CUHK Library E-newsletter

Two Pilot Projects Launched

In July 2024, the CUHK Library made significant strides towards Open Science through two pilot projects intended to make resources freely available, with the launch of Open Books Hong Kong and the release of a report on the planned Diamond Open Access Megajournal Project.

Open Books Hong Kong

The libraries and university presses of CUHK, City University of Hong Kong, and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have teamed up to launch Open Books Hong Kong, the first open access books program in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to make more Chinese-language open access resources available and promote global knowledge sharing.

In July 2024, the first phase of the project saw the release of nine books in the humanities and social sciences. The provision of free access of these works, authored by distinguished Hong Kong and international scholars, to every interested reader highlights our commitment to sharing knowledge openly. More books will be released in the coming months.

This project leverages Hong Kong’s unique position as a bridge between China and the rest of the world, fostering cross-cultural understanding. Mr. Benjamin Meunier, our University Librarian, said: ‘Open Books Hong Kong stands as a testament to the generosity and forward-thinking nature of Hong Kong people, offering a treasure trove of knowledge to all who seek it.’

The books can be read and downloaded from openbookshongkong.com.

Diamond Open Access Megajournal Project

The innovative Diamond Open Access (OA) Megajournal Project, which is currently in the planning stage, stems from strategic discussions between the CUHK Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Inspired by successful models such as University College London Open: Environment, the goal is to create a bilingual platform for sharing research in the Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities.

The project will focus on the rich cultural heritage of the Greater Bay Area, especially Lingnan Studies, while also addressing contemporary issues relevant to China and the global community.

To share our experiences and the insights gained during the planning stage, the project team, in collaboration with CNKI, has published Diamond Open Access Megajournal Project: Reflection from CUHK Library. This report is free to read and download from the Library Search of CUHK Library website.

Report Outline:

Introduction
Global Open Access Landscape: The Rise of Diamond
Trends in China and Implications for Scholarly Communication
CUHK Approach and Lessons Learned
A Perspective from the Publishing Industry: CNKI Technical Developments to Prepare for Diamond OA Opportunities

Collaborations Sought

Collaboration is crucial for advancing open scholarship. By working together, we can share resources, expertise, and ideas to push the boundaries of research and knowledge dissemination. We welcome your feedback and are eager to explore potential partnerships that can drive innovation and impact. Whether your interest is in joint research projects, sharing best practices, or developing new initiatives, we look forward to building meaningful collaborations with you.