Item eligibility

Materials must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for request via HKALL:

Searching HKALL

HKALL is embedded in the HKBU Library OneSearch platform. For details about how to search for a book using HKALL, please refer to the FAQ entry “How do I request a book from other university libraries in Hong Kong?“

Making a Request

After you have found the item you need in HKALL, make sure that you are logged into your account. You will then be able to see the “Request this title via HKALL” button. For titles with multiple volumes, indicate which volume you need. For single-volume titles, simply leave this field blank. The system will also ask you to choose a pickup location (either the Main Library or the Shek Mun Campus Library).

* HKALL books also count towards your overall HKBU Library loan quota.

** Includes students of the following programmes:
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education (Stage I, II & III)
Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Chinese Medicine
Bachelor of Chinese Medicine Bridging
Master of Chinese Medicine

Renewals

HKALL books that are not recalled by other users at the lending library can be renewed up to the maximum loan length. The renewal period is the same as the original loan period. HKALL books can be renewed online in the same way as HKBU Library books, through the My Library Account service.

Recalls

HKALL books are subject to recall by users at the lending library. The Library will send email messages to inform you of the new due date of the recalled item. Please check your email regularly. Higher overdue fines apply to recalled items.

You cannot cancel your requests after they have been submitted to the HKALL system.

The request may be cancelled by the lending library under the following circumstances:

• The book is not found on the shelf
• The book was checked out by a local patron before the HKALL request could be filled
• The book is found to be not suitable for loan (e.g. sent to binder, in poor physical condition, etc.)

You will be notified by email if your request is cancelled.

Pick Up

You will be notified by email when requested items are available for collection. Items will be held at your selected pickup location for 5 days. This holding period is based on the days when the counter is open. You may also check the email we sent you for confirmation. If you do not pick up your items during this time, they will be returned to the lending library without any further notification.

Note that HKALL items can only be picked up during counter service hours, which may differ from the Library’s opening hours. Check our service hours page for details.

Return

Please return HKALL books directly to the Main Library or Shek Mun Campus Library User Services Counter. Do not deposit HKALL items into the Library’s book drops.

Fines for the late return of HKALL items will be charged according to the table below. A grace period of three days applies to HKALL items.

Damage and Loss of Materials

Please treat HKALL books with the same care and respect that you would show to your own personal belongings. Users shall be held responsible for the loss of or damage to HKALL books checked out to them, and must abide by the penalty policies of the lending libraries.