Reading Your Survey Feedback

Library Stories

Reading Your Survey Feedback

User Surveys

If you took part in our March library user survey, I want to say a big thank you. We received 1,777 responses, and an impressive total of over 4,500 written comments!

I read all of them to understand your experience using the Library; and I would like to share a few thoughts and highlight some of your words.

Thoughtful comments with details

It takes time and effort to write a thoughtful, detailed suggestion. I am very grateful to those respondents who described their needs and experiences in more details, some of which really help us see the library through your eyes. Here are 2 examples:

"[應該保留]小型的小組自修桌（LG4中庭位置）。比起個人自修桌和更大型的6-8人自修桌，我認為小型小組自修桌需求更大，桌子的數量卻減少了，很可惜
 
(translation: the library should retain the small group tables in the middle of LG4. Compared with individual study seats and bigger study tables, I think the demand for small group tables is higher; but now the number was reduced, that’s a pity)"
-- Year 4 SBM UG

"There could be more electric sockets other than those near seats on in the seats, because when library is crowded and there's no seats left, i still want to charge my laptop or tablets somewhere even if that means i have to sit on the floor to study. Oh btw, it is sad that sometimes there is no seats left but i saw some people are just playing games on their electronic devices instead of studying T A T"
-- Year 2 SSCI UG

With limited resources available, we must make trade-offs in furniture choice. Knowing a more complex picture of your needs definitely helps us make more balanced decisions. We appreciate the level of detail and honesty in such comments. They help us understand the nuances of how you study and what concrete improvements we can prioritize.

All library users have responsibilities in the shared facilities

Many comments are about seat hogging and hygiene in space and facilities. To address the issues, the library team will review rule enforcement, monitoring, and cleaning schedule. The Library is a resource shared by everyone; staff effort is only part of the story, we need all users to be considerate to keep it nice. In this context, I was so glad to see this comment:

"我的個人意見是有關洗手間方面，雖然是個人問題，清潔工作也做得非常好，但可以提醒使用者要注意個人衛生和有公德心。"
 
(translation: my suggestion [for the library to improve] is about the washrooms; this is a personal matter; the cleaning is done very well, but you may remind users to pay attention to personal hygiene and be considerate)
-- Year 3 SHSS UG

More than a study space

For many of you, the Library is far more than just a study space. The vibe is conducive for deep focus, quiet reflection, and mutual motivation. Here is how you described the unique atmosphere:

"It gives me a space to both focus in on my studies without distractions while it also give me a space to relax and enjoy a nice book or watching something."
– Year 4 SENG UG

"When I can't calm myself down to study, as long as I step into the library, it can give me a quiet space to think."
– Year 1 SENG RPG

"People around me works very hard and makes me want to work harder."
– Year 1 SENG UG

"UST圖書館那種集體專注的氛圍，本身就是一種強大的推動力。 當你走進去，看到每個人都在自己的座位上，對著筆記型電腦、課本或論文沉思、書寫，那種無聲的「大家都在努力」的訊息，會不自覺地感染我。它就像一個無需言語的約定，告訴你：這裡是專注的地方，我也該進入狀態了。提供的書籍和資源，更在於它所創造的 「空間氛圍」。"
 
[translation: The collective focus in UST Library is a powerful driving force in itself. When you walk in and see everyone at their desks—engrossed in writing and studying with their laptops, textbooks, or research papers—the silent message of 'everyone is working hard' naturally rubs off on you. It is like a wordless pact reminding you: this is a place for focus, I should get into the zone too. The Library doesn’t only provide books and resources, but more importantly the atmosphere in the space.]
– Year 1 SENG TPG

The Library lets you meet inspirations

The Library is a unique place that offers you the serendipity to encounter ideas via books, arts, and cultural programs. It is rewarding to see how our community appreciates the physical books, featured collection highlights, and library exhibitions. Among the many comments about enjoying reading and our cultural programs, here are a few examples:

"What I value the most is] Physical format books. Please don't decrease influx of new books in order to increase online resources.”
– Year 2 SENG UG

"Maybe this shows my age, but I believe there is a lot of value in reading a book in print. Please don't get rid of the print collections in favour of e-books. You just can't sit down and spend time with an e-book in the same way. E-books favour convenience and productivity but print books favour reflection and slowing down."
– non-academic staff member

"When visiting the library for locating physical books, i will accidentally browse through nearby books and discover some inspiring moment. Discover some applications of chemistry into other areas (that looks like not related in the 1st sight) e.g. cosmetics, food cooking, engineering materials, electronics."
– SSCI Faculty/Research Staff

“I like how you guys do snacks and stuff during exam season. It's motivating to know the university wants us to do well too.”
– Year 4 SENG UG

“i really like the map exhibition where i can sit and talk with people who are also interested”
– Year 3 SENG UG

Encouraging words for library team

For library staff working hard behind the scenes, your words of praise are our motivation. I want to end by sharing a few of the comments that simply made our day:

"I love the environment, the good and nice view from the library in the 1st floor. Also the cleanliness, I appreciate the aunties who clean up the place in the morning every day."
– Year 2 SENG UG

"图书馆是我的家=）在这里学习心情愉快，每天都来。看着有很多书可以看就感觉很幸福。学累了看看墙上挂着的艺术作品，书法，极光摄影，连环小漫画，切换心情，非常放松。这里是我学习之路上的加油站哈哈"
 
(translation: Library is my home… studying here is a pleasant thing. I come every day, the presence of books makes me feel blessed; when I’m tired, I look at the art works on the walls, change my mood and feel relaxed. This is my gas station on my road of learning.)
– a Year 1 SSCI UG

"just feel proud of ust library, make me like ust more"
– a Year 3 SBM UG

"The Library has been a constant and cherished part of my journey at HKUST, shaping both my academic path and personal growth. As a student, it was my sanctuary for focused study. Even now as a staff member, I find myself drawn back, particularly to the peaceful outdoor area in LG1. It’s a space where I can still immerse myself in learning, a habit the Library instilled in me from the very beginning."
– SBM staff

To everyone who took the time to write comments: Thank you. You make us proud to be your library. About the many improvements you call for, we will try our best to address them using the resources we have. You can find a summary of the survey result in the library website.

Gabi Wong
University Librarian
lbgabi@ust.hk

Edited By

Gabi Wong, University Librarian

Published

14 Aug 2026