Levels 6 & 7 of the Main Library have been reopened on 1 August 2024!
With funding support from the UGC’s AA&I programme, extensive renovation of Levels 6 and 7 of the Au Shue Hung Memorial Library has been completed.
With works of this scope and scale, disruption and disturbance were unavoidable. However, the outcome is a modern space that greatly enhances 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!
News!
- 2024-08-01: Levels 6 & 7 reopened.
- 2024-05-06: Temporary lift closure from 10 May to 15 July for books return.
Photos of the renovation
Project timetable
| Key Dates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Closure of Levels 6 & 7 | 15 May 2023 | |
| Packing & removal of books | 15 May – 18 Jul 2023 | |
| Renovation works – Bamboo scaffold modification work – External wall tiles dismantling – Tiles removal (facing Renfrew Road) – Vinyl flooring – New tiles installation (facing Renfrew Road) – Bookshelves installation | 19 Jul 2023 – April 2024 22 – 28 Sep 2023 29 Sep – 28 Oct 2023 17 Jan 2024 2 – 11 March 2024 31 Mar 2024 8 May – 7 Jun 2024 | |
| Completion of works | Jun 2024 | |
| Returning and reshelving of books | May – Jul 2024 | |
| Reopening of the floors | 1 August 2024 | |
| Reopening ceremony | 29 August 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 has 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 has reduced 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.
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: 12 August 2024