WHO’S READING WHAT . reader’s recommendations
[HBeditor: We came across a feature article in TODAYonline (24 Nov 2005) where National Heritage Board CEO, Ms. Lim Siok Peng, shared two books that she’s reading. We wrote to National Heritage Board (NHB) for permission to feature Ms. Lim here. The good folks at NHB say their CEO “is a tad modest and humble in nature” but gave us permission anyway. We’d like more CEOs in Singapore to blow their horns on what they’re reading, don’t you?]
I am currently reading two books, Marketing For Cultural Organisations by Bonita M Kolb and Barbarians by Robert Carter.
The first book has made me realise that the challenge our museums face is no different from those faced by museums in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Oak Tree Press,, Dublin : 2000.
Call No.: 700.688 KOL - [ART]
Click here for item availability.
They, too, are looking at ways to attract new audiences in the face of competing alternatives and people having less time for leisure. Another problem is declining funds. It is good to know Singapore is not alone and we can learn new ways to meet those challenges.
The second book is a historical drama set in the late 1850’s and early 1860’s in Qing, China.
Orion,, London : 1999.
Call No.: CAR
Click here for item availability.
It is about a British doctor searching for his father, who is a missionary. In course of this, he somehow gets embroiled in the Taiping rebellion. The book is a fascinating read.
I read for relaxation and for knowledge. I read all kinds of books - management, culture, humour, mysteries and fantasies. I read weeklies on and off. I only read ladies periodicals at the hairdressers!
By: National Heritage Board CEO, Ms. Lim Siok Peng.
Reference: “WHO’S READING WHAT”, TODAYonline, Thursday, November 24, 2005.
www.todayonline.com/articles/86280.asp (Last accessed on 29 Nov 05)
Tags:
museums marketing,
China History Fiction, robert carter
Have you read those books? Do you have something to contribute?
Post your comments, or send a longer book review to HBeditor@nlb.gov.sg
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7 responses so far ↓
1 Ivan Chew // Nov 30, 2005 at 12:03 pm
After I posted this, I had a quick look at “Marketing For Cultural Organisations”. Much of the book applies to the library as well, since the library is another form of cultural institution. What’s unexpected was I understood better the challenges that National Heritage Board could be facing. I now better appreciate its role and the value of our heritage organisations. Will be more conscious to lend support to their activities.
2 Isaak // Nov 30, 2005 at 12:03 pm
Though not entirely about museums, this new Australian blog is a space for open dialogue on museums, objects, design and exhibitions. The name of the website is m.o.d.e, museums.objects.design.exhibitions.
3 Wai Ling // Nov 30, 2005 at 6:11 pm
Personally, I find the Taiping rebellion one of the most interesting social upheavals in the history of modern China. It sort of reminds me of our current world’s politico-religio climate, a “Western vs. Non-Western countries” kind of clash…but ’twas only internal then. A similar backdrop can be found in a novel for younger readers, entitled “Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom” - also dealing with the Taiping Rebellion through the eyes of a young boy rescued from slavery and indoctrinated into the Taiping Tienkuo, aka “Kingdom of Heavenly Peace” society. I read it while in my teens - attempting to justify the rebellious nature of youngsters like myself to my cannot-be-fooled parents. On hindsight, a thought crosses my mind now: Were these “freedom revolutionaries” considered terrorists in their time?
Anyhow, there is an ongoing terrorism exhibition at the Central Lending Library, and I don’t see the Taiping Rebellion slated there…So, I guess it’s not.
4 Ivan Chew // Dec 1, 2005 at 4:03 pm
Hi Wai Ling: “…Were these ‘freedom revolutionaries’ considered terrorists in their time?” - Going by how terrorism is defined, it would seem so. I’m sure the ruling class of the day consider them as such, except the term “terrorist” wasn’t used. Other questions to think about: “Were their revolutionary activities justified? Could they have tried other means for change?”.
5 High Browse Online // Dec 1, 2005 at 9:55 pm
Walter Lim read ‘Now My Advertising Works’ by Jim Aitchison
[HBeditor: Quite soon after we posted what the NHB CEO’s reading, their corporate comms director, Mr. Walter Lim, asked if he could contribute the following review. Sure thing!]] I just finished reading “No…
6 Pei Siang // Dec 5, 2005 at 4:15 pm
There’s a Chinese saying which goes “Sheng zhe wei wang, bai zhe wei kou” (loosely translated as “Victors are kings, and losers bandits”). So I guess history will judge who will eventually be branded as terrorists, or freedom fighters.
7 Lee Ping // Dec 6, 2005 at 8:52 am
It’s what you personally believe in, also. When I went to Central Lending’s terrorism exhibition - it sorta struck me that Nelson Mandela also used violence as a means to an end - but I don’t think anybody would say that he’s a ‘terrorist’.
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