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Visitors / Public / Circle of Friends | HKU Retired Staff & Spouse | Non-HKU JULAC Card Holders 

Important Note:
In view of the latest precautionary measures introduced by the Government, the Libraries will reduce the level of services with access to current HKU/HKU SPACE staff and students ONLY until further notice. Please check the library website for the latest information on opening hours and restrictions.

Visitors / Public / Circle of Friends

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. It now comprises of the Main Library and six specialist branch libraries and they are located in buildings in around the campus with varying opening hours.

  • Is HKUL open to the public?

HKUL serves current faculty, students, staff, and researchers who hold valid HKU IDs. However, the Libraries does serve people with specific research needs or an interest in supporting the Libraries:

  • HKUL Circle of Friends: 
    • Join HKUL community as HKU Graduate / HKU SPACE Graduate / Centennial College Graduate / External Individual / Non-profit Institution / Corporation.
    • Submit an e-form for card application or go to Enquiries Counter on the 2/F at Main Library (New Wing). More information can be found at Circle of Friends or you may wish to call 2859-8903.
  • Staff and Students at UGC-funded institutions
    • ​Terms of Service I (or equivalent) staff and Postgraduates: 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 12 items. Enquire at your institution's library for eligibility information and application details.
    • Full-time undergraduates: You may get a Reader's Card which is valid till 31 July of each current academic year. Enquire at your institution's library for eligibility information and application details.
  • Scholars and full-time degree student 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 rights for a maximum of 3 consecutive months within one academic year. Access is granted for research requiring unique Library materials that are not available elsewhere. More information can be found at Library Card Applications.
  • 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 consecutive days within an academic year. Access is granted for research requiring unique Library materials that are not available elsewhere. This access does not include borrowing privileges. To apply for access to the Libraries, please send a request addressed to the Lending Services Librarian at libcir@hku.hk in advance.
  • 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 Find@HKUL to search HKUL’s holdings of books, journals, e-resources, and more. For more information, consult Find@HKUL Quick Guide.
  • 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 charges may apply for interlibrary loans.

 

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HKU Retired Staff & Spouse

Retired members of HKU staff and spouse of a valid retired staff may apply for a borrower/reader's card from the University Libraries. More information can be found at card application or you may wish to call 3917-5945. 

 

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Non-HKU JULAC Card Holders

Eligible users may apply for a JULAC card at your home library and register with The University of Hong Kong Libraries. Please come to Enquiries Counter on the 2/F of the Main Library for registration when you make your first visit of our libraries. All undergraduate students will be charged a cost-recovery notional charge of $50 for each registration and renewal.

Please bring along the following documents for registration in person:
  • HKID card or Passport
  • JULAC card
  • Student card or staff card issued by your institution

 

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