RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
Reference and Information Services
Reference and information services are provided at the Central Library and five other major libraries the City Hall, Kowloon, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun Public Libraries. The Central Reference Library has a total collection of 600 000 items, providing comprehensive reference and information services through its six subject departments. The services feature a comprehensive collection of electronic materials ranging from CD-ROMs, on-line databases, electronic books and electronic journals to multimedia programmes, all of which are available for on-line access by readers.
In recognition of its role as a major metropolitan library, the Hong Kong Central Library has been designated a depository library for nine international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and the European Union.
Multimedia Service
Computer and information centres are available at the Hong Kong Central Library, and at five major libraries and five district libraries. Other static libraries are provided with multimedia workstations for access to the Internet and multimedia databases while audio and visual facilities are provided in major and district libraries.
Library Automation
All public libraries have been fully computerised. The library automation system supports over 1 200 terminals and is capable of handling over 48 million loans a year. It is one of the world's largest computerised library systems with both Chinese and English capabilities.
Under the system, readers can search library holdings, renew items borrowed and reserve library materials anywhere in the network through the Internet. This Internet library service has been extended from 18.5 hours to 24 hours a day since October.
In 2001, the library records were merged into one single new system, enabling readers to search library holdings and reserve library items in any library through library terminals or the Internet. Readers may also check out and return their borrowed items to any library in the region. The total number of items that a registered borrower can check out has been increased from five to six.
Multimedia Information System
The Multimedia Information System of the Hong Kong Central Library provides audio and video on demand, on-line CD-ROM and database searching and document viewing services. The digitised items include old newspapers, books, photographs, maps, government documents, clippings, posters, and house programmes of local cultural presentations. The system also includes a search engine that enables readers to conduct a keyword search by title, author, subject and content of a document. This service has been extended to the Internet since October for readers to access information at home, in school or at the office.
Support of Lifelong Learning
In support of lifelong learning, the public libraries have collaborated with the Education Department in organising the 'Library Cards for All School Children
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