By moving the 3D Printing Service into the Learning Commons on LG1, we have freed up the old room to serve as a second IC Learning Space on the ground floor. Basically, we now have two IC Learning Spaces opposite Lift A on the ground floor – The existing Space has been in heavy use for a long time, and has a much larger and interactive screen. IC Learning Space B is on the other side of the shared glass wall, with a smaller regular monitor and some repurposed furniture. Both Spaces are optimised for larger meetings, seminars, and teaching. So they can be reserved by Faculty, Staff, and Postgraduate (PG) Students. The big question is whether having groups in both Spaces will work – will the glass wall be enough to prevent the two groups from bothering each other? If having both Spaces does work, we will plan to upgrade the equipment and furniture in Space B.   So let us know what you think - good or bad!  library@ust.hk Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk  

Whenever we can, we give space to you for studying. Recently two more rooms were converted into Group Study Rooms: LG1-355 and LG3-05! LG1-355 was used by our librarians as a teaching room for Zoom classes during Covid.  Now the need is much less and we moved that to a smaller office space so we could give you another study room. LG3-05 was used an a dedicated Interview Room for the past year or so.  We looked at the usage numbers, and how some of you are using the new Study Pods, and decided this room could get more use as another group study room to meet your needs.  Please remember LG3-05 is on the Quiet Floor, so don't make much noise in there - be considerate of other students! I hope you like the new rooms.  I wonder if I can find any more for you?   Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk

We have 13 TV monitors in the Learning Commons group study rooms, each with an HDMI cable for you to connect your laptop or tablet to facilitate discussion. Unfortunately, after the Chinese New Year holidays, 3 TVs (namely LC-05, LC-16, LC-18) were found broken within seven days (from February 20-26). Upon examination, we found that the screens had been shattered, likely due to impact from sharp or heavy objects. Such incidents are almost unprecedented in LC or Library, and the frequency of events in a short timeframe leads us to suspect deliberate acts of vandalism. We are arranging to replace the broken TVs. However, these TVs were fairly new (some only a few months old), and replacing them due to vandalism made our hearts sink. It involves not only a financial investment but also requires staff time, coordination, and construction work  – and entails disposal of new equipment. It places additional strain on our staff resources and budget, and contributed to landfill pressure. Not having TVs in these study rooms until replacements can be installed also inconveniences students who have booked the rooms. Please exercise control and respect towards communal resources.

We are always looking for ways to enhance student study space, and sometimes we even manage to create more by repurposing space used by Library staff. So last term we were able to convert an office into another group study room – it's room 1-350 on 1/F This bookable study room can hold about 8 people, and has the usual table, white board, and large screen TV. I am looking at how to convert more staff spaces into study rooms for you in the future – wish me luck! Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk