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 sometimes they keep the door open ajar to let air flow. They might not be aware that they can turn on the light and the ventilation function while using the study pods. To protect your eyesight and stay cool and comfortable while studying, let's make sure to turn on the lights and ventilation so that you can focus on your studies without any distractions. It's super easy to find the switch in the Duo Pods and Quad Pods. For the Solo Pods, here's a little challenge: the switch is hiding under the table! Some people may think the fan is a bit noisy... but it really helps to keep the air fresh. Let’s prioritize your eye health and create a comfortable and efficient study environment.

Yesterday we changed all the furniture in the study pods – except for the orange high chairs in the solo pods. We work hard to get you the best furniture available – and we were not satisfied with the defaults provided by the vendor. The new seats in the duo and quad pods have improved upholstery cushions and nicer fabric – and we moved from 2 tones of grey to a green-grey combo. All the tables were also replaced, with unneeded holes removed and a better study surface which should show fewer marks from your laptops. I hope you like them – and feel free to let me know if you have suggestions for other improvements! Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk

In September, we asked you to suggest a Chinese label for the new study pods on LG1 – and we received 128 responses. After much deliberation, Library Administration team decided to label the study pods 研習亭, taking into consideration the nature (space for research & study), intended use (for individual and group), and shape of the pods. Among our suggested labels (自修亭/艙, 研習艙, 學習艙, 智能會議艙), the most popular choice was 自修艙 (33 votes), followed by 自修亭 (19 votes). We are amazed by your creativity and would like to share some of your witty suggestions below. 自修「停」唔「老黎」 🤔；「艙」又會聯想到暗瘡的「瘡」😖，如「壓力瘡」。所以我建議用「自修小屋」🏠，比「自修室」多一種溫馨的感覺，而且「屋」給人安全感 🥰，亦可令人好奇 「小屋」在哪。 小智囊（大智若愚，小智若囊hhh）🤗 自閉艙 / 自闭小桌 / 自闭亭 / 自修太空艙 孤方讀想 / 獨讀艙 😝 摺拉 /摺拉把 🤣 学习胶囊 / 灵感胶囊 💊 創思亭 / 巧思亭 研討間 / 隔音研習艙 学习豆子 🫒 讀書蛋🥚 專注間 渡学舱 靜習小屋 盤思洞 博站 溫習方艙 師仁空間👍 鴻鵠亭 🦢 Thank you to all who responded, 6 winners were drawn from the lucky draw to win a Library mug. Eunice Wong Learning Support Manager lbeunice@ust.hk