UBD Library acquires rare books, old manuscripts

UBD recently acquired 51 rare books and 18 old manuscripts materials as part of the library’s effort to strengthen the Brunei Studies collection. These are in addition to develop the library’s general print collection and electronic books collection to support students’ learning and research. Recent purchases of the old manuscripts were personally from Awang Haji Matassim bin Haji Jibah and the rare books were from Antique Dealers Sdn Bhd.

UBD currently holds about 1,175 rare books and 220 titles of old manuscripts. These collections can be considered as one of the best collections in Brunei Darussalam. These rare books are mainly works published on the history of Brunei and Borneo dated from 1825 publications. Among the new titles acquired of the old manuscripts were Syarah Al Ajrukiyah, Kitab Tauhid, Debate on Tauhid and Fiqh, Qawa’idul Isam, Nishkhah Mubarakh and many more. Since these materials are of significance to researchers and institutional academics, access to these resources are controlled with relevant procedures.

Some of the rare books from UBD Library

In a separate development, UBD Library is also offering Alumni membership to its former staff and students. This is part of the university’s effort to support lifelong learning, to meet their information and research needs, and for personal and professional development.

With a minimal annual fee of $15 and a refundable deposit of $100, alumni members are entitled to borrow books and usage of other library services including access to subscribed electronic resources from within the UBD campus. Those who are interested can join the Alumni membership by contacting the library at telephone 2463001 ext 1210/1908.