The library at Hong Kong’s top university has introduced a new system under which readers must register in advance to gain access to some politically sensitive books or archive materials.
A Hong Kong researcher said the new policy, which follows moves by the city’s public libraries to remove some titles, might impede study of more “sensitive” topics.
The new system has been installed at the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) Special Collections, a space separated by a glass wall within the Main Library building. The area “houses a unique collection of Hong Kong materials, rare books, and microforms,” according to HKU’s website.
The Special Collections section was closed from mid-February till April for what the university described last December as being for “Air Handling Unit and dehumidifier replacement.”
The statement last December did not mention any changes to accessibility after the space reopened.
On May 18, HKU announced a new booking system for reserving desks in the Special Collections area “to enhance the user experience.”
Patrons were required to register books which they wished to consult at the counter. Anyone who wishes to take a photo with their smartphone of a book must first fill out a form, specifying the details of the book and the number of photos to be taken.
Previously, users of the Special Collections section did not have to make bookings in advance or register books they wished to consult.
