In the mid 1950s, the Department of Indian Studies was established at the University of Malaya (Singapore) and a collection of Tamil books covering subjects offered in the department have started to be collected.
In 1959, with the establishment of the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, a policy decision was made to transfer the books from the Singapore University library to the Library in Kuala Lumpur. Tamil books collection is among the one involved in the transfer process. Since then, a collection of Tamil books were placed in the University of Malaya Main Library building.
As the collection shows great usage, in 1999, the library collection moved to Institute of Postgraduate Studies building which is now known as Za’ba Memorial Library building. Since then, the library began operations as a special library implementing the acquisition, processing, loan and return independently. The collection of approximately 40,000 volumes in this library is mainly in Tamil script. It is considered to be the largest single Tamil collection in the country and Southeast Asia.
History of Establishment : In the mid 1950s, the Department of Indian Studies was established at the University of Malaya (Singapore) and a collection of Tamil books covering subjects offered in the department have started to be collected. In 1959, with the establishment of the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, a policy decision was made to transfer the books from the Singapore University library to the Library in Kuala Lumpur. Tamil books collection is among the one involved in the transfer process. Since then, a collection of Tamil books were placed in the University of Malaya Main Library building. As the collection shows great usage, in 1999, the library collection moved to Institute of Postgraduate Studies building which is now known as Za’ba Memorial Library building. Since then, the library began operations as a special library implementing the acquisition, processing, loan and return independently. The collection of approximately 40,000 volumes in this library is mainly in Tamil script. It is considered to be the largest single Tamil collection in the country and Southeast Asia. The collection comprises mainly books on Tamil Language, classical and modern Tamil literature. There are also books on linguistics, religion, culture, history, biography, fine arts, anthropology, sociology and psychology.
Monographs : Books on related to education, particularly in the field of Tamil language, classical & modern literature, culture, science, modern & traditional medicine, agriculture, engineering, economics, politics, education, music, history, biography, art, anthropology, sociology, psychology and translation literatures.
Conference papers : Comprise of published or unpublished papers presented at seminars or conferences held in Malaysia and abroad. The papers are indexed and retrievable through Pendeta WebPAC (iMalaysiana) catalogue.
Journals & Magazines : The library subscribes to most of the major journals in various fields of Tamil studies. Current journals (21 titles) and old issues (bound journals) (41 titles) are kept separately.
Tamil Newspapers : Indian Studies Library subscribes 2 types of local Tamil newspaper namely Makkal Osai and Malaysia Nanban. A collection of newspapers starting from 2008 up to the latest are kept in the library office for the purpose of preservation. Photocopy and references to these materials can be made only after obtaining permission from the library.
Journals & Magazines : The library subscribes to most of the major journals in various fields of Tamil studies. Current journals (21 titles) and old issues (bound journals) (41 titles) are kept separately.
Dictionaries & Encyclopedias : This collection consists of Vaalviyal Kalanjciyam (16 volumes), Tamil Lexicon (28 volumes), Ariviyal Kalanjciyam (10 volumes), Kalaik Kalanjciyam (20 volumes) and Peragarati (8 volumes). There are also dozens of dictionaries covering various subject kept for reference.
Academic Exercises : This collection contains Academic Exercises received from the Department of Indian Studies since 1999 till current.
Monographs : Books on Malaysiana published locally or overseas, particularly in the areas of Tamil language, literature, Tamil and Indian culture, dictionaries ranging from those published in the early 1930s.
Conference papers : Unpublished or published papers presented at the seminars or conferences held in Malaysia. The papers are indexed and retrievable through the Malaysiana index. The collection approximately 2,800 titles consist of; (1) Works written in Tamil and published in Malaysia; (2) Works on Malaysia written in Tamil published abroad; (3) Works written in Tamil by the author who originated from Malaysia.
Computer facilities are available up to 4 users per time. Tamil language software installed to support user needs.
Any members who want to hold a private discussion may reserve a discussion room and limited to two-hours basis. Discussion rooms are located at the 5th level and reservations may be made at the service counter on the same level. Discussion room is only for registered member.
The Library provides 7 carrels for undergraduate and postgraduate students, academic staff and researchers. Also, include are Carrel rooms prepared for the visually impaired students.
Self-service photocopying provided. Every user must take notice and comply with the current Malaysia’s copyright law pertaining to reading material photocopy.
This Library is equipped with ‘internet without wire” or Wi-Fi signal. Access is also for users who bring laptop or tools that can be connected using this signal. Login Wifi using your registered UM email username and password. For visitors, please get the temporary password at the Information Desk.
Reading facilities are available throughout the floor. Users are advised to leave library books on trolleys after usage. Do not attempt to shelve used books. Shelving items in the wrong places will result in severe retrieval difficulties.
Library users can obtain leisure in this corner.
| No. | Category of Members | Open-shelf Books | Late return penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Undergraduate | 5 items / 14 Days | RM0.50 per day |
| 2. | Postgraduate | 20 items / 30 Days | RM0.50 per day |
| 5. | Full time Lecturer | 50 items / 90 Days | RM0.50 per day |
| 6. | UM Officer | 25 items / 90 Days | RM0.50 per day |
| No. | Name | Position | Phone. No | Profile Image | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Vijayalatchumy Maruthaveeran |
Librarian | viijay@um.edu.my | +60379673817 |  |
| 2, |
Sauriayer Selvaraj |
Librarian Assistant | sauriayer@um.edu.my | +6037967 |  |
| 3. |
Gangga Devi Veeraselvam |
Librarian Assistant | gangga@um.edu.my | +6037967 |  |
Indian Studies Library,
5th Floor, Za’ba Memorial Library,Universiti Malaya,
50603 Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur
Tel.No: +603-7967 5259
Last Update: 20/11/2023