The new Yu Chun Keung Medical Library of the University of Hong Kong was opened on 5 January 2002 and celebrated with a Book Passing Ceremony, organized by the Medical Library and the Faculty of Medicine.  Faculty members, medical and nursing students, and library staff formed a human chain and passed the last batch of the collection from the old Library to the new Library, marking a most memorable and historical event, the first time in the University of Hong Kong.

The new Library is almost double the size of the former medical library, with a total of 2,850 square metres.  Embracing the computer age, it is a state-of-the-art facility with flexible and innovative technology applications providing a virtual learning environment conducive to study and research.  The focus is the Knowledge Navigation Centre equipped with computers, multimedia workstations, scanners, software packages for class assignments, presentations and digital publishing.  40 networked computers are available for access to online catalogues, local databases and health sciences resources worldwide.  There is also a Computer Assisted Learning Laboratory with an additional 45 computers and necessary software for large group presentations and seminars.  In addition to network nodes, the Library has installed wireless LAN to enable 'Network-Access-Everywhere'.

Significant enhancement is made in major facilities including multi-purposes study rooms and multimedia centre. Study carrels and tables are fully wired and configured to accommodate a variety of study needs.  The unique architectural design and the splendid view overlooking the Lamma Channel provide an aesthetic and pleasant environment for learning and research.

The Yu Chun Keung Medical Library has one of the strongest biomedical collections in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, with over 160,000 books and bound volumes, 2,900 journal titles, access to 1,400 titles of health sciences electronic journals, and numerous multimedia on medicine, nursing, health sciences, and Chinese medicine.  It supports the curriculum, research, continuing education, and patient care needs of the University of Hong Kong and its Medical Faculty.  Service is extended to alumni, private practitioners, and medical doctors from other hospitals.
 

Julia Chan
Medical Librarian
Yu Chun Keung Medical Library
The University of Hong Kong

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fig. 1: Human chain in the Book Passing Ceremony
fig. 2: Knowledge Navigation Centre and western medical collection
fig. 3: Study facilities on mezzanine floor
fig. 4: Exhibition area
fig. 5: Circulation counter