The NEW Powersearch!
The Library is currently soft-launching a new version of PowerSearch at http://lbdiscover.ust.hk, which integrates the Library Catalog together with the Primo Central index. This means that by using a single search box, you will discover articles and scholarly materials from a billion e-resources indexed by Primo Central, and also locate physical and electronic items held in the Library Catalog.
Primo Central is a rich index of article-level content from a wide variety of publishers and database aggregators. It includes e-journal articles, e-books, news articles, and more. And thanks to the linking mechanism (OpenURL Resolver) that the Library has been diligently maintaining, you will have immediate access to the full-text of the articles and e-books if they are subscribed to by the Library.
When finally released in the coming few months, the new PowerSearch will supersede the current Library Cataloginterface known as SmartCAT. In addition to locating the Library Catalog items, the new interface will also enable you to request library items, renew checked-out books and view “My Account”, all within the PowerSearch interface.
JULAC Library Card Upgrade
JULAC Library Cards give you access to other UGC-funded libraries. The existing card is a non-laminated folded paper card which is not very durable. Each library issues their own barcode when users register there. Users are also required to bring copies of their JULAC card application form when registering at each host library. This is very cumbersome, and a Task Force for JULAC Card Project, chaired by HKUST in collaboration with other UGCfunded libraries, was formed in April 2013 – with the aim of designing a better JULAC library card and streamlining the registration process to maximize users’ convenience.
To avoid generating multiple individual barcodes, a common pattern was identified that works for electronic turnstiles and JULAC library catalog systems. A plastic card with a common barcode has now been designed and adopted as the new JULAC Library Card.
In addition, a new JULAC Card Registration System (JCRS) has been developed. JULAC card holders will no longer need to bring photocopies of their application forms when registering at host libraries. Instead, JCRS uses a Patron Data On-Demand Model. You will trigger the transfer of your patron data from HKUST Library to the Host Library during your onsite registration.
The new JULAC Library Cards as well as JCRS will be introduced in early May, and all existing paper cards will expire at the end of the year. If your existing card has an expiry beyond 31st December 2014, you will be invited to replace it, using a mostly online process. Through the JULAC Card Project in collaboration with other JULAC libraries, the HKUST Library enables users to have wider access to resources to facilitate research studies.
Collection Spotlight: Popular Books
Take a break from your busy schedule and grab a good book to balance out. Come visit our Popular Book Corner on Library G/F. Browse among Hong Kong interests, novels, biographies, travelogues and picture books. A range of bestsellers and 2 award winners is beckoning. New arrivals will be on display on the New Books Shelves opposite theInformation Desk. When the shelving capacity of the Popular Corner reaches its limit, older books will be shifted to the general Book Collection on LG3 and LG4. It is easy to dig up these good reads via the Library Catalog. Watch the How to find popular books video for a few simple steps http://catalog.ust.hk/catalog/bib/b1228954.
And don’t forget our hugely popular Kindle lending service. Launched in April 2013 with 100 titles in 10 Kindles, the service was doubled in October to 200 titles in 20 Kindles. The new batch contains Chinese titles too. New English titles are grouped into 3 themes: Success and Self-Improvement; People and Places; and Science and Technology. Our Kindle traffic has remained high. The total check-outs and holds over 11 months were 432 and 275 respectively. If your desired Kindle is not immediately available, don’t be discouraged. The loan period is one week, so the waiting time should be reasonable. Kindle loans can be renewed once if there is no one in the queue.
Whether print or Kindle version, the Library will have something for you. For more detail visit http://library.hkust.edu.hk/collections-resources/guides-to-resources/popular-books/. Any recommendations can be emailed to LBCOLL@ust.hk.
Using Library Space
The Library has worked hard to create a variety of spaces and facilities to 
serve the needs of all members of the HKUST Community – and it has been great seeing so many different kinds of non- Library functions and events availing themselves of these options. Here are details of some of those spaces, and uses they have been put to in the past few months beyond those needed for the Library’s own programs:
Special Collections Gallery on 1/F – This gallery serves multiple functions. It is not only a showroom, but also a space for study during e
xamination period, and a pleasant meeting place.
- Deans/DIPO’s Meeting
- A ceremonial session for RAE Final Submissions
- Student Tea Gathering with the President, including a gallery visit and a reception nearby.
Ground Floor Gallery – a high-profile location for various exhibitions and ceremonies
- Common Core Course Excellence Award ceremony
LG1 Classrooms in the Learning Commons
- Computer music workshop (AQUS)
- Dance video workshop (AQUS)
- Student advising workshop (SHSS)
- Digital Media Workshop (SAO)
- Various PTC workshops
- CENG 2030 programs
- CBME 5860 programs
LG1 Tutorial Spaces:
- Toastmaster Club meeting (CLE)
Study rooms, especially in the Learning Commons
- Career Center programs (interviews, consultation, etc.)
- SENG Interview practicum
- Physics tutorials
LG4 Multi-Function Room and 
Companion Outdoor Terrace
- Alumni Reception
- SSMA 5160
- HART 1028 (drama)
- HART 1016 (installation art)
- Student Workshops by SAO RedBird, SHSS, GBUS
- HRO staff seminars
- A Book Launch for “Mother’s Tongue: A Story of Forgiving and Forgetting“, by Susannah Ho of the Center for Language Education
While Library needs and study requirements always have priority, Library space is probably available for your program as well. Contact us at library@ust.hk if you have a need we can help you meet.
Book Talk – Landmarks: Politics of Space in Beijing
Beijing has been the capital of China since the early Ming dynasty. We can still find great architecture and buildings as a legacy from the imperial time. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a number of awe-inspiring monuments were built, which added another layer of grandeur to the city.
On March 12, Prof Changtai Hung explored his book 《地標：北京的空間政治》, elaborating on the interaction between space and politics in Beijing. Over 130 attended, with students lining up with additional questions afterwards. Snapshots of this mind-opening event can be found at http://lbcone.ust.hk/booktalk/?p=51.
Engaging Students: A Creative and Collaborative Experience
To design effective library space and services, users’ input is essential. For students, our major group of users, study needs and learning behaviors keep changing at a fast pace. In order to keep our services updated and relevant, the Library actively listens to students’ views in our planning process.
This Spring, among the many projects that the Library is embarking on, students’ input is particularly crucial in two of them: the Library Spaces Enhancement, and the Library Website Revamp. The first project involves upgrading some of the study space on 1/F and LG1; while the latter is about redesigning the Library’s main web presence. On the other hand, the Library is researching how to promote access to, and use of, the Library’s collections; and the first step we are taking is to explore students’ reading habits and patterns of library use.
A series of creative workshops were held in early March to solicit students’ ideas on these projects. About 80 students participated in 6 workshops. Through interactive activities, they put forward their designs of an ideal library space or library website. In the Study Space Design Workshops, students first used mind mapping to express their learning activities and space needs; with that, they discussed and prioritized their needs, then designed their ideal library space on the floor plans provided. In the Web Design Workshops, participating students explored their web habits, discussed desirable new features for the Library website, and redesigned the Library home page. The comments we received confirmed quite a few of students’ behaviors and needs that we have known all along, yet there were a lot of novel and interesting ideas brought out as well.
For the collections’ access study, we will conduct focus groups with students in early April, so watch for our message and join in!
Archiving University Websites
Recognizing that in addition to printed documents and other physical items such as videos, sound recordings, photos and posters, HKUST’s institutional memory includes websites, the Library has enhanced its website archiving efforts.
As the institutional memory of the university, the mission of University Archives is to collect, preserve, and facilitate access to University records which have historical value. In order to capture university documents on the web, Archives staff review all related websites and systematically download University web documents once every year during the summer time since 2001.
The historical value of web-based materials was recognized in 2000 as more University documents and publications were being made available online. Posting official documents on the web has become a major channel to disseminate information. Students can always have access to the most up-to-date information via department websites.
For example, the University’sAcademic Calendar and Course Catalog evolved from printed format, to DVD format, and now into an online format. Many departmental newsletters are likewise provided electronically on their websites. And student societies also post their news, events and membership details on the web.
Last summer, an automatic interface was developed to streamline this exercise. Where previously, selected webpages were archived, now entire websites are being harvested. More than 150 university websites, including those of departments, administrative units and student societies, have been examined, harvested, and saved on the “webarchive” server.
Current & April Exhibitions
The two ceramics exhibitions opened in February have attracted much attention. Many colleagues and students commented that the exhibits and the gallery spaces are unique, stunning and beautiful.
We have arranged a 
number of extended activities that complement the exhibits. These include Gallery Tours, Demonstrations on Hand Pinching Technique (手擠坯示範), and Talks on A New Era of High-Temperature Wood-Fired Ceramics (高溫柴燒新紀元講座) & Learning Chinese History through Your Hands (可觸碰的中國歷史講座). Not only were these activities part of some course requirements, they were also approved HLTH1010 programs. Feedback is very positive, with almost all willing to join similar Library events in the future.
We would like to thank the Division of Humanities, specifically Prof Billy So, Prof Flora Fu and Prof Anna Kwong, for collaborating with us to make these programs a success.
In April, the Library will stage an exhibition on Chinese Calligraphy byThe Jiazi Society of Calligraphy (甲子書學會), one of the most notable calligraphy societies in Hong Kong. Titled “Confucian, Buddhist, & Taoist Selections (儒釋道哲理精選)”, it will showcase around 65 calligraphies by members of the Society. The Opening Ceremony has been scheduled for 24 April at 4:30 pm in the Ping Yuan and Kinmay W Tang Gallery, G/F of Library. A talk and demonstration by Dr Chui Pui-chee (甲子書學會學術執委徐沛之博士) and members of the Society, and a guided Gallery Tour, will also be held on that day. Watch for a future message with details!
Wifi & Mobile Printing in the Library
The Library continues to pioneer printing options for 
users on campus. First it was the provision of software drivers for all Windows and Macintosh computers. Now we have worked with our primary copier/printer/scanner vendor to test and deploy printing apps for Android and Apple iOS devices!
Now from almost any wireless/mobile device you can print to any of six Library machines. These are the 4 on the ground floor, and the two in the Learning Commons on LG1.
The iOS and Android Apps are quite sophisticated, providing a variety of options and access to many settings – including switching between portrait and landscape mode, duplex printing, and selection of color vs black & white. The initial installation and setup of the apps from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store can be a bit cumbersome, but once the defaults are configured, subsequent printing is quite simple. Note that you can access and print most documents from your Dropbox or Google Drive services, in addition to webpages and files on your device.
For more details, and for direct links to download the software for laptops and mobile devices, visit http://library.hkust.edu.hk/services/facilities/copying-scanning-printing/
Library YouTube Channel
Launched in November, the HKUST Library YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/HKUSTLIB now has 42 videos and 8 playlists. Its videos have already been viewed over 1,800 times.
What can you watch? The channel features the Library’s exhibitions and events, and e-learning videos that allow you to explore database searching and useful information literacy skills like how to cite references.
Why a Youtube Channel? We hope that it will make it easier for users to find and use and share the Library’s video content. We also hope that it makes it easier and more fun for you to engage and communicate with the Library.
last modified 09 December 2016