Library Card Applications
All users must bring their valid library cards to gain access to and use various services at the Libraries. Library cards come in the following forms:
| Type of library card | Issued to | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Staff card | HKU full-time staff | Human Resource Section, Registry |
| Student card | All HKU students | Academic Services, Registry |
| Facilities access card (Borrower's or reader's card) |
All HKU Part-time staff, HKU staff / students who requested the extension of access to library services and facilities, alumni, SPACE Part-time tutors & students, external users and Circle of Friends | Enquiries Counter, Main Library |
| JULAC card | HKU Staff & Students |
Online JULAC Card Application Form; Enquiries Counter, Main Library |
| Spouse or Dependent card | HKU Staff who have already registered their spouses or dependents' information with the Human Resource Section. The dependent child must be above 16 and below 25 years of age. For a dependent child who is between 19 and 25 years of age, a document to show full-time study is also needed. |
Online HKU Staff Spouse / Dependent Children Cards Application Form; Enquiries Counter, Main Library |
Enquiries Counter
The Enquiries Counter is located on the 2/F of the Main Library New Wing and registration service is available until 30 minutes prior to closing. The Enquiries Counter handles the following library card applications:
- HKU Part-time / Visiting / Honorary staff
- HKU Staff Spouse or Dependent Children
- HKU Graduates
- HKU Retired Staff
- HKU Retired Staff Spouse
- Temporary extension of access to library services and facilities for HKU Staff / Students
- Visiting scholars and external borrowers (referral from HKU departments / academic units)
- SPACE Part-time Staff
- SPACE Part-time Students
- Circle of Friends
- JULAC card
- Scholars and full-time degree students of overseas universities
Please contact the Lending Services Division at 3917-5945 or libcir@hku.hk for more information.
HKU Part-time / Visiting / Honorary staff
All HKU Part-time / Visiting / Honorary staff who receive an employee ID (known as staff number) will be issued with a facilities access card by the Main Library. The library card will be valid for the duration of your contract. Endorsement letters from Department Heads are not necessary if proper staff registration has been completed by the Human Resource Section of the Registry.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- Letter of Appointment
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee (waived if you already possess a facilities access card)
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
HKU Staff Spouse or Dependent Children
Spouse or dependent of HKU staff may apply for a borrower's card from the University Libraries through e-form.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee (waived if you already possess a facilities access card)
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
HKU Retired Staff
Retired members of HKU staff (with no further appointment at the University of Hong Kong) may apply for a borrower's card from the University Libraries. Card holders are entitled to enjoy the same loan period and loan quota as prior to retirement, the use of library facilities and remote access to HKU e-resources. A deposit of HK$1000 is required for each Borrower's card issued.
| Category | Library privilege | |
|---|---|---|
| Retired TOS I Staff | 400 Books + 6 AV items | Remote access to HKU e-resources |
| Retired TOS II / III Staff | 24 Books + 6 AV items | Remote access to HKU e-resources |
| Retired Technician Staff | 60 Books + 6 AV items | Remote access to HKU e-resources |
- Note:
- (i) A confirmation of retired status will be made with Human Resource Section
- (ii) Some of the licensed e-resources are restricted to current HKU staff, students and/or SPACE users. View details of e-resources access at http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/ER/.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A pay-in-receipt as proof of deposit (Please get payment instruction for library deposit from Enquiries Counter)
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee (waived if you already possess a facilities access card)
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
HKU Retired Staff Spouse
Spouse of a valid retired staff may apply for a borrower's card from the University Libraries. To apply, please come to Enquiries Counter on the second floor of the Main Library. A deposit of HK$1000 is required for each Borrower's card issued.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A pay-in-receipt as proof of deposit (Please get payment instruction for library deposit from Enquiries Counter)
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee (waived if you already possess a facilities access card)
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
HKU Graduates
HKU Graduates may either apply for (i) Circle of Friends (Platinum), (ii) Borrower or (iii) Reader with different library privileges:
| Category | Application fee | Validity | Library privilege | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circle of Friends (Platinum) | $550 (Annual fee) |
1 year |
48 Books +
6 AV items
|
Remote access to selected e-resources (Alumni e-Library) |
| Borrower | Deposit HK$1000 (Refundable) + $50 |
5 years * |
12 Books + 6 AV items |
On-site access to e-resources |
| BEA HKU Graduate Credit Card + $50 | Same as the expiry date of the Credit Card | |||
|
Reader |
$100 |
5 years * | On-site reading | On-site access to e-resources |
* The privileges are renewable upon confirmation of valid contact details on or before the date of expiry
- Note:
- 1. The regular Graduate Borrower’s card and Graduate Reader’s card do not carry remote access privileges to electronic resources. Please consider joining HKUL Circle of Friends for remote access to SELECTED electronic resources.
- 2. Some of the licensed e-resources are restricted to current HKU staff, students and/or SPACE users. View details of e-resources access at http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/ER/.
- Circle of Friends Platinum Card
Card holders can enjoy remote access to selected e-resources available at Electronic Resources Alumni e-Library with borrowing privileges. Application can be made online or at Enquiries Counter on the 2/F of the Main Library (New Wing). For more membership information, please refer to Circle of Friends or call 2859-8903.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A proof of graduation (e.g. certificate of graduation, transcript, testimonial)
- A cheque or credit card for payment
- Application fee
- HK$550 for annual fee
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
- Graduate Borrower's Card
Card Holders will be entitled to borrowing privileges of up to 12 books and 6 audio-visual items at any time. Application for the Graduate Borrower's Card can be made online or at Enquiries Counter on the 2/F of the Main Library (New Wing) with a refundable deposit of $1,000. This deposit can be waived if you hold a HKU Graduate Credit Card issued by Bank of East Asia, and your Borrower's Card will be valid as long as the Credit Card remains so. For more information, please send email to libcir@hku.hk or call 3917-5945.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A proof of graduation (e.g. certificate of graduation, transcript, testimonial)
- ATM transaction advice / BEA HKU Graduate Credit Card (Please get payment instruction for library deposit from Enquiries Counter)
- Application fee
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
- Graduate Reader's card
To get on-site access to library resources, graduates have to pay HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee and a processing fee of HK$50. Application can be made online or at Enquiries Counter on the 2/F of the Main Library (New Wing). For more information, please send email to libcir@hku.hk or call 3917-5945.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A proof of graduation (e.g. certificate of graduation, transcript, testimonial)
- Application fee
- HK$100 for the University-levied smart card fee & processing fee
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
Temporary extension of access to library services and facilities for HKU Staff / Students
After implementation of the new integrated library system, the online requests and remote access of all HKU staff or students to our e-resources will be authenticated via the HKU Portal. Patrons with expired/invalid staff or student accounts do not have valid HKU Portal accounts. These patrons are invited to consider one of the following options should they require extension of access to library services and facilities:
| Category | Application fee | Library privilege | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borrower | $100 Library fee + $50 |
24 Books +
6 AV items
|
Remote access to HKU e-resources |
|
Reader For extension period > 3 months
|
$50 | On-site reading | On-site access to e-resources |
|
Temporary visitor pass For extension period < 3 months
|
Free of charge | On-site reading | On-site access to e-resources |
- Note:
- (i) One-off charge for each extension
- (ii) Extension period will be based on the date indicated on the letter from your Faculty or Academic Unit
- (iii) Some of the licensed e-resources are restricted to current HKU staff, students and/or SPACE users. View details of e-resources access at http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/ER/.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- A referral letter issued by your Faculty/Academic Unit with justification for extension
- Student: Study extension (e.g. thesis revision/oral defense)
- Staff: Pending appointment
- HKID card or Passport
- Your existing staff card or student card
- A referral letter issued by your Faculty/Academic Unit with justification for extension
- Application fee
- HK$150 for Borrower ($100 Library fee + $50 University-levied smart card fee)
- HK$50 for Reader
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
Visiting scholars and other external borrowers (referral from HKU departments / academic units)
Users with genuine academic research needs and endorsement from HKU faculties or departments may apply for a borrower’s or reader’s card for entering the libraries.
- Visiting scholars (including holders of honorary appointments without staffing record)
- Occasional and Visiting students
- Visiting scholars (including holders of honorary appointments without staffing record)
External borrower’s or reader’s card is issued to visiting scholars or fellows who do not receive an employee ID (known as staff number) and are visiting from other academic institutions for the purpose of short-term instruction and research.
The Libraries offer free access without borrowing privileges for a visit of a maximum of three months. To grant a longer period of access, you are invited to consider the following service categories:
| Category | Application fee | Library privilege | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borrower | Refundable Deposit HK$1000 + $50 | 12 Books + 6 AV items | Remote access to HKU e-resources |
| Reader | $50 | On-site reading | On-site access to e-resources |
- Note:
- (i) Some of the licensed e-resources are restricted to current HKU staff, students and/or SPACE users. View details of e-resources access at http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/ER/.
Sponsoring or requesting HKU departments / academic units should provide a letter presenting the necessary information to obtain access. The letter must be written on departmental letterhead, contain an introduction for the visitor(s) and indicate the duration of access.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- A referral letter issued by HKU departments or academic units
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A pay-in-receipt as proof of deposit (Please get payment instruction for library deposit from Enquiries Counter)
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
- Occasional and Visiting students
Students from abroad who are not regarded as formal students of the University of Hong Kong or take courses organized by HKU faculties or departments on a credit basis are classified as occasional students. Meanwhile, students from abroad who carry out internship or join summer programmes in HKU are classified as visiting students.
Occasional and visiting students are eligible to apply for temporary Borrower’s or reader’s cards with monthly standard fees. The Libraries offer free access without borrowing privileges for a visit of a maximum of three months. To grant a longer period of access, you are invited to consider the following service categories:
| Category | Application fee | Library privilege | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Occasional student Student from other universities enrolled in short-term programmes (or electives courses/credits) organized by HKU faculties/departments |
Borrower (For a period up to 12 months) |
$136 x no. of months + $50 | 24 Books + 6 AV items |
Remote access to HKU e-resources |
|
Reader (For a period of 4 to 12 months) |
$100 x no. of months + $50 | On-site reading | On-site access to e-resources | |
|
Visiting students Student from other universities on internship/placement/ summer programmes in HKU departments/academic units |
Borrower (For a period up to 12 months) |
$184 x no. of months + $50 | 24 Books + 6 AV items |
Remote access to HKU e-resources |
|
Reader (For a period of 4 to 12 months) |
$138 x no. of months + $50 | On-site reading | On-site access to e-resources | |
- Note:
- (i) The monthly fee will be charging the whole period of access.
- (ii) Some of the licensed e-resources are restricted to current HKU staff, students and/or SPACE users. View details of e-resources access at http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/ER/.
Requesting HKU departments or academic units should provide a letter in presenting the necessary information to obtain the access. The letter must be written on departmental letterhead, contain with introduction for student(s) and indicate the duration of access.
Apply by sending the supporting documents to the Lending Services Librarian at libcir@hku.hk in advance. In general, the fee is paid by internal transfer to library account. A library charges letter will be prepared for the responsible staff once the library card(s) are picked up by the faculties or departments.
- Supporting documents for application:
- A referral letter issued by HKU departments or academic units
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- Application fee
- Monthly fee paid by HKU internal transfer (Please refer to the above table for details)
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee paid by HKU internal transfer
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
SPACE Part-time Staff
Eligible HKU SPACE Adjunct Lecturers, Adjunct Associate Professors or Part-time Tutors will be issued one-year Borrower's Card as indicated on the library card application letters and it will be valid for the duration of your contract. Application can be made online or at Enquiries Counter on the 2/F of the Main Library (New Wing).
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A notification letter for library access from HKU SPACE Registry
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- HK$50 for the University-levied smart card fee (waived if you already possess a facilities access card)
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
SPACE Part-time Students
Part-time students will be offered the Borrower’s or Reader’s cards as indicated on the library card application letters. Type of access and card validity will vary depending on programs or courses. If you wish to upgrade your membership, please contact your program coordinator before submitting the application. Application can be made online or at Enquiries Counter on the 2/F of the Main Library (New Wing).
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport
- A passport size photograph
- A notification letter on library card application
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
Circle of Friends
Members of the community are welcome to join the University of Hong Kong Circle of Friends which is a group of friends and book lovers who support the Libraries. To be part of the HKUL community, you may either apply for a (i) Platinum card (HKU/SPACE Graduate only), (ii) Gold card (Borrower) or (iii) Silver card (Reader) to enjoy the privilege of reading e-resources (Alumni e-library) or borrowing from our libraries and other benefits like electronic newsletter of the Libraries, invitation to talks, exhibitions and special events. Application can be made via online or at Enquiries Counter on the 2/F of the Main Library (New Wing). For more membership information, please refer to Circle of Friends or call 2859-8903.
- Please bring along the following documents for application in person:
- HKID card or Passport for individual user
- A passport size photograph for individual user
- A cheque or credit card for payment
- Facilities Access Card (if any)
- Application fee
- Membership categories in Circle of Friends:
- HKU Graduate (Platinum) - $550
- SPACE Graduate (Gold/Platinum) - $1,650 / $2,200
- Centennial College Graduate (Gold) - $1,650
- External Individual (Silver/Gold) - $1,650 / $3,300
- Non-profit institution (Silver/Gold) - $1,650 / $3,300
- Corporation (Gold) - $6,600
- Cost of replacement: A fee of $150 will be levied for the replacement of lost card.
- Membership categories in Circle of Friends:
JULAC (Joint University Libraries Advisory Committee) card
The JULAC card allows access to all UGC-funded libraries' resource and borrowing privileges for HKU Teaching, Research staff (including Research Assistants and Demonstrators), Professional & Senior Administrative staff and HKU postgraduate students. HKU undergraduate students are eligible to apply for reader's access.
Scholars and full-time degree students of overseas universities
Scholars and full-time students of overseas universities with a bona fide research need are in general given on-site access to the library without borrowing right for a maximum of 3 months within one academic year. Please note that part-time students of overseas universities as well as external students of distance learning programmes are not eligible for this privilege. The library card can be applied by sending the supporting documents to the Lending Services Librarian at libcir@hku.hk in advance.
- Supporting documents for application:
- A letter from your institution signed by your supervisor specifying what materials are needed from the Libraries
- HKID card or Passport
- Staff or student identification
Refund of Library Deposit
Some library cards are issued with payment of a library deposit, which will be refunded to the library cardholder when he or she returns the library card to us. Please apply in person at the Enquiries Counter with the library card. The library deposit will only be refunded when all fines are cleared and all library materials returned.
Reader's cards to access certain non-UGC-funded libraries
The Library provides reader's card for eligible HKU staff and students to access the libraries of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Vocational Training Council and the University of Macau upon requests. Please enquire at the Enquiries Counter for details.