Students have been engaged in several library exhibition projects.  Usually they act as the master of ceremonies.  This time, a new attempt was explored.  We recruited 3 Physics students to lead the guided tour of our exhibition – Discovering the Universe.  The training of students as knowledgable guides is a collaboration work with the School of Science.  To equip the student guides, librarians gave an introduction to the exhibition and provided background information.

 

The students studied the notes about the scientific works on display, and did research on the topics.  They integrated what they have learned and expanded the perspective of the exhibition with their subject knowledge.  Besides organization of contents, presentation skill is also critical.  Confidence was shown when they performed mock tours.  Faculty, staff and librarians were invited to give feedback on their presentation skills and touring techniques.

 

The exhibition shows the development of Astronomy from ~300 BCE to the 1700s with the display of some rare books by Aristarchus, Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Newton.  It not only serves to promote the Library's Special Collections to the University community, but also provides learning opportunities to our students, whether they lead the tours or join them.  The tours are open to all staff and students, and will be counted as selective activities of SCI 1000. Year 1 students are encouraged to learn from their fellow peers.

 

Student tour guides are ready now.  They will introduce the great scientists and the breakthrough discoveries in astronomy and share with the audience the beauty of science. The schedule of coming guided tours is posted at http://library.ust.hk/special/scg-exhibit-2014-fall.html.  Register for a tour now!