The University of Hong Kong Libraries Special Collections (HKUL Special Collections)

Overview

The Special Collections division of the University of Hong Kong Libraries (HKUL) is one of Hong Kong's foremost repositories of rare books, manuscripts, and local historical materials. Located on the first floor of the Main Library's New Wing at the Pok Fu Lam campus, it serves as the university's primary center for rare and unique research materials.

History and Founding

Special Collections was established in 1976. Since its founding it has served as a cornerstone of scholarly research at HKU, housing Western rare books from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries, corporate and personal manuscripts, and out-of-print editions. In February 2026 the division reopened following a six-month renovation that expanded storage capacity by 59 percent and introduced an Open-View Conservation Laboratory—the first of its kind in Hong Kong—allowing visitors to observe conservators at work.

Collections and Holdings

The division houses a distinctive collection of Hong Kong materials, rare books, microforms, and international depository materials. It holds the World Trade Organization depository collection, as well as the Asian Development Bank depository collection. Rare holdings include Western rare books and Chinese-language materials. The Hong Kong Collection, established in 1971, forms a major component of the broader HKUL special holdings; it encompasses books, serials, government publications, newspaper clippings, and non-print materials relating to Hong Kong's history and society.

The Fung Ping Shan Library rare book collection is one of the largest in Hong Kong, comprising more than 700 titles in 14,000 volumes, including Song and Yuan Dynasty editions, block prints from the Ming Dynasty, and Qing Dynasty manuscripts. Other notable holdings include genealogical materials from Guangdong and Hong Kong clans, approximately 1,500 stone rubbings from the early 1900s, and the HKU Fung Ping Shan Library Wooden-Fish Books collection of folk storytelling texts.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

Special Collections holds pre-war Hong Kong materials including historic newspapers and press-related publications. The audiovisual collection in the Main Library includes off-air recordings from local broadcasters ATV, RTHK, and TVB.

Access and Usage

Access is by appointment only, booked through the online Book A Space system. University-affiliated researchers may use their staff or student ID; external researchers may purchase a Circle of Friends annual membership or a day pass. Materials are non-circulating and must be consulted in the Supervised Reading Room. Requests for rare off-site materials should be submitted by email at least three working days in advance.