HKUST Library Services

The Library offers an ordering service of English language books for faculty members. The books will be supplied with no shipping or service charges, at a discount offered by the vendor.

To Place Your Order

Use either of the following channels:

• use the Personal Book Order Form
• by campus mail to Library Acquisitions
• by email to LBACQ@ust.hk; include "personal orders" in the subject line of your email message.

All requests must be clearly marked as "PERSONAL ORDERS" to distinguish from new book requests for library purchase. Provide complete bibliographic information, including estimated price, if available.

To Receive the Books

1. When the Library receives the books, you will be notified by email and informed of the exact purchase price in Hong Kong dollars.
2. Make payment in the Library Administration Office, Room 1358. A receipt will be issued to you.
3. Bring the receipt to Library Acquisitions, Room 1346, to collect your books.

Common Questions About the Service

How does it benefit me to purchase through your service as opposed to purchasing from a local book store? What is the difference in delivery time?

This service helps you to acquire books that may not be available in Hong Kong. If a local book store has the title you want, then it would be much faster to buy from there. Orders through the Library will take an average of 2 to 3 months delivery, as we place the orders with a vendor in the United States who must then order it from the publisher (if they do not have it in stock).

How about the cost difference?

Varying from publisher to publisher, some titles have a discount off the list price, but some do not.

Can I order locally published material?

The service is set up with the book vendor the Library deals with in the United States. Our intention is to provide access to books which would otherwise be difficult or impossible to buy in Hong Kong. The vendor does not provide coverage for local publishers.

Can I cancel an order, or return the book upon receiving?

The books are ordered on a non-cancellable/non-returnable basis. Returns will only be accepted if the book vendor has sent the wrong title, or if the book is defective.

Any questions may be sent by email to LBACQ@ust.hk, or call ext. 6712 to speak with Acquisitions staff.