# THE LIBRARY OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH
# ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY
# REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1979-1980
It will be seen from the income and expenditure account to be presented by the Hon. Treasurer that expenditure on the Library, itemised as "Purchase of Books", shows a substantial increase over the previous year. Part of the amount shown in fact represents the cost of binding the many volumes of periodicals which we receive in exchange for our own Journal. These form a valuable part of our library, and will be a lasting asset in years to come.
The number of volumes purchased totalled 27, compared with 35 in the previous year, but donations increased from eight to 18 volumes, of which 13 were from the British Council. Other donors included Dr. J. W. Hayes, and Miss P. Young, and to all of these our thanks are due. These additions brought the size of the collection as at 29th February 1980 to:
| Category | Number |
| ----------------- | -------------- |
| Books* | 605 |
| Pamphlets | 49 |
| Bound periodicals | 565 in 427 vols|
| Total | 1,081 |
*including 39 in Chinese.
Two new exchange arrangements were initiated, as a result of which we shall receive the Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs and Ching Feng.
Use of the Library continues at an improved, but still modest, rate. Only a few members appear to appreciate the wide range of materials in the collection, in which nearly everyone should find something of interest.
17th March, 1980.
xviii
H. A. RYDINGS
Hon. Librarian