HKUL > Visitors / Public
Visitors / Public
 
Welcome to the University of Hong Kong Libraries (HKUL). HKUL was established in 1912 and is the oldest academic library in Hong Kong with over two million volumes of collections. While the total stock in physical volumes has been growing, the electronic collection has also witnessed a rapid expansion.
 
HKUL now comprises of the Main Library and six specialist branch libraries, namely the Dental, Education, Fung Ping Shan (East Asian Language), Yu Chun Keung Medical, Lui Che Woo Law and the Music Library. They are located in buildings in around the campus with varying opening hours.
 
Is HKUL open to the public?
  First and foremost, HKUL serves current faculty, students, staff, and researchers who hold valid HKU IDs. However, the Libraries does serve people with research needs or an interest in supporting the Libraries:
   
    HKUL Circle of Friends
    To be part of this HKUL community, you are welcome to join HKUL Circle of Friends which is a group of friends and book lovers who support the Libraries. Along with the pleasure of knowing that you are supporting one of the great intellectual resources of the region, you may enjoy various benefits like on-site use of library resources, borrowing privileges and many more. More information can be found at http://lib.hku.hk/friends/join.html or you may wish to call 2859-8903.
 
    Alumni of HKU SPACE
    Graduate of HKU SPACE programmes can join the Libraries as a member of the HKUL Circle of Friends.
 
    Higher degree student or Terms of Service I (or equivalent) staff member at a UGC-funded institution
    You may obtain a JULAC (Joint University Libraries Advisory Committee) Card for access to HKU Libraries. The card will entitle you to take out a maximum of 10 items. Enquire at your institution's library for eligibility information and application details.
 
    Full-time degree student at UGC-funded institution
    You may get a Reader's Ticket which is valid till 31 July of each current academic year. Enquire at your institution's library for eligibility information and application details.
 
    Full-time degree student of overseas university or overseas researcher
    In general, such users are eligible to apply for a Reader's Ticket valid for a maximum of 3 months within one academic year. The Ticket allows on-site access to the library and does not carry borrowing privileges. The Ticket can be applied in person by presenting a piece of student identification at the Registration Counter (Main Library), or by sending a written request addressed to the Access Services Librarian. Please note that part-time students of overseas universities as well as external students of distance learning courses and programmes are not eligible for this privilege.
 
    Members of the public in Hong Kong
    Members of the public in Hong Kong who can demonstrate a bona fide research need to use the library's academic resources may be given on-site access privileges to the library for up to 3 days within an academic year. This access does not include borrowing privileges. To apply for access to the Libraries, please send a written request addressed to the Access Services Librarian.
 
Who can have remote access to online resources available
through HKUL website?
HKUL is contractually obligated to limit remote access to most HKUL e-resources to current HKU students, faculty, staff, and researchers who hold HKU IDs and PINs.
 
How can I find out if HKUL has a particular book or journal?

Visit the web-based DRAGON Catalogue at http://library.hku.hk/ to search HKUL’s holdings of books, journals, e-resources, and more.
For more information, consult http://lib.hku.hk/general/research/quick_guides.html.

 
Does HKUL participate in Interlibrary Loans?
Yes. To obtain HKUL material through Interlibrary Loans (ILL), consult the ILL librarian in your home library or institution. Note that for most interlibrary loans, charges apply.