At a place of literary treasures stands the Za’ba Memorial Library. This library is not just a building. It is a repository of Malaysia’s intellectual and cultural heritage. The Za’ba Memorial Library holds a wealth of materials. These materials relate to Malaysiana. It is especially rich in Malay language, literature, and culture.
Za’ba Memorial Library was established on October 1 1976. It was formerly known as the National Collection Division. It is also popularly known as PPZ. This stands for Perpustakaan Peringatan Za’ba. The library functions as a preservation library for Malaysiana items. It keeps copies of items written by Malaysians. It also keeps items published in Malaysia or about Malaysia.
The library is named after Zainal Abidin bin Ahmad. He was a prominent Malay intellectual. He was also the father of modern Malay language. His private papers are part of the library’s collections. These include correspondences with figures like Sir Richard Olaf Winstedt.
Inside the Za’ba Memorial Library you will find various collections. The ground floor houses conference proceedings. It also has Malaysiana Serials and official publications. You can also explore the Dutch Collection here. Level 1 holds Peranakan and personal collections. University archival collections are on level 2. These include photographs related to the University of Malaya. You can also find monographs and academic exercises.
The library boasts a strong collection. It supports the teaching, learning, and research of the University. Its Malaysiana collection is comprehensive. You can find books published locally and overseas. These cover Malay language, literature, and culture. There are Malay and Indonesian dictionaries. They range from the 17th century to the present.
The Za’ba Memorial Library holds personal collections. These collections are donated by prominent individuals and scholars. These include the Za’ba Collection. It contains the personal letters of the late Tan Sri Zainal Abidin bin Ahmad. There is also the Ungku Aziz Collection. Ungku Abdul Aziz was an economist and former Vice-Chancellor. You can also explore the Koleksi Taib Osman. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd Taib Osman also served as Vice-Chancellor. The library also has the Ibrahim Ya’kob Collection. He was a Malay nationalist. Do not miss the Father Pintado collection. It features materials on the Portuguese Overseas.
Reference and information services are available here. Qualified librarians are ready to assist you. You can also use Pendeta WebPAC. It is the Library’s integrated catalog. It helps you to search for all types of items in the library collections. iMalaysiana catalogue provides information about journal articles and proceedings. It also covers book chapters and other Malaysian materials.
Note that the Za’ba Memorial Library is a preservation library. All of its collection is for use within the Library premises only. Reading areas are available on every floor. Photocopying is allowed. It depends on the condition and type of material. Staff-operated photocopying services are available. Remember to comply with copyright laws. New books are displayed on level 1. Feel free to browse these books.
Za’ba Memorial Library stands as a beacon of knowledge. It preserves and celebrates Malaysia’s rich intellectual heritage.