The Lingnan University Library at Patrick Lee Wan Keung Academic Building was built in 1995 with three storeys including the ground floor. It was added 2 new floors in 2005 so that the Library occupies 1/F to 4/F, together with other offices of the University. Throughout the past 25 years, the Library has just undergone one major renovation in 2006/2007 by reorganising some areas on 1/F to support student activities and exhibitions and setting up 2 new reading rooms on 3/F to provide more study seats for students.
Physical setting in the Library after renovation in 2005
Since then, there is no increase in space and no renovation / spatial reorganisation to cope with the increase in collections, and the needs for more space for different learning, study and research activities. The library collections have exceeded over 0.6 million of physical materials and will continue to grow to support the learning, teaching and research activities of the University. To accommodate the annual library physical collection increase, the 1/F (Entrance Level) of the Library has become an ocean of book stacks over the years, with little and unorganised space for other study and learning activities of students. Yet, the demands of education in the 21st century make the library space increasingly inadequate to meet the different and competing needs of users.
On the one hand, in the digital age of the 21st century, there is an increasing need for the Library to provide a more flexible and dynamic environment that blends technology with other physical and social space in the library to provide a different learning experience for the new generation of digital-native students. On the other hand, technology also shifts the research needs of Faculty. They are now requesting a scholarly communication platform that enables collaborative research to take place. The physical areas of the Library also need to be adjusted so that staff and students alike can immerse into their research in the Library.
After vigorous assessment of the library space, the University has approved the Library to kick-start the planning of major renovation of the Library in 2015. We have sought and incorporated the views and comments from different stakeholders including students, Faculty, senior management, library staff, and other administrative staff via surveys, meetings and presentations. Representatives from faculties and student unions have been consulted through Open Forums conducted in December 2015 and March 2016. Upon receiving all the feedback and suggestions from different stakeholders, the Library spearheaded the planning of a future library for all Lingnanians and has successfully obtained funding support from University Grants Committee (UGC) in 2017 and 2018.
The space design stage was commenced in September 2018. The plan is about ready now and has been submitted to different government departments for approval. It is planned to start the actual construction work in mid-December 2020.
We gathered the following requests from staff and students in the consultation sessions in 2015 and 2016:
- Different styles of study spaces, including individual study rooms, individual study carrels and collaborative work areas for group projects and discussion
- More space not only for study but also for different types of learning activities, such as seminars, exhibitions, maker space etc.
- 24-hour access to the Library as we are the only Library that cannot provide such round-the-clock service among other UGC-funded Universities in Hong Kong
- Research space for researchers and academics
- An internal lift to provide barrier-free access space inside the Library for easy navigation to different floors and to assist students with accessibility needs
- Replace the ageing IT infrastructure including the CAT5 cabling systems for computer connections and 100BaseT network switch
All these voices are heard loud and clear. They will be all incorporated into the design of the Library at the section Major Changes.
Under the wave of transformation, the library functions have been extended significantly. The Library is not just a place for connecting users with books and other scholarly resources, it is also a place for study, research, creation, knowledge exchange, crystallization of innovative ideas and experiential learning. To tie in with the changing library functions, it is our vision to bring a vibrant and unorthodox learning environment to all our core users including students, staff and alumni of the University after the renovation. The following are the key elements in this vision:
- A new mezzanine floor between 1/F and 2/F will be built to provide the new space that is equipped with appropriate technology and tools to inspire students to experiment, to test and to try their innovative ideas to promote entrepreneurship spirit. It should also be a place where students can learn freely from the different training courses, seminars, workshops, DIY projects, competitions and cultural events.
- Thorough spatial reorganization of 1/F to repurpose the space into different learning and activities zones including a 24-hour access reading room and computer laboratory rather than just an ocean of bookshelves.
- Upgrade the aging IT infrastructure to improve the reliability and performance of the computer facilities/IT equipment and to provide updated computing facilities for study and learning.
- Installation of an internal lift to reach all floors of the Library from 1/F to 4/F.
While the architectural plans are still under approval by the Government and slight changes are anticipated, the following floor plans with key visuals have captured the modern and grand design from our architectural consultant team in a vivid way.
- Internal Lift
- Mezzanine Floor
- Design Innovation Lab
- Glass House
- Graduate Lounge and other study areas
- Integrated Service Counter
- 24-hour Reading Room
- 24-hour Computer Laboratory
- Relaxing and Versatile Study Area
- Café
Library 1/F Floor Plan (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
Library M/F Floor Plan (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
A lift will be provided all through 1/F, M/F, 2/F, 3/F and 4/F to enable library users and staff to commute between different floors.
Internal Lift (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
A new mezzanine floor will be constructed between 1/F and 2/F of the Library. The space will be provided with a cozy space for our users to study and to conduct learning activities. Each wing of the Library will have 3 islands for different purposes.
Mezzanine Floor (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
The southern part of the mezzanine floor will be used to create four different zones, namely:
- Virtual Reality (VR) Zone: to support students’ digital participation in Digital Literacy and gain immersive experiences in three-dimensional and VR digital formats;
- Makers Zone: to assist students in prototyping their ideas with tools and equipment such as 3D Printers, Laser Cutter, CNC Machines, 3D Scanners, Plastic Shredder etc. to be provided.
- Startup Zone: to serve as an entrepreneurial hub which will be furnished with marker, movable whiteboards, high tables and chair to allow innovators and entrepreneurs for ideation, discussion and brainstorm session.
- Knowledge Transfer Zone: to support the sharing of ideas with the community partners and members and to run different workshops and events for the stakeholders. This area will be equipped with movable whiteboards, and stools for users to maximize space usage during discussion and interaction.
Design Innovation Lab (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
It is an extension of the Design Innovation Lab for Lingnan entrepreneurs and social innovators to incubate and showcase their start-up ideas.
The Glass House will be used to organize activities on a larger scale, such as start-up exhibitions, symposiums, conference, design thinking gallery etc.
Glass House for Design Innovation Hub (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
The northern part of the mezzanine floor is designed as a quiet study and research area for all; one of the islands is designed for our postgraduates for their study and research, which is still accessible by all users.
Graduate Lounge and other study areas (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
All service counters in the Library will be centralized into one to provide one-stop support for all users, from book transactions to reference enquiries.
Integrated Service Counter (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
This Reading Room will be surrounded by grand book walls and will be open in 24 hours.
24-hour Reading Room (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
This Computer Laboratory will be provided with flexible furniture that can be transformed into a teaching venue and it will be open in 24 hours.
24-hour Computer Laboratory (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
Different study areas will be added at 1/F and M/F to accommodate the private study needs of our students.
Relaxing and Versatile Study Area (Image Credit: PangArchitect)
The renovation project is expected to be last for eight months from mid-December 2020 to August 2021. The renovation will probably be completed right before the start of the academic term of 2021/2022.
The Library will maintain regular services during the period of the renovation as far as possible. However, it is inevitable that some facilities and services will be suspended or affected during the renovation. We assure users that theses services and facilities will be replenished in 2/F and 3/F as much as possible.
| Affected Location/ Duration | Affected Services/Facilities | Accessibility during renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Whole area on 1/F will be fully closed during the entire renovation period | Library Entrance/Exit | Users are required to use the entrance at 2/F near the Multimedia and Language Learning Centre (MLLC) to access the Library. |
| The Circulation Counter and the Integrated Helpdesk at Information Commons | A temporary counter will be set up near the temporary Library Entrance/Exit at 2/F MLLC. | |
| Reference Collection | These collections have been trimmed and moved to the 3/F South. | |
| Course Reserves Collection | This collection remains accessible and will be located at the temporary counter at 2/F. | |
| General Collection (LC Class B-BF, DS-DX) | These collections are accessible and have been temporarily relocated to 3/F South. | |
| General Collection (LC Class HD-HX) | These collections will be temporarily relocated to the Art Gallery and remain retrievable upon request at 1-Search. One working day is needed for retrieval. | |
| General Collection (Other LC Class including A, BH-BR, E-HC, J-N) | High usage books of these collections have been relocated to 3/F South. Other low usage collections/materials will be moved to the offsite storage. | |
| Individual Study Rooms, Faculty and Postgraduate Study Room and Collaborative Workrooms on the 1/F | All these rooms will be closed. The Mini Theatre area at 2/F will be converted into multi-purpose space with flexible furniture for discussion/study and organizing events. More study tables will be relocated to other areas of 2/F and 3/F. | |
| All dedicated PC workstations including Bloomberg terminal and other databases workstation | All workstations will be temporarily relocated to the MLLC at 2/F and 3/F for use. | |
| Book Drop, Self-Check Station and Book Sterilizer | It will be relocated to 2/F temporarily. | |
| Café/ L.E.I Beta (β) Lab and drinking fountains | The Café will be temporarily closed. The Mini Theatre area at 2/F will be used as a multi-purpose space for different events. Drinking fountains at 2/F and 3/F remain available. | |
| A portion of 2/F will be affected | Multimedia and Language Learning Centre (MLLC) / Mini Theatre / Chang Han-tsiu Reading Room | A small portion of the MLLC/ Mini Theatre / Chang Han-tsiu Reading Room which facing the Lobby side at 2/F will be closed for the construction of internal lift and book wall. |
| A portion of 3/F will be affected | The area outside the Postgraduate Common Room | A small portion of the area will be closed for the construction of an internal lift. |
| Stairs | Northern stairs from 2/F to 3/F | The stairs will be closed for the construction of the internal lift. Please use the Southern stairs. |
| Area outside the Library | MBG10 / Art Gallery | These areas will be closed for the construction of an internal lift and serve as temporary storage. |
Why Is the Library being renovated?
1/F of the Library has never been renovated in the past 15 years, except for the Lobby and the Information Commons area. As reflected from the past Library Surveys, our users have a strong request to improve our physical settings and services of the Library. To meet with the changing needs of our users, this renovation reflects their ideas and requirements by providing more spaces, a better environment and comfortable furniture in the Library.
How long will the renovation take?
The construction part of the renovation project is expected to last for eight months. The construction work will commence in mid-December 2020, right after the examination of Term 1 2020/21, and will be completed by mid-August 2021. According to the tentative schedule, 1/F will be ready for use in the 2021/22 Term 1 while the newly built mezzanine floor will be ready for use in mid-October 2021 subject to the approvals from different government departments.
Who is responsible for the construction?
PangArchitect has been appointed to be the consultant of this renovation project. They are very experienced in the renovation of academic libraries. They propose to build an additional mezzanine floor in the Library which can provide innovative spaces for our users to inspire, to read, to experience, and to collaborate in the Library.
What has been done by the library to prepare for the closing of 1/F?
Before formulating the spatial reorganization and renovation plan, views/comments from different users have been collected via previous Library Surveys and Open Forums conducted in 2015 and 2016.
To prepare for the renovation project, we have converted a void area into a usable space at 3/F to cater for more bookshelves in summer 2019 and installed a new set of Compact Shelves on 3/F to house our collections in early 2020. With other space-saving measures implemented, 3/F of the Library can hold more than 60,000 volumes of books.
With support from the University, the Art Gallery at 3/F will be converted into temporary storage for the Library during the renovation period. Bookshelves have been built in this area, and we will start to move books of LC Class H to this area in summer 2020. It is a closed stack area for staff retrieval during the renovation. The total number of books is around 100,000 volumes.
More study spaces will also be added to 2/F and 3/F with new and flexible furniture to be provided to meet the different needs of our users.
We hope that the above can help to reduce the nuisance caused to our users.
Will the Library stay open?
Yes, the Library will stay open during the entire renovation period. However, some facilities and services may be affected during the period. Library Entrance/Exit will be moved to the Multimedia and Language Learning Centre (MLLC) at 2/F. Some collections in the Library will be relocated to different floors and some of them may be packed in remote storage. If users need to access these materials, they can make a request via 1-Search or HKALL. For details of the affected services during the renovation period, please visit the “Services Affected and Measures to Mitigate Impact” for more information. If there is any further suspension of facilities/services during the renovation period, we will inform the users by posting notices in our website.
Will it be noisy and dusty during the construction period?
Yes, it is inevitable to have noise and dust during the renovation period, especially during the construction of the internal lift. All lecture theatres and classrooms on G/F of the Main Building will also be affected by noise. However, we target to complete the “noisiest” part of the project at the beginning of the construction work, that is, from mid-December 2020 to the New Year break. It is hoped that this arrangement can minimize the impact to our users. Also, we will enforce mitigate measures to reduce the noise and dust during the construction period as far as possible.
Will I be able to check out books?
Yes, the only change is that our Circulation Counter at 1/F will be moved to 2/F temporarily during the renovation period. In addition, some of the collections may be relocated to different parts of the library and storage. If you need to access these materials, you may make a request via 1-Search for physical retrieval. Alternatively, you can still use the HKALL service to request books/materials if needed. If you need assistance to search for any library materials, please ask our staff for help. We are here to help you throughout this process.
Our electronic collection of books and articles in the Library will remain unaffected during the renovation period. They will be available at any time and will be accessed from anywhere.
Will the computers and other facilities be available?
Yes, dedicated database workstations and other Public PCs will be available at MLLC at 2/F and 3/F during the renovation period.
Will there be Library workshops/training available?
Yes, we will continue to offer information literacy and user education training to our users during the renovation period.
Are the study rooms open during construction?
No. During the renovation period, all Individual Study Rooms and Faculty and Postgraduate Study Rooms at 1/F will be temporarily closed. However, additional study space is being created at the Mini Theatre.
More questions?
If you have any enquiry, please contact us at library@ln.edu.hk
We are grateful to all students and staff who shared their views and comments with us for formulating the Library renovation plan. We will work diligently and thoughtfully to realize your ideas into our future plan and build a desired library together which can enhance the teaching, learning and research in the future. We will continue to work on this renovation project with our partners and get them updated as quickly as possible. Please stay tuned to our new progress.
2 Library Renovation Project Briefings have been organised to update our students and staff about the project scope, timeline, the impact on library services in the coming term, and most importantly to hear your voices on the space use. Thank you for your participation.
For Students:
Date: 19 May 2020 (Tuesday)
Time: 10:00 a.m.
For Staff:
Date: 28 May 2020 (Thursday)
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Perspective images of New Library Lobby and 24-hour Reading Room (Image Credit: PangArchitect)