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.

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.

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? Library users voted for their favorite monitor model using colorful stickers. After a few days, a clear preference began to emerge. AI Assisted Vote Tallying Visually, we could see there was a preference for curved monitors, but what were the exact numbers? It would have been tedious to count them individually. We turned to POE. The results: curved = 314; flat = 166.

This book is working out in a gym. It wants to be a “fit” member of the library collection. Recently, we ran a "How Well Do You Know Your Library Challenge" to let users test their fitness in using various library resources and services. This 10-question online quiz introduces a full range of resources from the less known treasures of our archives and special collections to cutting-edge technology offerings. Did you know? All self-learning videos created by us are available at E-learning Videos & Games? You can unleash your creativity at our Adobe Creative Cloud Workstations on G/F and LC Creative Media Zone on LG1? We have perfect spots for video chats or online interviews? Try our Study Pods and Library Outdoor Areas – Library Garden or Terraces. Congratulations to our winners and a big thank you to all of you who participated!

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

The Exploration Lab portion of the maps exhibition closed on schedule, and the room has now been converted back into our Deep Quiet Room. Remember – no talking in this room, and we ask that if you need to use a keyboard you even try to type quietly. :-)   So if you need more quiet space, come here on the first floor, or go to the Quiet Floor on LG3.   Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk  

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

LG5 Opening Now Scheduled for early March! When you come back for the Spring Term (or soon after),  you will be able to enter the Library directly from LG5! We will have another study and event space at the far end of LG5, with a stairwell connecting to/from LG4. Or you can leave the Library there instead of going all the way back up to G/F – unless you need to check out a book.       Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk