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In view of the rapid development of services, it is absolutely necessary to adopt a hi-tech automation system for the libraries in order to raise the efficiency of management and standard of services. We have already commissioned a well-known computer consultant to assess various proposals and the report is expected to be submitted by the end of 1988. I hope the automation project will be implemented in stages at UC public libraries before the end of the 80's. As computing technology progresses with each passing day, the library staff concerned should strengthen communication with overseas libraries equipped with automation system. The Urban Council may, if necessary, organize study tours to observe and learn from the other countries.
In a free and democratic society, lives of the general public will not be subject to close supervision and restriction of the government. The public can therefore enjoy various services of the library in a free and relaxed atmosphere. However, to those who destroy public property deliberately, or do not return books borrowed, or steal books for self-possession, we have already taken appropriate actions against such immoral and illegal acts. The library staff have also been watchful for that. I would like to urge the public to return books borrowed. Please act as a cultural person and never defy the law.
The number of libraries has been increased from 7 in 1974 to 27 in 1987, showing an increase of nearly 400%. 4 libraries will be completed in 1988. Considerable increase in staff is needed to operate the libraries. It is desirable to conduct a full-scale review as regards establishment, rank, pay scale, promotion prospect, training and welfare of library staff so as to raise the standard of services. In view of the increasing number of libraries in the two regions, two posts of senior staff, namely Deputy Chief Librarian (HK) and Deputy Chief Librarian (Kln.), should be created to assist the Chief Librarian to manage affairs of the two regions, as well as to strengthen inspection of district libraries and to maintain close liaison with districts.
During the past year, the achievements as regards expansion of libraries and various extension activities were indubitable. It is especially worth-mentioning that Lady WILSON had officiated at the opening ceremony of 'Children's Month', organized jointly by the Council and other organizations, in her first public activity.
Mr. Chairman, it is really fortunate that all our library staff are devoted and hard-working. Our several librarians, who have just reached middle age, turn grey-haired or bald as I. This is a proof of their dedication to library affairs. I would like to give my heart-felt thanks to them.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks I support the motion.
(Miss Cecilia L. Y. YEUNG left the meeting at 3.45 p.m. and Mr. Lo King-man arrived at 3.49 p.m.)
MR. LAM CHAK-PIU (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, my speech today may give people the impression that we are all talking about matters relating to the
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Urban Council. We have a saying in Chinese that when we talk about Chiu Chau music, we are talking about ourselves and dealing with our own matters. In fact, Chiu Chow music is a good tradition and the musicians have to pay attention to the whole orchestra and they have to take into account every aspect of the performance to make it a good one. As far as the Urban Council is concerned, it does not only deal with its own business, it is also responsible for protecting the good distribution of resources and the whole interest of the public.
19 December 1986 (Sat.) is quite an unforgettable day to the Urban Council. On that day, the Secretary for District Administration announced that with effect from March 1989, Urban Councillors will cease to serve as ex-officio members of the District Boards. In order to reduce possible conflict that may arise between Urban Council and district board members and to improve their relationship, it is believed that the most likely substituting system will be an imitation of what is in practice in the Regional Council for district board members to elect among themselves a representative to the Urban Council. Yet it is doubtful whether such a change will serve its purposes as postulated by the Secretary for District Administration.
If Secretary for District Administration's proposal is accepted, it can be envisaged that the Urban Council in 1989 would be composed of three categories of councillors, namely, appointed councillors, elected councillors and representatives of the District Boards. As a result, the seats in the Urban Council will be increased, and the representation of the elected councillors and that of the representatives of the District Boards may overlap. We should, therefore, think carefully whether such an arrangement is beneficial to the Urban Council in terms of the use of its resources and efficiency.
Urban Council is the first council to introduce direct election. Currently appointed councillors and elected councillors each amount to half of the membership. The representativeness of the elected councillors should not be subject to doubt as each of them is directly elected from a constituency with a population of 250,000. They are representatives of the local people and they have the responsibility of reflecting their views. With Urban Councillors sitting on District Boards it will serve two purposes: first, it helps provide a deeper understanding of the district affairs; and second, it may serve as a bridge between the Urban Council and the District Boards to co-ordinate efforts for improvement of urban services in the districts.
Furthermore, because of actual geographical factors, Urban Council does not only have to look after district needs, but also have to take care of the overall co-ordination and provision of facilities so as to ensure that recreational facilities are fully utilized. If representatives of the District Boards were to sit on the Urban Council, as they represent the District Boards, they would have to look after district needs as well as to serve as a bridge between the Urban Council and the District Boards, and at the same time they would have to take