FEATURE STORY

• Library Space Enhancement Project 2013/14
  
  

The Library will undergo another round of renovation this year to turn our physical space into an academic place for innovation, academic exchange and collaboration. Not only will the Library increase its seating capacity and upgrade its facilities, but it will also create a variety of functional areas to support new pedagogies and collaborative learning.




Two areas have been identified for immediate refurbishment from Dec 2013 to Feb 2014. Electricity work has been completed over the winter break. Furniture delivery is expected in Feb/Mar 2014.

 

	Redesigning Reference Collection area for More Study Space (3/F) Relocate 50% of the Reference Collection from Research Enhancement Centre (3/F) to Discussion Zone (Room L010). Create additional 35 study spaces, including 11 computer workstations and 24 seats in Research Enhancement Centre.
	Remodeling Library Exhibition Hall into Flexible Study Area (P/F) Refurnish with movable furniture, a new door on an existing fixed glass wall and more power outlets. Provide a more comfortable and stimulating environment for collaborative study as well as hosting Library events.
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Subject to additional funding support, the Library will also renovate these two areas during summer 2014.
Revamping Media Services area – Introduce New Digital and Multimedia Production Corner (3/F) Provide audio-visual materials on open stack to facilitate easy browsing and self checkout. Set up a new Digital and Multimedia Production Corner, with a professional studio and a graphics lab. Provide enhanced AV carrels and collaborative space for viewing multimedia materials or rehearsing presentation.
Expanding 24 Hour Study Centre (G/F) Increase the size of the 24-hour Study Centre (L001) by 230m2 by expanding it into the adjacent study room (L003). Build a new glass wall between Room L001 and L003 to create a wide open view and bring in natural light. Allow flexibility to open up Room L003 for 24-hour access during exam period and to enable wheelchair access. Enhance existing discussion rooms and add more discussion booths, with installation of PCs and new LED monitors in these collaborative facilities.
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• Well on Our Way to Success with READ@PolyU!










Completed in Dec 2013, the READ@PolyU Programme successfully promoted reading culture within and beyond the classroom. Below please find some interesting fast facts about the programme:

2,002 copies of the common book "The Hunger Games" were distributed to eligible first-year undergraduate students. 577 first-year undergraduate students and 190 student facilitators participated in the discussion sessions held between 23 Sep and 1 Nov 2013. Among them, 165 first-year undergraduate students and 56 student facilitators who had attended 3 discussion sessions were awarded with the Co-curricular Achievement Transcript (CAT) recognition, and also given points for Excel@English scheme (ESS) Learning Passports. [Top] 246 staff and students enjoyed two film shows in the Chiang Chen Studio Theatre. 66 staff and students took part in the two inspiring book talks to meet and interact with enthusiastic speakers and authors face-to-face. A record-breaking of 81 submissions to the essay contest. To be better prepared for the contest, 29 students participated in the reflective writing workshops run by ELC. The first year to have the common book embedded into the curriculum of a GUR subject -- APSS1L01 "Tomorrow's Leaders. Students in the class engaged in discussions to reflect on selected themes.   [Top]

The Library would like take this chance to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following parties:

All the staff and student facilitators who brought insightful and simulating ideas to the discussion sessions. Mr Andrew Morrall, Mr Nury Vittachi, Ms Mio Dehnam and Prof. Kathleen Ahrens for delivering thought-provoking book talks. Ms Shari Lughmani for conducting reflective writing workshops to sharpen students' writing skills. Prof. Daniel Shek, Dr Florence Wu, Dr Cecilia Ma and other instructors of APSS1L01 for integrating themes of the common book into the curriculum. Dr Bruce Morrison, Mr Jeff Watson and ELC colleagues for coordinating the facilitator training workshop, promoting READ@PolyU events, and marking essay papers submitted for the contest. Last but not least, our deepest gratitude also goes to Shun Hing Education & Charity Fund for the generous support to the READ@PolyU programme.   [Top]