Supporting Students’ Academic Journey: Library Overview-cum-Orientation Programme in Academic Year 2026-2027
As part of an attempt to help new students embark on their university journey with confidence, a library overview-cum-orientation programme was conducted from early to mid-September 2026. Putonghua sessions were added for the first time this year to suit different language preferences.
The programme was mainly intended to familiarize participants with the comprehensive range of library resources, services and facilities, thereby equipping them with knowledge essential for their academic pursuits in the years ahead.
Driven by extensive publicity efforts including an information booth set up during registration days, campus-wide advertisements, social media posts and promotional emails, the events received an enthusiastic response. The Library Overview sessions reached more than 1,200 new students and the Orientation Programme attracted over 500 registrations in both online and face-to-face formats.
Attendees in the orientation sessions were automatically entered into a lucky draw for an opportunity to win cash coupons. The prize presentation ceremony was successfully held in late September 2026. We thank all participants for their support and congratulate the prize winners.
Upgrading Library Spaces and Services for the New Academic Year
The Library has made a number of significant enhancements to its facilities and services in order to provide an even more comfortable and user-friendly environment for individual and collective learning in the new academic year.
To support the growing demand for group study spaces, three new two-person study pods have been added and are now available for reservation. New study booth seats have also been installed in the Learning Commons, providing students with roomy and comfortable spaces for discussions, project work and collaborative learning.
The successful completion of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Project has brought greater convenience and efficiency to the borrowing and returning of library materials. With the new RFID-enabled system, users can borrow and return multiple items in a single transaction at the self-check stations, making the process quicker and easier. A newly-installed RFID auto swing security gate can enhance both collection security and overall user experience.
As a means to attract more users to browse through the periodicals in the Young’s Corner, new magazine display racks have been installed. The refreshed layout improves the visibility and accessibility of the magazines, making it easier to explore titles for academic study as well as leisure reading.
In addition, the digital signage in the bridge area has been updated with new features showcasing the Library’s multidisciplinary electronic resources and highlighting past library events. These displays not only promote useful resources but also underline the Library’s active role in supporting learning and student engagement.
As the needs of our users continue to evolve, the Library remains committed to enlarging its spaces and enhancing its services. We look forward to providing a welcoming and inspiring environment where students can interact with each other and grow together.
Strengthening Partnerships with SFU Schools in Support of Academic Initiatives
The Library has continued to work closely with the SFU Schools throughout the year to move forward academic initiatives and scholarly exchanges.
In March 2026, the Library was honored to co-host, in collaboration with the Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, two book talks about the rights and benefits of the injured and bereaved. The events sparked meaningful discussions and reflections on this vital issue.
In June 2026, the Library participated in the Hong Kong International Archives Week (IAW) 2026, during which a curated collection of archival materials documenting SFU’s historical developments and major milestones was put on display. This event would not have been successful without the generous provision of valuable resources from different Schools.
In July 2026, the Library was pleased to co-host the International Conference on “Large Language Models and Data Science Applications in the Humanities and Social Sciences,” which was organized by the Ip Ying To Lee Yu Yee School of Techno-Humanities. This two-day convention brought together scholars, researchers and practitioners globally to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, large language models and data science on the humanities and social sciences.
The Library will spare no effort to supporting academic initiatives across the University and fostering more opportunities for scholarly collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Enhancing the User Experience in the Light of Regular Feedback
The full report of the Library User Survey 2026 (network login required) is now available. Constructive comments on the library services, resources and facilities as well as useful suggestions for improvements have been collected.
As a token of our appreciation for their valuable feedback, respondents were automatically entered into a lucky draw upon completion of the survey. A Prize Presentation Ceremony was held in April 2026, where winners received amazing prizes generously sponsored by publishers and vendors.
The survey results provide insights into users’ experiences and expectations. These findings will inform the continuous improvement of our services, resources and facilities in support of teaching, learning and research.
Engaging Students through Library Workshops
A variety of workshops have been conducted on a regular basis to help staff and students upgrade their information literacy and research skills. The topics include the exploration of up-to-date information through e-news and e-magazines as well as the effective use of research databases and tools such as Web of Science and Scopus that are enhanced by AI-powered features.
In this new academic year, the Library partnered with the General Education (GE) – College Life and You to launch a Library Programme that aims to introduce students to archival knowledge and to equip them with essential information search skills.
The latest information about upcoming workshops will continue to be shared throughout the academic year via email and on the Library social media platforms. We seek to provide more learning opportunities and to collaborate with the teaching staff to design customised workshops tailored to their students’ needs. More information about our workshops can be found on the Library Orientation & Workshops webpage.
A Fresh Look and An Enhanced Access: Launching the New Library Website and Upgraded Institutional Repository
To enhance the digital experience for the SFU community, the Library launched a redesigned website featuring a fresh and modern look, streamlined navigation, enriched content and improved accessibility across devices. The new platform makes it easier for users to discover and access library resources and services.
The Institutional Repository has been revamped and upgraded to give greater visibility to the success and impact of the University’s research activities.
From Art to Archives: Celebrating Creativity, Culture and Heritage in the Library
The Library podium has been transformed with the installation of three new ceramic murals jointly created by SFU students and staff. Featuring the theme “Body, Mind and Spirit”, this renovated space is both relaxing and restorative.
Our sincere thanks go to the Auyeung Po Cheung Body-Mind-Spirit Holistic Health Development and Research Project for their generous support for the architectural and aesthetic enhancements.
What is more, an exhibition highlighting the history of SFU and the development of its Library was held. Through a curated collection of photographs and archival materials, this exhibition mapped out the course of development of Caritas Francis Hsu College (CFHC) into SFU over the past four decades.
Expanding E-Resources to Advance Learning, Teaching and Research
The Library is committed to broadening the range of e-resources to provide the SFU community with access to more high-quality scholarly content and research tools. Recently, the following e-databases have been added:
The Library List of E-Databases now provides access, both on and off campus, to more than 300 e-databases across a broad range of subject areas.