The ISEAS Library is open to all members of the public, who are interested in the study of the Southeast Asian region. Registration is required for all new members to access our library collections and facilities.
Borrowing Library Materials
ISEAS-affiliated researchers/staff, Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents are allowed to borrow the library materials.
A library card with a passport-sized photo is required. Members of the public will be charged a one-time processing fee of $10.00.
Foreigners holding the employment/student passes with balance validity period of three months or more can borrow the library materials upon provision of $200 refundable deposit.
Membership Privileges, Loan Quota & Period
ISEAS Researchers/Staff
Privileges
- Access to library collections for reference and research
- Access to electronic resources (via ISEAS Network)
- Loan of library materials
- InterLibrary Loan
Loan Quota & Period
All ISEAS researchers/staff are automatically members of ISEAS Library.

Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents (PR)
Privileges
- Access to library collections for reference and research
- On-site access to electronic resources
- Loan of library materials
Loan Quota & Period

Late return charge: $0.10 per day per item
By registering, I have read and agreed to the above library membership terms and conditions, which the library may choose to vary over time.
Foreigners
Privileges
- Access to library collections for reference and research
- On-site access to electronic resources
- Loan of library materials (with refundable deposit + holding employment/student passes with balance validity period of three months or more)
Loan Quota & Period

Late return charge: $0.10 per day per item
By registering, I have read and agreed to the above library membership terms and conditions, which the library may choose to vary over time.
Institutional Member
Privileges
- Access to library collections for reference and research
- On-site access to electronic resources
- Loan of library materials
Loan Quota & Period

Late return charge: $1.00 per day per item
Interested institutions in Singapore can enquire about application via email: libcir@iseas.edu.sg.
Food and Drinks
There is water dispenser for users on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Library. Food and soft drinks are not permitted in the reading area of the Library as any accidental spillage could attract pests that would harm the collections.
Handling Original Documents/Photographs in the Library
The Library seeks the users’ cooperation to wear the gloves provided when handling original documents. This includes private papers and photographs/colour slides. This is to prevent fingerprints, body oil from fingers, sweat, etc. from being transferred onto the materials while handling them with one’s bare hands. Paper-based materials are sensitive to such materials as these materials can cause physical deterioration to the fabric structure and inks on the paper.
The ISEAS Library is open to all members of the public, who are interested in the study of the Southeast Asian region. Registration is required for all new members to access our library collections and facilities – a new user needs only to fill in the online registration form and allows our staff to verify/validate his or her identity via passport or Identity Cards (IC) upon visit.
Library Loan Card
Users who wish to borrow library materials are required to have a valid Library Loan Card (with a one-time processing fee of S$10.00). Users need to supply a passport size digital photograph for the card.
Mondays – Fridays | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Saturdays, Sundays & Public holidays | Closed |
Please refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s website for the list of public holidays in Singapore. Please take note that the Library closes at 12.45pm on the eves of Chinese New Year, Christmas Day and the New Year’s Day.
Contact Us
The Library is located within ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. Click here for directions to the Institute.
Contact: +65 68702439
Email: libcir@iseas.edu.sg (circulation counter) or iseaslib@iseas.edu.sg (general enquiries)

Library Orientation & Tours
ISEAS Library provides orientation for new library users upon registration to help you familiarise yourself with the library‘s collections, resources and facilities.
Orientation for New ISEAS Staff & Researchers
Library Orientation for new ISEAS staff & researchers is arranged on a regular basis. ISEAS Librarians are happy to provide in-person or virtual orientation sessions. If you missed the orientation invite, please email us to schedule a session at libcir@iseas.edu.sg.
Interlibrary Loan
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for ISEAS Staff and Researchers
Researchers who require materials available at other libraries may request an ILL through the ISEAS Library. Requests may be made via the SEALion Catalogue (login required) or via email to libcir@iseas.edu.sg. This service is available to all ISEAS staff and affiliated researchers.
Interlibrary Loan for Other Libraries and Institutional Members
Libraries and institutions in Singapore who wish to borrow materials from ISEAS Library will need to register as an Institutional Member. A valid ISEAS Library Card must be presented when borrowing books at Circulation Counter. For enquiries please email: libcir@iseas.edu.sg.
Interlibrary loan for international libraries will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Document Delivery
The Library is able to supply documents to both libraries and individuals. The Document Delivery Service (DDS) is governed by copyright restrictions in accordance with Singapore law. This requires the Library to obtain a signed declaration from the requester before obtaining a photocopy of the requested material. The copyright declaration is included in the document delivery form.
Charges (in Singapore Dollars)
Email Service
$10.80 (w/GST) for first 10 pages,
$2.16 (w/GST) for each additional 10 pages
Postal Service
$10.80 (w/GST) for first 10 pages,
$2.16 (w/GST) for each additional 10 pages plus postage cost
Self-Collection
$10.80 (w/GST) for first 10 pages,
$2.16 (w/GST) for each additional 10 pages
Payment Methods
- PayNow
- PayPal
- Bank transfer
For details, email libcir@iseas.edu.sg
Loan Table as of 5 Jan 2015