New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
With over 20 years of experience in academic libraries, I lead the Resource Services Section and University Archives at The Education University of Hong Kong. My primary focus is on managing library services, including collection development, electronic resource management, acquisitions, and customer service, while fostering collaboration across academic departments to support institutional goals. My professional expertise lies in curating and managing both print and digital resources to ensure seamless access to scholarly materials. I am motivated by a commitment to advancing academic excellence and aligning library resources with the evolving teaching and research needs of the university community.
As Head of Resource Services, I lead strategic development and day-to-day operations of library resource management to support teaching, learning, and research excellence. I oversee the full lifecycle of information resources, including acquisition, licensing, cataloguing, discovery, access, and preservation across both print and digital collections, as well as the stewardship of the University Archives. Key responsibilities and achievements include: - Providing leadership and direction for collection development strategies aligned with institutional priorities and user needs - Managing budgets, vendor negotiations, and licensing for electronic resources to ensure cost-effective and sustainable access - Overseeing cataloguing, metadata standards, and resource discovery systems to enhance user experience and accessibility - Leading the management, preservation, and promotion of the University Archives, ensuring institutional heritage is properly curated, accessible, and compliant with archival standards - Driving digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of new technologies, systems, and workflows - Ensuring compliance with copyright, licensing, and open access policies - Leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement - Collaborating with academic staff and stakeholders to support curriculum development and research activities - Using data analytics and assessment to inform decision-making and optimize resource utilization I am committed to delivering high-quality, user-focused library services and advancing resource management practices in a rapidly evolving information landscape.
- Collection Development (E-Resources and Print), which includes sourcing new resources, setting up trials, handling licenses and renewals. - E-Resources Management - Acquisition - Customer service at Information Counter - Liaising with academic departments - Managing the University Archives
I spent a lot of time on electronic resources acquisition and management. Daily tasks included sourcing new resources, setting up trials, price negotiation, handling licenses, renewals, solving accessing problems, monitoring and updating SFX KB, preparing usage statistics reports, etc. Collection development was another main area I worked with. I closely monitored the curriculum development and changes so that I could assess the adequacy of library resources for different programmes. Besides, I prepared documents and consolidated figures for programme accreditation and re-accreditation. I also took part in reference desk duty every week, learning support activities from time to time, as well as contributions to the formulation of policies. I oversaw the acquisition and cataloguing team with a total of 9 supporting staff for a few months when in shortage of manpower.
My main duty was providing front-line services, including responding to a wide range of enquiries, referred the more complex of these to senior personnel, acknowledged complaints and problems and resolved them within areas of authority. I also provided instruction to patrons by explaining and demonstrating the proper use of equipment and online resources. Another big part of my job was compiling accurate and user friendly usage statistics of 200+ subscribed electronic databases, which were helpful in subscription reviews. I was also in charge of keeping all sorts of statistics of reference section and produced reports to assist in decision making. I carried out a range of financial management duties including use of the Library’s financial management system for purchasing and sales invoices. There was a team of 6 supporting staff under my supervision.
- Performed cataloguing and indexing of articles and photos in newspapers and magazines. - Provided assistance to reporters on locating old files and photos.
- Performed clerical duties such as typing and copying. - Handled telephone inquiries. - Provided customer service, including the resolving of all customer complaints and problems. - Organized the work of part-time receptionists and trained new staff.