Introduction

After the launch of the smart ID card on 23 June 2003, Hong Kong citizens will have the option to use their smart ID cards for library services. This will obliterate the need to carry a separate library card. Or, if you prefer, you may continue using your existing library card. The choice is yours.
To use the smart ID card for library services, Hong Kong citizens should apply at any public library.

Apply to Use the Smart ID Card for Library Services

Here's how:

Persons aged 18 or above

1. Obtain an application form (Form No. LCS 694) at any Hong Kong public library or through the Internet;
2. Complete Parts A and C of the application form;
3. Any applicant who does not currently hold a card* issued by a Hong Kong public library should also complete Part B of the application form; and
4. Provide the following documents for verification:
   1. the applicant's smart ID card; and
   2. the applicant's proof of address. (e.g. electricity bill, water account etc. This only applies if the person is not a current Hong Kong public library cardholder*.)

Persons under the age of 18

1. Obtain an application form (Form No. LCS 694) at any Hong Kong public library or through the Internet;
2. Complete Parts A and C of the application form;
3. Any applicant who does not currently hold a card* issued by a Hong Kong public library should also complete Part B of the application form;
4. Applicant's guarantor should complete Part D, the GUARANTEE section of the form; and
5. Provide the following documents for verification:
   1. the applicant's smart ID card;
   2. the original copy or photocopy of the guarantor's ID card; and
   3. the guarantor's proof of address. (e.g. electricity bill, water account etc.)

* includes Library Card issued by Ex-Urban Council Public Libraries and Ex-Regional Council Public Libraries.

Personal data read from the Smart ID Card

Before using a smart ID card to enjoy library services, you will need to sign an application form, authorizing the Librarian to read only the personal data. This refers to your Chinese and English names, ID card number, date of birth and date of issue but not any other data stored in your smart ID card.

To facilitate the registration process only, the personal data will be read from the smart ID card once, then transferred to the library computer system. When borrowing or renewing (at self-charging terminals only) just the ID card number and date of issue will be read then checked against the records in the library computer system. No other personal data will be read from the smart ID card and no library records will be stored in the chip of the card.

Borrowing Library Materials with the Smart ID Card

Those who have applied to use their smart ID cards for library services may borrow materials at counters and self-charging terminals. When borrowing materials at library counters, you will be requested to insert your smart ID card into a smart card reader. At some public libraries, you may also borrow and renew library materials using your smart ID card at self-charging terminals. The terminal will display user-friendly screens to guide you step-by-step through the borrowing and renewal processes.

Borrowing Limits

Registered readers can borrow a maximum of 10 items of library materials at one time from any Hong Kong public library.

Using Renewal Services with the Smart ID Card

When applying to use your smart ID card for library services, you will be issued with a "Library Card Number". Once registered, you can use this number to access telephone renewal and online services (including borrower record enquiry, renewal and reservation of library materials) available through Library Catalogue terminals at all public libraries and the Internet. Besides, you can also use Hong Kong ID card number to access the online services.