Library Newsletter Issue 23

Issue 23

Mar 2025

Editor’s note

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! As we kick off 2025, I hope you all had a refreshing start to the new year. This issue is packed with exciting updates and highlights from HKBU Library that I am eager to share with you.

We are thrilled to announce our enhanced support for research through the introduction of AI-powered tools like Scite and Scopus AI. These resources are designed to streamline your research process and provide valuable insights. Additionally, we celebrate the Lam family’s recent visit, which honored their grandfather’s legacy and showcased their generous contributions to our library.

In January, we had the pleasure of hosting the Hong Kong Library Association, where librarians from across the region gathered to exchange ideas and explore our innovative library spaces. It was a fantastic opportunity for collaboration and networking.

We also take pride in recognizing the achievements of our students, particularly William Susanto, who won the “Public Winner” award in a prestigious writing competition. His success is a testament to the creativity and talent nurtured within our community.

Lastly, I want to update you on the renovations at the Shek Mun Campus Library, which are well underway. We appreciate your patience during this transformative period and are excited about the enhanced facilities that will soon be available.

Enjoy exploring this issue!

Jeannette Ma
Special Collections and Archives Librarian

Library Strengthens Support for AI-Powered Research Tools with subscriptions to Scite and Scopus AI

Since the surge of interest in AI that began in late 2022, the Library has been committed to empowering students and instructors with generative AI tools. These AI-powered research tools enhance the research process by using scholarly sources to generate transparent, intuitive summaries.

HKBU Library started by providing full access to Consensus, an academic search engine that generates summaries of research findings. Over 1,400 HKBU users have tried it out in the first year. If you haven’t already sign up with your HKBU email to unlock Premium features.

The Library’s AI task force has also assessed other products and recently recommended investing in two additional AI-powered research tools: Scite and Scopus AI. Scite, launched in 2018, helps create literature summaries and analyse citation patterns. Start exploring Scite now: Sign up using your HKBU account to access powerful literature summaries and citation analysis tools.

Scopus AI is an add-on to the Scopus database that uses trusted, peer-reviewed content to help researchers navigate unfamiliar fields. It offers summaries of research and identifies emerging research themes and potential hypotheses. Scopus AI is built into the existing Scopus database, which you can access using your HKBU SSOid.

Transform your research workflow today:

• Dive into Consensus for quick scientific consensus checks
• Leverage Scite to analyze citation patterns and generate comprehensive literature summaries
• Use Scopus AI to uncover emerging research themes and spark new research ideas

Remember to maintain research integrity by verifying AI-generated summaries, cross-referencing findings, integrating AI insights with your own analysis, and documenting how these AI tools contributed to your research process.

Check out the Library’s Generative AI Research Guide for more information, including recommended readings and courses. As always, you can ask a librarian if you need further help.

Christopher Chan
University Librarian

Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: The Lam Family’s Enduring Legacy at HKBU   

On 18 December 2024, Mr. Timothy Lam, along with his mother Mrs. Ellen Lam and brother Mr. Marcus Lam, visited Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU).  Their visit was a heartfelt tribute to their grandfather, Dr. Lam Chi-fung, the Founding President of HKBU, and a celebration of the family’s enduring legacy with the University.

During their visit, the Lam family took part in a significant ceremony where they generously established the “Dr. Lam Chi-fung Strategic Development Fund.” This fund is dedicated to supporting the University’s strategic development, ensuring that Dr. Lam’s vision for education and community service continues to thrive.

◀ Back row from left: Mr. Marcus Lam, Mr. Timothy Lam, Mrs. Lily Chan (Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation; front row from left: Mrs. Ellen Lam, Professor Alex Wai (JP, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU).

In addition to this generous contribution, the Lam family donated a valuable genealogy book, “The Lam Family Tree Book,” documenting their family’s remarkable history. This book will be preserved in the University Library’s Special Collections and Archives.

▶ From left: Mr. Marcus Lam, Mrs. Ellen Lam, Professor Alex Wai, Mr. Timothy Lam and Mr. Christopher Chan.

Some of Dr. Lam’s manuscripts, works, photographs, historical documents and video clipping showing were also exhibited for the Lam family, helping to understand Dr. Lam’s life and influence.

The Lam family’s deep connection with HKBU dates back to 1956 when Dr. Lam Chi-fung founded the institution and shaped its vision during his 15-year tenure. Some HKBU buildings are named after the Lam family, reflecting their lasting impact on the University’s growth and development.

We thank the Lam family for their unwavering support and dedication to HKBU, inspiring future generations.

For those interested in exploring the Lam family’s contributions, Dr. Lam Chi-fung’s legacy and the donated materials are available for viewing in the Special Collections and Archives located on Level 4 of Au Shue Hung Memorial Library (Main Library).

Photos courtesy of the University Advancement Office, HKBU.

Jeannette Ma
Special Collections and Archives Librarian

Exciting Start to 2025: The First Local Visit by Hong Kong Library Association

On 11 January 2025, we were thrilled to welcome 33 librarians from the Hong Kong Library Association to the Au Shue Hung Memorial Library (Main Library) for their first local visit of the year!  

This gathering provided a fantastic opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring the innovative developments within our library. It began with our University Librarian’s presentation of the Library’s strategy, organization, and recent initiatives. Then, visitors were divided into two groups to tour the Main Library, namely Level 1 storage (for a behind-the-scenes experience), Levels 2 and 3 Academic Commons and Transdisciplinary discovery commons (Tddc), Level 4 Multimedia Learning Centre (MLC) and Special Needs User Rooms, as well as our newly renovated Levels 6 and 7. 

The visiting librarians engaged in insightful discussions about the renovations and shared best practices from their own libraries. They were also impressed by our vibrant learning spaces and new library banner, the Tree of Knowledge, showing the Library Logo surrounding with “bubbles” based on LC Classification. 

We are grateful to host the Hong Kong Library Association and look forward to future collaborations. This visit marks an exciting beginning to the year, and we are eager to continue fostering connections within the library community. 

Nancy Chan
Head of User and Information Services

HKBU Student Wins Long Story Short Award Public Prize

Have you noticed the Short Story Dispenser at the entrance of the Main Library? As one of the institutions hosting this innovative device, HKBU participated in the “Long Story Short Award,” an inter-university writing competition organized by Short Edition (the company behind the Story Dispensers). The competition showcases creative writing talents from universities worldwide that host these dispensers.

In October 2024, our student William Susanto’s works stood out against competitors from prestigious institutions including Brigham Young University, Harvard University, and the National University of Singapore, claiming the “Public Winner” award!

William, an Indonesian student in our Business School, has been an avid reader since childhood, with writing being his cherished hobby. He crafted his award-winning piece during a study break, demonstrating how passion projects can lead to remarkable achievements!

In December 2024, University Librarian Mr. Chris Chan presented William with his well-deserved certificate. You can read William’s winning story, here:

Congratulations, William, on this outstanding achievement!

Maggie Wong
User Services Librarian

Shek Mun Campus Library: Exciting Changes Ahead!

The Shek Mun Campus Library (SMCL) is currently undergoing a major renovation to meet the evolving needs of the Shek Mun Campus community, with completion expected by September 2025. During this transformative period, most of the SMCL collection, shelving, and furniture has been securely stored to facilitate the renovation process.

To minimize inconvenience to the community and to ensure continuity of our services, we have set up a temporary service counter on the 1st floor of the CIE Building to provide key library services. These services include interbranch book paging, HKALL request services, and the loan of SMCL high-use print books, AV materials and laptops. Additionally, current newspapers and serials are readily available for your convenience.

We are diligently working behind the scenes in preparation for the reopening, while also reaching out to remind the community of the HKBU Library’s extensive e-resources, available at fingertips around the clock.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience during this transition and thank you for your continued support. As we eagerly anticipate the reopening, we envision a revitalized library space featuring enhanced facilities, improved accessibility, and a vibrant atmosphere that fosters learning and innovation, enriching our community for years to come.

More details could be found on our SMCL Space Enhancement website.

Joyce Tang
Shek Mun Campus Librarian

Last updated: 13 March 2025