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People will be able to access the "Hong Kong Oral History Special Collection" at the eighth floor of the Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL)from today (October 28) for oral history reference resources on Hong Kong's history, social life, culture, education and politics.
With an increasing awareness of the significance of oral history, the Home Affairs Bureau initiated the "Hong Kong Oral History Repository Project" by setting up the "Hong Kong Oral History Special Collection" at the Hong Kong Central Library of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The "Special Collection" aims to collect and make available to the public a wide range of oral history materials on Hong Kong for general interest and studies, to enhance public understanding of the value of oral history in the preservation of local culture and heritage and promoting the use of oral history methods in Hong Kong studies.
Officiating at the launching ceremony of the "Hong Kong Oral History Repository Project" today were the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing; Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Carrie Yau; Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; and representatives of the nine founding partners from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Leung Yuen-sang; City University of Hong Kong, Ms Lau Lai-chu; Hong Kong Baptist University, Dr Wong Man-kong; Hong Kong Institute of Education, Professor May Cheng May-hung; Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Ms Winifred Ho; Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Liu Tik-sang; Lingnan University, Dr Lau Chi-pang; Open University of Hong Kong, Professor Tam Kwok-kan; and University of Hong Kong, Professor Wong Siu-lun.
Oral history is a method of historical research. It collects significant memories and personal commentaries in recorded interviews. A lot of information not found in written literature but of historical significance, is preserved by this method, helping historians reconstruct a fuller picture of the past. It widens the horizons of historical studies, as the recorded materials reveal the most direct and human perspectives of history, bearing witness to the changes in society, the transformation of customs and traditions and our cultural heritage.
With the establishment of the "Special Collection", people can consult Hong Kong oral history material, their related research outputs and publications, and access to related audiovisual programmes through the Multimedia Information System at the HKCL. They can also learn about the "Special Collection" and oral history resources held in other institutions through the "Hong Kong Oral History Information" thematic website (www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkoralhistory). For enquiries on the "Special Collection", please call the Hong Kong Studies Department of the HKCL at 2921 0222.
To mark the special occasion of the launch of the "Hong Kong Oral History Repository Project", a public seminar on Hong Kong Oral History will be held from 3pm to 5.30pm on Saturday (October 31) at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Museum of History. Leading experts and scholars of the founding partners, including Dr Wong Wai-ling from the University of Hong Kong; Professor Liu Tik-sang from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr Rodney Jones from the City University of Hong Kong; Dr Lau Chi-pang from the Lingnan University; and Dr Leung Cho-nga from the Hong Kong Institute of Education will share their latest findings and views on the development of oral history in Hong Kong in either Cantonese or English. Admission is free on a first-come-first-served basis. For enquiries, please call 2724 9082.
Ends/Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:39
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