By Mak Jie Ying and Patrick Pu
Libraries have evolved beyond their traditional role as mere custodians of knowledge. With better infrastructure to support the learning needs of our diverse community, libraries also serve as a hub for learning communities and knowledge exchange. To that end, NUS Libraries has been actively fostering partnerships with faculty to co-create different ways of learning, to bring meaning to library spaces and to meet diverse needs of our community.
In one such initiative, we worked with Dr Amy Choong from the Department of Biological Sciences to explore the fascinating world of plants. Here’s a recap of the exciting activities that took place in Medicine+Science Library as part of this collaboration!
Hybrid Talk: Are Plants Our Saviour?
Dr Choong captivated attendees with a talk on the evolution of plant diversity in Kent Ridge. She highlighted the important role of plants in solving many modern-day problems, while our librarian Jie Ying introduced participants to Biology resources in NUS Libraries, including the Biological and Life Sciences subject guide and the Biodiversity Library of South East Asia. The session attracted a diverse audience, including educators from other institutions.
Dr Amy Choong (left) and captivated audience (right)
Interesting feedback from participants include:
“I didn’t know plants produce crystals!”
“I learnt about the different plants which help me in design”
“I’m more mindful of plants & waste management”
Student Poster Exhibition: LSM3258 Comparative Botany
A colorful exhibition of student posters provided insights into specific plant species in our campus. Each poster featured the plant’s importance, location and interesting facts, inviting readers to embark on a self-guided phyto-treasure hunt to discover these plants on campus!
Unearthing the wonders of campus flora at the student poster exhibition
Book Displays
A plant-iful exploration of curated titles from our library’s collections
Complementing the talk, a book display booth showcased plant-related titles recommended by Dr Choong. Participants were able to browse their contents and extend their knowledge of the plant world.
Through these activities, the NUS community was invited to discover the bewildering world of plants, some of which are common sights during daily commutes. We were also reminded that however busy we may be, we should always remember to stop and smell the roses! 🌹🌹🌹
For more information on the Minor Programme in Botany, please visit https://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/lifesciences/minor-in-botany.
To work with us on co-creating innovative learning experiences in our library spaces, contact us.
The team behind (from left): Raudhah, Gladys, Dr Choong, Magdeline, Jie Ying, Jamila, Sukanya, Patrick, and participants
