National Library Digital Fellowship

  • Start Date:

  • Deadline:

  • Agency:
    National Library Board Singapore (NLB)

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), KNUST, invites eligible researchers to apply for the National Library Digital Fellowship hosted by the National Library Board (NLB), Singapore.

The National Library Digital Fellowship supports research in the emerging field of Digital Humanities using the collections of the National Library, Singapore (NLS) and the National Archives of Singapore (NAS). The programme encourages scholars to apply digital technologies and computational methods to generate new insights into the history, arts, and culture of Singapore and Southeast Asia.

The fellowship promotes innovative projects that combine digital tools, computational analysis, and archival research to enhance access to and understanding of the region’s historical and cultural resources.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

  • Six (6)-month research fellowship

  • Monthly stipend of S$3,500

  • Access to research space at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

  • A computer with internet access and library resources

  • Access to digitised materials and collection metadata

  • Introductions to library specialists who can assist with relevant collections

Additional support for overseas fellows includes:

  • One-time relocation grant of S$1,500

  • Return airfare reimbursement of up to S$1,500

  • Monthly accommodation allowance of up to S$3,500 (reimbursement basis)

Fellows may also receive up to S$1,500 (reimbursement basis) for software or content purchases directly related to the research project. The fellowship does not cover equipment purchases, such as computer hardware.

Collections and Research Resources

The National Library Singapore houses extensive collections documenting the history and development of Singapore and Southeast Asia, including:

  • The Singapore & Southeast Asian Collection with over 500,000 items

  • Materials such as maps, microfilms, posters, audio-visual materials, and ephemera

  • Digital resources including:

    • National Library Online

    • NewspaperSG (Singapore and Malaya newspapers)

    • Spatial Discovery (geo-referenced maps)

    • Web Archives Singapore

    • Selected datasets on Data.gov.sg and NLB Labs

The National Archives of Singapore holds records of national and historical significance obtained from government agencies, private sources, and international archives.

Research Areas

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that use digital tools and computational methods to analyse the library’s collections. Possible methods include:

  • Text and data analysis

  • Visual and audio analysis

  • Data visualisation

  • Digital mapping

  • Digital storytelling

  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications

Example research topics include:

  • Place histories in Singapore

  • Networks of early communities in Singapore

  • Analysis of Singapore newspapers

  • Comparative studies of early Singapore or Malayan publications

  • Social history using photographs, oral histories, and archival materials

Projects may also explore new ways to link, annotate, visualise, and interpret collection materials.

General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be local or international researchers

  • Apply as an individual or a two-person research collective

  • Have a strong record of academic or professional achievement

  • Be affiliated with fields such as history, librarianship, archives, digital humanities, or related disciplines

  • Demonstrate digital skills necessary to complete the project

  • Submit only one application per individual or collective

Applicants may include academics, historians, curators, librarians, or independent researchers.

Fellowship Conditions

Selected Fellows will be required to:

  • Spend at least 75% of their fellowship period working at the Library

  • Deliver two presentations (one internal presentation and one public talk)

  • Provide a midpoint project update

  • Produce a working digital prototype related to the research project

  • Submit a research report of 4,000–6,000 words within three months after the fellowship

  • Deposit project code, data, and documentation with the National Library Board

  • Participate in promotional and outreach activities when required

  • Acknowledge the support of the National Library of Singapore in any publications arising from the research

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Originality and scholarly contribution of the proposed research

  • Effective use of National Library and Archives collections

  • Feasibility of completing the project within six months

  • Applicant’s research competence and academic achievements

  • Quality and clarity of the research proposal

  • Demonstrated digital humanities skills

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • A completed application form

  • Curriculum Vitae, including publications, conference presentations, and digital humanities experience

  • A detailed research proposal (maximum 10 pages) describing:

    • Research objectives and methodology

    • Relevant NLS/NAS collections to be used

    • Expected outcomes and significance

    • Target audiences

    • Project timeline and milestones

    • Digital technologies or software to be used

  • Two academic reference letters

  • Details of a Subject Reviewer who will review the final research output

Application Deadline

  • 30 May 2025

Applications should be submitted by email to:
NL_Digital_Fellowship@nlb.gov.sg

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. Applicants will normally receive notification of the outcome within three months of the closing date.

Interested KNUST researchers are encouraged to contact the Office of Grants and Research for institutional guidance prior to submission.