FAQs
Q.1: What is the “Self-service Library Station” project?
A.1: The HKPL of the LCSD provides three Self-service Library Stations under a trial scheme, one each on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories at convenient locations with heavier pedestrian flow but far from existing libraries, rendering round-the-clock library services such as borrowing, return, payment and pickup of reserved library materials.
Q.2: What services are available at Self-service Library Stations?
A.2: Self-service Library Stations provide round-the-clock library services including:
- Store more than 300 items of library materials for library card holders to borrow;
- Return library materials from any public library, and the borrowing records will be updated immediately;
- Collect reserved library materials; and
- Pay library fees and charges such as reservation fees and overdue fines with Octopus cards, and the payment records will be updated immediately.
Q.3: Where are the three Self-service Library Stations located?
A.3: The three Self-service Library Stations are located at the sitting-out area of the Island East Sports Centre in the Eastern District, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in the Yau Tsim Mong District, and Tsuen Nam Road, Tai Wai in the Sha Tin District respectively.
Q.4: Why are there only three Self-service Library Stations?
A.4: The Self-service Library Stations are currently operating only on a trial basis to collect data for analysis of public demand for the service and evaluation of the cost-effectiveness.
Q.5: Are services provided by Self-service Library Stations available to readers who do not have a library card?
A.5: To borrow library materials, including those of the Self-service Library Stations, a valid library card issued by the HKPL is required. Readers who wish to apply for a library card may submit a completed application form at any branch of the HKPL with supporting documents. They may also apply for the use of their identity cards for library services. For details of the application for a library card and the use of identity cards for library services, please visit the HKPL website at www.hkpl.gov.hk.
Q.6: Why is the status of some library materials of the Self-service Library Stations displayed as “Closed Stack”?
A.6: The Self-service Library Stations store more than 300 library materials. The status of the collections that are not on shelf for borrowing will be displayed as “Closed Stack”.
Q.7: Why are readers not allowed to reserve library materials of Self-service Library Stations or make requests for library materials that are not on display at the stations?
A.7: Self-service Library Stations mainly serve the purpose of on-the-spot borrowing. Since the operational mode of Self-service Library Stations is different from that of static and mobile libraries, not all library materials can be displayed due to the limited number of book slots. To ensure that all library material items are available for borrowing on the spot, the LCSD will adopt a flexible mechanism to rotate the library materials regularly, in the hope of providing diversified genres of books and maintaining a sense of novelty to attract readers.
Q.8: What is a “station catalogue”? How is it different from the current library catalogue?
A.8: The “station catalogue” is a dedicated catalogue designed for Self-service Library Stations. Like the current library catalogue, the “station catalogue” allows readers to conduct real-time search and browse library materials. On top of that, it provides more thorough information about the library materials, such as the shelving station, shelving tier, book slot number and status, as well as whether the return facilities are full, allowing readers to learn about the latest status of the stations beforehand.
Q.9: How can the station catalogue be accessed?
A.9: Readers may use the station catalogue at Self-service Library Stations. They may also visit the HKPL website or download the “My Library” app with their mobile devices for access to the catalogue.
Q.10: Please briefly describe the steps of borrowing library materials from Self-service Library Stations.
A.10: To borrow library materials from Self-service Library Stations, simply follow four steps: (1) select library materials from the book slots or the station catalogue; (2) log in the library account by using a library card or an identity card allowed for library purposes, and then enter the corresponding book slot number; (3) collect library materials from the check-out/return slot; (4) log out (if no other service(s) is/are required for use).
Q.11: What is the loan period of library materials borrowed from Self-service Library Stations?
A.11: Library materials of Self-service Library Stations may be borrowed for a period of 14 days. Unless already reserved by another reader, each loan item can be renewed for up to five consecutive times with a period of 14 days for each renewal.
Q.12: Can readers select a Self-service Library Station as the pick-up location for reserved library materials?
A.12: Readers may select a Self-service Library Station as the pick-up location for reserved library materials. Simply select ”pick up” service, then use a library card or an identity card allowed for library purposes to log in the account, and collect reserved library materials at the check-out/return slot. Readers may also pay reservation fees with their Octopus cards, and payment records will be updated instantly.
Q.13: If readers select a Self-service Library Station as the pick-up location for reserved library materials, how long is the collection period?
A.13: Readers need to pick-up the reserved material on or before the date specified in the notification.
Q.14: Can readers pick up reserved library materials of any size or format, such as compact discs, at Self-service Library Stations?
A.14: Generally speaking, readers may choose to pick up all types of reserved library materials at Self-service Library Stations. However, in view of limited slots and the limitation of the library system, if the library materials are too small, too large, too thick or come with two or more accompanying materials, arrangements will be made for readers to pick up the library materials at an alternative location of their own choice.
Q.15: How to return library materials at the Self-service Library Stations?
A.15: Readers only need to put library materials into any book drop at the Self-service Library Stations, and the library system will process and update the loan records in real time.
Q.16: I have put the library materials into the book drop at the Self-service Library Station. Why is the loan record not updated?
A.16: All library materials placed in the book drop at the Library Station shall be recorded and effected in the library system in real time. If the relevant library materials cannot be processed immediately, the loan record will be updated within two working days.
Q.17: Can readers return overdue library materials to Self-service Library Stations?
A.17: Readers may return overdue library materials to Self-service Library Stations and pay overdue fines with their Octopus cards. Payment records will be updated instantly.
Q.18: If any library material borrowed from Self-service Library Stations is returned late, how is an overdue fine calculated?
A.18: Self-service Library Stations are open seven days a week including public holidays. If a reader fails to return any loan item within 14 days upon which it was borrowed, an overdue fine will be incurred on all service days of the station, including public holidays.
Q.19: How much should a reader pay per day for overdue library materials borrowed from Self-service Library Stations?
A.19: An overdue fine is imposed on each loan item and accompanying library material returned late. The charge is $1.5 per item per day or part of a day for each loan item or accompanying library material borrowed from an adult library and $0.5 for that borrowed from a young adult or children’s library.
Q.20: How to settle library fees and charges at Self-service Library Stations?
A.20: Readers may settle library fees and charges at Self-service Library Stations. First, select “payment” on the screen and log in the library account. Then, the screen will show the item(s) and amount for payment. Readers can select the item(s) to be paid and tap an Octopus card on the reader. When the transaction is completed, the amount paid and the Octopus balance will be shown on the screen and the receipt. Reader shall log out if other service(s) is/are not required.
Q.21: What can readers do if their Octopus cards are wrongly charged?
A.21: Readers may contact office of Self-service Library Stations for follow-up actions or visit any branch of the HKPL for refund.
Telephone No.: 2891 9355
Office Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on Sunday and public holidays
Q.22: What are the opening hours of Self-service Library Stations?
A.22: Apart from a short suspension of services per day for the loading and unloading of library materials, all the Self-service Library Stations remain open to the public for the whole day.
Q.23: Are Self-service Library Stations open on public holidays?
A.23: Self-service Library Stations stay open on public holidays. Same as the opening hours of normal service days, all the stations remain open to the public for the whole day on public holidays, apart from a short suspension of services per day for the loading and unloading of library materials.
Q.24: Why is there a suspension period for each Self-service Library Station every day?
A.24: Contractors are arranged to load new library materials and collect returned library materials at the stations on a daily basis. Besides, less popular library materials will also be replaced regularly in order to offer more choices to the public. To handle such work, each Self-service Library Station has to suspend service for a short period of time.
Q.25: How can readers find out the suspension period of Self-service Library Stations?
A.25: Readers may read the notice posted at Self-service Library Stations. They may also visit the HKPL website or download the “My Library” mobile app with their mobile devices for details.
Q.26: Will Self-service Library Stations remain open when tropical cyclone warning signal no. 8 or above is in force?
A.26: Self-service Library Stations will suspend service when tropical cyclone warning signal no. 8 or above is in force.
Q.27: Will Self-service Library Stations resume service immediately after tropical cyclone warning signal no. 8 or above is cancelled or replaced by a lower signal?
A.27: If situation allows, Self-service Library Stations will resume service within two hours after tropical cyclone warning signal no. 8 or above is cancelled or replaced by a lower signal.
Q.28: Will Self-service Library Stations remain open when a rainstorm warning signal is in effect?
A.28: Self-service Library Stations will remain open when a rainstorm warning signal is in effect.
Q.29: Why are closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems installed at Self-service Library Stations?
A.29: For the sake of management and safety, the LCSD has installed/will install a closed-circuit television system with surveillance and recording functions at the Self-Service Library Stations, in accordance with the regulations drawn up by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
Q.30: What can readers do if they have difficulty in using Self-service Library Stations?
A.30: Readers may contact office of Self-service Library Stations during office hours or call “1823” during non-office hours for enquiries.
Contact details are as follows:
Telephone: 2891 9355 (office hours) or 1823 (non-office hours)
Fax: 2891 9566
Email: libstation@lcsd.gov.hk
(Office Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on Sunday and public holidays)
