FOCUS . The University of Hong Kong Libraries.doc

FOCUS . The University of Hong Kong Libraries New Series. Vol. 4, No. 3, Jan 2005 Content: Message from the Librarian Exhibitions Book Talks Support the Libraries Feature Collection New and Noteworthy Selected Notable Acquisitions Spotlight on Treasures Working the Halls WebWise Library Visitors Message from the Librarian – Making Spirits Bright Anthony Ferguson As we come to the end of this year, I have given thought to what new year’s resolutions I have for the Libraries. Here is my list of six good things to do. I would be pleased to hear from any of you which ones align with your priorities for the Libraries. Collections quality Make the best use of available funds to raise the quality level of our collections and services to that which is expected of a top ranked research library in Asia and the world. This will include the completion of the collection analysis project already underway where our holdings and those of the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins have been used to create a database so that we can better understand our strengths and weaknesses. Hong Kong Academic Library Link Provide the leadership for the expansion of HKALL (Hong Kong Academic Library Link), a user initiated interlibrary loan service. We have conducted a successful experiment with City and Lingnan universities over the past nine months. Ninety-five percent of all books requested using HKALL come within 48 hours whereas only 9% of those using traditional ILL come that fast and 43% have still not come within five working days. We need to obtain HUCOM (Head of Universities Committee) and UGC (University Grants Committee) support to purchase the union database/request fulfillment software. This could give HKUL users fast access to 8 million-plus volumes instead of just to our own 2.3 million volumes. New library Help make the construction of a new library on the western expansion a reality. This will include working with campus architects and planners to interpret the a