A distinguished scholar and respected librarian – Dr Kan Lai Bing

On July 29, 2025, HKU warmly hosted the Memorial Plaque Unveiling Ceremony in honor of Dr Kan Lai Bing 簡麗冰 (BSc 1957; PhD 1968), a respected librarian, distinguished scholar, and dedicated administrator. It also celebrated the generous donation of HK$ 10 million by Dr Kan’s family, which will support the Fung Ping Shan Library Centenary Development Plan.

During the ceremony, Ms Flora Ng, CIO and University Librarian, remarked that Dr Kan’s interdisciplinary expertise — spanning natural sciences, library science, and the humanities — was truly remarkable. Her diverse background enabled her to address a wide array of academic resource needs, pushing the boundaries of traditional library services. Dr Kan reimagined libraries as “dynamic learning centres” and pioneered the concept of information commons in the 1990s, fundamentally transforming how we access and share knowledge. Her user-centric philosophy has profoundly influenced the evolution of libraries across Hong Kong. On behalf of HKU, Ms Ng expressed sincere gratitude to Dr Kan for her outstanding career contributions and to her family for their generous donation to the Fung Ping Shan Library Centenary Development Plan.

Professor Rosie Young (楊紫芝), a cherished friend of Dr Kan for nearly 50 years, fondly described her as a visionary leader of extraordinary caliber — whose contributions not only enriched HKU Libraries but also left an indelible mark on Hong Kong’s academic and cultural landscape. Her family’s generous donation will further support the Fung Ping Shan Library’s mission to preserve knowledge and inspire future generations.

About Dr Kan Lai Bing

A pioneering figure in Hong Kong’s library profession, Dr Kan’s six-decade career began at HKU in 1959, and her leadership ascended when she became the University Librarian and Director of the Library System at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1972. She returned to HKU in 1983 as the University Librarian, a role she held with distinction until 1999. Even after stepping down, her committed service continued as Senior Advisor to HKU Libraries until July 2024.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr Kan was a visionary innovator. She spearheaded transformative modernisation efforts and pioneered formal training programmes that elevated library services to new heights. In 1964, she established Hong Kong’s first Certificate Course for Library Assistants, setting a new benchmark for professional development.

Her influence extended beyond academia — she served as Chair of the Hong Kong Library Association five times, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing the profession and fostering a vibrant community of library professionals. In recognition of her exemplary service and significant contributions, Dr Kan received the Honorary University Fellow from HKU in 1997.

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Dr Kan Lai Bing

Dr Kan graduated with a BSc degree from HKU in 1957, then furthered her studies at the University of California (Berkeley), as a Carnegie Scholar, earning two master’s degrees (MA and MLS) in 1959. In 1968, she was conferred a PhD by HKU, supervised by Jao Tsung-I (饒宗頤), for her dissertation titled 《明清藏書制度》, which examined the book collection systems of the Ming and Qing dynasties.