News

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.

Since 1992, Maggie has dedicated over 30 years to the HKUST Library, handling the end-processing of the library collection, from call number labels and barcodes to bookplates, library stamps, tattle-tape, and protective covers. She shares her expertise with colleagues and student helpers while eagerly learning from them in return. Beyond her work with books, Maggie is a passionate traveler who gladly volunteered to help capture memories by taking photos at various library events. Now in her retirement, we express our deep gratitude and wish her a wonderful journey ahead filled with travel and adventure. Thank you, Maggie.

Ben joined the HKUST Library in December 1991 and has been a true pillar of the library’s acquisition work ever since. In the pre-internet era, he had to rely on physical mail to correspond with overseas publishers and resolve ordering issues. When the Library moved from physical books to electronic licenses and digital archives, his day-to-day routine changed completely. Yet Ben adapted step-by-step, putting in steady effort at every stage. Over 34 remarkable years, he continuously learned, adapted, and guided others, becoming a trusted mentor in the Resource Management Unit. Thank you, Ben, for your decades of hard work. We wish you the absolute best in your next chapter!

Edward Spodick’s journey with HKUST Library began in 1990 as a short-term appointment and grew into nearly 36 years of service shaping our systems and infrastructure. Recruited as the University was still being built, he helped plan the library from the ground up, overseeing its early collections and technological foundations. His career reflects a willingness to adapt, moving from media and audiovisual work into evolving digital systems. Alongside his professional contributions, Hong Kong became home. Now approaching retirement, he leaves a lasting legacy defined by curiosity, openness to change, and a quiet commitment to building what was once only an idea.

On December 14, 1992, Peter joined the HKUST Library Cataloging Department as a clerical assistant, marking the start of a deeply fulfilling 33-year career. While he modestly describes his long tenure as a "smooth and stable" blessing, his journey reveals a story of continuous self-reinvention and dedication. Beginning with the basic physical processing of books, Peter proactively chose to equip himself for the future by earning a library studies diploma alongside his peers, which led to his promotion to Assistant Officer. As the library underwent a massive transformation, shifting from a traditional book repository to a modern learning and research hub, Peter embraced the waves of change and actively upgraded his skills to master the cataloging of diverse digital resources. Peter's hard work became the steady anchor behind his successful, lifelong career. As Peter enters retirement, we wish him a wonderful and joyful next chapter. Thank you, Peter!