From the use of data analytics, to possibly even virtual reality in the future – public libraries in Singapore are undergoing a transformation in a bid to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. Sharing his views on the future of libraries, SMU School of Social Sciences Associate Professor of English Literature Kirpal Singh said: “For many years there was only one library in Singapore, and then the need was felt that as more people became literate, the demand for going to the library, because most people couldn’t afford to buy the books. So the idea of decentralising and having branches of libraries took place.”
“Then very soon I think the political leaders decided that the library was a very good place to try and build a nation. Now I think we feel that our nation is in fact quite built, even though it’s still evolving, the thinking again is what the library is now going to be used for,” he added.