Getting to Know HKLA Fellows 2020
Ms. CHAN Yim Lam, Doris. Faculty Liaison Librarian. The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library
Why did you become a librarian?
I have been a library student helper for many years in secondary school and the library has always been one of my favorite places to spend time in during University. I met friends that think alike there and learnt from a lot of friendly and helpful Librarians during my study. I became a Librarian after completing a Master of Arts librarianship course in the U.K.
What’s the best part of your job?
As a librarian, we have the chance to interact with people from all walks of life and people from different countries and this fascinates me. I work closely with faculty members and students in user education, collection development, and provide teaching and research supports and services. I am like an ambassador, for the library outreaching to teaching staff, students and Alumni as well.
Can you share the most memorable moment in your career as a librarian?
I believe 2020 is going to be one of the most memorable moment in my career as a librarian. The pandemic brings us challenges and we have to change the way we think and act, and also change the approach on how we provide services. Yet, as professional librarians, we are all trying our very best to keep our service standards and trying out new ways to meet our users’ needs as much as we can. Online orientation, 360 Library eTour, Zoom workshop & conference, print book to ebook project, WhatApps & Zoom chat etc. As a librarian, I try my best to stay connected with users and serve them under this special time.
What is the most important trend you see in the next 5 years in academic libraries?
Open Access, Research Data Management, Learning analytics, Digital first in library are all important trends in the next 5 years. Above all, I believe librarian is used to incorporating new technologies, and new thinking into our practices, services and space.
What is one thing you want other librarians to know about academic libraries?
Working in academic library can help increase your exposure and you will have the opportunity to involve in various projects and team up with librarians from other institutions locally and overseas. Academic libraries will give you lots of chances to face new challenges. And by pushing your boundaries, you will experience personal growth in your confidence.
What does HKLA mean to you?
I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve as Membership Secretary in HKLA, as it was an eye-opening experience to work along all the outstanding librarians. The chance to contribute and take part in activities such as HKLA Unconference: “Libraries of the Future” and the Global Conversation initiated by IFLA on how a united library field can tackle the challenges of the future have broadened my horizon.
Any other message you want to share with HKLA members?
I want to give my sincere thanks to all the past and present Council Committees for their time and effort in serving the whole librarian field by sharing their time, experiences, effort in creating and maintaining this great one stop hub that unite the professionals in the field.
