Local universities are expanding, and their libraries are growing with them
Universities in Hong Kong are expanding, and their libraries are growing with them, CityU's Steve Ching tells Linda Yeung
Space is at a premium in Hong Kong, but the city's universities have still managed to acquire more land. This is needed because the institutions are having to cope with large numbers of students, as well as the new four-year undergraduate curriculum launched in 2012. Consequently, libraries on campuses have also expanded.
In 2007, City University was the first to transform its library into a modern learning space. As a believer that space is a "change agent'", librarian Steve Ching created new zones such as a learning commons, where students can meet, discuss, and work on projects together.
I hope students can broaden their knowledge beyond classroom
To make way for this, the rare books collection was moved to the vacated site of the former School of Creative Media, which is now housed in a separate tower. CityU also moved some of its books to a location in Sha Tin.
Another way to save space is through the consortium involving government-funded university libraries, set up in 2005 to engage in group purchase of e-books shared among institutions. There are now 2.6 million e-books accessible via the consortium.
The former reception and circulation areas were scaled down to provide space for activities such as seminars or exhibitions, including a recent display of paintings featuring life in Myanmar.
The most unusual development is the egg-shaped mini-theatre that ties in with Ching's wish to make the library a stimulating, enriching place to learn. The free-standing theatre is intended for film and music appreciation for groups of 15.
