HML Club Annual Report of library club activities 2008-2009

1. Contents
03
A Little About us
05
Chief Librarian’s Message
6
Mrs Yap’s Message
07
HML Executive Committee 08/09
08
HML Executive Committee 09/10
09
Annual General Meeting 2008
12
Discover: HML Camp 2008
25
Raffles Trail 2009
28
Training of New Librarians
30
LCM Day Report
34
Open House Report
37
New Sections in the Library
41
Acknowledgements
42
Final Words
1

2. A Little about us
The Hullett Memorial Library has made a conscious effort to constantly upgrade its facilities and
services in order to remain relevant in this information age. Our foremost concern is to create a
warm and information rich environment where students and staff of Raffles Institution can partake
a variety of activities both pleasant and conducive to life-long learning with the aid of up-to-date
resources and advanced information technology.
The Hullett Memorial Library sees itself as the hub of
academic life and the nexus of information gathering and
dissemination at Raffles Institution. It exists to:
 Provide absolute support for the curriculum in
terms of both the resources and services.
 Provide a positive learning environment, enabling
pupils to become effective learners with access to
the latest technology.
 Foster a love for reading.
 Promote Raffles Institution, by its role as a leader,
in school library services in Singapore.
HML Facilities
 A collection of about 51,000 books,
including Fiction, non-Fiction and Reference
 Copies of past year examination papers
 More than 50 magazine titles including
PC Magazine, Economist, Newsweek, Time,
Reader’s Digest and National Geographic.
 Daily newspapers in 4 languages - English, Chinese,
Malay and Tamil.
 Info-educational DVDs, VCDs, audio CDs, and
CD-ROMs.
 Project Corner with 14 PCs for group project work.
 SurfPOOL with 10 PCs for information searches
 A Photocopying room with 3 photocopying machines.
 A Creative Studio for teaching, lectures or meetings.
 A Reference Room for storage of reference books
as well as quiet self-study and reading
 Teachers Reference Library for teacher’s use
 HML Al Fresco Discussion and Study Corridor

3. The TecHIVE is a place where pupils can explore multimedia and the
latest in IT firsthand. It provides endless possibilities for individual
creativity, interactive learning and academic pursuits.
Facilities in the TecHIVE
 20 Televisions, including 3 LCD TVs
 DVD & VCD players
 Music-CD
 Computers
 5000 multimedia items for the abovementioned platforms
time, place and way, enabling them to
achieve excellence in teaching, learning and
research.
Vision Hullett Memorial Library
Objectives
The Hullett Memorial Library aims to develop  Teaching
an information and technology rich teaching o Work in partnership with teaching
and learning environment that encourages staff to promote innovative use of
active real world research. information resources in school
enhance teaching and learning.
 Learning
Mission o Teach students and staff to basis
for life long learning and real
The Library exists to link staff and students world problem solving.
with recorded knowledge in an appropriate  Research
o Increase knowledge
base available to researchers for
the development of new
knowledge, by using IT to improve
Raffles Institution
access to information worldwide.
Librarians Welcome you to HML!

4. Chief Librarian’s Messages
Ang Hui Hao’s Outgoing Message
It has indeed been an extremely fufilling,
and at the same time, challenging year for
me and I would like to take this opportunity
to thank Mrs Yap, Mdm Ho, Ms Many, the
exco 08’09 and all the librarians for being
part of this enriching experience of being the
Chief Librarian.
I am sure that the next batch of leaders
headed by Hui Chiang will continue to
improve the library club and bring it to
greater heights.
Tay Hui Chiang’s Incoming Message
I am greatly honoured to be chosen as the new Chief Librarian of ‘09/10, and I wish to express
my utmost gratitude and thanks to Mrs. Yap, the HML EXCO of ‘08/09 and the rest of the library
committee for their limitless guidance and support
through the previous years.
My goals for the upcoming year are simple yet lofty.
Firstly, I hope to instill a heart of service in all librarians
and ensure the passion they hold for the library continues
to burn as strongly as it ever had, and never die out even
while facing many challenges along the way. Next, I wish to
promote a sense of camaraderie among the members of
the club, so that no one ever feels left out in our small,
family community, and that we will serve the school as a
united body. Lastly, I will, with the best of my efforts and
abilities see that the club strives to ever greater heights
and push the limits and boundaries of what we can
achieve.
With this, I will be able to serve the school community
better than ever before, and that librarians will never forget that each and every one of them
are essential to the operation of the library, for the library cannot function if even one of them
are not performing to their full potential.
Thank you.
4

5. A Message from Mrs. Yap
2008/2009 has been another eventful year
for the HML Club. This AGM report features process, the librarians involved bonded
many fond memories of the various club closer through the project.
events organized by the 2008/2009 HML
EXCO headed by our Chief-Librarian, Ang Hui The boys will be fondly remembered as the
Hao. batch which was involved in this HML
upgrading exercise… ... Perhaps even the
The 08/09 executive committee is a unique year-end major stock-take exercise in
one as it comprises only 1 sec 4 librarian Oct/Nov 2009.
which is not the norm. Hui Hao, supported
by his team of 3 sec 3 and 2 sec 2 librarians, My sincere thanks to the HML EXCO
has successfully organized various key 2008/2009 and I wish them all the best in
events such as the 2008 AGM, Year End HML their future endeavors.
Camp 2008, Sec 1 Raffles Trail 2009, and
Library Club Members Day (1) in March 09.
The Club assisted in the set up of the new
HML Students’ Reference Room in March
and the Teachers’ Reference Room in June.
This batch of librarians will remember fondly
the packing and movement of the many
cartons of Teachers’ Reference books and
their subsequent move to the former LAR
during the June holidays. Though a tedious
5

6. HML Executive Committee
2008/2009
6

7. HML Executive Committee
2009/2010
Chief Librarian : Tay Hui Chiang
Library Circulation Library Management
Jonathan Ang Sixian Joshua Phang Shi Ern
Issac Chong Club Programmes
Ong Chuan Kai
Wong Zhe Herng
Melvin Lim Jun Cheng

8. HML Club AGM
Written by: Ang Zhi Jie Dyon
Special Thanks to the Sec 4 EXCO
members of 2007/2008
Chang Shu Jian --Chief Librarian
Law Kang Jie --Deputy Chief Librarian
Rohan Puthran --Manager (Programmes)
Yan Xiao Dong --Deputy Manager
(Programmes Dept)
Ravi Sethuraman --Manager (Circulation
Dept)
Sean Yap - Manager (Circulation Dept)
Annual General Meeting
2008
The time of the year has arrived again. A Days of meticulous planning all culminated as
supposed coming-of-age, a ritual, a long the EXCO of 2007/2008 and the newly elected
tradition. The Hullett Memorial Library (HML) one of 2008/2009 were seen bringing the
Club’s 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM) important materials up to the Audio Visual
has arrived with much importance, tradition Theatrette (AVT). Prizes to be given out,
and a whole wave of fresh new faces. important documents to be received, and
certificates of appreciation to be presented
As with every important event of the year, were all promptly set up for the most
numerous days were put into the planning of important event of 2008 for the HML Club.
AGM 2008, and a flurry of final preparations
were held the day before the meeting itself.
8

9. Pupil librarians came swarming into the AVT as delving into a storybook world, immersing into
soon as they were given the green light to the content and appreciating the effort taken
leave their classes by their respective teachers. to write the book. {Insert Name} has proven to
They came in with an air of excitement and all librarians present, that the HML Club
anticipation, which was rather expected. After cultivates a strong mind and will help build the
the pupil librarians settle down in their foundation for our future endeavors. We will
assigned seats, the staff of the library arrived. all certainly benefit from it!
Our Deputy Headmistress, Mrs Tan Siok Mui,
had kindly decided to grace this event to One of the most important segments of the
witness the ‘crowning’ of new librarians and AGM is of course, the passing of the baton,,
celebration of the graduating ones. Mrs. Yap the passing of leadership to the next batch of
also invited one of our old boys, a previous leaders to bring the HML Club to greater
chief librarian, Major Adrian Choong having heights. It was sad to see the EXCO of
succeeded in his chosen field of work in the 2007/2008’s parting handshakes, and to listen
navy, to return in a blaze of glory, and to relate to the parting message given by the outgoing
his own experiences to the librarians present. Chief Librarian, Chang Shu Jian. Each batch of
As soon as everyone was present, we kick librarians leaves behind a legacy, one that will
started the event with much exultation. not be erased and will be emulated, or even
exceeded, by future batches of librarians. The
First up was a talk by HML Club’s legacy
the Special Guest. will be a long-lived
Despite the fact that he one, and I am quite
holds a high position in sure we will all
his field of work, he remember our
was incredibly humble seniors’
and had a charisma contributions to the
that engaged the HML Club. Many of
audience. He the Secondary 2s
introduced himself and will also remember
with a flow of slides the graduating
behind him, he wove batch of seniors
an engaging speech with fondest
that was sincere and spoke his mind. He taught memories as they spent the most time with
us skills, life choices and the taking over of the them. The passing of the EXCO of 2007/2008 is
internet world. indeed a sad sight to behold but as we look
upon the upcoming year, we know for sure
One point I made note of was his acceptance that the HML Club will be in safe hands again.
of the internet taking over everyone’s lives.
Indeed, we cannot live without the internet in Ang Hui Hao, a dedicated Secondary 3, was
this age and we have to be tech-savvy to keep chosen to be the Chief Librarian for 2008/2009.
up with it. What he said was true - despite the While giving his speech, his posture and
massive internet revolution, the library will stature was immaculate and it could be seen
always be a place for learning and a place of from his expression that he was perfectly
rich culture and vibrancy. Reading material off determined to take up this position and the
the internet cannot compare to actually associated responsibility that comes with it,

10. and to maintain or even improve the state of Mdm Jessie Ho and Miss Kanmany.
the HML.
Thank you, newly-invested librarians of 2008
Hui Hao will carry this responsibility, willingly, for your dedication in the past few months.
and he will strive to make the HML a vibrant You have indeed shown yourself to be a true
place for every Rafflesian to study in. The HML librarian and with the new collar pin comes
will be a conducive and tranquil study greater responsibility. The Rafflesian
environment in the hands of our new Chief community recognizes you and applauds your
Librarian. As he accepts his post with a smile dedication to the maintaining of the school’s
on his face, wary of the eyes upon him, Hui centre of information. The EXCO of 2008/2009
Hao promises in front of the library staff and sincerely hopes that you will maintain your
his library club members that he will do his conduct and your responsibilities as a librarian.
best and possibly even more. All the best!
The time has come for the investiture of the The event came to a closure as the guests and
new librarians. Many of the new faces were staff left to partake in the reception outside
from Secondary 1, although the HML Club the AVT. We will gather again for AGM 2009
received a number of applications from and we shall witness a new batch of leaders
Secondary 2 and 3 students too. This was taking the centre stage. Till then!
hardly a surprise given that every Rafflesian
wishes to contribute to the community and to
assist others, regardless of
the time spent as a
Rafflesian. Bright and eager
faces were seen
throughout the room. The
new librarians’ faces lit up
as their names were called,
one by one, and they went
to the stage to receive the
aesthetically appealing
HML Club collar pin from
Memories. Sweet Memories.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Smiles were formed as the HML
Club’s trip down the memory lane
was shown in a photo compilation
video. Such fun, such laughter,
such were the happy times we
spent in the library…

12. Section 1: Introduction
Written by Ong Chuan Kai
The Hullett Memorial Library Club Year End The camp had been originally planned
Camp 2008 was held from 12th November for 2 Day-1 Night, but due to the inclusion of
(Wednesday) to 14th November 2008 (Friday) the life style choices workshop spanning over 2
and various activities were held, including the days; it was extended to a 3 Day-2 Night camp,
Amazing Race, a life style choices workshop with some initially planned activities
and a trip to the newly opened Marina compromised. For example, the Amazing Race,
Barrage. The camp is held to meet several which was originally planned to take place all
objectives. Firstly, it seeks to foster greater
collaboration between librarians and to enable around Singapore, was compromised to the
them to better understand the library. Southern Ridges.
Secondly, it aims to tidy up the library. Thirdly, The participants gathered on the first day at
it exposes them to lesser known places of 7.30am in the Library Activities Room (LAR)
Singapore, and last but not least, it is to have and the camp commenced with attendance
fun. taking and a briefing on the purpose and
The theme of the camp is “Discovery”. proceedings of the camp, as well as the camp
First and foremost, throughout the camp, rules and regulations.
participants get to discover themselves, that is, The participants were split into 3
discover a side of themselves that they never groups to facilitate the activities that were
knew they had by exposing themselves to new carried out and to allow them to interact with
environments. They also managed to discover someone they rarely worked with.
more about fellow librarians which they had
worked with, and also more about the club, its Here are the groupings for the camp:
operations and the people behind it.
Additionally, they discovered places in
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 EXCO
Singapore which they might not have been to.
Last but definitely not least, they get to
Chang Nigel Sean Ang Hui
discover the fun side of HML Club which is
Shu Jian Loo Yap Hao
rarely seen.
Jonathan
Bernard Eugene Tommy
Ang
Wee
Simon Randy Dyon Ang
Kiang
Khang Tay Hui
Ming Jie Ryan
Hwee Chiang
Ms. Mdm. Ong
Mrs. Yap
Mani Ho Chuan Kai

13. every activity, including shelf reading to each
group. Points given were relative to the
Also, to make the competition among activity, and the group with the most points at
groups more intense and to raise the
the end of the camp would win prizes.
enthusiasm of the teams, points were given for
Section 2: Icebreakers
Written by Ong Chuan Kai
Due to time constraints caused by the project corners. They sat together and
inception of other activities, icebreaker games brainstormed for ideas. With markers provided
were substituted with the making of team T- for each team, they showcased their creativity
shirts. This activity lasted for 30minutes after on the white T-shirt provided. They were to
the briefing. The concept of the team T-shirt is come up with a team name and a tagline
to symbolize the team’s identity, just like a which was to be written on the T-shirt
nation’s flag. The objective of wearing the as well. In the process,
shirt is to give a sense of belonging to the they will
team and teams can also take this
opportunity to showcase their creativity.
This activity also helps to bond the team
together as they brainstormed for
ideas and designed the T-shirt
cohesively.
For this activity, the
librarians split up into their groups
and proceeded to the respective
create their
team’s identity. Meanwhile, they
have to relate their T-shirt to the
theme of the camp: “Discovery”.
After 30 minutes of discussion
and designing, the teams
returned to the LAR to present
their T-shirt. The T-shirt designs
were to be judged and the result
determined the starting order of
the 3 teams for the Amazing
Race. After the adjudication, the
starting order was as follows:

14. Group 3, Group 1, and lastly, Group 2. responsibility to the T-shirt and a sense of
belonging to the team. Overall, it was a fun
The T-shirt had to be with the team at and meaningful experience as each team
all times throughout the day and one member worked together in designing their identities,
of each team had to wear it at any point in with jokes and laughter popping out
time. This helped to instill a sense of frequently.
Section 3: Amazing Race
Written and compiled by Tay Hui Chiang
Shortly after the icebreakers, we The station master for this station (Station 1)
boarded a chartered bus which took us to the was Chuan Kai. The participants had to count
Southern Ridges. The Amazing Race was the segments of planks along the entire bridge
played not unlike previous years. Teams were and report the answer to the station master
each given a clue which would lead them to for their first task. The closer the answer is to
the first station. There, they would be asked to the actual one (187), the more points the team
complete a given challenge before getting will be awarded. Group 1 and 2 managed to
their next clue, so on and so forth. The teams get the actual answer while Group 3 was 3
were not allowed to go all at the same time segments off (184). The second task would be
since there would be teams massing at one to take a photo of the bridge as artistically as
station, so they were released in intervals of 5 possible, with points given based on the photo
minutes, with the order being determined by taken. These two tasks could effectively test
how well they performed for their T-shirt their teamwork and creativity.
design.
The clue given for the next station was
The clue given at the starting point a picture of a triangle with an arrow pointing
was the words “LOOK UP”, which would lead to the top. The triangle symbolized Mount
them to the Southern Ridges. Being simple, all Faber, which was near to where they were,
of the teams were able to infer this location and the top essentially meant Faber Point.
rather easily. Most of the groups were able to infer this
location rather easily too.

15. Group 2 was the last group
to reach the station. Their
performance was average as
compared to the other groups, but
they managed to complete the
station fairly quickly. In addition,
they managed to solve the clue to
Station 3, though it still took them
considerably long.
The clue to Hui Chiang’s
station (Station 3) at the Lookout
Point was a rather cryptic one,
which was an eye in the middle of a
recycle sign. All the teams were unable to
At Jonathan’s station in the Amazing solve it and got to Hui Chiang’s station through
Race (Station 2), groups had to re-enact certain wandering around while trying to look for a
scenes throughout the history of Singapore. boy in white shirt and black pants.
Groups had to choose the scenes from the
gallery below Faber Point, then proceed to the Teams at this station were supposed
area above to re-enact the scenes. Similar to to look for 10 paper clips around the lookout
the T-shirt design, Group 3 finished first, point. However, they had to stand in a row,
followed by Group 1 and then Group 2. with an inflated balloon held between their
bodies, such that they looked like large
Group 3 was the first to complete the caterpillars. Dropping the balloon on the
station, and that group’s performance was ground would result in the ‘confiscation’ of 2
decided to be the most realistic, and therefore paper clips. Group 3 arrived first, and they
scored the highest among all the other groups. breezed through the challenge. The difficulty
Their group was also the fastest to solve the of the clue led to our first hitch in the race,
clue. Background knowledge of the locale by where Group 1 got lost. They called Jonathan,
certain members of the group might have who gave misleading instructions, directing
helped them when they attempted to decipher them to the forest beside the Jewel Box.
the clue. Thankfully, they were able to find their way to
Hui Chiang’s station. Similarly, they went
Group 1 was the second group to
through his station easily, although they did
reach the station. Their performance at this
drop the balloon twice. The last group to arrive
station was generally quite poor, with
was Group 2. They did not pass the challenge
members of the group showing an obvious lack
easily, as they were probably not observant
of enthusiasm. This group did not solve the
enough, and could not find paper clips that
clue to the next station. However, a lot of
were right in front of them. However, they did
effort was put in by members of the group to
manage to complete the challenge in a
find the location. Due to the lack of time and
relatively short time as well.
the need to move on with the Race, the
location of the next station was given to them. Hui Hao’s station for Amazing Race
(Station 4) was the first station in Vivocity
where the teams finally got into air-

16. conditioned heaven and out of the hot sun in the pictures whereas others did not. In the
the Southern Ridges. Basically the teams were end, the team with the best and most efficient
required to form a chain of store names that strategy was the clear winner for this station.
started with the store newurbanmale.com and
ended with the store Action City and had to Placed in charge of Station 5, Dyon
include the store SIX. The chain was formed waited for the groups at Vivocity as his station
with the starting and ending letters of each of was the last station before sending the groups
the names. All of the teams found their chain off to lunch. He tried to hide himself
rather easily with the help of the shop somewhere, which failed, as the area around
directory. The hard part came later; the teams Bakerzin was too wide and open-spaced. The
had to take pictures of the stores' signboards objective of his station was to test the
librarians’ attentiveness as they zipped around
in order. Some teams excelled in this task;
Group 3 took the pictures in random order and the stores. The first group arrived 15 minutes
then used another camera to make them seem earlier than the others, and quickly got down
like they were in the right order whereas the to completing their task. However, despite
other teams just wasted about 15 minutes their swiftness, they were unable to spell the
walking around the entire second floor of the stores’ names correctly and therefore had to
shopping complex. All the teams eventually backtrack again. This shows that speed is not
managed to complete their task successfully always an essence in a challenge/task. Next,
with varying amounts of time taken, with while the other teams came to Dyon, he found
Group 3 taking the least time followed by himself debating with some groups on the
Group 2 and lastly Group 1. On analysis of the spelling of the stores which was very time-
results, the time taken by the teams was based wasting. One group especially did not follow
on one factor: strategy. None of the teams the previous station master Hui Hao’s
chose the time-consuming method of looking instructions and received a penalty. From this
around the entire floor for the names and station, we can learn that librarians are
effective in working with each other and one
instead used a directory; however, some
teams had a strategy when it came to taking can complete a given task well while working
with his team.

17. Section 4: Marina Barrage Activities
floods that are otherwise damaging can be
Written by Ong Chuan Kai prevented. After the tour, the challenge was
released to the groups. Groups would have to
After having lunch at Kopitiam in Vivo give a 15-minute presentation on one of the
City, the teams embarked on a journey to the six galleries in the Sustainable Singapore
newly opened Marina Barrage. They took the Gallery assigned to them. The presentation
MRT to Marina Bay and took a shuttle bus to would be done in school. Each team was given
Marina Barrage from there. Groups brought 1 hour to do research on the gallery that they
along cameras and notebooks to capture were assigned. They could do so in the form of
memories. copying down notes and taking photos. After
The Marina Barrage was opened just 2 being brought back to school by a chartered
weeks before the camp on 1 November 2008, bus, the groups were given 1 hour to prepare
and so it was decided that the participants their presentations on laptops in the central
would go there to learn more about this aisle of the HML. Then, they proceeded to the
engineering marvel, in relation to the theme of Dining Hall for dinner. Immediately after
Discovery. Librarians could also boost their dinner, the teams assembled in the LAR for
research and presentation skills with the their presentations. They were judged by 3
challenge posed to them, which will be guest judges, namely Cham Bao Rong, Daniel
explained later on. Goh and Li Yiyang. They are members of the
HML Club alumni and had returned to help out
Upon reaching the barrage, we had a with the camp. The teams presented with
walk around the site as we waited for the various styles, but all presented valuable
guided tour to commence. At 2.30pm, a tour information regarding the Marina Barrage. The
guide from Marina Barrage took us on an judges gave useful comments to the
engaging tour around the premises and the presenters after their experience in Project
Sustainable Singapore Gallery. Unfortunately, Work in RJC. These comments definitely
we did not get to tour the rooftop lawn due to helped the presenters to improve in the
a heavy rain. From this tour, we gained useful future. To round up the whole experience of
knowledge about the barrage and its impact. discovering the Marina Barrage, a 2-part video
For example, the barrage created a reservoir on the barrage was screened.
for the city, increasing our fresh water supply.
Also, by controlling the water level within the This was undoubtedly an enriching
bay, experience for everyone as they got to know a
lot about the barrage, which will definitely
benefit them in time to come as the barrage is
a key icon in Singapore. It was also meaningful
as we were the pioneering Raffles Institution
group to tour the barrage! This journey of
“Discovery” definitely brought out the camp’s
theme. Besides these, the participants
unarguably benefited, as their knowledge
about the barrage and their presentation skills
had been boosted with this experience.

18. Section 5: Treasure Hunt cum Station Games
Written and compiled by Tay Hui Chiang
The treasure hunt took place on the second day the ‘proton number’ being 2. This clue led to the
of the camp after the Lifestyle Choices station which was the corridor between Lecture
workshop. It is held to foster creativity and Theatres 2 and 3. All of the groups were able to
bonding among the teams, and is also a warm- infer this location rather easily.
up for the more vigorous station games. Groups
were required to find random, everyday objects The station master at Station 1 was
such as pens and were to return to the library Chuan Kai. The activity at that station was
within half an hour. In that time, the HML EXCO called “Fit It”. Groups were given three sizes
was busy setting up their stations for the next of newspapers and they were to get all
activity - Station Games. To make the challenge members onto the newspaper without any
more interesting, ex-librarians Yiyang and Bao part of their feet touching any area outside
Rong patrolled the area with a whole bag of the newspaper. With each successful effort, a
stationery. However, the groups were required smaller piece of newspaper would be used,
to complete a task, such as reciting the increasing the task’s difficulty. Points were
awarded if they could complete the task
Rafflesian Principle of Honour before they could
get one of the ‘treasures’ in the bag. In the end, without tearing any papers. Equal members
Group 3 came in first with the most number of from each team took part in the activity so as
to ensure fairness. Group 1 ‘survived’ 1 fold,
items, followed by Group 2 and lastly Group 1.
The winning group was the most enthusiastic of Group 2 ‘survived’ 2 and Group 3 amazingly
all as they went around the school compound, ‘survived’ 3.
searching high and low for the ‘treasures’. They After completing the activity, groups
also tried to obtain as many ‘treasures’ as were given the next clue, which is the clue for
possible from Yiyang and Bao Rong. The group Station 2. The clue given was the anagram
coming in last was rather unenthusiastic as they “Stupids Teams”, which when rearranged
walked around with no clear objective and did became “Stadium Steps”. As this location is
not bother much about Yiyang and Bao Rong. seldom referred to, all groups only managed
This showed that enthusiasm and clever use of to solve the anagram after a few minutes,
resources are key winning traits in this hunt and which was also after the station master
this is also applicable to our lives, where many provided them with more clues.
achieved success as they are upbeat in their
work and intelligently make use of what they Station 2, Hui Hao’s station, was the
have. one which required the most setting up,
because of the large number of materials
The station games took place after the required. The groups had to pass water
treasure hunt. Groups were given clues to bombs from the first member to next, each
different stations so that they would not be standing 5 meters apart. For each water bomb
rushing to the same station at once. that they successfully passed, they scored
The clue for Station 1 was the ‘atomic points and the points were given based on the
symbol’ ‘Lt’, with the ‘atomic mass’ being 3 and number of water bombs successfully passed
1
8

19. along the chain. However, due to a lack of was next to reach the station. When they
resources, the groups were only given a reached the station, they initially took very long
maximum of 9 water bombs and were advised to find Jonathan, hence causing frustration
to make full use of them and not waste any. later. When they attempted the task, they
There was another problem; one of the teams initially took off very quickly, but later slowed
had fewer members, so it was much easier for down as they progressed around the course.
them to pass the water bombs to each other as This contributed to them being the slowest of all
there was less opportunity for error along the the teams.
chain following the decrease in the number of
passes. Hence, the points for the other two The last group to attempt the station
teams were increased proportionately to make was Group 2. Like Group 1, they initially started
well, being the fastest group to complete half
the game as fair as possible. In the end, Group 3
and Group 1 both received 300 points whereas the route. However, they later made some
Group 2 received 150 points. serious errors, which contributed to their group
earning second place instead of first. For
The toothpick search (Station 3) can be example, near the end of the route, they missed
considered one of the most grueling games of out on one station, and were almost disqualified
the whole camp. Toothpicks were scattered on for stopping at the second last corner and
the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor of the Junior Block by removing the blindfold.
the station master, Hui Chiang, before the start
of the game. Teams were then asked to look for For Dyon’s station (Station 5), groups
the toothpicks. However, the catch is that only went around searching high and low for the
quotes of Mr S. Rajaratnam. This provided an
one person was allowed to go up at one time,
and he could only retrieve one toothpick per opportunity for the librarians to immerse
trip. The members of the team were neither themselves into the life of one of our nation’s
allowed to place toothpicks in a convenient founding fathers. Many of the groups did not
place nor talk to each other. Each team was work very well together at this station, with one
given 10 minutes, and had to collect as many or two of the group members drifting away,
toothpicks as possible. Group 1, despite having minding their own business or searching for the
the fewest people, came in first, while Group 3 words themselves. Upon completing the
came in second, and Group 2 came in third assignment that Dyon gave them, they were
because they violated the rules by telling each asked by Dyon to explain one of the more
other where the toothpicks were. difficult quotes. A group decided to give Dyon a
completely irrelevant answer which resulted in
At Jonathan’s station in the Station a penalty as it did not make much sense at all.
Games (Station 4), groups were tasked to guide He suspected that they did that to rush for time.
one blindfolded member of the group verbally The other groups, however, gave fairly
around a designated course in the fastest satisfactory answers which at least showed
possible time. Group 3 finished first, followed by some promise.
Group 2 and then Group 1. Group 3 was the
first group to attempt the station. Their Overall, most of the teams did well in
communication skills were excellent, and thus completing their tasks and getting to their next
their blindfolded member could follow their stations. However, their performance could
instructions without hesitation, resulting in have been further improved by showing more
them finishing faster than the other Group 1 enthusiasm and working better with their
teammates.

20. Section 6: Shelf-reading
Written by Ong Chuan Kai
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 EXCO group
NF 8-14 NF 15-20 NF 21-26 Reference
The amount of work for each group
had been fairly distributed. The process went
on smoothly with everyone busy shelf-
Shelf-reading was held during the reading, putting in effort, with their points at
second night of the camp. After dinner at the stake. During this time, Hui Hao, the Chief
Dining Hall, the librarians headed back to the Librarian from the EXCO group went around
library and started with the shelving of some to check the shelves that each group had
remaining books on the trolley. Then, they completed. The shelf-reading was done
split into their respective groups, with the satisfactorily and the activity ended earlier
EXCO forming a group as well. Each group than expected.
went on to shelf-read their allocated shelves.
Altogether, the shelf-reading activity
The 2 main purposes of this activity has bonded the groups and the condition of
were namely to make the library neater and the library has definitely improved with this
tidier as well as to foster bonds between the session. It was indeed a meaningful and
librarians as they worked together to achieve beneficial activity. With the neatness of the
a common goal. library improved, both visitors and students
will have a pleasant experience in the library.
Starting off, the groups were
With the library’s environment tidier, it will be
allocated specific shelves to shelf-read. The
more conducive for learning.
allocation is shown below.
Section 7: Lifestyle Choices Workshop
Written by Tay Hui Chiang
For the first time in RI, a Lifestyle board game which seemed rather intimidating
Choices workshop was conducted by Business at the start. However, after playing 2 rounds,
Today South Africa (Pte) Ltd and was attended most of the groups got the hang of it, and
by those who were here for the HML Club camp started to enjoy the game and appreciate the
as well as students involved in business-related lessons that could be learnt from it. Of course,
Research Education projects. The main what is a game without hilarious moments?
facilitator of the workshop was witty and Simon got hospitalized due to a stress-related
charismatic, and managed to break the ice with heart attack and the lack of time spent in
a largely unresponsive audience after less than physical health and leisure, while Hui Hao got
half an hour. Following a brief introduction to married. The light-hearted atmosphere carried
the workshop, we were then introduced to a on throughout the 2 days of the workshop as
2
0

21. we played a simulation of 12 years of our life also learnt that every decision we make,
within 5 hours. whether small or big, comes with both positive
and negative consequences. The consequences
More importantly, we learnt many may not be felt immediately, but could be felt
lessons from such a game. Firstly, we learnt the after a long period of time. Amidst many
importance of time and money. These are 2 others, we also learnt the importance of an
precious resources that cannot be recovered effective work-life balance, as one cannot do
once used, and thus have to be used only after without the other. We should strike a balance
great consideration. Secondly, we need to between work and leisure, so as to be able to
evaluate risks before taking them; otherwise live our lives to the fullest.
they might have adverse consequences. We
Section 8: Birthday Bash and Food
Written by Ong Chuan Kai
The birthday bash was the second last librarians returned to the HML. To conclude,
event of the camp and lasted for approximately the bash was enjoyable and pleasant for all
half an hour. It took place after the closure of participants.
the Lifestyle Choices workshop.
As for food throughout the camp, a
The objective of the birthday bash was sufficient amount was needed to ensure that
to celebrate the birthdays of librarians born in the librarians had enough energy to participate
the months of October to December. It was actively in the camp. On the 1st day, there was
also to be a form of celebration to round up the lunch, dinner and supper. On the 2nd day, there
camp and credit the librarians for all their hard was breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. On
work throughout the year. the last day, there was breakfast, lunch as well
as tea.
Food was catered by ISS in a private
room in the Dining Hall. Our guests, the All meals were provided by ISS in the
workshop facilitators, were also invited to join Dining Hall, with the exception of the lunch at
us for this tea session. There were delicious Vivocity where participants had to pay for their
pastries and cakes. The snacks were coupled food themselves. This was to make things
with lemon barley drink. Everyone enjoyed the simpler and so that the costs could be worked
bash as they chatted and savored the food. out easily. The food provided by ISS was
satisfactory too. Some snacks were bought at
After the bash in the private room,
NTUC Fair Price for supper. They could also be
birthday cards were given to librarians born in eaten should the need arise throughout the
the months of October to December when the camp, especially during the Amazing Race.

22. Section 9: Conclusion and Reflections
Written by Ong Chuan Kai
To round up the camp, points for the problems. The planning process may be tedious
groups were tallied and the positions were but it is much needed for a successful camp. It
determined. The final positions for the groups was an eye-opening experience for us and we
are as follows: 1st - Group 3, 2nd - Group 1 and benefited much from this learning experience.
3rd- Group 2. As seen from the positions in the
various activities, the result was as expected. Ex-librarians like Yiyang and Kang Jie
Group 3 evidently put in the most amount of sacrificed their time to come back and help out
effort and making good use of their skills and with the camp planning and we were very
talents, they managed to excel in most thankful to them for offering their help and
activities with hard work. The other two groups guiding us along. In the camp itself, ex-
also did well and their effort was definitely librarians like Bao Rong, Daniel and Yiyang
recognized. Everyone benefited in one way or came back as guest judges and even as care-
another and they enjoyed themselves in the takers, showing that HML Club is like a closely-
knitted family and the alumni still return to this
process.
“home” of theirs to help out. With this strong
The camp was the first event that the bond and motivation from the seniors and
newly appointed EXCO of ‘08/’09 had to plan. 4 teachers, we strived on and made sure that the
out of 5 of us were still Sec 2s and this was the camp will run smoothly.
first time all of us planned a camp. This was
indeed a new and fresh experience for us and We did our best and from the feedback
we looked forward to it. Under the leadership gathered from camp participants, the camp
of Hui Hao, the Chief Librarian, the guidance of was successful on the whole with much praise
Mrs Yap, the teacher-in-charge of HML Club as from the participants, which we were glad to
well as Ms Mani and Mdm Ho, the staff of HML, receive. However, there were also weaknesses
pointed out. We acknowledged our weaknesses
we kickstarted the planning as early as
September. With much guidance, we and treated them as valuable learning points
confidently took up this first challenge posed to for us to pick up. The utmost satisfaction from a
camp organizer would be seeing the
us.
participants enjoy the camp and learn
As we moved along, we put in effort in meaningful things from it. Seeing our hard work
planning various activities and went to reccee pay off and that participants acknowledged and
different places all over Singapore to ensure a appreciated our efforts was really heart-
smooth running of the camp. Through the warming and we really felt that it was worth all
process, we encountered some problems like the pains. It is also of utmost importance that
the inclusion of a 2-day workshop but we we learn from our weaknesses and seek to
managed to resolve it and adjust the timeline improve them as we continue to better
accordingly, compromising certain activities. ourselves as leaders of the club and organize
We learnt to be able to adapt to changes and events of greater success in the future.
make appropriate decisions to counter Constructive criticism benefited us and we

23. managed to “Discover” more about ourselves, weekly duties, we serve together as one,
as we linked to the theme of the camp. keeping the students’ welfare in mind and
working together to make the library a more
Some things which we can improve on
conducive place for learning.
are the timing of the camp as it clashed with
OIP and other core CCA camps. We can also get To round up this process of organizing
new and fresh ideas as ideas should not be re- a camp, we would say that even as organizers,
used over and over again, thus the camp would we benefited no lesser than the participants.
not grow to be repetitive and boring for the This was indeed a valuable experience for all of
participants. us and we could definitely apply what we have
learnt in the future, be it in school or in life. We
The smooth running of the camp and picked up precious learning points in various
the enjoyment from various activities with a aspects, like planning, organization,
strong purpose in mind would not possible coordination, administration, leadership etc. As
without the involvement of librarians, be it the we improved ourselves as leaders of the club,
participants or the organizers, including the we hope that the club will grow with us and
teachers and ex-librarians. Everyone played a together, we can definitely scale greater
part in making this camp as it was and heights.
everyone mattered to the success of the camp.
As the saying goes, “One for all, all for one”, we In conclusion, the camp was
progress as a club and reap fruits of success as definitely a success from ours as well as
a club. Despite being organizers, as we the participant‟s point of view and the
participated in the activities with the objectives were certainly met.
participants, we actually unknowingly met our
own objectives for the participants as we learnt
and enjoyed with the participants. Following
the camp, as we continue to bond in our

24. RAFFLES
trail
By Tay Hui Chiang …………………….would be hard to find
space for a projector
screen for the
presentation.
However, we
eventually went on
with having the
Raffles Trail in the
library for a number
a reasons. Firstly, it
was decided that the
library would be
closed so no one
except the Sec 1s
and the librarians
would be in the
library. The sofas at
The Raffles Trail for the Hullett the back of the library were also moved
Memorial Library Club was held on the strategically to prevent the Sec 1s from
13th of February (Friday). The Raffles getting distracted, to block off some
Trail is basically a time for Secondary 1 areas, such as the Surfpool, and to
Students to get to know the CCAs of RI create space for a projector screen.
better. Another presentation area was set up in
the Library Activities Room so that 3
During the planning stage, the
classes could be presented to at any
EXCO faced several obstacles but
point in time. Another problem faced
managed to overcome them. Firstly,
was the lack of manpower. Chuan Kai
there was confusion as to whether the
could not come due to an important
Raffles Trail would be held in the library
event in his CCA. This problem was
or in a classroom. Some preferred the
solved by roping in many other
classroom as the library would be very
members of the library.
busy, especially on Fridays and thus the
Sec 1s would get distracted. Also, it

25. At 1.25pm, an
announcement was made
to inform the students in
the library that they had to
leave because of the
Raffles Trail. All of them
left in several minutes.
Next, we had a briefing by
Mrs. Yap. Firstly, she told
us that the HML Club was
a service-oriented club.
Joining such a club would
allow us to be experienced
everyone was familiar with the slides,
in serving others, and without
Jonathan briefed us on the plan for the
experience of doing service internally,
day.
one can never hope to do real service in
the outside world. Next, she told us It was decided that there would
about the importance of the Raffles be 2 available areas for briefing the
Trail. During this stage, Secondary 1 Secondary 1s, the back of the library
students will be talked to about the HML where 2 classes could be briefed at
Club in general and interested students once and the Library Activities Room
can sign up. Lastly, she talked to us where 1 class could be briefed. Stations
about how the HML Club was like a were assigned to the librarians. Hui Hao
small family, bonded together by the was the photographer; Hui Chiang, Zhe
passion for service to the school and Herng, Bernard and Melvin were
the love of the library. She also said that assigned to do the presentation in the
the HML Club is only looking for LAR, while the rest took turns to be the
passionate, committed and responsible doorman, crowd controller and the
members and thus not everyone can presenters in the library.
qualify.
The first few presentations went
Following the briefing, we had a rather well, with many Sec 1s signing
short outline on the PowerPoint slides up, although some of us were rather
done by Dyon. Some of the slides nervous. The first few presentations
contained photos which were taken were conducted by the seniors, while
several years ago, thus many of us did the following ones were conducted by
not recognize where they were taken the Sec 2s. This was to allow them to
and when. Also, each class was only have a feel of conducting presentations
allowed 10 minutes at the HML, and so they will know what to do for future
there were 11 slides, so this meant that presentations and Raffles Trails. We
we could only spend less than 1 minute were rather demoralized after seeing
per slide and also have time for the several classes with no one signing up,
interested Secondary 1s to ask but we still kept going and tried to be
questions and to sign up. After enthusiastic in our presentations.

26. Although the HML Club Raffles duty hours and not because he
Trail was well-organized, the same sincerely wants to serve the school.
cannot be said for the Raffles Trail
event in general. After around 6 classes Another issue that was raised
at the start, there was a large gap of 2 was the fact that many librarians lack
hours before the next classes came. responsibility. Many of them do not
This could be due to the lack of come for duty without informing the
organization and proper planning by the EXCO for the day or the teacher-in-
committee in charge of the Raffles Trail. charge. They leave it to the EXCO to
Even then, there were at least 3 classes call them to ask for a reason why they
who did not have a chance to go are not at duty. It is the onus of the
through our CCA‟s presentation. librarian to inform the concerned
authority that they are not coming and a
During the gap of 2 hours, valid reason for excusing themselves. I
Jonathan conducted a debriefing hope that this session would definitely
session with the librarians who were still bring about a change in the attitudes of
here as he was overall-in-charge of the librarians.
event and Hui Hao. Firstly, the issue of
lack of commitment among librarians The Raffles Trail on 13th
was discussed. Librarians come for duty February 2009 ended at around 5.30pm
and leave far before closing, citing work when it was decided by Hui Hao that no
or studying as an excuse. This shows a other classes were coming. We closed
lack of passion for service as the the library, neatened the Library
librarian places his homework as his Activities Room and left, feeling rather
first priority over the library. Another satisfied with the 30 signups. We did not
example would be librarians can know how many will quit before they
sometimes be seen „slacking‟ while reach Secondary 4. However, it was our
signed in. When asked to do something, hope that all of them had the passion
they say that they would sign out and commitment to continue serving the
immediately. library until
This example their last
would show days in RI.
that the
librarian only
signs in for

27. Training of New Librarians
By Joshua Phang included pictures and a short summary
before every process. The process of the
The presentation to train the secondary 1s
making of the presentation was tiring and
were made known late and it was only at
many photos had to be taken. That was the
one of the morning meetings that I decided
easy part. The challenging part came in
to take up this task. I feel passionate about
when I was trying to arrange the photos and
this as I hope to leave a legacy behind in the
collate the information given to me by Miss
library. Thus, I felt that serving the school
Many and Mdm. Ho.
meant that I had to put my heart and soul
into this task as it will not only affect people I tried to organize the pictures and the
in the short term but in the long run as well. information according to their categories.
Two cameras were used in the process as Thus, I used hyperlinks for easy references
well as some librarians and teachers acting and to allow the reader to zoom in to the
out some of the scenes. Much thought has part which they are looking for. The design
been put into this presentation with Mrs. of the slides was definitely not so good in
Yap monitoring me occasionally, while Miss terms of design as the time was limited.
Mani and Mdm. Ho giving me the input,
There were limitations of this training
with all their hard work, I could not help but
though. Firstly, not many secondary 1s
equal the input that was given by producing
turned up on the first training, only four
a presentation fit enough to train the
actually turned up as some of them had
secondary 1s both efficiently and clearly.
other commitments. Secondly, the team
The main objective was to ensure this would
presenting, namely Jonathan, Zhe Herng and
be a service to the library and can be used
I, did not manage to start on time. Instead of
for a long period of time.
starting at 1.30pm we started at 2.00pm
The making of the PowerPoint slide which was rather disappointing.
presentation, which contained a total of 83
During the span of preparing the slides, I
slides, was tedious but the end product was
learnt many things from the library. During
satisfactory. This was because though there
the training itself I felt that being interactive
were a lot of constrains, such as time and
and posing them questions were the only
manpower, the presentation still consisted
way to ensure that the new librarians know
of an in-depth explanation and procedure.
their work. The slides were created and
The presentation was created in a week and
targeted mainly at the secondary 1s and I

28. hope that they would remember the step- to anyone who joins the library during the
by-step methods of carrying out borrowing, span of the year and it can also help as a
returning, etc. reference guide to existing librarians and
parent volunteers too.
Training the secondary 1s was actually a test
of my presentation and interaction skills. In conclusion, I would like to wrap up the
The secondary 1s, fortunately, were very training program as a success as the
enthusiastic and they were willing to secondary 1s were interested and learned
participate in the “recap” portion of the much from it. With that, I look forward to
presentation. The presentation had flaws the recruitment of committed librarians
though as I didn’t include the new features willing to sacrifice their time to serve the
of the library. The feedback received was school in many ways.
that it went well though it was a bit boring.
I feel that through these slides, it would be
beneficial to not only the secondary 1s but

29. LCM Day
Report
circumstances, we were not able to predict
By Zhe Herng and Melvin the time allocation properly, and thus, this
led to some organization problems. For
The recently concluded LCM day for
example, there was a lack of time for the
our librarians was held on the 20th March movie and the whole day’s activities ended
2009 Friday during the March school later than expected. I felt that the planning
holidays, our newly recruited Secondary was well thought up, but were not sufficient
One librarians as well as our more in certain areas, like the time allocation. I
experienced members of the HML club had fell that maybe, the planning could have
better estimation of the time by giving
a day of fun and bonding. It was an
some allowances. Overall, the planning was
enjoyable day of getting together and still quite good.
making new friends as well as learning more
about the library. The day started off with a briefing
done by Mrs. Cheryl Yap. This was followed
The first part to the LCM day was by icebreakers, allowing us to get to know
the planning made by the EXCO in the others as well as understand those we knew
weeks before LCM day. The EXCO members
of better. The icebreakers included games
were required to plan the icebreaker
games, the schedule, the movie, the visit by like Whacko, dog and bone, bingo as well as
the RGS librarians, as well as the feedback follow the leader. Whacko is a game where
forms. However, due to certain a person who is the whacko, has to whack

30. the person whose name is called. The descriptive line, for example “someone with
person whose name was call can call out 3 or more siblings”. Each person has to ask
another person’s name and the “whacko” around to see if anyone fits that context to
has to whack that person. The game goes get him to sign the box. The winner is the
on until someone is whacked and then he person who completes a line of five boxes
takes over as the “whacko”. Whacko was with signatures. Bingo, however, was not as
easily the favourite game as it was the most attractive as the other games, as walking
fun, where the librarians joked a lot during about the room asking people questions
the game. was probably not the most attractive game.
These could be seen from survey where the
Dog and Bone is played when two
librarians stated their opinions. I can safely
or more parties assign a number to each
say that many of our librarians, new and
person in a group. The IC calls out a number
old, had much fun. Though it was a bit of a
and the person with that number has to run
rowdy affair as the icebreakers were lacking
and get the bone back to his base to get the
some organization as at times it was too
point. However, if he is touched by the
rowdy, it was still very enjoyable, thanks to
opponent when holding the bone, the
our librarians’ enthusiasm. The whole club
opponent gets the point. The game is
bonded together as a group well at the start
decided by the team with the most points.
of the LCM Day.
Dog and bone and was fun, but it was very
unorganized, due to a lack of organization. After a fun session of games, the
librarians proceeded to do some work in
Follow the leader is played when a
groups that were assigned to them. Groups
leader is chosen and then everyone except
were assigned in a way that there would be
one person knows who the leader is. When
a mix of senior and junior librarians in each
the other person enters the room, everyone
group. Each group was assigned to do an
has to imitate the leader in whatever he is
hour of shelf-reading. Shelf reading is an
doing. The guesser or the
only other person has to
guess who the leader is
by looking out for the
person who is
“controlling” everyone’s
reaction. Overall, the
game was fun, but it was
also not very organized.
Overall, the icebreaker
games were very fun.
Bingo is played
when everyone gets a
slip of paper with a

31. important job in the library as tidying up the HML club provided food, catered by ISS, and
shelves is one of the main duties of a the RGS library club brought snacks, at
librarian, and our librarians accomplished 2.15pm in the dining hall. The librarians
this job to their best ability. Librarians new from both schools ended off the session by
and old alike slogged hard for more than an doing the unite cheer.
hour and reaped the rewards of satisfaction
Overall, the visit was well
and content upon completing each shelf.
appreciated by both sides. Ultimately, the
After a rest period, where our objectives were not really achieved, as
librarians went out for lunch at Junction 8, there was still a lack of interaction between
the library members continued to work both schools as both library clubs were
hard for another hour, preparing for the probably awkward or shy as this was the
impending arrival of the RGS librarians. first time both sides met each other.
Despite working tirelessly,
our librarians completed
much of the work, namely
shelf-reading, within a short
period of time. Most of the
non-fiction shelves as well
as the entire reference
section were tidied up.
Following the period
of hard work, came the
arrival of our guests, the
RGS library club. The main
intention of the visit by the
RGS library club was for the
However, the librarians enjoyed this activity
RGS library club to observe the way we
as it was a time for our librarians to rest and
handled the library as well as the library
have a tea-break after some work in the
itself as well as to foster bonds between the
library. This activity should be held again as
clubs and to allow for interaction between
this would encourage more interaction
the librarians of the two schools. The HML
between both schools, and thus allowing
club entertained our guests by giving them
the librarians to bond together.
a tour of the library as well as a short
PowerPoint presentation to introduce the Concluding the day’s events, the
library to our guests, made by Mrs. Yap, our librarians enjoyed a movie, namely Ip Man,
teacher-in-charge. The librarians did their to end off the day as well as to teach the
level best and introduced the HML with librarians certain values that could be seen
familiarity, doing very well in guiding our in the movie. The movie was very
guests. The tour and the presentation were interesting and exciting, filled with many
followed by a short tea session, where the action scenes, and our members enjoyed

32. the movie greatly. The movie also thought stopped and after completing the feedback
us many things, like teaching us moral forms, the librarians were dismissed.
courage to stand up against what is wrong
Through the day’s activities, the
as well as to be true to oneself. The only
objectives were achieved as the librarians
setback was that we were not able to
got to know each other better. However,
the planning and organization could be
improved by improving time allocation as
well as more interaction between the
librarians from RI and RGS, as there was a
lack of time for certain planned activities
and also because that the library members
from both clubs had little interaction. This
may be possible by having more interactive
activities, such as having some icebreaker
or station games, or even working together
complete the movie due to the lack of time, in the library, planned for both the library
as the movie was only half completed at clubs. Overall, the whole day of events was
5pm as there was a lack of time due to the enjoyable and fun. It was certainly a
fact that time had already exceeded what memorable day for the Hullett Memorial
was planned and the RGS librarians stayed Library club.
on longer than we originally planned. The
movie was

33. Open House Report
Written by Jonathan Ang
On the 23rd of March 2009, Raffles
Institution held its annual Open House
for Primary 6 students to showcase the
school and its facilities, including the
Hullett Memorial Library. The RI Open
House 2009 was held from 09 00 to 16
00. As the Hullett Memorial Library is
part of the facilities of the school,
librarians were called to give tours of the
Library.
Planning for the Open House
started in early April. It was decided by tour of library, for the visitors, and promote
the school that this year’s Open House the library as part of the Institution's long
should be more interactive than previous list of outstanding facilities. The tour would
years’, so the library EXCO had to provide the visitors with valuable
brainstorm for a suitable idea for an information regarding the use of the library,
interactive activity. It was eventually and why it is one of the outstanding. At the
decided that a pop quiz of the library would end of the tour, there would be a small pop
be appropriate, and the basic materials that quiz to help the visitors recall the features
were required were quickly gathered and of the library. If the visitor was successful,
set-up. Also, new tour notes had to be he would receive a limited edition HML
compiled to include the addition of new bookmark designed by Teo Cal-vin, printed
facilities in the library, such as the change of by Mrs. Yap and made by the parent
thematic display to the IYA 2009 and the volunteers.
Darwin 200 exhibits, and the inclusion of
the new Reference Room. On Friday, the 15th of May, a briefing
was held in the Library Activities Room
For the Open House itself, (currently the Teacher's Reference Library)
librarians were organised into 2 separate regarding Open House. Attendance of the
shifts—The morning shift and the afternoon briefing was compulsory for all Librarians.
shift. The morning shift was from 07 30 to The purpose of the briefing was to educate
12 30, while the afternoon shift was from the Secondary one librarians about the
12 00 to 17 00. Librarians would conduct a touring process, and also to refresh the

34. memory of the senior librarians. Besides different groups, and were assigned
that, there were also new facilities of the different sections of the library to shelf
library, such as the Reference Room, that read. Stray books were also returned to the
the senior librarians had to take note of trolleys and were subsequently shelved.
when conducting their tours this year. After The tidying up ended when the first visitors
the briefing, the attendances of the various started arriving at 08 45.
librarians and their shifts were confirmed.
Librarians were recalled back from
Besides that, they were also briefed on how
their shelf reading duties and told to stay at
to operate the pop quiz ‘station’ at the loan
the counter to prepare for visitors. A
counter, and when to give out the
librarian was also assigned to open the
bookmarks as prizes. Mrs Yap also came to
library doors for visitors so that they would
give a speech on the importance of the
have a good impression of librarians. They
Open House, and why it was important for
would also be wearing their library sweaters
everybody to attend Open House. The
to distinguish themselves from the other
briefing started at 13 15 and ended at 1400.
students working in the library. The rest of
On the day itself, at 07 30, the the librarians stayed in the area outside the
librarians for the morning shift reported bag storage room to wait for the visitors.
outside the library for a short briefing When the visitors arrived in their families,
before open house. At that time, the library Hui Hao assigned a librarian for each family,
was still closed. Tour notes were given out, and allowed the librarians to tour the
and the librarians were expected to read groups. Every new librarian was to tag on to
the notes to familiarise themselves with it a tour conducted by a senior librarian,
while waiting the library to be opened. before they were allowed to conduct their
own tours.
At 0800, the library was opened. The
librarians proceeded inside for a bit of last- At 10 00, after the Principal's Talk,
minute tidying-up before the visitors the visitors started arriving in large
arrived. The librarians were divided into numbers. Most of the librarians were busy
conducting tours, and the
few that were not doing
tours were helping with
the pop quiz in the loan
counter. The crowd of
visitors was sustained
until around 10 30, when
the number of visitors
decreased significantly
because they were busy
touring the other CCAs
and facilities as well as
attending other talks that

35. the school had planned. After the crowd library. This way, more people will be able
had diminished, some librarians were called to visit the library as it is part of the usher's
into the pantry for their breaks, while the itinerary and there were probably less
rest of the librarians stayed around the loan visitors this year as the HML is difficult to
counter in case any other visitors arrived. locate and they may not be interested in
After the librarians had taken their break, viewing a library. If the system was changed
they swapped with the librarians on tour back, it could in turn improve the library’s
duty, and the librarians on tour duty took image as a place that would affect their
their breaks. decision to send their child to RI.
After every session of the Principal's Overall feedback from the visitors
Talk, there would be a great influx of was that they were impressed with the
parents from the Auditorium. The librarians library as well as the librarians because the
stationed on tour duty had to take the librarians ‘speak well’ and their English was
visitors on tours first, while the librarians ‘very good’. The tours were generally well-
inside the pantry would quickly finish their received by all. The library is an integral part
food and continue on with their own tour of the school's facilities, and it would be
duties. The librarians beneficial to the overall
who had just finished image of the school,
their tours would then Overall feedback from the visitors should more attention
give another tour, until was that they were impressed with be given to the library
the library as well as the librarian.s
the numbers of visitors during the Open House.
The tours were generally well-
had died down received by all The overall
sufficiently for them to
organisation of the
go on their own breaks.
Open House was good. However, this does
Hence, this process repeated until the end
not include the organisation on the school’s
of the last Principal's Talk.
part. The school’s organisation was
At the end of Open House, at generally messy, and failed to direct parents
around 1600, the visitors started to to the different facilities easily. There was
decrease significantly. By 16 30, visitors had inadequate direction provided for the
stopped arriving at the library. At this point, parents touring the school, and a large
the librarians were gathered in the majority of them failed to arrive at the
Reference Room for a debrief. Topics for library. An organisation similar to previous
debriefing included librarian conduct during years would be better, as it would allow
the tour, and how improvements could be more parents to tour the library.
made for next year's open house. There was
In conclusion, this open house can
a general consensus that the Open House
be considered as a success; however it
could be better organised by the school,
would have been even more successful had
resembling previous years which have
more people come to visit the library.
ushers guiding groups of people to the

36. New Sections in the Library
Over the past semester, many changes have undergone in and around the library, so as to
improve the overall atmosphere of the library. These changes include the opening of a
Reference Room, the movement of books from the Teacher’s Reference Library to the
Library Activities Room, an upgrade of the television sets in the library and two new project
corners. Of course, the movement of books for the TRL and the Reference Room required
the help of our librarians, and not surprisingly, the club was extremely enthusiastic about it.
Reference Room
The new reference room
was officially opened in
March 2009. Being
relatively new, we had to
add a few rules to ensure
organization. There are two
main rules: Firstly, only
quiet reading was allowed
in this room, and secondly,
no books should be taken
out of the reference room.
Posters were designed by
Calvin and Sun Lin to serve
as a constant reminder not
to violate these two rules.
The creation of the reference room brought
with it several advantages. Firstly, students

37. had a quiet environment to do their own study or to browse through the reference books.
Secondly, reference books could not be taken out of the room, which meant that it would
not be mixed up with the rest of the books. Lastly, the movement of the reference books
from their old shelves meant that those shelves were freed up for the non-fiction books,
creating more space for them.
The movement of the reference books took place during the March Holidays. Several
librarians turned up, and with the help of the library staff and a few scholars, the process
took place rather smoothly and with little hiccups, although there was some confusion as to
where the language and the last few non-fiction books should go to. These problems were
finally solved and the old reference section now
contains the 800 section onwards.
Televisions in the Techive and the Library
The techive enjoyed a small improvement as well. Three new, high-
definition LCD television sets were installed so as to provide better
quality video screening for the students.
Two new television sets were also installed in the thematic display
corner. These television sets are currently screening PowerPoint
presentations of Darwin 200 and the International Year of Astronomy
2009 (IYA) done by 2 librarians, in accordance
to our theme for the month. Additionally, the
entrance of the library is currently screening a
video clip from a documentary of our Minister
Mentor, which is also related to another one of
our themes, famous Rafflesians.