Pardon our Dust
We have finally opened our doors! As of Thursday, September 26, partial service is available.
Due to the continuing construction in the Library, we were initially not be able to offer the full range of services. The Media Resources area was not available for use, the photocopy centre needed a bit more work, and our computer laboratory continues to await delivery of its equipment.
Please bear with us for the time being. Our staff’s high spirits will more than make up for the temporary deficiencies of our facilities.
Media Resources
Whether they are called “instructional media” or “audiovisual material,” these products have improved greatly since the 16mm films of the 1950s and 1960s.
In the late 1960s, video arrived with 1/2″ reel-to-reel black and white programs. The equipment was difficult to operate, and relatively few videos were worthwhile. The next advance, in the mid 1970s, was the 3/4″ cassette format, which became the standard. While this format was a distinct improvement to its predecessors, size, high costs and program quality continued to be problems.
With the present 1/2″ video, the equipment is inexpensive, compact and easy to use. More importantly the quality of instructional programs has risen as costs have decreased.
Nowadays students are used to viewing, as well as reading and hearing, information about most subjects. Educational media materials have in many cases become an integral part of the academic environment. Whatever the subject � history, science or management, these resources can add a valuable dimension to the educational process. Media allows us to bring the world and all its wonders into the classroom.
The Media Resource Department provides well-equipped viewing carrels and small group viewing rooms for the use of the collection. The collection is open for browsing and circulation. Faculty may place media materials on reserve or show them in the classroom.
Collection Spotlight – Media Resources
At present, the emphasis of our media resources collection is the VHS video format, along with some slide sets, compact discs, and laser discs.
Unfortunately, our location in Hong Kong presents some complications to making media purchases for the University Library:
1. Previewing materials is seldom possible. It is therefore important for faculty to review their professional literature carefully to ensure that the product is what it claims to be and that it meets their classroom criteria. Respected reviewers can be very helpful. The Library has some reviews that may be helpful, and the Media Resource Librarian can help you find additional information on titles.
2. Since most of our purchases are from the United States, the time lag between ordering and receiving items is significant. Early requests will help us meet your deadlines.
3. While our opening collection is limited in size, it will develop into a fine collection in time. Some titles presently on order are:
1. Against All Odds
Hosted by Dr.Teresa Amabile of Brandeis University, this series of videos unlocks the mysteries of statistics. Shows how statistical processes can be used to answer significant inquiries.
2. Cell Biology
Enter the world of the living cell: plant, animal and protist. Offers a detailed look at the cytoplasm, nucleus and plasma membrane in action.Produced by Bill Walker Productions, Incorporated.
3- Smithsonian World
Examines the ideas, values and artefacts that shape our modern world. Profiles the people, places and events that influence the world we live in and identifies the critical issues we will face in the future.
4- Doing Business in Asia
Host Yue-Sai Kan presents case studies of successful and not-so-successful foreign ventures that offer valuable insights into the arts and risks of doing business in Asia. Serves as a practical guide for understanding diverse Asian cultures, social customs and business customs.
5- The Mechanical Universe and Beyond
These acclaimed programs explain and illustrate principles of physics in a creative and entertaining manner. Produced by the California Institute of Technology.
6- A World of Ideas with Bill Moyers
Journalist Bill Moyers interviews world famous scientists, writers, artists, philosophers, and historians to explore the values shaping our future.
7- The Brain
These Peabody Award-winning programs explain and illustrate the operation of the brain.
8- Two Fires Inside China
Offers a look at the Cultural Revolution of the People’s Republic of China and its impact on China today. Shows how China has emerged from a period of chaos and asks how China will proceed. Produced by Peter Gettinger.
9- The World of Chemistry
The foundation and behaviour of chemical structures are explored. Magnifies the minute chemical building blocks of all matter. Produced by the University of Maryland.
10- Climate and Man
Provides a framework for understanding the most potent threats facing the earth today – the greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion, rain forest destruction, acid rain and global warming. Produced by Vision Group in association with Cameras Continental for LWT
These are just a few of many excellent programs available for your use.
OPAC Tips
When using the Library Online Catalog:
- DON’T use the “arrow” keys – using them throws you out of the program.
- DON’T try to print records if you are using a Macintosh -this is not currently supported.
- DO use the ‘Escape’ or ‘Esc’ key to back up when ‘Q’ (for quit) is not available.
Circulation Statistics
As of 21 October, 3,083 library materials were checked out. On average, each borrower had checked out 4.8 items. Faculty borrowers averaged 7.0, graduate students averaged 8.1, undergraduate students averaged 3.9, staff averaged 3.7, and other borrowers averaged 3.9.
48 borrowers had between 11-20 items checked out. Only 10borrowers had more than 20 items checked out.
Staffing Changes
Several months ago the Library stopped recruiting additional staff because of limitations on the 13th floor of the World Shipping Centre. Now that we have moved to our spacious new quarters in Clear Water Bay, our staff has increased by about 50%. Staff training is a constant part of the Library program, aiming to best serve the needs of HKUST’s users.
Library E-Mail Addresses
Please use the following e-mail addresses for questions relating to specific library operations:
| LIBRARY | for general suggestions or comments. |
| LBACQ | ACQuisitions |
| LBCIRC | CIRCulation |
| LBCOLL | COLLection Development |
| LBILL | Inter-Library Loan |
| LBREF | REFerence |
| LBRSRV | ReSeRVe |
Library Without Walls: Expanded Access to Library Materials
Some faculty members have asked about the acquisition of journal back files. How does a new library cope with not owning many early years
of bound journals? In the past, a library would usually obtain these journals in microform, as funds permitted. But, more usefully, advances in information technology and telecommunications enable us to provide our users with access to more titles than any single library could ever own.
In addition to loading indexing and abstracting databases onto the library system, the Library has installed a CD-ROM LAN, which will greatly expand the number and variety of databases available. The Library is also connected to Dialog online services and OCLC, the largest bibliographic database in the world. Inter-library borrowing and document delivery arrangements with academic libraries in Hong Kong and overseas, and with ISI’s Genuine Article, UMI’s Article Clearing House, and the British Lending Library provide support. Plans are also underway to establish access to other university online catalogs and databases through the Internet.
While we are not routinely acquiring earlier volumes of journals, as we become aware of important exceptions, we may purchase some back files on microform.
UPDATE – JUPLAC Card
JUPLAC (Joint University and Polytechnic Libraries Advisory Committee) cards are now available. This card will permit academic and academic-equivalent staff at all UPGC member institutions to borrow materials from the libraries of any other member institutions. For details, contact Circulation at x6771.
Notes Are Available Online
Notes From the Library may be read online in the NEWS area of the University’s computer system. Look for the ‘Library_News’ newsgroup.
LIBRARY PHOTOCOPIERS
Card-operated self-service photocopiers are available on each level of the Library. Users may obtain a reuseable copier card from the card dispenser located on floor LG1.
LIBRARY POLICIES / REGULATIONS
Several people have asked about the Library’s policies, on everythingfrom how many books can be checked out to what the Library hours will be during examination periods and holidays. This is a new University, and the Library’s policies are undergoing constant evaluation and refinement. We want these policies to best meet your needs.
Utilize the Library’s resources to accomplish your academic goals. For everyone’s benefit, borrow only books that you are going to use, and return them to the Library as soon as you have finished with them. If a book you need is already charged out by someone else, please request that Circulation recall the book for your use. Library materials are there to beused. With courtesy and consideration for other users, everyone can be accommodated.
Notes Are Available Online
Notes From the Library may be read online in the NEWS area of the University’s computer system. Look for the ‘Library_News’ newsgroup.
last modified 11 April 1995