Hong Kong Library Education and Career Forum 2003

 
Nowadays, the public is more aware of the importance of being information literate. Library and information science has become a hot discipline. To cope with the increasing demand, many local institutes start to offer different levels of programs in this field.  The Hong Kong Library Education and Career Forum, therefore, aims to provide information about librarianship courses available in Hong Kong and introduce the career prospects in different types of libraries. 

This year, the Forum was held on Saturday, 8th November from 2:30 to 5:30 pm at the Lecture Theatre of the Central Library.  The Forum was co-organized by the Hong Kong Library Association (HKLA) and the Hong Kong Public Libraries.  It was well attended by about 150 participants including students, teachers, and librarians.

In the first session of the Forum, we had speakers from six institutes, introducing 12 local librarianship study programs of various levels.

Programs suitable for Form 5 students:

1.  Certificate for Library Assistants, offered by School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE), University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Library Association (HKLA)

2.  Higher Diploma for Library Technicians, a full time program offered by HKU SPACE Community College

3.  Certificate for School Library Assistant, offered by Caritas Francis Hsu College and Hong Kong Teacher-Librarians' Association

4.  Certificate Programme for Library Assistants, a Chinese program offered by School of Continuing Studies, Chinese University of Hong Kong

5.  Diploma in Library Studies, offered by School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University

Programs suitable for Form 7 students:

6.  Diploma in Library and Information Science, offered by SPACE and Charles Sturt University (CSU)

Programs which require teaching experience:

7.  Diploma in Teacher Librarianship, offered by SPACE and Education and Manpower Bureau 

8.  Bachelor in Education (Information Technology in Education / Library and Information Science), offered by Centre for Information Technology in Education (CITE) of the Faculty of Education, HKU

Postgraduate programs:

9.  Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies, offered by CITE

10. Master of Science in Information Technology in Education, offered by CITE

11. Diploma in Librarianship, offered by SPACE, CSU and HKLA

12. Master of Applied Science (Library & Information Management), offered by SPACE and CSU

Career Prospects

The second session of the Forum focused on the job nature and career prospects in various types of libraries. Four experienced professionals shared with us their expertise.

Mrs Shirley Leung, University Librarian of the Hong Kong Baptist University, emphasized that today's librarian must be proactive to the changing environment. Mr. C. W. Chan introduced the services provided by the Hong Kong Public Libraries and the job requirements of various positions. Mr Chiu Kwok Wah, Chairman of the Teacher Librarian Group of the Hong Kong Professional Teacher's Union, told us that the workload of a school librarian is quite heavy. All teacher librarians should be highly motivated to carry out their duties with enthusiasm.  Mr Watson Chan, Head of Research and Library Services of the Legislative Council Secretariat, briefed us on the services and staff structure of the LegCo Library and the challenges facing it.

The speakers also reflected that the economic pressures did affect the recruitment of library staff. Vacancies are limited. Library working experience is essential. To cope with the tough environment, individuals are encouaged to equip themselves with more skills and knowledge and be prepared to adapt to rapid changes.

The Forum was a success. We would like to thank everyone who attended the forum, and particularly the speakers who had spent their precious time sharing their experience and expertise with us.

Sintra Tsang
Chair
Education and Training Committee


Note: Some of the Powerpoint presentations will be available at the Archive webpage.