E-Resources Usage
The chart shows COUNTER (Counting Online Usage of NeTworked Electronic Resources) usage of the Library’s electronic resources for 2011 to 2013. And what an impressive surge of downloads in 2013!
Ebook usage recorded a slight drop in 2012, but it climbed 3.5 fold in 2013. This breathtaking jump was largely due to the popularity of the newly introduced patron-driven/evidence based ebook acquisition programs in 2013. The Library launched its patron-driven ebook program with Ebrary in November 2012 and an evidence-based program with Wiley in April 2013.
Both programs were seamlessly integrated into the information seeking experience of our users. The programs were not officially announced. Our users simply discovered the wealth of ebooks available and started using them. In order of usage, the top 2013 ebook platforms were 1) Springer 2) Wiley 3) Ebrary 4) MyiLibrary 5) IEEE Xlplore.
Ejournal usage increased 7.9% in 2012 and reached a 21% growth rate in 2013. ScienceDirect remained the top used resource for 3 consecutive years. The other big 4 were ProQuest, Wiley, American Chemical Society and IEEEE Xplore.
What do the figures tell us? The surge in ebook usage seems to suggest that our users are much more receptive to ebooks than before, and that our ebook programs manage to break the ice.
With a vibrant research population at HKUST, it is not surprising that ejournals are more heavily used than ebooks, and that 4 out of the 5 top used ejournal platforms are geared towards advanced researchers.
More usage details can be viewed at http://library.hkust.edu.hk/about-us/statistics/e-resources-usage/
3D Printing Service
The Library has recently launched the 3D Printing Service for students to coin ideas, make prototypes and facilitate their learning activities. It also allows teaching staff to make use of the service in their teaching and class projects.
A 3D printer is set up in the Database Room near Lift A on the Ground Floor of the Library. Users can prepare 3D designs using their own modelling software or those available in theInformation Commons and Learning Commons. Briefing sessions can be scheduled for you to learn about design software and model warehouses, procedures for preparing and submitting 3D print files, and the operation of the 3D printer itself. Details of the service are at http://library.hkust.edu.hk/services/facilities/3d/.
3D printing technology has gained much attention in the education sector. So-called Maker Spaces, equipped with 3D printers, digitizers, modelling software and visual displays, provide a stimulating environment for students to explore their creativity and curiosity.
This pilot project will examine the need for such facilities here, and will allow you to engage another tool in your research explorations.
PowerSearch is the New Library Catalog!
Previously, HKUST PowerSearch was only for finding journal articles, viaPrimo Central. This Summer, HKUST PowerSearch was upgraded for one-stop simultaneous searching of both the Library Catalog and Primo Central. This includes seamless access to the full-text of articles and ebooks if they are subscribed by the Library. Instead of having to search for books and articles separately, PowerSearch combines these functions.
As part of this upgrade, SmartCat has been completely replaced byPowerSearch. The Classic Catalog will still remain, but will operate more as a back-end system, with PowerSearch as your new and expanded Library Catalog. All the old functions and tools are there, along with some new ones.
Visit http://lbdiscover.ust.hk to start using the new interface today!
Facilities Update: Space Renovation
We are currently in the middle of a Learning Spaces Enhancement effort. This includes some completed changes on G/F, and upcoming and ongoing works on 1/F and LG1.
The G/F changes include the recently completed move of the Newspapers and Current Periodicals over near the Popular Books reading area. Some additional sofa seating was also installed, including in the Library Garden hallway where the newspaper backfiles are now shelved.
Moving those collections upstairs also freed up additional space on LG1 for the Learning Commons Expansion project. Once completed, this will provide the Learning Commons with some new study environments and over 100 additional seats. It will also allow improved access to the audio-visual collections and equipment for your research projects.
Renovations on 1/F are planned to shift from the current high-density “study hall” arrangement to a somewhat more flexible furniture mix and space layout. At the same time, the space will still retain the seating density needed during exam periods. We are also working to convert some of the space into a dedicated “deep quiet zone” if this can be done at reasonable cost.
Much of this work will be happening during the Fall Term, with completion planned before the December study and exam periods. The Library will work to keep noise and disruption to a minimum, but your understanding is requested as we continue to improve the spaces and services available.
Scholarly Communications@HKUST Library
Created specifically for the HKUST research community,Scholarly 
Communications@HKUST Library was launched in June 2014. This online information platform can help keep our researchers up to date with the latest trends in scholarly publishing and communications. We focus on 4 main areas:
Author Tips – These pages provide practical methods to promote and optimize citations of research articles. Videos and presentation files of author workshops are available for download.
Data Management – We show valuable online resources about how to write a data management plan, data management tools, data repositories, data citation, standards, guidelines and best practices.
Open Access (OA) – Users can explore why open access is important and they can get the details of OA requirements from funding agencies in Hong Kong and other countries.
Research Repositories – These help researchers to fulfill the RGC’s grant requirements by depositing research outputs in HKUST’s Institutional Repository. They can showcase their research output via the Scholarly Publications Database (SPD).
Collection Relocations
Daily newspapers and current journals have moved to the Library G/F, adjacent to the Library Garden. The setting provides soft seating and custom reading tables next to the newspaper cubes and current journals and magazines. Nearby is a full range of popular and reference books. Current 3-day newspapers are in the cubes; older newspapers can be found in the hallway near Lift C. The whole area has been repurposed to invite casual browsing with a soothing view of the Library Garden.
The Library undertook a major project over the summer to remove dated reference books and acquire newer replacements, whether in printed or online format. The collection is now smaller and better. Media Resources materials in outdated formats (mainly audio-cassettes, slides and laser discs) are now kept in storage. The same is true for the huge sets of microfilm indexes and supplementary materials of all media items. These items are part of the On Call Collection, and can still be requested via the Library Catalog.
These re-shuffling activities are effected to optimize the use of space, to make room for newer materials and to prepare for the expansion of our hugely popular Learning Commons. If you have any questions, feel free to approach any of our Library staff.
Summer and Fall Exhibitions
This year, the Library has experienced an exciting, inspirational and fun summer. We saw exhibits featuring great design, artistic and historical elements with works of different media and formatting, and from multiple time periods.
IELM 4320 Design Thinking Coursework Exhibition
(http://library.hkust.edu.hk/exhibitions/ielm-2014/))
For the first time, the Library collaborated with IELM to exhibit students’ project work and class assignments. The Design Thinking course is a joint summer program offered by HKUST and The China Academy of Art (CAA). The exhibits, jointly completed by students from the two institutes, integrated both product design and media design elements. During the opening ceremony, officiating guests and participants were greatly amazed by students’ innovative designs and technical knowledge in developing the exciting products. The exhibition ended on August 8 and we look forward to seeing the fruits of next year’s efforts.
Contemporary Paintings from Myanmar (http://library.hkust.edu.hk/exhibitions/myanmar-2013/)
Thanks to Prof Ian Holliday of the University of Hong Kong for loaning us the exhibits, we are able to show a second set of contemporary paintings from Myanmar, following the success of the previous display. These unique paintings, completed in the recent reform period, provide a snapshot of a critical time in Myanmar’s development from strict authoritarian rule to a quasi-civilian government that set about implementing a series of major political reforms. The exhibition will run through December 31.
Discover Archives & Special Collections Exhibition(http://library.hkust.edu.hk/special/scg-exhibit-2014-summer.html)
Located in our new Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce Ko Pui Shuen Gallery on 1/F, this exhibition featured items from the University 
Archives and one of the Library’s special collections: Nigensha’s reproduction of calligraphy and paintings. Exhibits included the mold of the University logo, the plaque of our campus construction site, site photos from the early 90s, and debut issues of University publications. The calligraphy and paintings are reproductions from the masterpieces in the National Palace Museum in Taipei. They included marvelous works by famous painters and calligraphers of the Song and Qing dynasties.
In the Fall Semester, 3 exhibitions will be on stage:
Art from the Heart: Recent Works by Shen Ping (http://library.hkust.edu.hk/exhibitions/shen-ping/)
Born in Beijing, Mr. Shen Ping received his art education in Shanghai and Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now China National Academy of Fine Arts). He moved to Hong Kong in 1980, and started his own gallery and teaching center. He has published
over one hundred works and held numerous exhibitions. His works are 
collected by many museums and private collectors. The exhibits showcase his recent work using two different media, namely, watercolor and pen sketching. Some of the works depict views of HKUST, which were specially painted for this exhibition.
Discovering the Universe (https://library.hkust.edu.hk/exhibitions/discovering-the-universe/)
Highlighting the History of Science special collection, this exhibition is held in the Library’s Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce Ko Pui Shuen Gallery. Some valuable rare books by Aristarchus, Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Newtonare on display. Other items include models, videos, and reproductions of images from microfiche. Visitors will discover how humans learned about our place in the universe and how scientific knowledge is built and changes. Links to additional visual resources are facilitated by Augmented Reality (AR) to increase interactivity.
Art Dimensions (http://library.hkust.edu.hk/about-us/user-engagement/art-dimensions/)
Collaborating with the Undergraduate Core Education Team, we will display a new batch of student works, including photos, Chinese paintings, collages and installation arts from the Common Core Programs. This will be the third year since 2012/13 in which we partnered to promote student art on campus by providing an avenue to showcase students’ outstanding art pieces.
Learning is Sweet! Orientation for New UGs
This year’s orientation combines usual and new elements. As in the past, students are led on an exploration of the Library’s lovely and inspiring environment, learning about its cool collections and useful services. This is combined with a short practical hands-on session where they learn how to login to a Library account, reserve study rooms, etc. What’s new then? Tasks & Ice Cream.
To encourage students to engage actively with Library services and collections, those attending the tour and hands-on session are given a Task Card with 5 tasks. After performing each task, students get a confirmation stamp on their card. With all 5 stamps, they can redeem an ice cream coupon from the G/F Information Desk (limited supply, act fast!) Details are on this year’s New UG Orientation page.
Coupons will be redeemed at the Ice Cream event, to be held in the Refreshment Zone on Friday, September 5th from 11am to 4:30pm. It will be a great chance to meet other new students, chat with Library staff, eat yummy ice cream, and enjoy the sweetness of engaged learning.
Library Book Talks in Sept & Oct
Dr Leta Hong Fincher will give the first Book Talk of the academic year September 11 on‘Leftover’ Women: the resurgence of gender inequality in China.
In this book, Dr Hong Fincher discusses a campaign by state media to 
convince women (and broader society) that it is a personal and social problem if educated urban women are unmarried by the age of 27. Combined with male preference in families and the resulting overwhelming male domination in the private property market, she explains how Chinese women have fared worse in the economic reforms and rising real estate market in China.
In October, Professor Ravindra S. Goonetilleke of HKUST’s IELM department will discuss the importance of the design of everyday objects in promoting people’s well-being. An expert on ergonomics, he invented the first intelligent seat, and developed controls to eliminate ergonomic hazards for companies like Procter and Gamble, GM, Dow, and many more. He was also a developer of the first PC based human modelling package, Mannequin, and led the Human Factors research at Nike to improve the comfort and performance of its sports shoes. His latest book is The Science of Footwear.
Collection Spotlight: Streaming Video
The Library has
entered into an agreement with Alexander Street Press (http://library.hkust.edu.hk/cgi/db/com.pl?alexander) in which close to 40,000 videos comprising over 18,000 hours will be available to you for a 1-year trial starting September 1. This multitude of videos belong to over 40 award-winning collections: Art and Architecture, Asian Film, Business Education, Classical Music, Current Affairs, Environmental Studies, Filmakers Library, Performing Arts, Psychological Experiments and lots more. VAST: Academic Video Online, a huge multi-disciplinary video collection, is included in the agreement.
Kanopy, another major online video provider, is also offering an extended trial until the end of 2014 (http://library.hkust.edu.hk/cgi/db/kanopy.pl). It is a rich catalog of 5,000 videos across a broad range of subjects – Anthropology, Art and Fashion, Business, Computer Science and Engineering, Gender, History, Media and Communications and others. Its Business collection featuresStanford Executive Briefings, Commonwealth Club Speaker series, Asian Business Leaders, to name a few.
The Library also acquired JOVE Science Education Database
(http://library.hkust.edu.hk/cgi/db/jove.pl?sed), a first of its kind database dedicated to teaching laboratory fundamentals through simple, easy to understand video demonstrations. 270 short videos are now available in 3 collections: General Laboratory Techniques, Basic Methods in Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Model Organisms I: yeast, Drosophila and C. elegans.
Seize the chance, and enjoy the videos for leisure, learning and teaching.
last modified 09 December 2016