interest to the NLS;
• Promote NL as a research centre for Singapore and Southeast Asian Studies.

Benefits:

A stipend of S$5,000 per month will be provided to help GLH Fellows meet living expenses, local transportation and photocopying expenses. Overseas Fellows will be provided with the following additional allowances on a case-by-case basis:

a. One-time relocation package to Singapore of S$3,000.

b. One-time return economy air ticket of up to a maximum of S$5,000. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis if the lowest prevailing market rates for airfares still exceed the above capped amounts at time of purchase.

c. Monthly accommodation allowance of up to a maximum of S$5,000/month subject to market rates and approval from the Evaluation Committee.

Notes: Stipends and all other allowances are subject to withholding tax. Overseas applicants may require visa/entry permit to Singapore.

All Fellows will also be provided with the following:

• A research space at the NLS including a computer with internet access.
• Access to the library’s collections, including its Rare books, Maps and Manuscripts collection.

NLB George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship Courses

• Research

Requirements for NLB George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship Qualification

All applicants must be nominated by libraries, established research and academic institutions, museums, archives or other experts in the subject fields above.

Preferred candidates include professionals or scholars from libraries, established research institutes, universities, museums, archives and professional associations (e.g. the Library Association of Singapore, the Singapore Heritage Society).

Candidates should possess minimally a Masters’ qualification in a relevant subject field; be nominated by their department head, peers or past project heads, and fulfil at least two of the following criteria:

• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience in their chosen field;
• Published and presented extensively in leading publications and conferences;
• Acknowledged experts in their respective fields.

Special Collection Areas

Preference is given to developing collections on the following topics:

• Peranakan (Straits Chinese) literature (Baba Malay language, arts & literature) that inform the community history, culture and traditions etc.
• Business or industry history e.g. architecture, maritime and entertainment history in Singapore and Malaya
• Art and artists of the region (Singapore, Malaysia and Southeast Asia)

Application Deadline

May 31, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to National Library Board Singapore on www.nlb.gov.sg to applyEach application must include:

1. A completed application form with details on:
   • Chosen area of collection development and proposed method to develop the collections and foster networks
   • Proposed schedule of work and time frame; including number of days spent onsite at the National Library during the course of work.
   • The method /approach to be used to facilitate and impart skills/knowledge transfer.
   • A brief write-up of similar collection development projects in the past and references, if any.
2. A Curriculum Vitae that includes the following information:
   • Details of any awards or relevant appointments previously or currently held.
   • Details of professional seminars/conference papers/public lectures presented.
   • List of major publications written.
3. A Reference from your Nominator, which should address the following:
   • The applicant’s qualifications, ability and experience.
   • The quality of the applicant’s previous work.
   • The applicant’s demonstrated capacity to complete projects within a reasonable time frame.
   • Applications must be submitted in English.

NLB reserves the right to interview or request for a presentation to seek clarifications.

Applications should be emailed to George_Lyndon_Hicks_Fellowship@nlb.gov.sg, or mailed to the following address by 31 May 2024.

Attn: The Administrator
George Lyndon Hicks Fellowship for Southeast Asian Collections
National Library, Singapore
100 Victoria Street,
#14-01
Singapore 188064

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be made known within 3 months of the closing date.

For more details visit: OFFICIAL LINK.