In a shocking turn of events, the National University of Singapore (NUS) faced fierce backlash after disposing of hundreds of books from the now-closed Yale-NUS College. The incident, which occurred on 20 May 2024, led to an outcry from alumni and students who were horrified at the idea of valuable educational resources being treated as waste.
Controversy Erupts
As news of the disposal spread, videos began circulating online, showing employees of a recycling company, Green Orange Enviro, loading bags of books onto a truck. According to reports, approximately 60 to 70 bags were cleared, with estimates suggesting that at least 2,000 books valued at over $100,000 could have been thrown away.
- Books were left at the entrance before being collected.
- Students witnessed library staff and recycling workers arguing about the disposal.
- Many felt the entire process lacked transparency and urgency.
NUS Responds
In response to the uproar, NUS issued an apology on 21 May 2024, announcing that it would attempt to recover the books for a planned giveaway. Associate Professor Natalie Pang, NUS’ University Librarian, acknowledged an “operational lapse” in handling the excess library materials. She explained that usually, excess books are rehomed to other libraries or given to faculty and students but noted that this did not occur in this instance.
Cultural Impact
The incident has stirred considerable emotions among the Yale-NUS community. Many alumni, like Shaharaj Ahmed and Crystal Low, expressed their dismay, highlighting that there were opportunities for donation drives that could have been utilised before the books were discarded. Comments such as “They had four years” reflect a sentiment that more proactive measures could have been taken.
As Yale-NUS approaches its final closure with the last cohort of students graduating in June 2024, the need for responsible management of educational resources has never been clearer. Universities hold a significant cultural responsibility—ensuring that knowledge is preserved, shared, and accessible.
Next Steps
NUS is currently planning a giveaway event, responding to the community’s strong interest in salvaging the books. The university has also promised to review processes to ensure better handling of excess books in the future, emphasising their commitment to benefit the wider community.
While the situation has brought to light some pressing conversations around resource management in educational institutions, it serves as a reminder that books—like knowledge—should never be wasted.