Following Phase 1 of the Library Renovation on the building of a new Mezzanine floor and a full renovation of the Library 1/F, the Library will continue this Phase 2 of the renovation in the summer of 2022 as consulted and planned in 2016.
The New Library Entrance and Lobby after Phase 1 renovation
Since the addition of the 3/F and 4/F in the Patrick Lee Wan Keung Academic Building in 2005, there was no major upgrades and renovations in these areas. While, several minor enhancements on 3/F have been performed including the building of compact shelves to increase the book storage, replacing furniture and re-carpeting to enhance user experience, these measures could not address the main problems of outdated and end-of-life building services. From time to time, Library has received complaints about the insufficient lighting and air conditioning in the area.
(Left) Scene of 3/F in 2005/2006
(Right) Scene of 3/F in 2020 after minor space improvement
(Left) Scene of 3/F in 2005/2006
(Right) Installation of Compact Shelves and high table along the wall facing Wing On Plaza
Converted the open area to usable space in 2019 summer
Meanwhile, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong Integrated IT Study Centre (MB412) situated in the same building has encountered similar issues. In addition, users of the MB412 have voiced out long for their need to access the Library print materials during the overnight study.
With the approval from University’s Management, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong Integrated IT Study Centre (MB412) will be integrated into part of the Library. Overnight computing and study area will continue to be provided in addition to access to the Library resources such as your course materials in the High Use Books located in the Late Reading Room.
The location of the current offices of the Library, Information Services Technology Centre and the Human Resources Office have been scattered in the building, and some are situated at the Library public area. Relocation of the offices from the public area will provide an integrated area for library users and enhance the operational efficiency of the 3 offices. With the newly built internal elevator to provide barrier-free access, it is the opportune moment to renovate and transform the 3/F into a quiet zone on the upper floor of the Library and reshuffle the various staff area to the 4/F of the building for enhancing the user experience and circulation flow.
In Late 2021, UGC approved the AA&I application of the Library. With the project planning being kicked-off in early 2022, the renovation is expected to commence in June 2022.
In this renovation project, the following design features will be introduced to modernize and uplift 3/F and 4/F of the Academic Building.
The new master plan of Library 3/F
(Image Credit: Barrie HO Architecture Interiors Ltd)
- 2 Nucleus featured-seating for your private and group study
(Image Credit: Barrie HO Architecture Interiors Ltd)
- Pocket Space and Seating Booths on 3/F to support different learning and studying needs
(Image Credit: Barrie HO Architecture Interiors Ltd)
- Welcoming ITSC and HRO Counters on 4/F
(Image Credit: Barrie HO Architecture Interiors Ltd)
The renovation project will commence in mid-June 2022 and is expected to be completed by February 2023.
Phase 1: Covers more than half of the 3/F Library area and the whole 4/F will be completed and reopened to users by October 2022.
Phase 2: Covers the remaining of 3/F and will be reopened in February 2023.
While the renovated area is closed for refurbishment, inevitably, the following Services/Facilities and Book Collections will be affected to a varying degree.
| Affected Services/Facilities | Alternative Arrangement |
|---|---|
| Closure of the Library on 3/F | M/F: The new space on M/F will open during the summer break of 2022. 2/F: Will reopen in June 2022 when the pandemic has been stabilised. 3/F (Phase 1): Half of the 3/F will reopen for use in October 2022, 3/F (Phase 2): Remaining of the 3/F will reopen for use in February 2023. |
| Closure of MB412 | Users can make use of the overnight Late Reading Room in the Library for studying and accessing Public PCs. A new study room will be added to the Library overnight service area around October 2022. |
| Closure of Postgraduate Common Room on 3/F Library | A new Postgraduate Lounge will be reprovisioned in the new M/F in summer 2022. |
| Closure of Video Conferencing Room on 3/F | Students can make use of Individual, Group Study Rooms in the Library. |
| Relocation of ITSC and Library office to the temporary office on 3/F | Services of ITSC and Library Service Counter remain unchanged. ITSC Service Counter will move from 2/F to 4/F around October 2022. |
Access to the following Book Collections will be affected, please check our 1-Search for its latest location and status.
| Book Collections | Temporary Arrangement |
|---|---|
| Books LC Class HQ-JZ P-PE1448 PL2307.Z-QR |
These collections will be temporarily relocated to the temp storage and could be requested via 1-Search. 1 working day is needed for retrieval. |
| Books LC Class K-NX R-ZA |
Course materials and High usage books of these collections will be relocated to "High Use Books" on 1/F. Other low usage collections/materials will be boxed up. |
| Books LC Class PE1449-PL2307.Y LBK Books |
These books will be inaccessible from mid-June to October 2022. Course materials and High usage books of these collections will be relocated to "High Use Books" on 1/F Late Reading Room for overnight access. |
2 briefing sessions have been conducted for our staff and students to know more about this renovation.
For Students:
Date: 28 April 2022 (Thursday)
Time: 2:30 p.m.
For Staff:
Date: 29 April 2022 (Friday)
Time: 2:30 p.m.
A recording of the students' session has been uploaded for your further review. Please let us know more of your comments and thoughts by email to library@ln.edu.hk