Acquisitions Programs
Republic of Singapore surrounded by Indonesia and Malaysia is a developed nation and has one of the highest rates of literacy in the world and there is a continuous demand for high quality publications ranging from newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and books. Moreover, factors such as strong IP protection regime ease of business set up, and availability of human resources makes it an ideal hub for the publishing industry. As a result, Singapore is a thriving hub for both international as well as home-grown publishing companies. Book publishing in Singapore has grown in strength as a vibrant industry taking on the challenges and opportunities of the era of e-books, digital publishing and new media.
The Library of Congress Jakarta office acquires Singapore publications through Singapore local vendors and a network of university presses and local publishers. This is reinforced through once a year regular visits of staff to local bookstores, associations, and non-government organizations (NGO).
Starting FY 2014, the method of new titles selection for Singapore program participants has been changed from Country Profile selection to circulars. Circulars of new titles are prepared for participating institutions to alert them and provide them latitude to choose suitable titles for their library users. These circulars vary from monographs, non-book (sound recording, maps, video, and CD-ROM), new serials, and others. Annually, a list of selected serials titles is likewise announced to the group.
We were observing continuity of all Singapore serials subscribed by the Library by writing to each of serial publishers. Feedback from publishers shown that many of Singapore serials most are no longer is published or are only available as down-loads electronically only. It is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire print edition of serials publications from Singapore in a cost effective fashion.
In the near future, LC Jakarta is planning to focus on acquiring digital materials.
The staff welcome new participants and visits from scholars.
For further information, including joining the cost-recovery CAPSEA program, please contact JakartaAcquisitions@loc.gov