Introduction to the National Library Digital Fellowship
The National Library Digital Fellowship is designed to promote research in the burgeoning field of digital humanities. It utilizes the extensive collections of the National Library, Singapore (NLS) and the National Archives of Singapore (NAS). This fellowship aims to foster collaboration with scholars and researchers. Projects should apply digital technologies and computational methods to derive new insights into the history, arts, and culture of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
How to Apply for the Fellowship
Interested individuals can apply for the Digital Fellowship by the deadline of 14 June 2024.
Key Collections
NLS serves as the custodian of Singapore’s documentary and published heritage, offering core collections that are invaluable for studying the region’s contemporary and historical developments. The Singapore & Southeast Asian Collection includes over 500,000 items in various formats such as microfilms and maps. Access to these collections is available both on-site and online through resources like National Library Online, NewspaperSG, Spatial Discovery, and Web Archives Singapore.
Eligibility for the Fellowship
The Fellowship is open to local and international applicants, including individuals or groups of two. Each applicant or group may submit only one application. Suitable candidates include librarians, curators, historians, academics, and independent researchers with a proven track record in their research fields.
Research Opportunities
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that effectively use digital tools to explore and reveal new insights about collection items and content. Possible research areas include, but are not limited to, social history through photographs, oral histories, and comparative studies of early Singapore/Malayan publications.
Fellowship Terms
The fellowship lasts six months and includes a stipend of S$3,500 per month to cover living expenses. Additional benefits for overseas fellows include relocation packages and accommodation allowances. Fellows must start their projects within three months of receiving the award.
Fellowship Requirements and Benefits
Fellows have access to a research space at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and can interact with library staff for guidance on relevant collections and resources. However, fellows are responsible for securing all necessary permissions for the use of third-party content in their projects.
Selection Process
Applicants will be evaluated based on the originality of their research, the use of library and archives’ collections, and their capability to complete the project within six months. A complete application includes an application form, a detailed research proposal, and references from two academic referees.
Contact Information
For more details or to submit applications, email NL_Digital_Fellowship@nlb.gov.sg by 14 June 2024.
