The HKBU Library Learning Commons was officially opened this morning with a ceremony that brought together all of the partners in the project, student users of the space, and guests from across the University Community. Official speeches were accompanied by student sharing sessions, a state-of-the-art technology demonstration, and an innovative opening ceremony that highlighted the “six pillars” of the Learning Commons – collaborative learning, flexible learning, research support, language support, technology support, and learning events.

The event opened with a welcome speech by Prof. Rick Wong, Vice-President (Research and Development), who noted that the Learning Commons embodies and supports many of our core values and goals here at HKBU – whole person education, teamwork, lifelong learning, information literacy, technology skills, and language ability, etc. He thanked the Library for making it happen. Ms. Kylie Chan, Acting University Librarian, emphasized that the Learning Commons is also the ideal place for students to develop other graduate attributes, such as thinking creatively, the ability to work in a team and problem solving skills. She thanked the efforts of the many partners – especially the Language Centre, the Office of Information Technology, and the Library staff. She also thanked academic faculty and other units on campus such as the Office of Student Affairs and Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning who are involved in the Learning Events.

Two very enthusiastic student users, Mr. Lam Chin Pang from CIE and Ms. Xiao Yunyu Kathy from GIS, shared their experiences of using the Learning Commons and attending the Learning Events in a wonderful conversation highlighting all of the things that they appreciated about the space and the services. Ms. Xiao then helped to demonstrate the technology support available by using high-tech equipment that can place a video-call to the ITO Helpdesk so that the ITO Helpdesk staff could guide her through the necessary steps remotely.

Finally, guided by an expert Master of Ceremonies, Miss Zoyo Zhao (Marketing student), six officiating guests helped to create an imaginative and meaningful picture of the Learning Commons by adding the six pillars mentioned above to a colourful backdrop. Prof. Wong and Ms. Chan were joined in this ceremony by Prof. Chung Ling, Associate Vice-President & Dean of Arts, Mr. Andy Lee, Vice President (Administration) and Secretary, Prof. Kathleen Ahrens, Head of the Language Centre, and Ms Jennifer Lau, Director of the Office of Information Technology.