[Bigiron]

NUS book-dumping incident: Students also told to destroy DVDs of classic films | The Straits Times
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ssic-films

[Bigiron]

Title: NUS book-dumping incident: Students also told to destroy DVDs of classic films
 
Source: The Straits Times, https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ssic-films, 2025-05-27
 
Author: Not specified
 
Article Summary:
 
- Theme: This article reports on the destruction of over 100 DVDs, primarily classic films from The Criterion Collection, by student associates at the now-closed Yale-NUS College Library, adding to the previous controversy surrounding the destruction of 500 books.
- Core Points: Weeks before Yale-NUS College closed, student associates were instructed to destroy DVDs using penknives, scratching them to render them unreadable. The DVDs included valuable Criterion Collection films. Students expressed discomfort and reluctance in carrying out these instructions. Associate Professor Andrew Hui criticized the decision, highlighting the importance of physical media for long-term access to films and calling the act "a slow-motion act of cultural amnesia". A former Yale-NUS librarian estimated the library held 1,600-2,000 DVDs. This incident follows the earlier controversy involving the destruction of 500 books, for which NUS apologized. NUS will now hold a giveaway for the remaining 8,500 books. The university plans to implement a new process for handling excess books in the future, including reaching out to other libraries and holding adoption fairs.
- Phenomenon: The article highlights the concerns regarding the disposal of valuable academic resources, both books and films, at the closing of Yale-NUS College. The methods employed raise questions about resource management and the value placed on preserving cultural heritage within educational institutions. The contrast between the destruction of these items and the subsequent book giveaway further underscores the controversy.

[Bigiron]

1. **Cultural Value and Preservation**:  
   How do you feel about the decision to destroy physical copies of books and DVDs at Yale-NUS College? Why do you think preserving physical media, like the Criterion Collection DVDs, is important or unimportant in the digital age?[](https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ssic-films)

2. **Institutional Responsibility**:  
   What responsibilities do educational institutions like NUS have in managing resources such as books and films? How might the decision to discard these materials reflect on the institution’s priorities or values?[](https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ses-review)

3. **Student Involvement**:  
   Students were instructed to destroy DVDs, which one described as “painful” and “sad.” How would you feel if you were asked to destroy valuable cultural or academic resources? What might have been the impact on students’ perception of their institution’s values?[](https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ssic-films)

4. **Digital vs. Physical Media**:  
   Associate Professor Andrew Hui emphasized the instability of digital platforms and the value of physical media for long-term access. Do you agree with his perspective? How do you weigh the benefits of digital access against the permanence of physical copies?[](https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ssic-films)

5. **Community Response**:  
   The public outcry and alumni criticism led NUS to halt the disposal of remaining books and organize a giveaway. What does this response suggest about the role of community advocacy in influencing institutional decisions? How would you respond if you witnessed a similar situation at your institution or community?[](https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ses-review)

6. **Sustainability and Resource Management**:  
   The disposal of books and DVDs was criticized as wasteful. How can institutions balance practical needs (e.g., space or security concerns) with sustainable and respectful management of resources? What alternative solutions could NUS have considered?[](https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...e-and-loss)

7. **Personal Connection to Knowledge**:  
   Reflect on a book, film, or piece of media that has significantly impacted you. How would you feel if you learned it was being discarded by an institution meant to preserve knowledge? What actions might you take to advocate for its preservation?

8. **Ethical Decision-Making**:  
   The decision to destroy DVDs was described as a “tiny but terrible act against art.” Do you believe institutions should involve students, faculty, or the public in decisions about disposing of cultural or academic resources? Why or why not?[](https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/n...ssic-films)

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[singaporean1964]

this is something like the heretics
they burn all the books

AI Overview
Learn more
Heretics burning books, or more broadly, the burning of books deemed heretical, is a historical practice driven by a combination of religious and political motivations. It often served as a means to eradicate ideas considered blasphemous or threatening to the established order. In some cases, it was a form of censorship, aimed at controlling the spread of dissenting views and reinforcing the authority of the ruling power.

[ysh02]

Hiya,why so angry Yale and NUS no more JV , just like when a person died very often at the rubbish dump we can see many of his old things like table, bed or books throw away in the rubbish dump lah...sometimes also can see old flower vase or clock or clothing too ! ....😁