The Penang Institute Library was established in 1997 with the dual primary functions. Firstly, it is a knowledge depository of Penang Institute and secondly it supports the informational and research needs or activity of the academic and professional staff of Penang Institute. The library is to provide specialised information resources on a particular subject to its clientele. Penang Institute’s mission and vision embrace the three main features:
- To undertake research and analysis of public policies in order to provide input and influence for strategic planning in Penang and the region in general;
- To provide a platform for intellectual and professional exchanges on critical, current and strategic issues concerning Penang and its surrounding region;
- To maintain a comprehensive databank and resource centre as well as to produce and disseminate publications and research findings in order to enrich public discourse in the areas of economics, socio-politics and sustainable development.
The library has a collection of more than 6,000 items. They are organised according to the Dewey Decimal Classification, a system that allows new resources (books, documents, reports, serial items) to be added to a library in their appropriate location based on subject. Koha system is used as the library operating system.
The library is manned by three staff and its opening service hours commence from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Mondays to Fridays. The library closes on Saturdays, Sundays and on gazetted public holidays.