Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future

The Library of South China University of Technology traces its origins to the Central Library of the former Sun Yat-sen University. Founded in November 1936, its establishment was spearheaded by renowned Chinese librarian Dingyou Du. In 1952, the library of South China Institute of Technology born together with the founding of the institution. Subsequently, the library's name and collection layout underwent multiple changes along with the university's transformations. It was not until January 1988, when the institution was renamed South China University of Technology, that the library adopted its current name.

The libraries comprise the Wushan Campus Library, the University Town Campus Library, and the Guangzhou International Campus Library, with a gross floor area of 116,000 square meters. The Wushan Campus Library is situated east of the main gate of theCampus. It ingeniously integrates the old and new library, presentinga look that is both unpretentious and graceful, elegant and dignified. The University Town Campus Library is located in the southeast of the picturesque Guangzhou University Town, facing the Pearl River. Its majestic structure resembles outstretched arms, symbolizing an embrace of knowledge and wisdom. It stands as one of the iconic buildings of the University Town Campus. The Guangzhou International Campus Library sits at the conjunction of the living area and the teaching area. It resembles a “doctoral cap”, symbolizing “the crown of knowledge”and embodying the perfect harmony between architectural beauty and practical function.

A Repository of Knowledge, an Engine for Innovation

Through generations of pioneering dedication, the University Library has built a vast, comprehensive, and treasured collection spanning all disciplines. By the end of 2024, it boasts a collection of approximately 10.28 million volumes/items, including about 3.94 million print materials and 6.34 million electronic resources.

The digital library has been under operation with robust service capabilities. All works are managed through automated systems. Beyond traditional services, it currently provides access to 152 databases, allowing 24/7 online retrieval. The entire library is covered by wireless networks, enabling wireless internet access. Additionally, a mobile library platform has been established using WAP technology, further expanding library services.

People First, Service Foremost

The library adheres to a people-first, service-foremost philosophy. With its beautiful environment and fully equipped facilities, it offers not only traditional borrowing and reading services but also a wide range of multi-level services including resource searches, Sci-Tech novelty searches, information and research projects, interlibrary loans and document delivery, user training, and multimedia audiovisual resources. Notably, the South China University of Technology Novelty Search Workstation, designated by the Ministry of Education as a specialized workstation for science and engineering fields, delivers high-quality and high-standard novelty search and project consultation services to researchers. Additionally, the library offers document photocopying and printing services to readers.

The library has a large team of professional and technical staff who come from diverse academic background. These 112 librarians form a dynamic and passionate high-caliber team, with 96.4% holding bachelor's degrees or higher, and 79.48% holding senior or intermediate professional titles. A comprehensive system of regulations guides all aspects of library operation, including reader services, staff evaluations, personnel,financial, and administrative management. These structured practices are consistently supported by a human-centered approach.