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My story: Villager that falls in love with HKU Libraries at first sight.

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My story: Villager that falls in love with HKU Libraries at first sight.

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Hardika Dwi Hermawan (MSc(ITE) 2018; Head of Management & Digital Services, UMS Library & Digital Services Center)

Hello! I am so excited to share my memories with HKU Libraries at the 110th HKUL Anniversary. Initially, I came from a small village in Indonesia, where my family had never traveled or studied abroad. I was overjoyed because I had received a scholarship to study at HKU. Studying at HKU has always been one of the best things in my life, helping me become a better person.

To cut a long story short, I remember how difficult the first day of my studies at HKU was. I had no colleagues or family in Hong Kong and had no idea how my life would unfold. But then I discovered the Main Library and Chi Wah Learning Commons, which had excellent facilities and friendly staff who welcomed me warmly. I fall in love at first sight.

HKU libraries and Chi Wah provided me with the best learning environment at HKU. At the Library, I used to study with my group, complete my assessments, and complete the final project for my master's degree. As a villager, seeing high-tech and complete facilities at HKU Libraries impressed and excited me. Moreover, I have a story about a library when I was a child. In 2004, I built my Library at home so that my neighbours could also learn and study there. I saved my money to buy some books for my library collections, and that location became a popular study spot for children and students in the neighbourhood.

After 1.5 decades of building my Library, besides being a University Lecturer, I am now working as Head of Management & Digital Services at UMS Library & Digital Services Centre. It's like something I never imagined. Not only that,I also have a foundation that focuses on education, and we also have Learning Center in some villages and rural areas in Indonesia.

I always love and enjoy going to the Library, and I appreciate HKUL making me a better person. Happy Anniversary for HKUL; it's 110th anniversary today. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and I hope to visit the HKU libraries soon.

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library. “ Albert Einstein

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(圖左至右為馬泰來博士、簡麗冰博士及尹耀全博士)

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胡美華 (中文系(現中文學院)校友及現任馮平山圖書館館長/大學圖書館執行館長)

本部大樓旁的大學圖書館是我這個走讀生在課堂外常註的地方, 馮平山圖書館六樓能遠眺海景的雅座更是我的至愛。還記得每一座位前都張貼了由圖書館館長署名的讀者守則, 我便是由此得知當年的館長是簡麗冰博士(Dr Kan)。做夢也想不到後來會重返母校服務圖書館, 並有幸跟隨Dr Kan、李直方先生、馬泰來博士尹耀全博士等多位馮平山圖書館館長學習。馮館源遠流長, 滿溢書香, 誠邀大家在九十週年探索其豐富歷史(https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/香港大學馮平山圖書館) 並關注我們的慶祝活動!

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There is no friend as loyal as a book.

– Ernest Hemingway

In HKU Libraries, we are very fortunate to have a team of very dedicated librarians to take care of our loyal friends. Can you recognize any of the librarians receiving the long service awards in 2014? A record-breaking number of 37 librarians were awarded that year for a service period of 15 years or above. Mr Chu Tsun Wing and Mr Yip Wai Sum (5th from the left and 4th from the right on the front row) served 40 years while Ms Belinda Chu and Mr Peter Wong (4th from the left and 2nd from the right on the front row) served 35 years in the Libraries.

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Chang Yu-Ting (BA 2016; student helper)

One of my favorite memories throughout my undergraduate life would be working part-time at the Audio-Visual section of the HKU Library. I still remember vividly those late-evenings I spent at the AV collection counter on the 1/F and recall the familiar faces and warm smiles of some library users who would often just come by the counter to say hi and have a nice little chat. An hour before the library closes, usually around 9 or 10 pm (the closing time varies for different months!), I would start shelving returned books and DVDs. I didn’t know shelving could be so meditative and calming in a way and even I was surprised at how much I looked forward to this task every time. All of my colleagues at the AV section were also very kind and I would forever treasure the memories I made at the HKU library.

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Darius Wong (BA 2017; current HKU staff)

… a safe space when I tried to make things work out, and, more importantly, when I had to recollect myself after despairing over many of those that didn't. What transpired from the experience of researching at the libraries, whether as a zealous American Studies undergraduate or a struggling alumnus reading archival management abroad, is my steadfast commitment to work in higher education. Sharing this to my hiring manager landed me the life-changing job offer at Chu Hai College Library in my most difficult time. Now that I have pivoted to a new role at HKU Registry, with my office just steps across the square, I am blessed with the opportunity for leisure reading at the Special Collections over lunch breaks. To me, the presence of HKUL is simply how things in my life happen.

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Mr Sidney Cheng (1st left), Mr K.T. Lam (2nd left), Ms W.N. Heung (3rd left)

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Professional staff: Mr Bernard Kwan; Mrs Gayle Chan, Ms Julia Chan, Ms W.N. Heung, Mr K.T. Lam

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Santa Claus (aka Mr Sidney Cheng, first HKUL AV Librarian) coming to town

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我在馮平山圖書館的日子 

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我在馮平山圖書館的日子 

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Grace Lo (Retired FPS staff)

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First Nelson Mandela Exhibition in Hong Kong

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First Nelson Mandela Exhibition in Hong Kong

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Professor Paul Tam, Acting President and Vice-Chancellor welcomed the South Africa Consulate General, Consul Corp, and distinguished guests.

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According to QS of 2016, two in three dentists in Hong Kong graduated from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). The HKU School of Dentistry was ranked #1 in the world in the 2016 QS World University Rankings.

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1981 Opening of Dental Hospital and Dental Library

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1981 Opening of Dental Hospital and Dental Library

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Dental Library located inside Prince Philip Dental Hospital was opened on 24 March 1981 by Prince Philip, then-president of the British Dental Association.

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Library staff gathering in the 60's

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First row right: University Librarian Dr Anthony Ferguson; left: Deputy Librarian Technical Services Mr Lawrence Tam

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Colleagues having fun

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In 2005, 1st HKUL Spring Dinner was organised and it was the 1st ever HKU Libraries staff function attended by HKU Vice Chancellor.

From left to right: Mr Peter Sidorko, Reader Services Deputy Librarian; Dr Anthony Ferguson, University Librarian; Professor Lap-chi Tsui, HKU Vice Chancellor; Mr Lawrence Tam, Technical Services Deputy Librarian.

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1st HKU Libraries Leadership Institute (2003) 

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1st HKU Libraries Leadership Institute (2003) 

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On 27 March 2003, 12 HKU librarians joined 20 other senior library managers from the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong to attend the First Annual Hong Kong University Libraries Leadership Institute. The five-day residential workshop was organised jointly by the University of Hong Kong Libraries, in conjunction with the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Office of Leadership and Management Services (OLMS) and was held at the Harbour Plaza Resort City in Tin Shui Wai, New Territories.

The 2003 event was largely delivered by the US based Association of Research Libraries (ARL) training staff who had extensive experience in this area. While the Institute built around the ARL's Library Management Skills Institute I, Hong Kong University Libraries staff have worked closely with ARL staff to develop an extended programme suited to Asian library managers. The Institute focused on the individual manager's role in providing leadership within a complex and changing library environment.

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Pigs cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Level 3 on 23 December 2011

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Library in HKU Centenary Celebrations - 100 Kick-Off Ceremony

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Library in HKU Centenary Celebrations - 100 Kick-Off Ceremony

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Library team led by University Librarian Mr Peter Sidorko participated in the 100 Kick-Off Ceremony of the HKU Centenary Celebrations held on 9 Jan 2011

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Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Medical Library on 30 June 2003

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Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Medical Library on 30 June 2003

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Premier Wen went to Yu Chun Keung Medical Library and met with some 60 students and teachers of the Medical Faculty along with the presidents of Students' Union and the Postgraduate Student Association of the University of Hong Kong and their three colleagues.
Details: https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_4904.html

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Pig cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of new Medical Library on 5th Jan 2002: Dr Anthony Ferguson, University Librarian (3rd from right); Ms Julia Chan, Medical Librarian (2nd from right); Mr Peter Sidorko, Deputy Librarian Reader Services (1st on the right); Mr Lawrence Tam, Deputy Librarian Technical Services (4th on the left)

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Medical Library Opening (5 Jan 2002) - 1

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Human book transfer chain formed by members of Medical Faculty and University Libraries: Mr Peter Sidorko (3rd from left, then Deputy Librarian Reader Services), Mr Lawrence Tam (4th from left, then Deputy Librarian Technical Services, ), Ms Helen Woo (then Music Librarian in red jacket)

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Medical Library Opening (5 Jan 2002) - 2

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2002 Medical Library book transfer by human

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2002 Medical Library book transfer by human

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To mark the opening of the new Yu Ching Keung Medical Library on Sasoon Road on 5 January 2002, a human chain was formed by members of Library staff and Medical Faculties to transfer books from old site to new one.

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Medical Library Opening (5 Jan 2002) - 3.JPG

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1990's Main Library New Wing Circulation Counter

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1990's Main Library New Wing Circulation Counter

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Front row: Mrs Angela Yan, Reader Services Librarian (1st on left); Dr Kan, University Librarian (2nd on left); Mr Malcolm Quinn, Deputy Librarian (3rd on left); Ms MiMi Yeung, Circulation Librarian (4th from right)

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Old Medical Library in 1998 - Patrick Mansion Building

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University Librarian Dr Kan Lai-bing cutting up roast pig at the Main Library New Wing opening ceremony on 19 December 1991

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University Librarian Dr Kan (right) in front of the building site of Main Library New Wing around 1989 to 1990

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Very important library operation performed by staff before integrated library systems (ILS) and electronic resources were introduced as it enable library to identify gaps and missing items in collections.

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1970's Main Library Reserve Collections counter

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1970's Main Library Reserve Collections counter

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Main Library counter and the card catalogue cabinets in 70's

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Snap shots of cheerful library staff taken during the Queen's visit to HKU on 5 May 1975

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University Librarian Dr Kan (Front row 4th from left) and Deputy Librarian Mr Macolm Quinn (Front row 3rd from left)

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Recognise any of your old friends in the picture?

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Hong Kong Collection in the Old Wing before moving to Library New Wing

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Library staff Christmas Party in the 70's 

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Library staff Christmas Party in the 70's 

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University Librarian Mr H.A. Rydings (right) and Deputy Librarian Mr. Malcolm Quinn (left)

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Main Library before the Library New Wing was added

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The architect of 1938's Main Library, Mr Wong Cho Tong

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Law Library on Caine Road in the 60's - Church building in the picture was The Church of Christ in China - Hop Yat Church (Hong Kong Church)

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黃毅英 (Alumnus)

圖書館永遠是一個啟蒙之地。讀中學時，老師已告訴我們，學校所學的有限，課本的知識也有限，要多看課外書。1974年就讀大學數學系，進入圖書館方驚覺知識天地之寬，世界上原來有那麼多不為我所知的學問，甚麼「藏學」，「埃及學」等等。除了看了許多本科（數學科）的各類書刊（包括修課所需的及其他諸如數學史、數學哲學的書）外，就是無拘無束地瀏覽書海，尤愛在功課做得頭昏腦脹時看一些畫冊影集。

馮平山書館更是我的「探秘樂園」，由於內藏善本書以閉架方式處理，只能透過書目尋書，就好像偵探一樣。還記得當時翻過張擬的《碁經》、歸莊的《萬古愁曲》和曾國藩的《冰鑑》等（當時不少善本書均蓋有梅振軍之印，不知何許人也，想亦好書之人，後將大量珍藏捐贈）。

後來，陸續修讀研究院課程，由碩士到博士，圖書館永遠是我蒐集資料的大後方。現時在網上搜尋太方便了，當年要影印學術論文，首先要到銀行換一大袋二角硬幣。因為當年沒有影印卡，要逐個硬幣投放作影印。現在我有我的博士生了。我還常告訴他們，現時互聯網自然方便和有效得多，但在圖書館中作紙本搜尋有時還是難以取代的。

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Jeffrey So Chi Hong (Alumnus )

From 1994-1998, I studied in HKU as an undergraduate, I had one more year to stay intensively in Libraries, to read the stuff I wanted to read, to write the thing I wanted to write..... Of course, I skipped many of my subject lessons, saved time and went to this place.I was also a committee member of Library. Once, I led a group of students from Singapore to visit the main library, a place of knowledge.More than this memory......Wonderful Main Library, I listened to Horowitz in AV collection.Wonderful Main Library, I read Chinese Philosophies in FPS.Wonderful Main Library, I read Social Work and Social Sciences Literatures, which are of doctorial levels, when I was just an undergraduate.Wonderful Main Library, I found Shakespear and William Blake on 2/F.Without this library, knowledge would be hidden.With this library, knowledge enshines.Thanks HKU libraries!

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SIU Man Keung (Alumnus)

In my youth a public library was not as common. The first public library maintained by the Hong Kong Government opened its door with the establishment of the Hong Kong City Hall in March of 1962. Before that I could only enjoyed the pleasure of reading and borrowing books from either the library of my school, or the United States Information Service Library (on Ice House Street near to Duddell Street) or the British Council Library (in Gloucester House, where now in its place stands the Landmark). In the summer of 1963 upon finishing registration as an undergraduate of HKU I immediately went to visit its Library. I was thrilled to find a library with several storeys (with even a lift inside!), each floor having lines and lines of bookshelves filled with enticing volumes. In comparison to the four aforementioned libraries this was absolutely superb. Years later I have occasions to visit many more libraries, public or of an institution, which are far more spacious and hold far more volumes. However, that first impression made in a young undergraduate bred a close affinity that will forever make it the library I love most.

During the years spent as an undergraduate of HKU I spent many hours in the Library, particularly during the summer vacation when the place was quiet and with very few people studying there. The Union Canteen was in the Student Union Building next to the Library, where now the New Wing of the Library stands. In the afternoon during term time we sometimes stood on the corridor of the Student Union Building and looked towards the Library on the opposite side about fifteen to twenty meters away, across the fountain that was supposed to be part of the air-conditioning system for the library. Through the tall windows of the first-floor Reading Room we scoured for classmates who might be studying there. Our theory was this; if we fixed our stare long enough at somebody, that somebody would “feel” the stare and look back! Indeed, that was how we usually lured some classmates away from their study to have a cup of tea or a glass of “ning lok (Coca-Cola with a slice of lemon)” with us at the Union Canteen!

There is one incident that I should feel indebted to the Library for saving my life! In one hot summer day of 1966, instead of taking an afternoon nap as I used to do, I went to the Library to read some book. When I returned home I found that the beam on the ceiling fell down while I was away, making a huge dent on the iron rail of the upper deck of the double-deck bed I shared with my sibling. (Our residence was on the top floor of an old and somewhat run-down house that leaked whenever it rained. For years I was accustomed to sleeping with a couple of buckets on my side to catch the leaking droplets. But it was beyond expectation to know that the beam would fall down one day!)

When I became a faculty member of HKU I had the fortune to return my debt (so to speak?) to the Library by serving as a member of the Science Faculty Library Committee from the mid-1980s until I left the post to serve as the Head of Department of Mathematics in January of 2000. Those were difficult years, financially speaking, so that we were continually bothered by the problem of cutting subscriptions of journals and devising alternative plans to alleviate the situation. I am glad to say that, with the cooperation of colleagues, we did manage to go through that difficult period.

In an article about the first class and the last class I taught at HKU as a regular faculty member (published in the New Year issue of Convocation Newsletter in 2006) I conclude with the remark: “I always say, no matter how the environment and mood of the tertiary sector change for better or for worse, there are three places which I love and feel comfortable with --- the classroom, the Library and the swimming pool.” Today, seven years after retirement I still harbour the same sentiment. Now that I do not have the frequent chance of enjoying the classroom, the library may have become the first on the list.

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Gu Guoping (Visiting Student, Dept. of History 2008)

I, togethr with 2 other fellow students, came to study as a Ph.D. student at the Dept. of History in 2008 and was introduced to the wealth of books and other research materials and tools in the HKU library.

During our stay, we were impressed by the nice food in the university canteens. We were impressed by the diversity of plants and trees in the campus. Most importantly, we were impressed by the quality of service offered to us by the faculty at the History department and the library.

As we spent the better part of our stay in the HKU library, I like to take this opportunity to extend our special gratitude for the excellent library service we received. As far as my research was concerned at the time, I was doing American economic policy towards Japan and China after the 1980s, which was more contemporary than purely historical. So unlike the other two of my fellow students (Chen Juebin and Feng Ping), I did not spend as much time before those scanning machines for old historical documents. But I nevertheless benefited as greatly from the resources in HKU library. In particular, the library resources in the fields of US-Japanese relations and a number of comparative studies on Japanese and Chinese strategies were especially valuable for my research because I could not find many of these books in Beijing, even in the National Library. When I wrote my doctoral dissertation back in Beijing, I drew heavily on these resources and was later given credit for this during my defense.

Besides the treasure of academic resources, the HKU library has impressed us in another way. We were surprised and touched by the kindness and seriousness with which the HKU librarians responded to our requests. I still vividly remember one occasion when a librarian asked me to leave my phone number after failing to help locate a misplaced book in the shelves. The next morning she called me saying the book was found. One of my fellow students had the same experience in the library. To be frank, as students we had not expected that kind of service (which is really something unexpected in a library on the mainland). So in private we joked that our stay in HKU gave us a taste of the so-called life with high dignity.

All I want to say is a special thanks to the HKU library.

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Yan King Yin (Friend of the Library)

I'm an independent researcher building an AI called Genifer. This is me pulling out a book from the library. The author of the book (Mentifex, aka Arthur T Murray) is a famous (notorious?) person on the internet because of his half-joking AI theories and programs. I was surprised to find his book actually in the library.

Thanks to HKUL for providing me with such a good research library.

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Brian Thompson (PhD 2001)

I suppose I will always associate Hong Kong with HKU Libraries, as I began working there days just days after moving to the city. Perhaps my fondest memory is of my time in the cataloguing department. My desk was next to the telephone and although there was a clerk who usually answered calls, when she was away from her desk I answered the phone. Usually, the caller hestitated for a moment, no doubt surprised to find a gweilo answering the call. Often though they would just ask for the person they wanted to speak to, and I learned everyone's name that way -- although, I expect, without getting the tones right very often.

From there, I moved on to study in the music department, and enjoyed many hours in the lovely little library in the Hung Hing Ying Building, with a window looking out on a papaya tree.

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My HKU Library Memories – Sunbath Paradise

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My HKU Library Memories – Sunbath Paradise

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Lee Yu Chun, John (BSc (APBT) 2006)

Established in 1932, Fung Ping Shan Library has been our oldest HKU library of all time. Although it has moved into the Old Wing of our Main Library since 1961, it remains as my most favourite “hideout” during my U-life 10 years ago.

Especially the self-study cubical area on sixth floor, because where I enjoy spending most of my academics as a Biotech-majoring student – Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, is just within a glimpse outside the window. Just by looking out whenever I feel stuck with my lab reports or rushed by presentation deadlines, can already loosen up my nerves and feel calmer.

Being situated on the top floor of the Main Library Building with mainly Chinese books also drives relatively fewer students on a regular school-day. Quiet atmosphere, light breeze air-conditioning and arrays of warm sunlight over the shoulders on a beautiful day...this was certainly a paradise to me and occasionally, I would even drop by for a quick-nap after my Saturday morning HKU Campus Tours as a dedicated Green Gown Guide!

While I truly hope this “sacred” place would not be overwhelmed with students after this sharing of mine is published, I highly recommend our HKU currents to check it out at their leisure…and of course for studying or reading but not for sleeping… =P

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Mei Lei (PhD 2010)

Kelly and I came to HKU for PhD program in 2006, we know each other in a course given by library, and we became friends soon. We are from different faculty, we have different major, but we like to study in library and here we have so many wonderful memories. Both of us graduated on time in 2010, I stayed in the faculty and work as a RA, Kelly chose to go back to Beijing and continue her life there. Before she left, we went to library again and took some photos (We were very quiet and did not disturb others...). It's so meaning for us.

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Sung Chow Wing (PCLL 1992)

When I first used the Main Library in the summer of 1983, I needed to purchase a few packets of 20-cent coins. Around 1997, libraries in Hong Kong began to use storage card. This is a convenient measure. However, each library had its own storage card. Therfore, I kept several storage cards in my bag. Now, we all use a single octopus card for all libraries.

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Tara Yue (Alumnus)

我和港大的缘分之始，确切的说，是因为那座不高大不炫目，却如宝库般、有慑人魔力的图书馆。

第一次去港大，属于友情演出，RA性质。那几个月的时间，并不喜欢香港。和多数初识香港的人一样，我不喜欢那里的狭小拥挤、没有窗口的办公室、潮湿闷热的天气、听不懂的语言，也不习惯老板的做事风格。可是也许做得还算不错，老板很快就问我，愿不愿意来这里读博。那时，我已经在武汉读了一年博士，上完了所有课程，导师是位大名鼎鼎的双院士；而且，我刚有了自己的小家。所以，心底里，我首先投了否定票。

工作之余，除了逛街，我还有个去处就是港大的图书馆。对我而言，那里天文地理国际政治娱乐八卦封建迷信各式杂志书籍视频一应俱全。那楼本身虽不大，却如宝库，深不可探。至今还记得，在英文部探索了许久以后，第一次去中文部（冯平山楼）——在小说书架间流连，忽见一个女生席地而坐、背靠着书架，手里捧着一本书，正在唏唏嘘嘘地抹眼泪。阳光正好透过窗口撒在这个伤心女孩的身上，我见犹怜…… 我继续走到其它书架，眼光却仍然偷偷瞥向那个角落； 再一撇，顿时哑然失笑——但见那女生身边放了包薯片，她伸手取了一片塞到嘴里，翻一页书，然后继续抽泣，抹一把眼泪！原来，这书和薯片一样，是享受消遣；眼泪和笑一样，是读书的乐趣。

这个有点戏剧性的小场景至今仍然记忆清晰，因为当时忽的就被触动了——原来，图书馆里不止一排排书架一本本的书，不止是埋头苦读的地方，还可以是这样活生生恣意享受读书乐趣的地方。

那一刻就这么被定格了，不仅在记忆里，也成了我的生命中改变方向的一个片段。因为这个图书馆，我选择来到了港大，我的人生道路和信念从此也逐渐改变了。

在这里，我曾经查找学术资料写论文，看录像读小说，也曾经参加各种读书会。毕业后每次再去港大，我都会再来这里坐一坐，仿佛成了一种仪式。其实图书馆一早就禁止携带食物了，那包薯片，也许是上天安排的小道具，呵呵……