The library stocks the latest books, instructional and reference materials in the fields of medical and clinical sciences. They are classified and shelved according to National Library of Medicine (NLM) Classification Scheme. The subject headings used are, likewise, taken from the NLM's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).   The pre-clinical, nursing and pharmacy collections are placed in University Library, using the same classification scheme for shelving.

Some standard and comprehensive textbooks on specific subjects for reference or urgent clinical consultation are on short loan (7 days) only. They are identified with a yellow label on the spine.

New books on arrival will be placed on the New Books Display shelves. The titles on the web are updated on alternate Monday evening:

• These two weeks
• Two weeks ago
• Four weeks ago

The Library subscribes to a number of electronic databases, electronic journals and electronic books. Most of them are accessible on the web while some are still on CD-LAN of the library. User guides for instruction of use have been prepared.

A large volume of multimedia and AV materials comprising microfilms, microfiches, CD-ROMs, video-cassettes and other formats is maintained in the library.

The course-related materials such as books, journal articles, handouts requested by the teaching staff as well as heavily used books are put on reserve in order to support teaching activities and facilitate easy access to these items. They are shelved in closed stacks behind the Circulation Counter and are available for loan on various loan periods.  An online request form is available for teaching staff to make recommendations.

The Library keeps all the master theses and doctoral dissertations by graduate students of the Faculty of Medicine. Some of them are in microforms. From 1997 onwards, the fulltext of all doctoral dissertations of CUHK could be accessed on the web via Dissertations & Theses @ CUHK.