Leveraging technology to create a world-class library

Abstract

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) library has used technology effectively to rapidly create a world-class research environment for the faculty and students at this new institution in just a few years and with a modest start-up budget. Leveraging technology was important since the library had to be able to support an international research faculty with very high expectations for access and availability to both archival and recent research publications within less than one year from the founding of the university. Information technology has been one of the key items on the agenda for HKUST and a commitment to this has been all pervasive in decisions affecting all departments. As a key and integral component of the academic programs, the Library at HKUST supports the University’s teaching and research in science, engineering, business and management, and social sciences. Information technology has been an integral part of the library’s services provided to the University community since the establishment of the institution. In this case study, the HKUST library used leading-edge technologies effectively in supporting the mission of the school to become the leading research institution in Asia and has also participated actively as a partner with vendors in the development of software to support the needs of the school where such software had not previously existed. Applications developed in cooperation with HKUST library support staff are now in use at all universities in Hong Kong and have been adopted by many institutions outside of Hong Kong as well. In summary, HKUST has provided a world-class example of leveraging technology to support library services.