Republic Polytechnic Library

The Republic Polytechnic Library [共和理工学院图书馆] is sited right in the heart of the Republic Polytechnic (RP) Campus in Woodlands, North of Singapore. RP library started its operations on the 18 of June 2003 from a temporary site in Tanglin Road. It relocated to the woodlands campus site in February 2006. The current RP library was opened on the 10 of April 2006 and stands at 9400 square metres.

Current Library

Designed jointly by award-winning Japanese architect, Fumihiko Maki and DP Architects, the library is situated at the heart of the Agora, a public space for the interaction and the exchange of information and ideas. In support of Republic Polytechnic’s pedagogical approach based on “learning-by-doing” or also known as Problem Based Learning (PBL), the library spaces are notably less structured, flexible and adaptable so that spontaneous activities can occur throughout.

This flexible community space concept also extends to the library sharing its premises with other departments such as the Student Career Centre (SCC) where career development and further education resources are made available to RP community. IT Helpdesk, a department that provides IT support to faculty, staff and students is also situated within the library premises; making the library a lively, go to place for your information and technology needs. Apart from work related needs, the library is also home to a staff lounge: a cozy quiet area for staff to relax in and a staff faculty work area.

The library is divided into 5 zones, the North, South, East, West and Central areas and spilt into 2 levels, the basement and the first level. The central area also consists of an open gallery space (Pharos) that has seen performances showcasing aspiring actors, art installations sonic and other performances. The Pharos and its flexi-community space is part of RP library’s intention of encouraging interaction and the exchange of ideas.

Rooms
There are generally two types of rooms in the library. One is called Inspirational learning Environments (ILE) which is equipped with a wireless projector, movable furniture to allow flexible arrangements depending on their type of discussion. The other is called the Quiet Reading room for the purpose of quiet reading or contemplation. Altogether there are 4 ILE rooms and 5 Quiet Reading rooms.

Café
Located at the 1st level, the café is sited right in the middle of the library, allowing for easy access to light meals and drinks. The café is another informal space within the library allowing for interaction.

Gaming
Located at the South basement level, a dedicated room has been set aside at to house various technology entertainment games such as Xbox 360 which the students and staff are allowed to play under a time constrain.

Gallery

History

RP library started out in the Tanglin Campus, opening on the 18 June 2003 and was an actively used library for 3 years. It stood at 1,300 square metres and was designed by the National Library Board with an aim of being trendy and inviting to teenagers.

RP Library Mission

The Library is dedicated to the provision of services, collections, technology and facilities to meet the information and information-related needs of the Republic Polytechnic community.

External Links

* [http://www.rp.sg/lib/ Official site]
* [http://www.rp.sg/ Republic Polytechnic]