HKBU Library adopts a forward-thinking, digital-first approach.
We strive to expand our digital collections and enhance services through leading-edge technologies and AI innovations. On this page, you will find the Library’s latest AI events, ongoing initiatives and projects, as well as a guide to using generative AI research tools.
Upcoming & Past Events
Library’s AI Projects – Highlights
The Library is pioneering the use of AI to refine internal workflows and develop new, high-quality services. The following projects demonstrate our commitment to leveraging technology for process improvement and scholarly support. These initiatives are currently developed for internal library use only.
Digitisation and OCR Enhancement
Developed by the Digital Initiatives and Research Cluster, this digital initiative employs large language models to significantly improve Optical Character Recognition (OCR) accuracy for archaic Chinese materials. The character error rate dropped from an average of 10% with traditional OCR software to under 3.5% using AI tools like Google Gemini and Document AI.
SDG Mapping Tool
This interactive, AI-powered platform, created by the Digital Initiatives and Research Cluster uses pre-trained transformer-based natural language processing models (including XLNet and RoBERTa) to map academic publications and research outputs to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This improves discoverability and supports academic impact analysis with a confidence level above 85% for identified SDGs.
Library Data Tool – An AI App Experiment
This pilot app experiment conducted by the Resource Discovery & Management Cluster uses Poe’s AI App-Creator to create custom web tools for library tasks. It can merge multiple Excel files, clean and format data (e.g., standardizing ISBNs by removing hyphens), and generate barcodes. This automates complex workflows, improves data usability, and eliminates manual errors.
Building AI Literacy for the HKBU Community
This initiative, led by Information Services librarians, equips students and faculty to use Generative AI and AI-powered research tools ethically and effectively. Through workshops, course-integrated instruction, and a variety of online resources, librarians teach critical skills like prompt engineering and source evaluation to uphold academic integrity.
(Explore our video guides on [Prompting (click here)], [Ethical Concerns (click here)] and more!)
Engaging Exhibition Audiences with AI-Animated Historical Photos
The exhibition, Footprints of the China Inland Mission: Missionary Maurice H. Hutton, was curated by Special Collections and Archives, utilizing Runway AI to generate video from photos and missionary posters. By bringing historical photos to life, the AI-driven animated slides help the audience imagine the life of the people in the past, enhancing the visitor experience and the collection’s accessibility.
Explore the virtual exhibition: (click here)
Generative AI Research Guide
Our comprehensive guide, Getting Started with Generative AI, offers foundational knowledge, a curated list of AI research tools available through the Library, and recommended readings for those interested in learning more.
At the HKBU Library, we see AI as a powerful transformative tool for creativity, research, and learning. This page highlights our internal projects as well as the AI-powered resources available to you. We invite you to explore these resources, attend our workshops, and join us in shaping the responsible and innovative use of AI in scholarship and beyond.
Last updated: 13 October 2025