- 26.
7.3
students to which reference has already been made are such that it is very desirable for the hours to be extended. There was a clear need to strengthen inter-library co-operation in Hong Kong to the benefit of students. For example, apart from the obvious benefits of enhancing inter-library loan facilities, compatible catalogue systems would clearly be of assistance in this regard when the the new library is completed. There will be a need for additional staff to sustain the level of service, and indeed to enhance it along the lines indicated above.
The Library Committee operated along conventional lines. Nevertheless, it seemed odd to CNAA members that the Committee had decided on equal budget allocations to all departments in spite of their very varied needs. It was clear that, while inter-library services from the United Kingdom operated reasonably effectively, the association with other libraries in Hong Kong for reader access was poor, with Baptist College being regarded as a poor relation. Even Hong Kong Polytechnic, which might have been expected to be more open in its approach, did not seem to staff to offer as much support as they felt entitled to receive from this neighbouring publicly funded institution.
1.
8.
THE COMMITTEE FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
This Committee was effectively a Committee of Deans, and CNAA explored its role in the light of its stated terms of reference. A specific term of reference of the Committee was that it should serve as a curriculum Committee for the scrutiny of courses before these were considered by the Faculty Boards; this seemed potentially to undermine the work of those Boards. Its more evident role was that of a Steering Committee of the Academic Board, and it had been beneficial to the Board in ensuring that papers were of satisfactory quality when submitted in support of agenda items. The Committee also served as an Examination Board to look at difficult cases prior to the publication of pass lists; for example, cases could arise which were not wholly resolved by implementation of standard USA examination practices operated by the departments. As an example of the recent work of the Committee, CNAA members learned that it had been deeply involved in the re-structured programmes, and had referred a number of these back to the sponsoring departments. It has also made recommendations to the Academic Board on regulations for the admission of students.