Library

The Handa Library is a public research library at the University of Cambodia (UC) and is so named in recognition of Dr. Haruhisa Handa’s contributions to both the University of Cambodia and the nation: Toshu Fukami is Dr. Handas pen-name. A special opening ceremony for the library was held on April 30, 2004, during a break from the First Annual National Conference on “Cambodia’s Higher Education Today: Enhancing Quality and Building Partnerships.” Dr. Handa has been Chancellor of the University of Cambodia since June 2003. In addition to being well-known as both a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated philanthropist, he is a successful author, musician, poet, painter, dancer, and even a motivational speaker. He helped to establish a 24-hour emergency hospital in Cambodia: this and other philanthropic work in Cambodia earned him an honorary decoration from His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk. Currently, he operates several overseas companies and serves as Vice-Chairman of the International Shinto Foundation, the President and Founder of the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, Chairman of World Mate, Vice-Chairman of the Sihanouk Hospital, an Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia, and the Founder and Chairman of the Asia Economic Forum (AEF). Dr. Handa has also served as guest lecturer and professor at numerous esteemed universities around the world, sharing his extensive experience and knowledge. Between 2010 and 2011, a committee of UC Executive members and library staff members started work on updating the library resources, including the creation of the UC e-Library and an online catalogue of the library’s collection. In late October 2011, The Handa Library relocated to UC’s new campus facilities in Sangkat Toek Thla and was housed in two large rooms on the first floor of campus building. The University also placed 30 computers into The Handa Library as a part of the UC e-Library. The Handa Library is considered to be one of the best libraries in Cambodia, with a collection of over 65,000 books, periodicals, magazines, and newspapers. It is open to students, faculty, and the general public from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. on the weekdays and 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the weekends, except holidays. The Handa Library is a great place for reading, conducting research, and doing homework, and the UC e-Library provides access to free, high-quality academic digital resources to students, faculty and staff, and members of the public.