ABSTRACT
In 1965 Singapore received its independence. However, the legal deposit law in the form of the Printers and Publishers Act, whose purpose was ‘to regulate the printing and publishing of books and to provide for the preservation of copies of books’ was in force from about 1835. Although this Act has been revised many times, most recently in 1967, the purpose is still retained as the core of the Act. The publisher has to deposit five copies of every book printed or published in Singapore. These copies must be complete and of the same quality as the best copies produced. Also any second or subsequent editions which contain changes or additions in the text or in the illustrations, maps, etc. must be deposited. The penalty for contravening the Act is set at a maximum of 1,000 dollars. There is also provision under the Act for information to be supplied which will assist in the production of the Singapore National Bibliography.
