The University Library (Pao Yue-kong Library) was established on August 1, 1972 to serve the then Hong Kong Polytechnic. Between 1973 and 1976, Library services were provided at two centres, one at the present University site at Hung Hom and one at the Quarry Bay Centre. The two centres were consolidated when they were moved to the present Library Building in 1976. On November 25, 1994, the Polytechnic assumed full university status and was renamed The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. On December 20, 1995, the University Library was officially named after the late Sir Yue-kong Pao in appreciation of a generous donation to the University by his family.

Opened by Princess Alexandra on February 7, 1977, the Library Building is a six-storey purpose-designed building with an area of 16,662 square metres, providing around 3,600 study places. The Library also houses a 24-Hour Study Center, group discussion rooms, a seminar room for library instruction classes, AV carrels and group rooms for use of audio-visual materials, study carrels for private study, and a special room for the visually disabled.

The Library comprises one of the largest collections of scientific, engineering and business materials in East Asia. Other areas of strength are information technology, computing, nursing, textiles and design. The present holdings exceed 2.4 million, to which more than 24,000 volumes are added annually. Around 2,700 active print serial titles are held in the Library. The Library also provides Internet access to near 46,000 unique full-text e-journal titles, over 370,000 e-books, and a wide array of multi-media and e-learning programmes. The Library also maintains several special collections and self-developed databases, including a comprehensive Standards Collection, the PolyU Examination Paper Database, a Digital Image Gallery, and a Slide Collection. In addition, the Library provide access to a unique and heavily used collection of over 26,000 local Chinese and English language television programmes.

Information technologies are widely utilized in the Library. The Library provides 24-hour Internet access to a wide range of Library resources and services. Via the Library Homepage, users can access the Library's Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), e-books, video-on-demand service, digital images, online audio libraries, e-learning programmes, e-journals and a broad range of abstracts and full-text databases reference tools online or on CD-ROM. Other services such as book renewal, book recommendation, reference enquiry, or interlibrary loan and document delivery services can also be performed online. To provide the state-of-the-art tools for our clients to search for information they need, over 400 PCs are installed in the Library. To facilitate the use of notebook computers in the library, fixed and wireless LAN units are installed throughout the Building.

Services to our clients are stressed throughout the Library. Experienced professional librarians are always at hand to help users in a variety of ways, from the selection and acquisition of library materials to providing online searching and alert service. To help users to make strategic and effective use of information resources, the Library organises a wide variety of topical workshops and has recently launched an Online Information Literacy Programme. An Information Consultancy Centre was established with Faculty Librarians assisting users in their study and research. The Library also welcomes any suggestions that help to improve Library services. Users may submit their constructive ideas electronically by way of the Online Suggestions Box on the Library Homepage. The Library provides photocopiers on all floors for users on a self-service basis. They are operated by stored-value cards and Octopus. Colour copying, large-format printing, lamination, transparencies, computer diskettes and thermal binding services are also available. For the convenience of users, a 24-hour Book Drop is available where books can be returned at all times.

To be the 'Learning Hub' of the University, achieving excellence and contributing strongly to intellectual inquiry and knowledge creation in the University.

Our Mission: Our mission is to actively enhance learning and research by providing a flexible and stimulating study environment, seamless and timely access to high quality information resources, with efficient and innovative services delivered by knowledgeable and creative staff. We are committed to empowering the University community with skills essential to academic excellence and life-long learning.