Levels 6 & 7 of the Main Library were closed on 15 May 2023 for renovation
With funding support from the UGC’s AA&I programme, extensive renovation of Levels 6 and 7 of the Au Shue Hung Memorial Library is now underway.
With works of this scope and scale, disruption and disturbance will be unavoidable. However, the outcome will be a modern space that will greatly enhance the Library’s environment for the benefit of the HKBU community.
This page will serve as a central hub for information relating to the space enhancement project and will be updated regularly. We thank everyone at HKBU in advance for their patience and understanding!
Project timetable
| Key Dates | |
|---|---|
| Closure of Levels 6 & 7 | 15 May 2023 |
| Packing & removal of books | 15 May – 18 Jul 2023 |
| Renovation works | 19 Jul 2023 – 31 Mar 2024 |
Please note: The above dates are subject to change depending on the actual progress of the project. Any changes will be announced as soon as possible.
Why is this renovation important?
✔️ Improve accessibility
Previously, the upper and lower wings on Level 7 were only reachable by staircase. The renovation will allow users with disabilities to make use of the study spaces and collections on the wings without assistance thanks to the installation of lifting platforms.
✔️ Increase study space
Levels 6 and 7 held the majority of the Library’s print collection. Understanding that study space is tight during examination periods, the renovation will reduce the number of bookshelves to create more study spaces. Although the size of the physical collection will be reduced, the Library has an excellent collection of e-resources that we will continue working hard to improve. We are also mindful that some disciplines (e.g. history) rely more on print materials, and we will be sure to retain high-use books in such subject areas. Refer to our Material Selection and Retention Guidelines for more details.
✔️ Collection rightsizing
Reducing the size of the physical collection and increasing investment in digital information resources is one of the Library Strategic Priorities 2022-25. Book loans from the Main Library collection have been declining for many years, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify continuing to fill library spaces with low-use physical items. Instead, we want to use our spaces for activities that make a greater contribution to the University’s teaching and research missions. Learn more about the Library’s approach to collection rightsizing.
How will this affect you?
⛔ No access to Levels 6 & 7
Levels 6 and 7 closed to all users on 15 May 2023, and will reopen when the renovation is completed.
⛔ Limited access to books formerly housed on Levels 6 & 7
Books located on these two floors are in the process of being removed. Most of these books will not be accessible for the entire renovation period as they will be placed in non-pageable storage off-site. Since Levels 6 and 7 will have a lower storage capacity after renovation, not all of them will return to the collection. For more information, please read this post from Issue 14 of the Library Newsletter.
What action(s) should you take?
For academic & research staff
- Make use of HKALL and ILL to obtain books that you need from other libraries.
- Recommend books for purchase. The best way to do this is through the liaison librarian serving your Faculty/School.
For students
- Make use of HKALL and ILL to obtain books that you need from other libraries.
- Ask a librarian for advice on how to find the information you need for your assignments.
Other mitigation actions by the Library
- Placing a limited number of high-use items from Levels 6 and 7 into retrievable storage on Level 1.
- Subscribe/purchase e-versions of some high-use books moved into storage.
- Liaise with the Estates Office to open up more study spaces on campus.
- Promote our existing Interlibrary Loan, HKALL, and JULAC Cards services that allow users to obtain or access materials from other institutions.
- For AY2023/24 final year undergraduate students, the Library will provide a HK$50 JULAC Reader Card subsidy to support their Honours Project research. More details will be provided soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t the Library digitize its physical books before placing them in storage?
Due to copyright law, the Library cannot scan physical books and make them available in electronic/ digital format. However, the Library has requested more funding to purchase e-books to provide access to as many affected titles as possible during the renovation.
What can I do if the book I want to borrow is currently on loan?
You can recall the book via the Library’s OneSearch system. When a book is recalled, the current borrower will need to return the book within two weeks. For more details, check out the Request Materials page on the Library website.
Comments/questions?
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions relating to the space enhancement project, please feel free to let us know via email: libref@hkbu.edu.hk.
Last updated: 01 June 2023