UIC considers opening new hi-tech library to public

A university's new hi-tech library in Huitong Village of Tangjiawan may be partially open to the public once the current trial period ends.

Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) recently completed its new Learning Resource Center (Library) on the Zhuhai campus in Xiangzhou District. Although situated in a historic village, it is enveloped by the Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone.

This could be a new study alternative for locals after library service is made adequate for public service, according to a UIC official.

High-tech amenities in the library are designed to emphasize working and learning efficiency. Intelligent bookshelves, a 24-hour book-return machine, automatic book sorter, and audio-visual area aid in these endeavors.

Chinese and English collections each comprise half of 310,000 volumes, making this one of the largest English holdings among libraries in Guangdong Province. The center also provides easy access to more than 600,000 digital books and 60 databases dominated by foreign languages.

Library technologically aesthetic

The four-story building has floor space of 18,000 sq m (21,528 sq yd). An architecture feature is futuristic use of light yet strong aesthetic glass. A spiral staircase in the middle of the center links up spaces and functions.

Spiral staircase to fourth floor

UIC, which was jointly founded by Beijing Normal University and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), is the first full-scale cooperation in higher education between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. The institution began enrolments in 2005.

Huitong Village was built in the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) in 1732. Relics there include Memorial Archway, ancestral temples and watchtowers, well-patterned dwellings, and Mok's Abstinence Hall, also known as Qixia Nunnery.

Easy internet access and computers [Photos provided by UIC]