With the advance in information technology, computers and the Internet have become an indispensable part of our daily life. Advancement of information technologies has been transforming the delivery of library services as well. Apart from a variety of automated and electronic services, the Hong Kong Public Libraries also provides various computer facilities for public’s free use to promote information literacy and Internet accessibility.
Automation brings greater convenience
With the HKPL’s Library Automation System (LAS), one of the world’s largest computerized library systems with both Chinese and English capabilities, acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and searching of library materials are all processed by computers. Readers can search information on the Chinese and English collections of the libraries through the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in the public libraries, or make use of the self-charging terminals to borrow or renew library materials by themselves. Last year, 58 extra self-charging terminals were installed to extend the service to more users.
e-services keep pace with the society
The LAS also supports a variety of 24-hour Internet library services. Readers can access the HKPL homepage via the Internet at any time and in any place for online catalogue search, renewal or reservation of library materials and borrower record enquiry. Besides, the system also supports telephone renewal and borrower record enquiry as well as Internet Reference Enquiry Service. Last year, 17 million items of library materials were renewed or reserved online and by phone.
Revamped homepage offers better surfing
The HKPL completed a facelift of its homepage last November. The revamped homepage (http://www.hkpl.gov.hk) has a refreshing new appearance and clear navigation flow. Apart from the e-services provided, the new-look website also contains some new features, such as an interactive map with links to the public libraries across the territory, calendar and archives of HKPL’s extension activities, seasonal presentation for different festivals, real-time display of weather, as well as a new section for kids and teens.
The revamp of the homepage took about one year to complete. According to Mr Jack Chan, Senior Librarian of the Computerization Unit of the HKPL, the task was hardly easy as the library’s e-services could not be interrupted during the facelift. Every step in the project was critically examined to ensure it would be carried out smoothly without any interruption on the library’s online services.
Efforts enhancing IT and Internet access
The HKPL is devoted to improving IT and Internet accessibility by providing a wide variety of computer facilities for public use free of charge. They include Internet workstations, Internet Express Terminals, Computer and Information Centres / Areas and junior multimedia workstations.
To access information online, the public can make use of the networked workstations at all public libraries or the stand-up Internet Express Terminals installed in eight branch libraries for a quick surf.
Computer and Information Centres / Areas have been set up in 15 public libraries to promote computer literacy. At the Centers, users can gain access to the library’s electronic resources, attend workshops organized by the HKPL to learn more about online information search as well as computer software.
Over 170 Multimedia workstations are also available in branch libraries to arouse children’s interest in information technology and familiarize them with computer skills. These workstations, equipped with educational and informational software and CD-ROMs, provide an ideal setting for parents and children to learn together.
Looking ahead, the HKPL will install more computer facilities in all new and renovated libraries to enhance the accessibility to and knowledge of computers in the society.
