| 2026 JULAC Libraries Forum User-centric Libraries: a Sustainable Future through Innovation, Technology, and Collaboration |
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| Friday, 9 January 2026 | |||||
| Host: City University of Hong Kong Library | |||||
| Joseph Lee Hall (LI 3505) | |||||
| 8:30 | – | 9:00 | Registration | ||
| 9:00 | – | 9:05 | Opening Remarks Prof. Stella Pang, University Librarian, City University of Hong Kong |
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| 9:05 | – | 9:10 | Overview of JULAC Activities Dr. Sidney Cheng, JULAC Chair and University Librarian, The Education University of Hong Kong |
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| 9:10 | – | 9:15 | Group Photo | ||
| 9:15 | – | 10:00 | Keynote Address | ||
| Prof. Ray CHEUNG Director, Institute of Future Learning, City University of Hong Kong |
Learner-Centric Libraries: Shaping Future Learning through Innovation, Technology, and Team-Based Collaboration This talk explores the transformative role of learner-centric libraries in shaping the future learning model through innovation, technology, and human collaboration. By fostering team-based learning approaches at the institutional level, libraries can evolve into dynamic learning spaces that offer personalized, innovative, and inspirational learning experiences. Library leaders will discover strategies for creating inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs, emphasizing collaboration among students, educators, librarians, and technologists. This human-centered approach positions libraries as essential hubs for lifelong learning, community engagement, and nurturing future leaders. |
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| Q&A Session | |||||
| 10:00 | – | 10:20 | Break | ||
| JULAC Libraries Presentations | |||||
| Session 1: Enhancing Library Service Adoption and Transformation | |||||
| 10:20 | – | 10:40 | Ms. April LEE Head of Systems and IT, City University of Hong Kong LibraryMs. Jessie CHU Head of Access Services, City University of Hong Kong Library |
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Reimagining the Academic Library for a User-Centric, Sustainable Future In alignment with our university’s strategic vision for innovation, digital learning, and global visibility, the library is undergoing a thoughtful transformation to become a more user-centered, sustainable, and collaborative academic hub. We are reimagining our services and spaces—introducing team-based learning areas, strengthening marketing and outreach, and adopting practical automation where possible. Our approach is grounded in adaptability, collaboration, and a deep understanding of evolving user needs. This presentation highlights our commitment to evolving with users’ needs while reinforcing the library’s role as a creative and collaborative partner in the academic ecosystem. |
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| 10:40 | – | 11:00 | Ms. Linda LEE Head of Chung Chi College Library & Architecture Library, Faculty Liaison Librarian (Education, Architecture and Music), The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
Adoption of Reading Lists at the Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong: a Case Analysis The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Library conducted analysis of the Faculty of Education’s use of the Reading List service between the academic years 2022/23 to 2024/25. The purpose of the report is to understand, analyze, and improve the reading list adoption rate within the Faculty of Education. Through an analysis of existing data, we uncover trends and challenges that impact adoption rates of Leganto’s Reading List among teaching staff and propose actionable strategies that will enhance the reading list service, ensuring that faculty and students have access to essential resources that enrich their teaching and learning experiences. |
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| Session 2: Data-Driven Decision-Making in Libraries | |||||
| 11:00 | – | 11:20 | Ms. Vanessa Ramesh MAHBOOBANI Data Services and Information Research Librarian, The University of Hong Kong LibrariesMs. Katie KWONG IT Manager, The University of Hong Kong Libraries |
Leveraging Data Analytics for Strategic Library Decision-Making In an era where data-driven decision-making is paramount, libraries must harness data analytics to optimize their resources effectively. This presentation explores the integration of linear programming in evaluating database purchases, enabling librarians to maximize value while adhering to institutional constraints. Additionally, we delve into trend analysis of research topics at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and global institutions, assessing strengths and weaknesses relative to peer entities. By utilizing these insights, libraries can gain a deeper understanding of contemporary research landscapes, ultimately enhancing their strategic planning and resource allocation. |
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| 11:20 | – | 11:40 | Ms. Mandy TSE Research Support Librarian, Lingnan University LibraryMs. Sheila CHEUNG Senior Assistant Librarian (Research Support & Special Collections), Lingnan University Library |
Leverage RIM-Metadata with Low-code Analytics @ Lingnan University Metadata generated throughout the research lifecycle holds immense value for understanding the research landscape. Research Information Management (RIM) has emerged as a university-wide task, with libraries often assigned responsibilities for managing these metadata. Along with data routines, data analytics remains an underutilized—and technically challenging—area for librarians. This presentation documents Lingnan University Library’s attempt to leverage low-code analytics to transform RIM metadata into actionable insights, opening up a new realm of data analytics services to support other stakeholders across campus. |
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| 11:40 | – | 12:00 | Q&A session | ||
| 12:00 | – | 13:30 | Lunch | ||
| 13:30 | – | 14:00 | Library Tour | ||
| JULAC Libraries Presentations | |||||
| Session 3: Supporting Academic Success and Innovative Education | |||||
| 14:00 | – | 14:20 | Dr. Francis CHAN Senior Project Manager, The Education University of Hong Kong Library |
Exploring the Relationship between Library Utilization and Academic Success Using a Composite Library Use Index Academic librarians have long believed that library usage provides positive impact on students’ academic performance. However, providing concrete, objective evidence to support this claim remains a persistent challenge, particularly when communicating with university administrators. In recent decades, numerous quantitative studies have attempted to address this issue but many have primarily focused on the correlation between students’ GPAs and isolated library activities—such as loan counts, e-resource usage, and workshop attendance. To address this limitation, we propose to develop a composite library use index to provide a more holistic picture of the relationship between library use and academic success. |
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| 14:20 | – | 14:40 | Mr. Tom SIU Innovation Services Manager, Hong Kong Baptist University LibraryMs. Venus LAM Information Services Librarian, Hong Kong Baptist University Library |
Collaborative Support for Transdisciplinary Education at HKBU Library Hong Kong Baptist University is transforming undergraduate education through Transdisciplinary (TD) programmes, introducing new TD Second Majors and expanding existing offerings. By 2028, 70% of HKBU undergraduates will be enrolled in some form of TD programme, with the goal of equipping them to address complex, boundary-spanning issues with creative and practical solutions. TD approaches to research are also being emphasised. HKBU Library is supporting this initiative through specialised learning spaces (Transdisciplinary discovery commons, CollabTech Commons), tailored workshops, and innovative platforms like a TransLearn Bazaar and Scholarly Works Dashboard. This presentation will showcase these library initiatives supporting TD education at HKBU. |
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| Session 4: Optimizing Library Spaces for User Needs | |||||
| 14:40 | – | 15:00 | Mr. Edward SPODICK Associate University Librarian, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Library |
Under Pressure – Squeezing More and More Users, Demands, and Growth into the Same Library Space In Hong Kong, university populations are exploding. The government keeps authorizing more and more students. Which also means the Universities have more programs, more faculty, more classes, and more demands. While physical space was added for the 3-3-4 conversion in 2010, most JULAC libraries have not been able to expand since then and the numbers needing our space and time just keep growing. In the absence of space, HKUST Library’s focus has been on efficiency, optimization, repurposing, and responsiveness. This presentation will summarize some strategies used and provide several concrete examples of efforts explored and some of the subsequent results. |
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| 15:00 | – | 15:20 | Ms. Winnie TANG Faculty Librarian (Design), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library |
Co-Creating Better Spaces: Engaging Students to Solve 24/7 Study Centre Issues The PolyU Library partnered with Assistant Professor of Practice Marc Chataigner and students from the School of Design to address ongoing challenges in the Library’s 24/7 Study Centre. This collaborative case study provided a valuable opportunity for the Library to hear directly from students about their experiences and ideas for improvement. As part of their coursework, design students conducted respectful observations, mapped user behaviours, and analysed underlying causes—including cognitive biases and behavioural patterns—that affect how the space is used. Through this process, students generated actionable recommendations for optimizing space utilization, improving communication, and refining policies. Their fresh perspectives, particularly as members of Gen Z, offer important insights into user needs and expectations. The findings from this project will help inform future service design and policy development, both at PolyU and across JULAC libraries, ensuring that library spaces continue to evolve in response to student feedback. |
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| 15:20 | – | 15:40 | Q&A session | ||
| 15:40 | – | 16:00 | Break | ||
| JULAC Sub-committees Presentations | |||||
| 16:00 | – | 16:20 | (Copyright Committee) Ms. Victoria F. CAPLAN Head (Research & Learning Support), The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Library |
Librarians Navigating Copyright in the Age of GenAI For ages, academic librarians have had to deal with copyright and licensing: building and maintaining robust collections, providing document supply and ILL, and providing user education on copyright issues. Recent developments and the growing popularity of GenAI tools have made things even more complicated for information creators and users. This talk is intended to help librarians begin to navigate this difficult area. After covering basic copyright issues in academic libraries; it will then outline some GenAI issues: using different materials as sources to “harvest” or “train” computer models and concerns about ownership of computer-generated text, images, etc. in Hong Kong. |
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| 16:20 | – | 16:40 | (Digital Initiatives Committee) Mr. Ryun LEE Associate University Librarian, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library |
Leveraging AI and JULAC Collaboration to Enrich HKBDB: Advancing Hong Kong’s Cultural Landscape The Hong Kong Writers and Artists Biographical Data (HKBDB), a sub-project of the Hong Kong Literature Database, utilizes large language models (LLMs) to automate data extraction and reduce manual effort while ensuring accuracy through human review. An AI-powered SPARQL assistant enhances accessibility by translating natural language queries into structured searches. This presentation also highlights the potential collaboration with the JULAC to integrate biographical data from member libraries’ special collections. By enriching HKBDB with these resources, this partnership will expand Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, preserve heritage, and unlock new opportunities for data-driven exploration and analysis. |
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| 16:40 | – | 16:50 | Q&A session | ||
| 16:50 | – | 17:25 | Panel Discussion JULAC Directors |
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| 17:25 | – | 17:30 | Concluding Remarks and Survey | ||