HKUST Hosts the first International Conference on Information and Learning Commons in Hong Kong

International library and learning support experts from more than 10 countries attended an International Conference on Information and Learning Commons hosted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the first of its kind in the territory.

The 2-day Conference, started today (Monday 10 December) at HKUST’s Lee Wing Tat Lecture Theatre, was held to mark the anniversary of launching Information Commons by HKUST’s Lee Shau Kee Library.

Integrating reference services and technical support, the Information Commons aims to foster continued learning outside the classroom. It provides students and faculty with a creative, flexible, technology-rich environment to use electronic information resources effectively, to experiment with new information technology, and to enhance collaborative learning and group presentations. Library users, especially students, have responded enthusiastically to the service since its introduction last fall.

Addressing the Conference are renowned experts in library and information sciences including Brown University’s University Librarian Harriette Hemmasi; Victoria University of Australia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Belinda McLennan and University Librarian Philip Kent; and Glasgow Caledonian University of the United Kingdom’s Director of Learner Support, Mr Tom Finnigan, Director of Spoken Word Services, Mr David Donald and Digital Services Development Librarian, Mr Iain Wallace. The Conference will end tomorrow (Tuesday, 11 December 2007).

As libraries are at the heart of university education, the Conference has drawn great interest from university administrators and library professionals. Over 150 attendees from Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Mainland China and Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Quata, Singapore, the UK and the US attended the conference.

For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :

Luk Kam Wing
Tel
: 2358 6306
Email: kluk@ust.hk

Alice Ho
Tel: 2358 6707
Email: lbalice@ust.hk