Preservation & Conservation
The Preservation Centre (PC) was established in 2010 as the only facility within an academic institution in Hong Kong dedicated to preserve books and paper-based materials. PC supports the Libraries’ and the University’s mission by working to sustain and enhance the collections and make them accessible for future generations.
The professional team consists of conservators and technicians who perform basic to complex conservation treatments on collections including the University’s Western and Eastern rare books, archives and manuscripts, photographs and prints, architectural drawings and maps, and works of art on paper. PC’s priorities include maximising the lifespan and usefulness of all library holdings, developing preservation related policies and guidelines, conducting condition assessments, providing preservation recommendations, and educating staff, students, and scholars to raise the awareness of preservation and conservation.
Over the past decade, PC has also responded to the enormous growing need for preservation expertise in the region. Being widely recognized in the community, PC has conserved treasures from the HSBC Archives, Swire Archives, Jockey Club Archives, Department of Justice Library, M+ Museum/West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, and the Sik Sik Yuen Cultural Centre. PC has also provided services for numerous private institutions and individuals. This service is not available anywhere else in Hong Kong.
Despite of its achievement, in order to sustain its operation and its further development, we must rely on contributions from individuals, trusts, corporations, and foundations. Your unwavering support will assist us in continuing our efforts to expand our activities and becoming a world-class preservation centre. HKUL seeks HK$10,000,000 to further develop the Preservation Centre located on the fourteenth floors of the Hing Wai Centre in Aberdeen. The funding will be invested into equipment and facilities upgrades, staffing for conservation work, preservation outreach and education.
See more details and the breakdown of the proposed budget here.
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUND FOR PRESERVATION & CONSERVATION, HKUL
A University of Hong Kong Libraries (Libraries) endowment is a unique way to support the Preservation Centre's long-term mission, priorities, and challenges for future HKU generations. An established endowment can also recognise and honour family members, friends, and others with an ageless legacy that will create a permanent gift of support for the Libraries.
The Libraries has several endowments established by individuals and foundations with an exceptional vision that ensure the continuing support of the Libraries by enhancing specific areas that complement the University's academic programs, research and services.
A named endowment fund at the Preservation Centre can be established with a gift of HK$30,000,000 or more, payable over ten years. The endowment will support the digitalization, preservation and conservation of existing collections, making them easier to access beyond Hong Kong. The endowed activity increases each year with new additions, further enriching the Library's impact on teaching and learning, research, and knowledge exchange.