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The Republic Polytechnic Library [共和理工学院图书馆] serves the Republic Polytechnic and is located on the campus in Woodlands, Singapore. The library started its operations on June 18, 2003 from a temporary site in Tanglin Road. It relocated to the Woodlands campus site in February 2006. The current library was opened on the April 10, 2006, with 9,400 square metres (101,000 sq ft) of space.
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Republic polytechnic library
Design
The library was designed jointly by 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 problem-based learning, the library spaces are flexible, adaptable, and less structured 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, and IT Helpdesk.
Facilities
The library is divided into five zones, the North, South, East, West and Central areas and split into two levels, the basement and the first level. The central area also consists of an open gallery space called the Pharos. This space is used for art installations and other performances.
The library has two types of rooms. One type is called an Inspirational Learning Environments (ILE), which is equipped with a wireless projector, and movable furniture to allow flexible arrangements. The other type is called a Quiet Reading room for the purpose of quiet reading or contemplation. The library has are four ILE rooms and five Quiet Reading rooms.
A cafe is located on the first level and also acts as an informal space. In the basement level is 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 constraint.
History
The library started out in the Tanglin Campus, opening on the June 18, 2003, and was an actively used library for 3 years. It provided 1,300 square metres (14,000 sq ft) of space and was designed by the National Library Board with an aim of being trendy and inviting to teenagers. It relocated to the Woodlands campus site in February 2006. The current library was opened on the April 10, 2006 with 9,400 square metres (101,000 sq ft) of space. It is currently managed by Cybrarian Ventures Pte Ltd, a wholly owned company of the National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore.