The University of Hong Kong

University Libraries

Kan Lai Bing Fellowship in Book and Paper Conservation

 

About the Programme

Funded by a donation from the family of the late University Librarian and Fung Ping Shan Librarian Dr Kan Lai Bing, this Conservation Fellowship Programme is dedicated to supporting the preservation, conservation, and digitization of East Asian materials in the Fung Ping Shan Library. The Kan Lai Bing Fellowship in Book and Paper Conservation is anticipated to start in 2026. Over a period of four years, the programme will offer one- to two-year fellowships providing a capacity-building experience to selected fellows through peer learning and participation/leadership in projects.

 

Objectives

1.         To facilitate knowledge exchange and nurture emerging professionals in the field of book and paper conservation.

2.         To preserve, conserve, and digitize the library's collections for enhancement of their longevity and accessibility.

3.         To foster a comprehensive understanding of the cultural contexts, enhance practical skills, and instill conservation philosophy and ethics relevant to the conservation of East Asian materials.

 

The Role / Primary Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Preservation and Conservation, the Conservation Fellow will participate in various collection care activities with principal responsibilities in:

1.         Planning and executing basic to complex treatments on books and other paper-based materials from the Libraries' collections, with a primary emphasis on East Asian rare collections from the Fung Ping Shan Library.

2.         Examining and preparing objects for digitization and short or long-term storage.

3.         Assisting with various routine activities of the conservation lab, which includes environmental monitoring, emergency response, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) actions, and the maintenance of supplies.

4.         Participating in preservation education and outreach initiatives or exhibits-related projects as appropriate.

5.         Staying current with new developments in library conservation and conducting research related to interest areas, such as treatment techniques, materials identification, or historical studies. Research should be of a quality that could result in a presentation, publication, poster, blog post, or an internally presented paper.

 

Selection and Eligibility

1.         A selection panel comprising the University Librarian or his/her delegate(s), members of the Preservation and Conservation Division, and the Fung Ping Shan Library will meet annually or as needed to select successful candidates for the fellowship. Applications will be evaluated based on the applicants' strengths as well as the upcoming strategic goals and projects of the library and division.

2.         Applicants should be emerging professionals who are recent graduates of a recognized academic program in conservation within the last five years, or have acquired equivalent skills, knowledge, and experience through other means.

3.         A solid understanding of paper or book conservation fundamentals, familiarity with current conservation practices and ethical standards, as well as awareness of cutting-edge technical developments in the field.

 

Duration and Compensation

1.         The Conservation Fellowship Programme spans four years, with one fellow selected each year for a 12-month appointment. The fellowship may be renewed for a second year.

2.         The fellowship includes an annual stipend of around HKD 429,000 to cover the accommodation and living costs during the appointment. Additional funds may be provided to support research and professional development.

 

Support provided to fellows

1.         On-the-job training opportunities within a collaborative environment working alongside four conservators specializing in Western and Eastern book, paper, and East Asian painting conservation.

2.         Dedicated resources and mentorship to cultivate practical skills and a deep understanding of the materials, structures, and conservation techniques specific to traditional Chinese books.

3.         Comprehensive exposure to the operations and functions of an academic library conservation lab.

4.         Participation in regional conservation activities, including seminars and conferences, with organized tours to visit other local cultural conservation labs.

 

Report of fellowship program

Upon completion of the fellowship, the fellow will be required to submit a report written in English and conduct an internal sharing session to present the outcomes.

 

Application

The application is open to candidates worldwide; a work visa will be provided as needed. Applicants are required to submit an updated curriculum vitae to pcfellow@hku.hk. Along with the CV, they must include a cover letter detailing their motivation for applying to the fellowship, outlining their career development plans, and specifying their areas of interest in research or treatment.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received by 31st March, 2026. Selected applicants will be requested to present a portfolio showcasing their recent conservation projects during the interview process.

 

For enquiries, please contact Lesley Liu, Head of Preservation and Conservation, at lyy810@hku.hk.

 

Feb 2026