| Name | Description | Timeline | Search functions/ Special notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burma Studies | A collection of scholarly books published in the 18th and 19th century about the history and culture of Burma. | 18-19th century | Conduct a quick search by publication year or publisher via the left side bar. Alternatively, use the top bar to do an advanced search. You can create a personal account with IG library (the server that hosts the database) to download the books for offline reading. You can also add books to your “saved list” for easy consolidation. |
| Foreign Office files for South East Asia, 1963-1980 | The UK’s archive of Foreign Office Files for Southeast Asia from the Foreign Office (FO), Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Colonial Office (CO), and Dominion Office (DO). In specific, the FO 371, DO 169, DO 187, FCO 15 and FCO 24 series are explored | 1963-1980 | For a better understanding on what each series offers, visit Princeton University’s library guide on these British library guide documents. Search by clicking on “Documents” then filtering based on date/collection/region/office. |
| South and Southeast Asian literature | A collection of written English literature by authors from the South/Southeast Asia. The database zooms in on pieces written from the late-colonial to independence period. Some pieces also include author interviews, shedding light on the culture and traditions that informed their work. | Late colonial to independence period | Browse based on author (alphabetical) or type of work (Fiction/Non-fiction/Poetry). Alternatively, conduct an advanced search which offers streamlining based on authors background i.e birthplace, nationality, ethnicity. |
| Southeast Asia : a historical encyclopedia, from Angkor Wat to East Timor (formerly NetLibrary) | A three volume encyclopedia with the aim to be a one-stop reliable reference guide covering various topics, time periods, and concepts in Southeast Asia. | Not specified. | The guide is in alphabetical order (A-Z) and each entry follows the general format of: historical significance, basic facts, and finally a contextualization of the concept in larger historical trends. Each article also has a reference list which researchers can use for further reading. Search by navigating to the alphabet your keyword is located under. |
| Southeast Asia in the Ming shi-lu an open access source | A database of translated materials from the various “reign accounts” (shi-lu) during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). | Ming dynasty | The materials are listed chronologically, in accordance the original order of the shi-lu. Users may browse by year or reign (via the top bar.) For a more in-depth understanding of the referencing conventions, refer to their user guide located under “About this source” (at the top) > “user’s guide.” |
| ABIA - Index of South and Southeast Asian Art and Archaeology | Database of bibliographies related to art and archaeology in South and Southeast Asia. These bibliographies provide a starting point for students studying historical art/ hoping to write on art history. | Coverage is most extensive from the 1920s onwards | To search, conduct a simple search, and then filter further based on options provided on the left side-bar (region, time period etc.) |
In addition to these databases, take a look at NUS Libguides for Southeast Asian studies and University of Michigan’s library guide where there are other database lists and internet resources are available.