Stories from the Library – what's new and what's happening
The 24/7 Learning Commons has been a great space since it opened in 2012. But in the recent Library survey you complained that it had no individual study options. We listened, and acted. Individual study carrels are now available 24/7 in the Learning Commons! These colorful carrels are built with sound-absorbent fabric panels, wooden study…
We are excited to announce that the upgraded iMac stations are now ready for use in the Library starting 29 August 2025, just in time for the new semester! More Than Just New Machines The new iMac stations deliver faster performance and enhanced security. To better accommodate diverse study preferences, we’ve refreshed the space with…
You have probably already seen the new carrels on LG4. We went with a colourful mix in a ‘hexagon’ or honeycomb arrangement. We changed the carpet too, giving a more engaging and dramatic visual effect. Why this change? Previously, that area held several large reading tables and a collection of sofas. For the past couple…
Have you checked out the 9 awesome study pods on LG1 of the library? Installed in 2024, these study pods provide a welcoming and quiet space with seating, work surfaces, good lighting and ventilation, as well as power/USB sockets to keep your devices juiced up. We’ve noticed that users often study in the dark, and…
Have you noticed that starting Feb 10, 2025, a new dashboard appears on the library homepage? There, you can see the number of people currently in the Library, and the real-time booking situation of study rooms and study pods. How It Is Done This new people counting system estimates how many people are in the…
As the year closes, it is an opportune moment to reflect with humility on the year passed, and to look forward with hope to the year coming. I would like to attempt a brief review and preview about the Library’s work. 2024 In 2024, the Library team worked very hard to update and upgrade services…
When you use study carrels in the Library, you might have experienced this situation: you leave the seat but use your belongings to keep it occupied; when you return, someone else take your seat, and you see a notice to claim your stuff at the G/F Service Counter. How did that happen? Yes, library staff…
Recently, we conducted a poll of potential monitors on the G/F to see which model you preferred. The Battle: October 28th – November 5th, 2024 On one side, a 34-inch curved monitor; on the other, a 32-inch 4K flat monitor. Both offer larger screen size, higher resolution, and USB-C connectivity. But which shape would dominate?…
We have received feedback about loud chatter and gaming, especially in the Learning Commons. To maintain a serene study space, we have increased patrols and added signage to remind everyone of our Library etiquette. Let’s work together to create a positive study environment for all! Keep Voices Low Remember, the Library is for studying,…
I am excited to introduce the latest innovation in the HKUST Library: a heatmap that shows the temperature across various areas of the library. Imagine this: you are looking for a quiet corner to dive into your studies, but you want to avoid areas that might be too cold or too warm. With our temperature…
