NTU libraries

In the midst of doing my book review for minorities in SEA, I must say how very happy I am with the NTU libraries.

In fact, I'm in the Humanities and Social Science Library now. Well, there are at least 3 things that NTU libraries really win over NUS.

1) Entrance into NTU libraries doesn't require any access card. This is the kind of academic freedom and sharing of information that really empowers the knowledge-seeker, or just someone looking for a change in study environment.

2) There are so many books that cannot be loaned out in NUS, whereas they are available for loan in NTU. The 2 books that I'm required to review are either in the NUS library RBR (2-hour loan, which really amounts to nothing but time for photocopying wholesale), or not loanable. This is really quite frustrating because I have to read the entire book, and I want to read it whenever I can - waiting for the bus, on the train, before I sleep, etc. So being able to borrow the books out is fantastic. I can't wait to explore the rest of the library collections here!

3) Well, true to its name, Nanyang Technological University, there are power points at almost every desk! In this time and age when every student is armed with a laptop, power points are a necessity, not a luxury. But finding a power point in NUS is akin to reaching a oasis in the middle of a desert, Amen. Afterwards, you guard it with your life, or have to bring out the ultimate multi-plug adapter to share this precious spring of electricity. NUS should upgrade their wiring and power connections, really.

Oh wells. Time to get back to studies!