NATIONAL LIBRARY (Particulars of officers sent overseas for professional training)

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Culture (a) how many officers of the National Library have been sent overseas for professional training since 1959; (b) in what way is the professional training so acquired made use of, and what recognition is accorded to the officers for the professional quali fications they have acquired; and (c) how many trained officers have left the National Library, either by resignation or by transfer, and the reasons therefor.

Mr Fong Sip Chee (for the Minister for Culture): Sir, the number of officers sent overseas for professional training since 1959 is as follows: from 1959 to 1961 - nil 1962 - 3 1963 - 3 1964 - 3 1965 - 2 1966 - 2 1967 - nil 1968 - 3 --- Total 16 ===

The officers who have acquired professional training are required to perform a wide variety of professional duties, including book selection, reader guidance, answering of reference inquiries, compilation of book lists and bibliographies, promotion of reading through book exhibitions, displays, book talks, radio and television talks, story telling, visits to schools and cataloguing, classifying and indexing of library materials which include books, periodicals, music, pamphlets, newspapers, microfilms, maps and others. Officers who have acquired professional qualifications receive two additional increments and are eligible for promotion posts.

The total number of posts in the library service is now 56, including 11. Of this number , one was an American who returned to the United States of America. One left for Britain on marriage, one was a Malaysian citizen who took up a post in Malaysia, six took up posts in other libraries in the Republic, one took up a teaching post and one was a married woman who resigned in order that she can take care of her family affairs.

In addition, the National Library had two more officers whose qualifications were not recognised and who resigned to take up appointments in other Singapore libraries.

No officer left the National Library on transfer. The National Library service is part of a unified library service and officers may be required to serve in the National Library or in other Government departments.

The total number of posts in the library service is now 56, including 11 now serving in other Government departments.